bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of duration of therapy for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection: an application of cloning to deal with immortal-time bias in an analysis of data from a cohort study (BSI-FOO)
Authors: Evans Rebecca N , Harris Jessica , Rogers Chris A , Macgowan Alasdair P
Published: November 2022

Objective

To estimate the effect of treatment duration on in-hospital mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection and demonstrate the biases that can arise when immortal-time bias is ignored.

Exposure

We compared three treatment strategies: short therapy (<10 days), intermediate (10–18 days) and long (>18 days).

Main outcome measures

Twenty-eight-day all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Methods

Using data from the BSI-FOO study, we implemented an approach proposed by Hernán to overcome confounding and immortal-time biases. The first stage is to clone all participants, so that each participant is assigned to each treatment strategy. Second, observations are censored when their data becomes inconsistent with their assigned strategy. Finally, inverse-probability weights are applied to adjust for potential selection. We compared our results to a naïve approach where immortal-time bias is ignored.

Results

Of the 1903 participants in BSI-FOO, 587 were eligible and included in the analysis. After cloning, the weighted estimates of hazard ratio of mortality for short versus long therapy was 1.74 (95% CI 1.36, 2.24) and for intermediate versus long therapy was 1.09 (0.98, 1.22). In the naïve approach, the hazard ratios with reference to the long therapy group are 37.4 (95% CI 18.9 to 74.4) in the short therapy group and 4.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 8.9) in the intermediate therapy group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that duration of therapy >18 days is beneficial with respect to 28-day in-hospital mortality, however, there remains uncertainty around the efficacy of reducing duration of treatment to 10–18 days.
The potential of bioprinting for preparation of nanoparticle-based calibration standards for LA-ICP-ToF-MS quantitative imaging
Authors: Billimoria Kharmen , Fernandez Yuri A Diaz , Andresen Elina , Sorzabal-Bellido Ioritz , Huelga-Suarez Gonzalo , Bartczak Dorota , Ortiz de Solórzano Carlos , Resch-Genger Ute , Infante Heidi Goenaga
Published: November 2022

This paper discusses the feasibility of a novel strategy based on the combination of bioprinting nano-doping technology and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis for the preparation and characterization of gelatin-based multi-element calibration standards suitable for quantitative imaging. To achieve this, lanthanide up-conversion nanoparticles were added to a gelatin matrix to produce the bioprinted calibration standards. The features of this bioprinting approach were compared with manual cryosectioning standard preparation, in terms of throughput, between batch repeatability and elemental signal homogeneity at 5 μm spatial resolution. By using bioprinting, the between batch variability for three independent standards of the same concentration of 89Y (range 0–600 mg/kg) was reduced to 5% compared to up to 27% for cryosectioning. On this basis, the relative standard deviation (RSD) obtained between three independent calibration slopes measured within 1 day also reduced from 16% (using cryosectioning) to 5% (using bioprinting), supporting the use of a single standard preparation replicate for each of the concentrations to achieve good calibration performance using bioprinting. This helped reduce the analysis time by approximately 3-fold. With cryosectioning each standard was prepared and sectioned individually, whereas using bio-printing it was possible to have up to six different standards printed simultaneously, reducing the preparation time from approximately 2 h to under 20 min (by approximately 6-fold). The bio-printed calibration standards were found stable for a period of 2 months when stored at ambient temperature and in the dark.
Mediterranean diet and infertility: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Muffone Anna Roberta M C , de Oliveira Lübke Paola D P , Rabito Estela I
Published: November 2022

Context

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern with evidence of positive health impact, and some nutrients in this diet have already been researched for their effectiveness in fertility. However, there are still questions about whether high adherence to the MD could be a factor that contributes to positive fertility outcomes in infertile men and women.

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether a greater adherence to the MD can improve fertility markers and outcomes in infertile men and women.

Data sources

The MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to May 2022.

Study selection

Data were included from cohort studies that addressed MD and outcomes.

Data extraction

Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 157 women and 1338 men). Greater adherence to the MD was associated with live births (I2 = 83.16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.652; 95%CI, 0.408–3.194), pregnancy rate (I2 = 93.83%; OR, 1.192; 95%CI, 0.349–4.325), sperm concentration >15 × 106/mL (I2 = 32.97%; OR 2.862; 95%CI, 1.583–5.174), and sperm count > 39 × 106/mL (I2 = 48.1%; OR, 2.543; 95%CI, 1.319–4.904); however, in an inconsistent scenario regarding the meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Current evidence of high adherence to MD and fertility markers is insufficient to support their clinical application, even though it indicates sperm improvement and a possibility of better pregnancy outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. 169396.
Nutrition in school-age children: a rationale for revisiting priorities
Authors: Saavedra Jose M , Prentice Andrew M
Published: November 2022

Middle childhood and early adolescence have received disproportionately low levels of scientific attention relative to other life stages, especially as related to nutrition and health. This is partly due to the justified emphasis on the first 1000 days of life, and the idea that early deficits and consequences may not be fully reversible. In addition, these stages of life may superficially appear less “eventful” than infancy or late adolescence. Finally, there has been historical ambiguity and inconsistency in terminology, depending on whether viewing “childhood” through physiologic, social, legal, or other lenses. Nevertheless, this age bracket, which encompasses most of the primary education and basic schooling years for most individuals, is marked by significant changes, inflection points, and sexually driven divergence in somatic and brain growth and development trajectories. These constitute transformative changes, and thus middle childhood and early adolescence represents a major and last opportunity to influence long-term health and productivity. This review highlights the specificities of growth and development in school age, with a focus on middle childhood and early adolescence (5 years–15 years of age, for the purposes of this review), the role of nutrition, the short- and long-term consequences of inadequate nutrition, and the current global status of nutrition in this age group. Adequate attention and emphasis on nutrition in the school-age years is critical: (a) for maintaining an adequate course of somatic and cognitive development, (b) for taking advantage of this last major opportunity to correct deficits of undernutrition and “catch-up” to normal life course development, and (c) for addressing the nutritional inadequacies and mitigating the longer-term consequences of overnutrition. This review summarizes and provides a rationale for prioritizing nutrition in school-age children, and for the need to revisit priorities and focus on this part of the life cycle to maximize individuals’ potential and their contribution to society.
State Listening
Authors:   Ultra-red
Published: November 2022

Electroacoustic research as a cultural practice has always existed within the state relation. In this text the sound art collective Ultra-red attempts to map this relation within electroacoustic practice and poses a counter inquiry that resists rather than affirms the liberal state. In the era between the world wars and immediately after World War II electroacoustic research emerged out of state-funded radio communications and university institutions. The “apolitical” position of sound researchers working in European democracies reflected the hegemony of liberalism. Research conducted by the World Acoustic Ecology movement in Canada is an example of the liberal position. The WAE sound researchers attempted to socially engineer solutions to the contradictions within modern capitalist society without addressing the social antagonisms inherent within the mode of capitalist (and imperialist) production administered by the liberal state. We conclude with an example of electroacoustic research within the larger Third Cinema project of national liberation and anti-imperialism, articulating the possibility of a “Third” electroacoustic inquiry that resists the value-form of participation of bourgeois state listening and proceeds from the position of revolutionary antagonism to the state.
(Re)producing Slaves: Demand, Supply, and Demography
Authors: Lewis David M. , Morton Peter , Parkin Tim
Published: November 2022

This chapter offers a broad survey of the range of social and economic variables that shaped the dynamics of the demography of the slave population of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. As such, it covers a vast extent of time and space but in the process attempts to establish general trends while also focusing on particular points of significance and interest. Emphasis is placed on the relative roles of reproduction and of external supply; the latter includes capture in warfare, kidnapping, enslavement through taxes and debt, penal aspects, and child exposure and sale, as well as self-enslavement. Consideration is also given throughout to questions such as the ethnic origin of slaves, the significance of manumission, and the role of slave traders. The challenges presented by the range of extant evidence for slave demography in antiquity are also discussed.
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Garcia Jose Omar , Scott Derek , Parikh Parth , Curley Kara L. , Turkmani Ali
Published: November 2022

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy affecting the median nerve. Prevalence is estimated at 4% to 5% of the population. A solid understanding of the anatomy, presentation, and diagnostics is key to efficient diagnosis and appropriate referral. Both surgical and nonsurgical interventions have led to improved clinical outcomes. Clinicians who have an in-depth knowledge of CTS symptoms and treatment options can prepare patients and streamline referrals for improved patient outcomes.
Community Health Nurses' Spirituality Shapes Their Practice Working With Indigenous Communities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: McColgan Karen Annette
Published: November 2022

Common conceptions of spirituality in nursing often concentrate on nurses providing spiritual care, but there is insufficient research indicating how nurses' spirituality impacts their nursing practice. This study examines how Indigenous and non-Indigenous community health nurses' experiences of spirituality, regardless of any religious affiliation, shape their nursing practice with Indigenous communities. Results indicate that spirituality is a pervasive nursing ethic manifesting respect, connectedness, love, acceptance, caring, hope, endurance, and compassion toward clients. Participants' experiences of spirituality promote self-awareness, open-mindedness, and acceptance of others and encourage participants' reflexivity, which grounds their nursing practice. Nurses' spiritual awareness fosters an appreciation for Indigenous community healing, leading to more reciprocal interactions with community members. Significantly, these participants provide care spiritually; they do not provide spiritual care.
Predictors of Positive Real-Time Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction Result for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Ioakeimidis Nikolaos S. , Arvanitakis Konstantinos , Vakfari Anastasia , Kourtparasidou Sofia , Lazou Maria , Tsolakis Zisis , Chalkidou Maria , Dervidou Zoe , Moraiti Effrosyni , Polychronaki Maria , Alexandridou Eleni
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a great burden on every healthcare sector including primary care. Confident clinical decisions, proactive isolation of suspicious cases, and testing resource allocation are of crucial importance at primary care facilities. The criterion standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19, a multisystem disease with diverse symptoms, is real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).

Objectives

We aim to identify clinical and demographic predictors of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rRT-PCR test result at a single primary care facility in Greece.

Methods

A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from October 22 to November 23, 2020, investigating various characteristics of individuals presenting at a primary care facility for rRT-PCR testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and demographic predictors of a positive rRT-PCR test result for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Results

A total of 118 specimens were included in the study, corresponding to 118 individuals, whose median age was 43.5 years (interquartile range, 28 years). Most of the participants were symptomatic (69.5%; n = 82), with fever (40.7%; n = 48), cough (21.2%; n = 25), and nasal congestion/discharge (16.9%; n = 20) being the most common presenting symptoms. The probability of a positive SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR result was greater for patients presenting with fever (odds ratio [OR], 10.631; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.402–47.055; P = 0.002), anosmia or ageusia (OR, 9.56; 95% CI, 1.481–61.704; P = 0.018), and nasal congestion or discharge (OR, 7.138; 95% CI, 1.329–38.353; P = 0.022), compared with patients without.

Conclusions

The presence of fever, anosmia or ageusia, and nasal congestion or discharge may successfully predict a positive SARS-Cov-2 rRT-PCR test result at primary care settings.
A Comprehensive Hepatitis C Treatment Program—An Observational Study of Collaboration Between Infectious Disease Specialists and General Internal Medicine Provider Serving a Majority Black Population
Authors: Lohia Prateek , Kapur Shweta , Crane Lawrence
Published: November 2022

Background

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a global health problem with a significant economic burden. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of oral direct acting antiviral HCV treatment in patients managed by infectious disease (ID) specialists and general internal medicine (GM) provider.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study on patients with HCV seen at the ID clinics at an academic medical center (January 2015–March 2021). Patients were managed either exclusively by ID specialists, comanaged by ID and GM practitioner (ID/GM), or independently managed by GM provider.

Results

A total of 532 patients (median age, 65 years (interquartile range, 58–68 years), 67.3% males, 87.2% Blacks) were seen for HCV treatment. There were 170 HIV-HCV coinfected patients and 362 HCV monoinfected patients. Almost 60% of the patients (n = 318) were seen by ID, 18.6% (n = 99) were comanaged by ID/GM, and 21.6% (n = 115) were seen by GM. Sustained virologic responses at 12 weeks after treatment completion were similar among the patients seen by different providers, 95.9% in ID versus 96.9% in ID/GM versus 100% in GM group (P = 0.33). In the multivariable regression model, sustained virologic response at 12 weeks had no significant association with the type of provider who treated the patients for HCV treatment (P = 0.78).

Conclusions

These findings support the high efficacy of HCV treatment, irrespective of whether the treatment was administered by ID or GM providers. More primary care providers trained in treating HCV can assist in the expansion of treatment initiatives aimed toward HCV elimination.
Recommendations for additional magnetic resonance imaging in abdominal computed tomography
Authors: Kuo Yu , Lee Kang-Lung , Chen Yi-Lun , Weng Ching-Yao , Chang Feng-Chi , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Wu Chia-Hung
Published: November 2022

Background:

Reporting the findings from radiologic images is an important method for radiologists to communicate with referring physicians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations for additional imaging (RAIs) after abdominal computed tomography (CT) studies for abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods:

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, which includes data collected from the radiology information system (RIS) database of a tertiary medical referral center. Associations between abdominal CT and subsequent abdominal MR were recorded. The effectiveness of RAIs in an abdominal report was determined. The influence of the wording and the location of the RAIs were also analyzed.

Results:

The presence of RAIs in an abdominal CT report for an abdominal MR examination was more likely to result in a subsequent MR examination within 120 days (36.7% vs. 4.0%). RAIs were also associated with a reduction in the time interval between the CT and MR examinations (29.0 days vs. 39.0 days). The most effective recommendations included wording that advocated for further evaluation and were mentioned in both the context and conclusion of the report.

Conclusion:

RAIs have a significant influence on clinical decisions. Radiologists should be aware of the power of RAIs and be prudent and conscientious when making recommendations in radiology reports.
Can we revive CETP-inhibitors for the prevention of cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Nicholls Stephen J. , Ray Kausik K. , Nelson Adam J. , Kastelein John J.P.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

To review recent developments in the field of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition from clinical trials and genomic analyses which have the potential to impact future clinical programs.

Recent findings

CETP plays an important role in remodelling of lipoproteins. A large body of evidence suggests that the presence of low CETP activity should have favourable effects on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk. However, a number of clinical development programs of pharmacological CETP inhibitors have been disappointing with reports of toxicity and clinical futility. These findings have led many to consider abandoning CETP inhibition as a potential strategy for cardiovascular prevention. However, recent observations from genomic analyses and post hoc observations of prior clinical trials have given greater insights into the potential relationship between CETP inhibition and cardiovascular risk. This has highlighted the importance of lowering levels of atherogenic lipoproteins.

These findings provide a pathway for ongoing clinical development of CETP inhibitors, where the potential to play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease may still be possible. The lessons learned and pathway forward for new CETP inhibitors will be reviewed.
Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic changes in heart rate variability following a multimodal integrative medicine intervention for frontline COVID-19 personnel
Authors: Vagedes Jan , Kassem Sameer , Gressel Orit , Samuels Noah , Eden Arieh , Ben-Arye Eran
Published: November 2022

Objective

Frontline healthcare providers (HCPs) working in COVID-19 hospital departments need to deal with considerable physical and emotional stress on a daily basis. We conducted a pilot study to examine changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in frontline COVID-19 personnel following an integrative medicine (IM) intervention.

Methods

HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 in-patient departments underwent a single 30-minute individually-tailored IM sessions combining various IM modalities (acupuncture, mind-body and/or manual-movement modalities, including Anthroposophic medicine). HRV parameters were compared during the first IM session at 3-minute intervals, at the beginning of treatments and after 20 minutes. Root square of successive differences (RMSSD) was measured, as were domains of time (SDNN, pNN50) and frequency (LF/HF Ratio). Pre- and post-intervention concerns were assessed using the MYCaW (Measure Yourself Concerns and Well-being) questionnaire, with post-treatment free-text narratives analyzed for clusters of emotional and spiritual-related keywords (ESKs).

Results

A total of 114 HCPs underwent in IM treatment session and HRV measurements, of which 75 (65.8%) expressed ESKs. RMSSD increased only in the ESK-expressing group (P < 0.001). LF/HF ratios decreased in both groups, with HF power increasing in the ESK-expressing (p = 0.043) and LF power decreasing in the non-ESK-expressing groups (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Increased parasympathetic activity was observed in all HCPs following the IM intervention, particularly among those expressing ESKs. LF/HF parameters suggest different relaxation-associated mechanisms, with increased HF (regulated predominantly by parasympathetic tone) in the ESK-expressing and decreased LF (regulated partially by sympathetic tone) in the non-expressing group. Additional research needs to explore the relationship between subjective effects of the IM intervention and physiological mechanisms of relaxation in HCPs working in stressful environments.

Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05104827).
“The new gay plague”: analysis of public attitudes toward monkeypox
Authors: Shah Tej
Published: November 2022

Monkeypox was declared a public health emergency on August 4, 2022, in the United States. The emerging isolation of the virus in the LGBTQ+ community—particularly among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM)—has led many to draw parallels between the emerging multi-country outbreak and the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis. The purpose of this study was to investigate media framing of the monkeypox outbreak in American media through the lens of HIV social constructionist theory. Content analysis of a sample of 59 articles from the top-five most viewed U.S. media outlets was collated against quantitative trends in word frequencies in monkeypox-related tweets (n = 255,363). Results found that coverage often framed monkeypox as a product of GBMSM hypersexuality, leading to potentially stigmatizing perceptions and the drastic increase in tweet content related to sexual activity. While greater attention to stigma was observed in coverage, blame attribution to populations, governments, and practices was one of the most common frames across all media sources. Heavy reporting of systemic barriers to vaccination, testing, or diagnosis serve as continuities from HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 epidemics, underscoring fears around a second plague and influencing public attitudes. Monkeypox conspiracy theories also proliferated heavily on Twitter, with a noticeable increase in conspiracy language over time. These findings can inform the social realities of monkeypox, an understudied dimension, of which an understanding is vital to implementing services that address all elements of the ongoing outbreak.
A phenomic modeling approach for using chlorophyll-a fluorescence-based measurements on coral photosymbionts: a step towards bio-optical bleaching prediction
Authors: Hoadley Kenneth D. , Lockridge Grant , McQuagge Audrey , Pahl K. Blue , Lowry Sean , Wong Sophie , Craig Zachary , Petrik Chelsea , Klepac Courtney , Muller Erinn M.
Published: November 2022

We test a newly developed instrument prototype which utilizes time-resolved chlorophyll-afluorescence techniques and fluctuating light to characterize Symbiodiniaceae functional traits across seven different coral species under cultivation as part of ongoing restoration efforts in the Florida Keys. While traditional chlorophyll-afluorescence techniques only provide a handful of algal biometrics, the system and protocol we have developed generates > 1000 dynamic measurements in a short (∼11 min) time frame. Resulting ‘high-content’ algal biometric data revealed distinct phenotypes, which broadly corresponded to clade-level Symbiodiniaceae designations determined using quantitative PCR. Next, algal biometric data fromAcropora cervicornis(10 genotypes) andA. palmata(5 genotypes) coral fragments was correlated with bleaching response metrics collected after a two month-long exposure to high temperature. A network analysis identified 1973 correlations (Spearman R > 0.5) between algal biometrics and various bleaching response metrics. These identified biomarkers of thermal stress were then utilized to train a predictive model, and when tested against the sameA. cervicornisandA. palmatacoral fragments, yielded high correlation (R = 0.92) with measured thermal response (reductions in absorbance by chlorophyll-a). When applied to all seven coral species, the model ranked fragments dominated byCladocopiumorBreviolumsymbionts as more bleaching susceptible than corals harboring thermally tolerant symbionts (Durusdinium). While direct testing of bleaching predictions on novel genotypes is still needed, our device and modeling pipeline may help broaden the scalability of existing approaches for determining thermal tolerance in reef corals. Our instrument prototype and analytical pipeline aligns with recent coral restoration assessments that call for the development of novel tools for improving scalability of coral restoration programs.
Protective Role of Podocytic IL-15 / STAT5 Pathway in Experimental Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Niasse Aïssata , Louis Kevin , Lenoir Olivia , Schwarz Chloé , Xu Xiaoli , Couturier Aymeric , Dobosziewicz Hélène , Corchia Anthony , Placier Sandrine , Vandermeersch Sophie , Hennighausen Lothar , Frere Perrine , Galichon Pierre , Surin Brigitte , Ouchelouche Souhila , Louedec Liliane , Migeon Tiffany , Verpont Marie-Christine , Buob David , Xu-Dubois Yi-Chun , Francois Hélène , Rondeau Eric , Mesnard Laurent , Hadchouel Juliette , Luque Yosu
Published: November 2022

During glomerular diseases, podocyte-specific pathways can modulate the intensity of the lesions and prognosis. The therapeutic targeting of these pathways could thus improve the management and prognosis of chronic kidney diseases. The Janus Kinase/ Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, classically described in immune cells, has been recently described in intrinsic kidney cells. Here, we show, for the first time, that STAT5 is activated in human podocytes in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Additionally,Stat5podocyte-specific inactivation aggravates the functional and structural alterations in a mouse model of FSGS. This could be due, at least in part, to an inhibition of the autophagic flux. Finally, Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a classical activator of STAT5 in immune cells, increases STAT5 phosphorylation in human podocytes and its administration alleviates glomerular injuryin vivoby maintaining the autophagy flux in podocytes. In conclusion, activating podocytic STAT5 with commercially available IL-15 represents a new therapeutic avenue with the potential for FSGS.
Genetic bases of resistance to the ricehoja blancadisease deciphered by a QTL approach
Authors: Silva Alexander , Montoya María Elker , Quintero Constanza , Cuasquer Juan , Tohme Joe , Graterol Eduardo , Cruz Maribel , Lorieux Mathias
Published: November 2022

Ricehoja blanca(RHB) is one of the most serious diseases in rice growing areas in tropical Americas. Its causal agent isRice hoja blanca virus(RHBV), transmitted by the planthopperTagosodes orizicolusMüir. Genetic resistance is the most effective and environment-friendly way of controlling the disease. So far, only one major quantitative trait locus (QTL) ofOryza sativassp.japonicaorigin,qHBV4.1, that alters incidence of the virus symptoms in two Colombian cultivars has been reported. This resistance has already started to be broken, stressing the urgent need for diversifying the resistance sources. In the present study we performed a search for new QTLs ofO. sativa indicaorigin associated with RHB resistance. We used four F2:3segregating populations derived fromindicaresistant varieties crossed with a highly susceptiblejaponicapivot parent. Beside the standard method for measuring disease incidence, we developed a new method based on computer-assisted image processing to determine the affected leaf area (ALA) as a measure of symptom severity. Based on the disease severity and incidence scores in the F3families under greenhouse conditions, and SNP genotyping of the F2individuals, we identified four newindicaQTLs for RHB resistance on rice chromosomes 4, 6 and 11, namelyqHBV4.2WAS208,qHBV6.1PTB25,qHBV11.1andqHBV11.2. We also confirmed the wide-range action ofqHBV4.1. Among the five QTLs,qHBV4.1andqHBV11.1had the largest effects on incidence and severity, respectively. These results provide a more complete understanding of the genetic bases of RHBV resistance in the cultivated rice gene pool, and can be used to develop marker-aided breeding strategies to improve RHB resistance. The power of joint-and meta-analyses allowed precise mapping and candidate gene identification, providing the basis for positional cloning of the two major QTLsqHBV4.1andqHBV11.1.
Engineering circuits of human iPSC-derived neurons and rat primary glia
Authors: Girardin Sophie , Ihle Stephan J. , Menghini Arianna , Krubner Magdalena , Tognola Leonardo , Duru Jens , Ruff Tobias , Fruh Isabelle , Müller Matthias , Vörös János
Published: November 2022

Novelin vitroplatforms based on human neurons are needed to improve early drug testing and address the stalling drug discovery in neurological disorders. Topologically controlled circuits of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons have the potential to become such a testing system. In this work, we buildin vitroco-cultured circuits of human iPSC-derived neurons and rat primary glial cells using microfabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Such circuits are created by seeding either dissociated cells or pre-aggregated spheroids at different neuron-to-glia ratios. Furthermore, an antifouling coating is developed to prevent axonal overgrowth in undesired locations of the microstructure. We assess the electrophysiological properties of different types of circuits over more than 50 days, including their stimulation-induced neural activity. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of magnesium chloride on the electrical activity of our iPSC circuits as a proof-of-concept for screening of neuroactive compounds.
The septate junction component Bark beetle is required forDrosophilaintestinal barrier function and homeostasis
Authors: Hodge R. A. , Ghannam M. , Edmond E. , de la Torre F. , D’Alterio Cecilia , Kaya N.H. , Resnik-Docampo M. , Reiff T. , Jones D. L.
Published: November 2022

Age-related loss of intestinal barrier function has been found across species, and the causes remain unknown. The intestinal epithelial barrier is maintained by tight junctions (TJs) in mammals and septate junctions (SJs) in insects. Specialized tricellular junctions (TCJs) are found at the nexus of three adjacent cell membranes, and we showed previously that aging results in mis-localization of the tricellular SJ (tSJ) component Gliotactin (Gli) in enterocytes (ECs) of theDrosophila melanogasterintestine. In embryonic epithelia, the tSJ protein Bark beetle (Bark) recruits Gli to tSJs, which prompted us to investigate Bark function in the intestine. Bark protein localization decreases at tSJs in aged flies. EC-specificbarkdepletion in young flies led to hallmarks of intestinal aging and shortened lifespan, whereas depletion ofbarkin progenitor cells reduced Notch activity, biasing differentiation toward the secretory lineage. Together, our data implicate Bark in EC maturation, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, and homeostasis. Understanding the assembly and maintenance of tSJs to ensure barrier integrity may lead to strategies to improve tissue integrity when function is compromised.
De novotranscriptome assembly and the effect of foreign RNA contamination
Authors: Alvarez Roberto Vera , Landsman David
Published: November 2022

Multiple next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based studies are enabled by the availability of a reference genome of the target organism. Unfortunately, several organisms remain unannotated due to the cost and complexity of generating a complete (or close to complete) reference genome. These unannotated organisms, however, can also be studied if ade novoreference transcriptome is assembled from whole transcriptome sequencing experiments. This technology is cost effective and widely used but is susceptible to off-target RNA contamination. In this manuscript, we present GTax, a taxonomy structured database of genomic sequences that can be used with BLAST to detect and remove foreign contamination in RNA sequencing samples before assembly. In addition, we investigate the effect of foreign RNA contamination on ade novotranscriptome assembly ofSolanum lycopersicum(tomato). Our study demonstrates that removing foreign contamination in sequencing samples reduces the number of assembled chimeric transcripts.
Remodeling of a tripartite substrate-binding motif in the HD domain provides the mechanism for activation of CRISPR-Cas10 DNases
Authors: Yu Zhenxiao , Wang Fang , She Qunxin
Published: November 2022

Type III CRISPR systems are endowed with multiple immune activities, including target RNA cleavage, RNA-activated DNA cleavage and the cOA synthesis among which molecular mechanism remains elusive for the DNase. Here, DNase of LdCsm is investigated. Structural modeling revealed two HD loop segments. Cas10 mutants carrying either loop truncation or amino acid substitution in the HD domain are generated and characterized. We found each HD loop contains a substrate-binding site essential for its immunity. In fact, the substrate binding requires a tripartite motif composed of the two loop binding sites and the HD catalytic site. We demonstrate cognate target RNA (CTR) remodels the tripartite motif to activate the LdCsm DNase in two consecutive events: (a) it reduces the flexibility of LD-L1 and facilitates the simultaneous substrate binding at both loops, (b) the bound substrate is then propelled into the catalytic site via LD-L2 oscillation, driving the substrate into the catalytic site for DNA cleavage.
A Scalable and Adaptive Ultra-high-density Fan-out Strategy for High-throughput Flexible Microelectrodes
Authors: Zhang Huiling , Wang Yang , Yang Xinze , Yuan Miao , Yang Xiaowei , Gui Qiang , Wang Yijun , Chen Hongda , Liu Ruping , Pei Weihua
Published: November 2022

Flexible neural microelectrodes demonstrate higher compliance and better biocompatibility than rigid electrodes. They have multiple microfilaments can be freely distributed across different brain regions. However, high-density fan-out of high-throughput flexible microelectrodes remains a challenge since monolithic integration between electrodes and circuits is not currently available as it is for silicon electrodes. Here, we proposed a high-density fan-out strategy for high-throughput flexible electrodes. The flexible electrodes are partially overlapped on the printed circuit board (PCB). A modified wire bonding method is used to reduce the pads area on the PCB. Both the traces and pads on the PCB are optimized to minimize the back-end package. It is significantly reducing the connection area. In addition, the vertical rather than horizontal connection between the connector and the PCB further decrease the volume of the package. 1024 channel flexible electrodes are bonded to the high-density PCB within an area of 11.8×10mm2, and the success connection rate can reach 100%. The high-density fan-out strategy proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the volume of high-throughput flexible electrodes after packaging, which facilitates the miniaturization of in vivo multichannel recording devices and contributes to long-term recording.
Pitfalls of a structure determination: The structure of closo-9-[4-(dibenzylamino)phenyl]-1,2-dicarbadodecaborane(12)
Authors: Milewski Max , Caminade Anne-Marie , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Lönnecke Peter
Published: November 2022

Automated X-ray data recording and data reduction strategies are straightforward and powerful these days, as well as semi-automated routines to solve standard structures without, or at least with only little manual intervention and within a relatively short time. The structure determination of the amino-carborane closo-9-[4-(dibenzylamino)phenyl]-1,2-dicarbadodecaborane(12), C22H29B10N, is an example that automated routines still always have to be revised and that it may be necessary to be aware of possible problems of a structure determination.
Do women board members affect dividend policy and cash holdings? Evidence from ASEAN emerging economies
Authors: Nadia Linda Putri , Hanafi Mamduh M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of board gender diversity on dividend policy and cash holdings in several emerging economies. This study also investigates the nonlinear impact of women on dividend policy and cash holdings and the differences between countries with one- and two-tier board systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 103 firms listed in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. The data represent all industries except the financial industry. The sample period is the 10 financial years from 2010 to 2019. This study analyzed unbalanced panel data with fixed effect specifications for baseline model analysis.

Findings

This study finds robust evidence indicating that women’s presence negatively influences dividends and positively influences cash holdings. The findings in the additional analysis are significant and show a nonlinear relationship, supporting the substitution hypothesis.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper certainly provided a valuable contribution as a useful empirical guide for policy decision-makers in developing countries, regulators and corporate decision-makers related to board gender diversity. Developed countries have implemented a minimum quota of women boards in the composition of the board of directors. However, there are still few developing countries that implement these policies. Women can reflect or show their values in corporate governance, such as being careful in making decisions and being conservative about risk. These guides policymakers in implementing a minimum quota of women in the composition of the board of directors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on the impact of gender diversity on dividends and cash holdings, especially in ASEAN emerging economies because there is a notable empirical gap relative to developed countries. Moreover, this study contributes to the necessary nuanced understanding of the substitution hypothesis in emerging economies. The results also support the explanation of critical mass theory to account for the nonlinear relationship between the number of women board members and dividends and cash holdings.
Influencer marketing effectiveness: the mechanisms that matter
Authors: Hugh Wilkie Dean Charles , Dolan Rebecca , Harrigan Paul , Gray Harriet
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The continued evolution of influencer marketing has created a need to better understand influencer marketing effectiveness. With brands increasingly partnering with influencers, research is yet to provide an integrated perspective examining the critical role of both parties. This study aims to draw on the source credibility model and signaling theory to explain the mechanisms that matter in influencer marketing effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model of influencer marketing effectiveness is analyzed using partial least squares with data from 281 followers of social media influencers.

Findings

The authors establish influencer characteristics of popularity and attractiveness as heuristic cues that inform judgments of influencer efficacy. Further, category involvement and altruistic motives for collaboration are shown to moderate followers’ reliance on these heuristic cues. Then, a sequential mediating effect demonstrates the critical roles of the influencer and partner brand in three desired outcomes: enhanced perception of brand authenticity, enhanced brand engagement and positive attitudes toward influencer posts.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should consider other heuristic cues that could inform influencer efficacy judgments and switch the focus toward the partner brand’s impact on such judgments.

Practical implications

A step-by-step visual framework is presented to help marketers and influencers translate these findings into key responsibilities for developing more effective and collaborative partnerships.

Originality/value

Besides presenting an integrated perspective, signaling theory provides an original lens for explaining influencer marketing effectiveness, addressing the need to expand the theoretical boundaries of influencer marketing research.
Evaluating the determinative factors driving patents and foreign technologies acquisitions in Visegrád countries
Authors: Odei Samuel Amponsah , Appiah Michael Karikari
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the factors driving the acquisition of patents and foreign technologies in 2,198 firms spanning multiple industries in Visegrád countries.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil the research objectives, the authors used the binary logistic regression models for the empirical specifications to analyse the various hypotheses to ascertain the factors contributing to patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificate acquisitions in Visegrád countries.

Findings

The results show that technological innovations, in-house and external research and development, intense competition from the informal sector and external knowledge search positively influence firms to acquire patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificates. The study further showed that certain firm characteristics, such as size, having a board of directors, female top managers and top managers’ experience, positively influenced firms’ ability to obtain patents, foreign technologies and international quality certificates.

Originality/value

The authors provide new insights into understanding the factors contributing to international technological linkages in the context of transitional countries such as the Visegrád four group. The authors have shown that international technology linkages through foreign technology licences and international quality certifications are vital for innovations in transition economies.
The temporal dynamics of attribute-based firm reputation: examining short-term and long-term reputation and regulation in the U.S. automobile industry
Authors: Cavazos David E. , Rutherford Matthew , Ashton Triss
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the implications of short-term and long-term reputation change because of government agency responses to firm product defects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s findings have important implications for both scholars and practitioners. From a scholarly perspective, the authors create a more fine-grained examination of reputation that may be used to assess various performance dimensions. From a practice perspective, managers must realize that reputation can be one of an organization’s most important resources as it meets each of the valuable, rare, inimitable and nonsubstitutable criteria associated with those resources capable of providing sustainable competitive advantage.

Findings

Analysis of 17,879 product recalls from 15 automobile manufacturers in the US suggests that firms with higher long-term reputations are more likely to face regulator sanctions when a reputation-damaging event happens. On the other hand, firms with higher short-term reputations are less likely to face sanctions in such circumstances. Finally, firms whose short-term reputation exceeds their long-term reputation are less likely to be sanctioned by regulators when reputation-damaging events occur.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations that should be addressed. First, as our reputation measure is based on government investigations of potential defects, vehicles that have never been inspected are not included in the sample. Although this number is likely extremely low, omitting vehicles that have never been inspected leaves out some high-reputation firms from the sample. In addition, the study relies on a single-firm stakeholder that is capable of punitive actions.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this study’s findings encourage managers to think about the temporal aspects associated with firm reputation, and to realize that stakeholders may react differently when their expectations are not met depending on an organization’s relative long- and short-term reputations. From a theoretic perspective, the primary contribution of this study is to illustrate how long-term and short-term changes in reputation can provide mixed signals to firm stakeholders regarding future performance.

Originality/value

This study explores the temporal aspects of firm reputation by examining how government sanctions vary depending on firms’ long-term (10 years) and short-term (1 year) reputation. The findings of this study contribute to current reputation research by illustrating the variation in government responses to product defects as a function of short-term and long-term reputation. In doing so, the important role of the timing of firm performance is considered.
The impact of empowering and transformational leadership on organizational performance and innovation: the mediating role of shared leadership and moderating role of organizational culture in the Iraqi healthcare sector
Authors: Mohammed Abbas Ali , AL-Abrrow Hadi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In this study, leadership, social and technical system and organizational behavior theories were used to test the research model, consisting of six variables. The purpose of this study was to observe the impact of leadership styles (i.e. transformational leadership and empowering leadership) on organizational performance and innovation. In addition, the mediating role of shared leadership and mediating role of organizational culture in the model were measured.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relied on a quantitative design, specifically, a questionnaire, to obtain data from 301 employees in the health sector (three public-sector hospitals in the Basra Governorate).

Findings

Data analysis results showed that most of the relationships in the research model were positive. In addition, the results demonstrated the importance of the mediating variable in strengthening the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The results of this study also clearly depicted the role of the mediating variable. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed, and proposals for future studies were presented.

Originality/value

This research focused on the use of modern leadership styles, collected data on such styles and included them in one model to enhance organizational output. This study was conducted in the context of the Iraqi health sector and can be distinguished from other studies by its adoption of a large sample to obtain clear and important results, thereby making it an important reference for researchers to improve organizational performance.