bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terminal complement complexes with or without C9 potentiate antimicrobial activity againstNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Lamb Evan R. , Criss Alison K. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe complement cascade is a front-line defense against pathogens. Complement activation generates the membrane attack complex (MAC), a 10-11 nm diameter pore formed by complement proteins C5b through C8 and polymerized C9. The MAC embeds within the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and displays bactericidal activity. In the absence of C9, C5b-C8 complexes can form 2-4 nm pores on membranes, but their relevance to microbial control is poorly understood. Deficiencies in terminal complement components uniquely predispose individuals to infections by pathogenicNeisseria,includingN. gonorrhoeae(Gc). Increasing antibiotic resistance in Gc makes new therapeutic strategies a priority. Here, we demonstrate that MAC formed by complement activity in human serum disrupts the Gc outer and inner membranes, potentiating the activity of antimicrobials against Gc and re-sensitizing multidrug resistant Gc to antibiotics. C9-depleted serum also disrupts Gc membranes and exerts antigonococcal activity, effects that are not reported in other Gram-negative bacteria. C5b-C8 complex formation potentiates Gc sensitivity to azithromycin but not lysozyme. These findings expand our mechanistic understanding of complement lytic activity, suggest a size limitation for terminal complement-mediated enhancement of antimicrobials against Gc, and suggest complement manipulation can be used to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea.ImportanceThe complement cascade is a front-line arm of the innate immune system against pathogens. Complement activation results in membrane attack complex (MAC) pores forming on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, resulting in bacterial death. Individuals who cannot generate MAC are specifically susceptible to infection by pathogenicNeisseriaspecies includingN. gonorrhoeae(Gc). High rates of gonorrhea and its complications like infertility, and high-frequency resistance to multiple antibiotics, make it important to identify new approaches to combat Gc. Beyond direct anti-Gc activity, we found the MAC increases the ability of antibiotics and antimicrobial proteins to kill Gc and re-sensitizes multidrug-resistant bacteria to antibiotics. The most terminal component, C9, is needed to potentiate the anti-Gc activity of lysozyme, but azithromycin activity is potentiated regardless of C9. These findings highlight the unique effects of MAC on Gc and suggest novel translational avenues to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Preclinical Evaluation of [18F]P4B-2412 as Phosphodiesterase 4B Radioligand for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging
Authors: Song Zhendong , Li Yinlong , Feng Siyan , Chen Jiahui , Zhou Xin , Zhang Zachary , Sun Zhenkun , Rong Jian , Zhao Chunyu , Chaudhary Ahmad , Patel Jimmy S. , Gao Yabiao , Collier Thomas L. , Ran Chongzhao , Haider Achi , Yuan Hongjie , Liang Steven H. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPhosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) plays a critical role in cAMP hydrolysis and is highly expressed in brain regions associated with neuroinflammation and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Selective PDE4B radioligands hold significant potential for elucidating disease mechanisms, such as those in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, and enabling target occupancy measurements. In this study, we developed [18F]P4B-2412, a novel PDE4B-selective radioligand, and evaluated its utility for positron emission tomography imaging (PET). [18F]P4B-2412 was synthesized in high radiochemical yield (27.2%), excellent radiochemical purity (99%), and favorable molar activity (66.2 ± 2.5 GBq/μmol.In vitroautoradiography and dynamic PET imaging demonstrated high specificity for PDE4B in rodent brain regions, with blocking studies confirming negligible interaction with PDE4D. [18F]P4B-2412 also exhibited robustin vitroandin vivometabolic stability. These results establish [18F]P4B-2412 as a promising PET imaging agent for visualizing PDE4B activity, offering a valuable tool for investigating neuroinflammation and advancing CNS drug development.
Electronic Health Record-Based Prediction Models to Inform Decisions about HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agovi Afiba Manza-A. , Thompson Caitlin T. , Meadows Rachel J. , Lu Yan , Ojha Rohit P. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral clinical prediction models have been developed using electronic health records data to help inform decisions about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescribing, but the characteristics and quality of these models have not been systematically assessed. We identified and critically appraised the characteristics and quality of studies reporting the development of electronic health records (EHR)-based models predicting HIV risk to inform decisions about PrEP prescribing.MethodsWe searched PubMed and the CINAHL databases between January 1, 2013 and June 19, 2023, with keywords related to EHR, HIV, and clinical prediction. We extracted data using the Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) checklist and assessed risk of bias using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) short form. We used narrative synthesis to describe characteristics and quality of eligible models.ResultsWe identified 324 studies, of which 7 studies (resulting in 7 models) were eligible for our review. Several studies inadequately reported key components of the corresponding model. Most models were developed in the United States and used machine learning methods. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was reported for six models, which ranged between 0.77 and 0.89. All models had high risk of bias, primarily because of low events per variable and risk of overfitting.ConclusionsWe observed inadequate reporting of key components and high risk of bias across all EHR-based models. Future studies would benefit from following standard reporting guidelines and best practices for developing prediction models, which may strengthen the validity and applicability of EHR-based prediction models for informing decisions about HIV PrEP prescribing.Trial registrationThe review protocol was registered and published in PROSPERO (CRD42023428057)
Chinese consumers’ dish value: a best–worst scaling approach
Authors: Wang Erpeng , Nian Yefan , Gao Zhifeng 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper aims to identify Chinese consumers’ dish value systems and investigate whether and to what extent their dish values vary by type of consumers.Design/methodology/approachWe used a best–worst scaling (BWS) developed based on previous literature on food values and attributes of Chinese dishes to elicit Chinese consumers’ dish value structure. Then, we estimated each participant’s share of preferences for dish values and applied Ward’s linkage cluster analysis to identify the heterogeneity of their dish values.FindingsOur results indicate that food safety values, including the safety of agricultural products, additives and food processing, are valued most by Chinese consumers. They rate health-nutrition values as the second most important dish values. There is significant heterogeneity in Chinese consumers' dish values. Their dish values tend to drive their dish consumption patterns.Originality/valueThe dish is the mainstay of the Chinese meal. This study is among a few studies that examine Chinese consumers’ dish values that underlie consumer dish preferences and choices. The results provide essential information to promote a healthy and sustainable diet among Chinese consumers by understanding their values and motivations for making dish choices.
Integrated reporting in accounting research from 2013 to 2022: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Moshreh Ali , Hassan Dina Kamal Abdel Salam Ali 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the literature related to integrated reporting (IR) to develop insight into how IR research is developing and highlight the gaps in the existing research. This can provide a framework for asking more specific and directed research questions.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was based on a systematic literature review (SLR) of 102 articles published in eight journals between 2013 and 2022.

Findings
The academic literature has not yet covered all topics and fields of the IR. It highlights numerous areas where further robust academic research is required to guide developments in policy and practice. Scholars prefer the qualitative research approach. The majority of papers are concerned with IIRC framework and theories of legitimacy, institutional, agency, stakeholders and diffusion of innovations theory. Most studies use the context of South Africa, Australia and some European nations, and there has been a lack of comprehensive country studies.

Research limitations/implications
A key limitation is that it is based on eight communication channels, but it provides opportunities for considerable further developments. Although the SLR itself ensures the objectivity of the present study, limitations can be found in the selection of papers and journals, as well as its limited focus on English-language literature. Current study has divided the IR research into six focus areas. Future study should also divide IR into additional categories, such as big data and IR, materiality disclosure in IR quality studies and assurance services and IR.

Practical implications
This paper outlined a future research agenda for how <IR> research could be improved. This research agenda can help researchers and academics to discover under-investigated topics and focus on developments of IR in different economies. It also might help regulators to develop some policies, models, strategies and frameworks for its future implementation. For managers, adopting and implementing IR in a company is likely to improve management quality by bringing an integrated perspective that is not solely focused on financial objectives. However, it also focuses on sustainability issues by integrating sustainability into the organization’s strategy and business model.

Social implications
This research provides a better understanding of integrated report topics. This opens the debate for future research. By increasing IR practices, the transparency and accountability enjoyed by companies will increase, in addition to improving the organization’s image in society by providing stakeholders needs, focusing on sustainability issues, reducing the negative impacts of corporate activities on the environment and improving the life quality and well-being of society.

Originality/value
The paper provides the growing number of academic researchers related to IR with a foundation and agenda upon which they can build their research.
Three‐dimensional gravity forward modelling based on rectilinear grid and Block–Toeplitz Toeplitz–Block methods
Authors: Wan Ling , Li Shihe , Ye Rui , Wang Yifan , Ma Zenghan , Lin Tingting 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe main method for calculating the gravity field involves discretizing the density sources into a stack of rectangular prisms with a regular grid distribution. The analytical formulation of the gravity anomaly for a right‐angled rectangular prism is affected by depth, with the kernel function decaying as depth increases. In addition, the efficiency of the computation and the storage requirements often pose challenges. We present a fast computational method for three‐dimensional gravity forward modelling of subsurface space using rectilinear grid and apply the Block–Toeplitz Toeplitz–Block method to the rectilinear grid. The size of the upright rectangles increases with depth to offset the effect of depth. We assume that the observation points are distributed on a homogeneous grid, and the kernel sensitivity matrices exhibit a Block–Toeplitz Toeplitz–Block structure, which is symmetric. For rectilinear dissections of subsurface space in MATLAB, the logarithmic interval size is used. The rectilinear mesh can offset the effect of depth to some degree allowing gravity anomalies to decrease more quickly. For the test of a single model, the gravity anomalies decrease faster and more rapidly in the case of the rectilinear grid compared to the uniform grid. In addition to this, we performed simulations on more complex models and demonstrated that using the Block–Toeplitz Toeplitz–Block method on this basis greatly improves the computational efficiency.
Bioacoustic Assessment of Mangrove Health: Influence of Habitat Characteristics on Bird Richness
Authors: Rahim Al‐Kautsar Hidayanto Abdul , Puan Chong Leong , Mah Amera Natasha Mah Muhammad Adam , Zakaria Mohamed , Jamaludin Nurhaidah , Wahaf Nurul Syafiqa Abdul 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem functions and services as well as supporting high levels of biodiversity. Using a bioacoustic approach, we assessed the influence of mangrove habitat variables on birds in four sites in Peninsular Malaysia. We set up 20 bioacoustic audio recorders across Telok Gong, Kapar Tambahan, Banjar Utara Forest Reserves, and Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The recorders operated for 30 min every hour over a period of 24 h for seven consecutive days. We assessed the habitat characteristics at each site by establishing one 20 m × 20 m quadrat at each of the recording points. Generalized linear mixed models indicated that the percentage of canopy cover, average tree height, forest age, number of saplings, forest size, and ground cover positively influenced bird richness. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining these habitat features to support higher bird species richness in mangroves. This study demonstrated the possible use of bioacoustics to assess mangrove restoration recovery progress via birds as bioindicators.Abstract in Malay is available with online material.
Investigating the Role of Quercetin, an Active Ingredient in Bazhen Decoction, in Targeting CXCL8 to Inhibit Macrophage M2 Polarization and Reshape the Immunological Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Wenwu , Lin Fangfeng , Shi Shuping , Yu Yunqiu , Lin Mengyan , Lian Wenliang , Chen Biyin , Qi Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBazhen Decoction (Eight Treasures Decoction) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the active ingredients in it and the mechanisms underlying their anti‐cancer properties are not well understood. Through network pharmacology, the effective components of Bazhen Decoction against CRC and their corresponding key genes were delineated. Molecular docking was executed to identify the active component targeting the key gene CXCL8, which led to the discovery of Quercetin. The cellular thermal shift assay method was then used to verify the binding interaction. CRC cells were treated with incremental concentrations of Quercetin, cell viability was evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay to calculate the IC50, and apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry. Expression of the apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2 and Cleaved caspase‐3 was measured using western blot. The impact of Quercetin on macrophage polarization was studied by co‐culturing the treated CRC cells with macrophages, assessing M1 and M2 macrophage distribution via flow cytometry, and quantifying cytokine levels (IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, and CXCL8) with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The active ingredient Quercetin from Bazhen Decoction exhibited a targeted binding affinity with the key gene CXCL8, which enabled it to inhibit the proliferation of CRC cells and induce cell apoptosis. The overexpression of CXCL8 was associated with the promotion of CRC malignancy, yet the presence of Quercetin could lessen the impact of CXCL8 overexpression on CRC cells. Moreover, the treatment with Quercetin leads to a diminished abundance of M2 macrophages and an increase in the levels of cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐12, while reducing the levels of IL‐10 and CXCL8, which indicates that Quercetin has an inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization. Quercetin, the active component in Bazhen Decoction that is known for anti‐CRC effects, targets and inhibits CXCL8 to impede the malignant behaviors and the M2 polarization of macrophages. Thus, Quercetin may be utilized as an immunomodulatory agent in CRC treatment.
Wild boar hunting and trapping as a threat for wildlife conservation on Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Kartika Erlinda C. , Andono Ardi , Heitkönig Ignas M. A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWild pig has one of the widest geographic distributions of terrestrial mammals. Dog‐assisted wild pig hunting may reduce crop raiding but also elevates the potential disease transmission from dogs to wildlife and vice versa. On Sumatra, game hunting tends to focus on wild pig, where hunters either actively use dogs or firearms, or passively use snares. Our objectives are to understand: (1) the extent of active and passive wild pig hunting in Sumatra; (2) dog‐assisted hunting practices; (3) potential disease transmission by hunting dogs to game. We conducted three types of data collection to cover the wide range of hunting techniques: (1) information from social media (i.e., Facebook) about dog‐assisted wild pig hunting events in West Sumatra; (2) a questionnaire‐guided survey among hunters around the Batanghari Protected Forest, West Sumatra; (3) expert interviews from provincial conservation offices about wild pig hunting practices in Sumatra. Active and passive wild pig hunting occurred in Sumatra. Firearm and snare hunting occurred in all eight provinces while dog‐assisted hunting occurred only in six provinces. We documented at least 1331 dog‐assisted wild pig hunting events which occurred in 2019 across the province of West Sumatra. The number of hunting parties and dog‐assisted hunting group members on Facebook showed a dramatic increase between 2020 and 2022. Many dogs used for hunting are reportedly not vaccinated (35%), risking transmission of diseases like Rabies and Canine Distemper Virus to game and wild predators. Hunting is inadequately regulated, rendering enforcement of these regulations impossible. The extent of wild pig hunting has yet been unquantified but likely will have strong effects on the remaining wildlife populations. We call for proper quantification of hunting bags, and regulation, including the use and health status of dogs, to prevent disease transmission from dogs to wild animals and to protect remaining wildlife populations.
Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex‐Situ Lung Perfusion Preserves Porcine and Human Lungs for 36‐Hours
Authors: Forgie Keir , Himmat Sayed , Du Katie , Ribano Alynne , Watkins Abeline , Fialka Nicholas M. , Hatami Sanaz , Khan Mubashir , Wang Xiuhua , Edgar Ryan , Buswell‐Zuk Katie‐Marie , Freed Darren H. , Nagendran Jayan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionPreclinically, 24‐hour continuous Ex‐Situ Lung Perfusion (ESLP) is the longest duration achieved in large animal models and rejected human lungs. Here, we present our 36‐hour Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV)‐ESLP protocol applied to porcine and rejected human lungs.MethodsFive sets of donor domestic pig lungs (45‐55 kg) underwent 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP. Two sets of clinically rejected human lungs were preserved on 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP. Graft function was assessed via physiologic parameters, edema formation, and cytokine profiles.ResultsPorcine and human lung function was stable with mean partial pressure of oxygen divided by the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2; PF) ratios throughout preservation of 473±11.79 and 554.7±13.26, respectively (mean±standard error of the mean). In porcine lungs, mean compliance (Cdyn) during ESLP was 33.96±2.18, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) 13.03±0.53, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 481.20 ±21.86. In human lungs, mean Cdyn was 82.68±3.54, PAP 6.00±0.33, and PVR 184.00±9.71. Average percentage weight‐gain was 34.47±13.22 in porcine lungs and 116.3±6.65 in rejected human lungs.ConclusionNPV‐ESLP can preserve porcine lungs and human lungs for 36‐hours with acceptable physiologic function. Greater weight‐gain in the human lungs is likely due to prolonged ischemic time prior to ESLP and use of an acellular perfusate. Continuous 36‐hour NPV‐ESLP could support therapies for endothelial protection and mitigate fluid accumulation.
Effects of an intervention on immigrant parents' knowledge and attitudes toward their children's oral health: A cluster randomized trial in Norway
Authors: Reda Mariam , Sen Abhijit , Åstrøm Anne N. , Mustafa Manal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThere are no interventional studies on the oral health of immigrant children in Norway. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a culturally adapted oral health intervention for parental knowledge, attitude to oral hygiene, attitude to diet, and indulgence (permissiveness toward oral hygiene and sugar intake) concerning their children's oral health. A cluster randomized control trial, including immigrant parents of newborns, was conducted at seven health centers in Bergen (Norway) involving a 2‐session one‐to‐one motivational interviews, toothbrushing demonstrations and pamphlets in the participants’ native languages at baseline and after 6 months. Mean differences in outcome scores were assessed and compared between intervention and control groups using generalized linear mixed model. In an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis (n = 345), the estimated mean difference in parental attitude to diet and indulgence between the groups indicated more improvement in the control than in the intervention group in the adjusted models. For all outcomes within both groups, a slight positive change was observed in marginal mean scores from baseline to follow‐up. The two culturally adapted intervention sessions had no impact on oral health‐related knowledge, attitudes, and indulgence of immigrant parents. These findings suggest that more comprehensive interventions may be needed to improve parental knowledge and attitudes toward children's oral health.Trial Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05758454
The Impact of Oil Palm Plantations and Pastures on Benthic Prokaryotic and Fungal Communities in Tropical Streams
Authors: Rojas‐Castillo Oscar Alberto , Hakimzadeh Ali , Tedersoo Leho , Jacobsen Dean , Kepfer‐Rojas Sebastian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

The expansion of oil palm plantations and cattle grazing lands has a detrimental impact on freshwater ecosystems, causing ecological degradation and biodiversity loss in the tropics, although little is known about the effects on the aquatic microbial community.

We assessed the benthic aquatic microbial community in streams in grazing lands, oil palm plantations (with and without riparian buffers) and native vegetation (rainforests) using metabarcoding to analyse prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs).

We observed significantly higher microbial richness in streams in rainforests than in grazing lands and oil palm plantations lacking buffers, but not in oil palm plantations with riparian buffers. Groups commonly found in faecal matter were found in streams in grazing land, streams in plantations lacking buffers showed lower abundance of wood decomposers, and both land uses had more primary producers. Prokaryote richness and diversity were associated positively with riparian buffers and negatively with temperature, light and grazing lands, while fungal richness was positively associated with the proximity of forests and the protected area.

The negative effects of agriculture on stream microbial richness, diversity and community composition were partially mitigated by the conservation of riparian buffers in the oil palm plantations and probably, the proximity to forests (a source of spores).

Our findings demonstrate a potential role for metabarcoding of stream benthos for monitoring impacts in agricultural lands and underlines the importance of riparian buffers in mitigating, to some extent, biodiversity loss in agriculture streams.