bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural signatures of auditory hypersensitivity following acoustic trauma
Authors: McGill Matthew , Hight Ariel E. , Watanabe Yurika L. , Parthasarathy Aravindakshan , Cai Dongqin , Clayton Kameron , Hancock Ken , Takesian Anne , Kujawa Sharon G. , Polley Daniel B.
Published: May 2022

Throughout the brain, neurons exhibit a remarkable capacity to maintain stable firing rates despite large perturbations in afferent activity levels. As an exception, homeostatic regulation of neural activity often fails in the adult auditory system after hearing loss. Cochlear deafferentation caused by aging or noise exposure triggers widespread neural hyperactivity, particularly in the auditory cortex (ACtx), which underlies perceptual disorders including tinnitus and hyperacusis. Here, we show that mice with noise-induced damage of the high-frequency cochlear base were behaviorally hypersensitive to spared mid-frequency tones and to direct optogenetic stimulation of auditory thalamocortical neurons. Chronic 2-photon calcium imaging from ACtx pyramidal neurons (PyrNs) revealed an initial stage of diffuse hyperactivity, hypercorrelation, and hyperresponsivity that consolidated around deafferented map regions three or more days after acoustic trauma.

Deafferented PyrN ensembles displayed hypersensitive decoding of spared mid-frequency tones, mirroring behavioral hypersensitivity. At the level of individual PyrNs, some exhibited stable, homeostatic gain control after acoustic trauma, while others showed non-homeostatic excess gain. Interestingly, factors such as baseline spontaneous activity levels and sound level encoding could account for 40% of the variability in PyrN gain regulation after acoustic trauma. These findings suggest that non-homeostatic regulation of cortical sound intensity coding following sensorineural loss may underlie the well-established clinical phenomenon of loudness hypersensitivity. Further, while cortical gain changes are triggered by reduced bottom-up afferent input, their subsequent stabilization is also shaped by their local circuit milieu, where baseline response features can identify neurons with the greatest propensity for developing pathological hyperactivity following sensorineural hearing loss.
Telomerase-Dependent Ageing In The Zebrafish Brain
Authors: Martins Raquel R. , Besse Savandara , Ellis Pam S. , Hartopp Naomi , Mughal Nadiyah , Evans Owain , Wahib Mina HF , Yazigan Zerkif , Mortiboys Heather , Rera Michael , Henriques Catarina M.
Published: May 2022

Decreased telomerase expression, telomere shortening, senescence-associated markers and inflammation have all been independently observed in the ageing brain and associated with disease. However, causality between limited telomerase expression and brain senescence and neuro-inflammation in the natural ageing setting is yet to be established. Here, we address these questions using the zebrafish as an ageing model which, akin to humans, displays premature ageing and death in the absence of telomerase and where telomere shortening is a driver of cellular senescence.

Our work shows for the first time that telomerase deficiency (tert-/-)accelerates key hallmarks of ageing identified in the Wild Type (WT) zebrafish brain at transcriptional, cellular, tissue and functional levels. We show that Tert-dependent transcriptomic changes associated with dysregulation of gene expression, stress response and dysregulation of immune genes are accompanied by accelerated accumulation of senescence-associated markers and inflammation in the aged brain. Importantly,In vivo, these changes correlate with increased blood-brain barrier permeability and altered cognitive behaviour. Of note, telomerase-dependent accumulation of senescence-associated markers in the brain occurs not only in the expected proliferative areas but also in non-proliferative ones, where it is unlikely due to telomere-dependent replicative exhaustion, suggesting that non-canonical roles of telomerase may be involved.

Together, our work suggests that telomerase has a protective role in the zebrafish brain against the accumulation of senescence and neuro-inflammation and is required for blood brain barrier integrity.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Graphical Abstract: The zebrafish brain displays telomerase-dependent transcriptional hallmarks of ageing which associate with telomerase-dependent accumulation of senescence-associated markers and inflammation in the brain. Importantly,in vivo, telomerase deficiency accelerates dysfunction of the blood brain barrier and behavioural change with ageing.
Spinophilin limits metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 scaffolding to the postsynaptic density and cell type-specifically mediates excessive grooming
Authors: Morris Cameron W. , Watkins Darryl S. , Pennington Taylor , Doud Emma H. , Qi Guihong , Mosley Amber L. , Atwood Brady K. , Baucum Anthony J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Constitutive knockout of the obsessive-compulsive disorder-associated protein, disks large associated protein 3 (SAPAP3), results in repetitive motor dysfunction, such as excessive grooming, caused by increased metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) activity in striatal direct- and indirect pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs and iMSNs, respectively). However, MSN subtype-specific signaling mechanisms that mediate mGluR5-dependent adaptations underlying excessive grooming are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the MSN subtype-specific roles of the striatal signaling hub protein, spinophilin, in mediating repetitive motor dysfunction associated with mGluR5 function.

Methods

Quantitative proteomics and immunoblotting were utilized to identify how spinophilin impacts mGluR5 phosphorylation and protein interaction changes. Plasticity and repetitive motor dysfunction associated with mGluR5 action was measured using our novel conditional spinophilin mouse model that had spinophilin knocked out from striatal dMSNs or/and iMSNs.

Results

Loss of spinophilin only in iMSNs decreased performance of a novel motor repertoire, but loss of spinophilin in either MSN subtype abrogated striatal plasticity associated with mGluR5 function and prevented excessive grooming caused by SAPAP3 knockout mice and treatment with the mGluR5-specific positive allosteric modulator (VU0360172) without impacting locomotion-relevant behavior. Biochemically, we determined spinophilin’s protein interaction correlates with grooming behavior and loss of spinophilin shifts mGluR5 interactions from lipid-raft associated proteins toward postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins implicated in psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions

These results identify spinophilin as a novel striatal signaling hub molecule in MSNs that cell subtype-specifically mediates behavioral, functional, and molecular adaptations associated with repetitive motor dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.
A kinase-independent function of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 promotes outer radial glia expansion and neocortical folding
Authors: Wang Lei , Park Jun Young , Liu Fengming , Olesen Kris , Hou Shirui , Peng Jamy C. , Infield Jordan , Levesque Anna C. , Wang Yong-Dong , Jin Hongjian , Fan Yiping , Connelly Jon P. , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Hu Miaofen G. , Hinds Philip W. , Han Young-Goo
Published: May 2022

The neocortex, the center for higher brain function, first emerged in mammals and has become massively expanded and folded in humans, constituting almost half the volume of the human brain. Primary microcephaly, a developmental disorder in which the brain is smaller than normal at birth, mainly results from the number of neurons in the neocortex being reduced because of defects in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Outer radial glia (oRGs), NPCs that are abundant in gyrencephalic species but rare in lisencephalic species, are thought to play key roles in the expansion and folding of the neocortex. However, how oRGs expand, whether they are necessary for neocortical folding, and whether defects in oRGs cause microcephaly remain important questions in the study of brain development, evolution, and disease. Here, we show that oRG expansion in mice, ferrets, and human cerebral organoids requires cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), the mutation of which causes primary microcephaly via an unknown mechanism. In a mouse model in which increased Hedgehog signaling expands oRGs and intermediate progenitor cells and induces neocortical folding, CDK6 loss selectively decreased oRGs and abolished neocortical folding. Remarkably, this function of CDK6 in oRG expansion did not require its kinase activity, was not shared by the highly similar CDK4 and CDK2, and was disrupted by the mutation causing microcephaly. Therefore, our results indicate that CDK6 is conserved to promote oRG expansion; that oRGs are necessary for neocortical folding; and that defects in oRG expansion may cause primary microcephaly.

Significance Statement

Primary microcephaly, a disorder in which the brain is smaller than normal at birth, disproportionately affects the neocortex. Although outer radial glia (oRGs) expansion is hypothesized to be important in neocortical expansion and folding, it remains unknown whether oRGs are necessary for neocortical folding and whether defective oRGs cause microcephaly. Moreover, how oRGs expand is not well understood. A mutation in CDK6 causes microcephaly via an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that CDK6 promotes oRG expansion and neocortical folding. This function of CDK6 does not require its kinase activity but is disrupted by a mutation that causes microcephaly. Our findings show that CDK6 is conserved to expand oRGs and provide evidence that oRG defects disrupt neocortical growth and folding.
Microparticle-delivered Cxcl9 prolongs Braf inhibitor efficacy in melanoma
Authors: Romano Gabriele , Paradiso Francesca , Li Peng , Shukla Pooja , Barger Lindsay N , El Naggar Olivia , Miller John P , Liang Roger J , Helms Timothy L , Lazar Alexander J , Wargo Jennifer A , Taraballi Francesca , Costello James C , Kwong Lawrence N
Published: May 2022

Patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma show significant responses to combined BRAF and MEK inhibition, but most relapse within 2 years. A major reservoir for drug resistance is minimal residual disease (MRD), comprised of drug-tolerant tumor cells laying in a dormant state. Towards exploiting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of MRD, we established a genetically engineered mouse model of BrafV600E-driven melanoma MRD wherein genetic BrafV600Eextinction leads to strong but incomplete tumor regression. Transcriptional time-course analysis after BrafV600Eextinction revealed that after an initial surge of immune activation, tumors later became immunologically “cold” after MRD establishment. Computational analysis identified candidate T-cell recruiting chemokines that may be central players in the process, being strongly upregulated initially and steeply decreasing as the immune response faded. Therefore, we hypothesized that sustaining the chemokine signaling could impair MRD maintenance through increased recruitment of effector T-cells. We show that intratumoral administration of recombinant Cxcl9, either naked or loaded in microparticles, significantly impaired MRD relapse in BRAF-inhibited tumors, including several complete responses after microparticle-delivered rCxcl9 combined with BRAF and MEK-inhibition. Our experiments constitute a proof of concept that chemokine-based microparticle delivery systems are a potential strategy to forestall tumor relapse and thus improve the clinical success of frontline treatment methods.
Highly-multiplexed serology for non-human mammals
Authors: Schuettenberg Alexa , Piña Alejandra , Metrailer Morgan , Peláez-Sánchez Ronald Guillermo , Agudelo-Flórez Piedad , Álvaro Lopez Juan , Ryle Luke , Monroy Fernando P. , Altin John A. , Ladner Jason T.
Published: May 2022

Emerging infectious diseases represent a serious and ongoing threat to humans. Most emerging viruses are maintained in stable relationships with other species of animals, and emergence within the human population results from cross-species transmission. Therefore, if we want to be prepared for the next emerging virus, we need to broadly characterize the diversity and ecology of viruses currently infecting other animals (i.e., the animal virosphere). High-throughput metagenomic sequencing has accelerated the pace of virus discovery. However, molecular assays can only detect active viral infections and only if virus is present within the sampled fluid or tissue at the time of collection. In contrast, serological assays measure long-lived antibody responses to infections, which can be detected within the blood, regardless of the infected tissues. Therefore, serological assays can provide a complementary approach to understanding the circulation of viruses, and while serological assays have historically been limited in scope, recent advancements allow 1000s to 100,000s of antigens to be assessed simultaneously using <1 μl of blood (i.e., highly-multiplexed serology). Application of highly-multiplexed serology for characterization of the animal virosphere is dependent on the availability of reagents that can be used to capture or label antibodies of interest. Here, we demonstrate the potential for commercial immunoglobulin-binding proteins (protein A and protein G) to enable highly-multiplexed serology in 25 species of non-human mammals and we describe a competitive FLISA assay that can be used as an initial screen for choosing the most appropriate capture protein for a given host species.

Importance

Antibodies are generated in response to infections with viruses and other pathogens and they help protect against future exposures. Mature antibodies are long-lived, highly specific, and can bind to their protein targets with high affinity. Thus, antibodies can also provide information about an individual’s history of viral exposures, which has important applications in understanding the epidemiology and etiology of disease. In recent years, there have been large advances in the available methods for broadly characterizing antibody binding profiles, but thus far, these have primarily been utilized only with human samples. Here, we demonstrate that commercial antibody-binding reagents can facilitate modern antibody assays for a wide variety of mammalian species, and we describe a cheap and fast approach for choosing the best reagent for each animal species. By studying antibody-binding profiles in captive and wild animals, we can better understand the distribution and prevalence of viruses that could spillover into humans.
A quantitative metric of pioneer activity reveals that HNF4A has stronger in vivo pioneer activity than FOXA1
Authors: Hansen Jeffrey L , Cohen Barak A
Published: May 2022

We and others have suggested that pioneer activity–a transcription factor’s (TF’s) ability to bind and open inaccessible loci–is not a qualitative trait limited to a select class of pioneer TFs. We hypothesize that most TFs display pioneering activity that depends on the TF concentration and the motif content at their target loci. Here we present a quantitative measure of pioneer activity that captures the relative difference in a TF’s ability to bind accessible versus inaccessible DNA. The metric is based on experiments that use CUT&Tag to measure binding of doxycycline (dox) inducible TFs. For each location across the genome we determine a “dox50,” the concentration of dox required for a TF to reach half-maximal occupancy. We propose that the ratio of a TF’s average dox50 between ATAC-seq labeled inaccessible and accessible binding sites, its Δdox50, is a measure of its pioneer activity. We measured Δdox50’s for the endodermal TFs FOXA1 and HNF4A and show that HNF4A has a smaller Δdox50 than FOXA1, suggesting that HNF4A has stronger pioneer activity than FOXA1. We further show that FOXA1 binding sites with more copies of its motif have a lower Δdox50, suggesting that strong motif content may compensate for weak pioneer activity. The quantitative analysis of binding suggests different modes of binding for FOXA1, including an anti-cooperative mode of binding at certain accessible loci. Our results suggest that Δdox50s, or other similar measures that assess the difference in TF affinity for inaccessible and accessible DNA, are reasonable measures of pioneer activity.
Input-Specific Inhibitory Plasticity Improves Decision Accuracy Under Noise
Authors: Song Soomin C. , Shen Bo , Machold Robert , Rudy Bernardo , Glimcher Paul W. , Louie Kenway , Froemke Robert C.
Published: May 2022

Inhibitory interneurons regulate excitability, information flow, and plasticity in neural circuits. Inhibitory synapses are also plastic and can be modified by changes in experience or activity, often together with changes to excitatory synapses. However, given the diversity of inhibitory cell types within the cerebral cortex, it is unclear if plasticity is similar for various inhibitory inputs or what the functional significance of inhibitory plasticity might be. Here we examined spike-timing-dependent plasticity of inhibitory synapses from four major subtypes of GABAergic cells onto layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in mouse auditory cortex. The likelihood of inhibitory potentiation varied across cell types, with somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneuron inputs exhibiting the most potentiation on average. A network simulation of perceptual decision-making revealed that plasticity of SST+-like inputs provided robustness from higher input noise levels to maintain decision accuracy. Differential plasticity at specific inhibitory inputs therefore may be important for network function and sensory perception.
Intranasal vaccination induced cross-protective secretory IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants with reducing the potential risk of lung eosinophilic immunopathology
Authors: Hemmi Takuya , Ainai Akira , Hashiguchi Takao , Tobiume Minoru , Kanno Takayuki , Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Iida Shun , Sato Yuko , Miyamoto Sho , Ueno Akira , Sano Kaori , Saito Shinji , Shiwa-Sudo Nozomi , Nagata Noriyo , Tamura Koji , Suzuki Ryosuke , Hasegawa Hideki , Suzuki Tadaki
Published: May 2022

To control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is a need to develop vaccines to prevent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. One candidate is a nasal vaccine capable of inducing secretory IgA antibodies in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, the initial site of infection. However, regarding the development of COVID-19 vaccines, there is concern about the potential risk of inducing lung eosinophilic immunopathology as a vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease as a result of the T helper 2 (Th2)-dominant adaptive immune response. In this study, we investigated the protective effect against virus infection induced by intranasal vaccination of recombinant trimeric spike protein derived from SARS-CoV-2 adjuvanted with CpG oligonucleotides, ODN2006, in mouse model. The intranasal vaccine combined with ODN2006 successfully induced not only systemic spike-specific IgG antibodies, but also secretory IgA antibodies in the nasal mucosa. Secretory IgA antibodies showed high protective ability against SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants) compared to IgG antibodies in the serum. The nasal vaccine of this formulation induced a high number of IFN-γ-secreting cells in the draining cervical lymph nodes and a lower spike-specific IgG1/IgG2a ratio compared to that of subcutaneous vaccination with alum as a typical Th2 adjuvant. These features are consistent with the induction of the Th1 adaptive immune response. In addition, mice intranasally vaccinated with ODN2006 showed less lung eosinophilic immunopathology after viral challenge than mice subcutaneously vaccinated with alum adjuvant. Our findings indicate that intranasal vaccine adjuvanted with ODN2006 could be a candidate that can prevent the infection of antigenically different variant viruses, reducing the risk of vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease.
A car wash: post-truth politics, Petrobras and ethics of the real
Authors: Voss Barbara d.L. , Carter David B. , Warren Rebecca
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The study draws upon three accounts to examine post-truth politics and its link to accounting. In studying Petrobras, a Brazilian petrochemical company embroiled in a corruption scandal, the authors draw upon a politics of falsity to understand how different depictions of similar events can emerge. The authors depict Petrobras' corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures during the period of corruption juxtaposed against the Brazilian Federal Police investigation (the Lava Jato/Car Wash Operation) and Petrobras' response to the allegations of institutional corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set consisted of 56 Petrobras reports including Annual Reports, Financial Statements, Sustainability Reports and Form 20-Fs from 2004 to 2017, information disclosed by the Brazilian Federal Police concerning the Lava Jato Operation and media reports concerning Petrobras and the corruption scandal. The paper employs a discourse analysis approach to depict and interpret the accounts.

Findings

Through examining the connection between ontic accounts and ontological presuppositions, the authors illustrate a post-truth logic underpinning accounting, due to the interpretive, contestable and contingent nature of accounting information. Consequently, the authors turn to the “ethics of the real” as a response, as citizen subjects must be cautious in how they approach accounting and CSR disclosures.

Originality/value

Rather than relying on simplistic true/false dualities, the authors argue that the “ethics of the real” provides a courageous position for citizen subjects to interrogate the organisation by recognising the role of discourse and disclosure expectations on organisations in a post-truth environment. The study also illustrates how competing, contingent accounts of the same timeframe and events can emerge.
Elucidating corporate governance’s impact and role in countering fraud
Authors: Kassem Rasha
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the role and impact of corporate governance in combating fraud by drawing on insights from the literature, identify gaps in the literature and suggest new directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a comprehensive general literature review using multiple search engines and databases.

Findings

This paper finds that effective corporate governance can help reduce fraud risk, prevent fraud and detect fraud, particularly corporate fraud, insider fraud and asset diversion. Some companies use corporate governance mechanisms to bolster their reputation following fraud detection. Ineffective corporate governance increases fraud risk, provides the opportunity for perpetrating fraud and reduces the likelihood of fraud detection. The paper sheds light on several governance mechanisms that could help in mitigating fraud risk, as reported in the literature. The paper categorises these governance mechanisms into four broad governance aspects, including board leadership and the role of ethics; (b) board characteristics, composition and structure; ownership structure; accountability. The paper proposes a guide summarising these broad fundamental governance aspects, including specific anti-fraud controls and examples of how organisations could enhance ethical cultures and the tone at the top.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to elucidate the role of corporate governance in countering fraud and develop guidance in this area. The proposed guidance could be helpful to businesses leaders, policymakers, researchers and academics alike.
Executive shareholding, institutional investor shareholding and enterprise innovation
Authors: Wang Tai , Cheng Daoping
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the relationship between executive shareholding, institutional investor shareholding and corporate innovation, and to further explore in depth the impact of executive shareholding on corporate innovation under different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the panel data of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2012 to 2020 as the research sample to empirically study the relationship between executive shareholding, institutional investor shareholding and corporate innovation based on multiple linear regression models and panel fixed effects.

Findings

The research shows that: on the whole, the impact of executive shareholding on enterprise innovation presents an inverted “U” shape; institutional investors will negatively regulate the impact of executive shareholding on enterprise innovation; the impact of executive shareholding on enterprise innovation will show obvious industry differences in different industries.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results not only enrich the research on the effects of institutional investors' involvement in corporate governance practice, but also provide targeted experience for promoting enterprise innovation. Due to the limitations of innovation indicators and industry sample selection, it is necessary to be cautious when extending the results to other fields.

Practical implications

Enterprises should fully consider the impact of executive shareholding on innovation and formulate a scientific executive incentive system according to the differences of their industries. The government should be aware of the important role of institutional investors in enterprises, improve the channels and ways for institutional investors to participate in corporate governance, and improve the basic system of capital markets.

Originality/value

On the one hand, this paper empirically tests the regulatory role of institutional investors' shareholding and the relationship between executive shareholding and enterprise innovation, which enriches the research on the effect of institutional investors' involvement in corporate governance practice. On the other hand, the research by industry is more targeted to provide experience for promoting enterprise innovation.
Will Rota 2030 deliver sustainable innovation? Comparing the ends and means of Brazilian and German auto industry innovation policies
Authors: Pelegrina Juliano , Stoeber Timo , Fouto Nuno Manoel Martins Dias
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Due to dramatic transformation of the auto industry, governments are implementing innovation policies to ensure the domain of sustainable technologies. According to the literature, developing countries that depend on multinational subsidiaries must invest in complementary innovation to be part of their research and development (R&D) headquarters' long-term plans. This study analyses the Brazilian auto industry innovation policy (Rota 2030) to evaluate if it targets complementarity with the German's one (NPE). It also compares the institutional arrangements of the former against the latter to check for governance gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies a case-oriented comparative method (Ragin, 2014) for the analysis of qualitative evidence on secondary data. It investigates evidence of complementarity between Rota 2030 and national platform for electric mobility (NPE) objectives and checks for governance gaps in Rota 2030 using NPE as a reference.

Findings

The results confirmed a loose fitting between the innovation policies mainly for a lack of determinism of Rota 2030 objectives. Governance gaps were also found on Rota 2030 policy formulation and operationalization.

Practical implications

It contributes for the improvement of Rota 2030, and its analytical frame may be used for the formulation or adjustment of other developing countries' innovation policies.

Originality/value

It contributes with innovation system and policy field development with a theoretical extension coming from the New Institutional Economics (NIE) (Menard, 2018). By examining the performance of “institutional arrangements” during the process of formulation and operationalization of innovation policies, it shows the importance of coordination for their effectiveness.
A LAG-based framework to overcome the challenges of the sustainable vaccine supply chain: an integrated BWM–MARCOS approach
Authors: Yadav Amit Kumar , Kumar Dinesh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Each individual needs to be vaccinated to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the shortest possible time. However, the vaccine distribution with an already strained supply chain in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will not be effective enough to vaccinate all the population in stipulated time. The purpose of this paper is to show that there is a need to revolutionize the vaccine supply chain (VSC) by overcoming the challenges of sustainable vaccine distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated lean, agile and green (LAG) framework is proposed to overcome the challenges of the sustainable vaccine supply chain (SVSC). A hybrid best worst method (BWM)–Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to COmpromise Solution (MARCOS) methodology is designed to analyze the challenges and solutions.

Findings

The analysis shows that vaccine wastage is the most critical challenge for SVSC, and the coordination among stakeholders is the most significant solution followed by effective management support.

Social implications

The result of the analysis can help the health care organizations (HCOs) to manage the VSC. The effective vaccination in stipulated time will help control the further spread of the virus, which will result in the normalcy of business and availability of livelihood for millions of people.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to explore sustainability in VSC by considering the environmental and social impact of vaccination. The LAG-based framework is also a new approach in VSC to find the solution for existing challenges.
How incentive synergy and organizational structures shape innovation ambidexterity
Authors: Zhang Qingqiang , Sun Xinbo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Organizational incentives and structures play a crucial role in realizing explorative and exploitative innovations in firms. Existing studies have neglected the role of trade-off mechanisms between the two on innovation ambidexterity. This study aims to investigate these trade-off mechanisms and their position on innovation ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the limited theoretical understanding, the authors conducted a case study with a sample of two Chinese firms with abundant interview and secondary data.

Findings

The results show that firms can develop innovation ambidexterity at two levels, namely, the time and space levels, using incentive synergy as well as organizational structures. Furthermore, the authors explain the role of the trade-off between incentive synergy and organizational structure in promoting a balance between explorative and exploitative innovation.

Originality/value

The authors propose trade-off mechanisms between incentive synergy and organizational structure and explore how trade-off mechanisms can play a role in promoting a balance of explorative and exploitative innovation at both time and space levels.
Designing synchronizer module in CMMS software based on lean smart maintenance and process mining
Authors: Hosseinizadeh Mazloumi Seyed Hesam , Moini Alireza , Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani Mehrdad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

New maintenance hypotheses such as lean smart maintenance emphasized internal integration. Since the maintenance process is not fully integrated with other business processes, it indicates that some of the problems in the maintenance process are caused by other departments. Additionally, nothing can be managed or improved without first measuring it. In order to enhance internal integration, this study developed a model that makes use of information systems data to examine synchronization and collaboration across departments engaged in maintenance operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research connects maintenance management and business process management through information systems. A conceptual module model based on CMMS is proposed that will use data which are already available in CMMS and, using process mining, will assess the level of synchronization between departments within an organization.

Findings

This conceptual model will serve as a roadmap for creating better value-added CMMS software. This system operates as a performance measurement tool in three majors, including organizational analysis, workflow analysis and eventually, a future simulation of maintenance processes. This module will serve as a decision support system, highlighting opportunities for improvement in maintenance processes.

Originality/value

A practical guideline is provided for the future development of CMMSs and their enhancement to intelligence. All assumptions are based on maintenance theories, techniques for measuring maintenance performance and business process management and process mining.
Finding good cops: the foundations of a screen-in (not out) hiring process for police
Authors: Terpstra Brice , White Michael D. , Fradella Henry F.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to outline components of a proposed screen-in (not out) hiring process for police.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data collected from police officers of all ranks (n = 166) in one Arizona police department, exploring officer perceptions of the most important qualities necessary to be an exceptional police officer, as well as the optimal processes for finding people with those traits.

Findings

Results build on prior studies that have begun to identify sought-after traits including honesty, integrity, ethics, compassion, empathy, as well as communication and listening skills. Findings also suggest preliminary steps for finding good cops through expansion of existing screen-out processes to also screen-in desirable prospects, application of some academy training processes to the hiring pool, and more proactive recruitment efforts.

Originality/value

This study adds value to the extant literature on the characteristics of good policing and on identifying the qualities by which to “screen-in” officers during the hiring and recruitment process. Further, the authors expand this understanding by capturing perceptions of the best processes to identify individuals with desirable qualities during the hiring and recruitment process. The implications of these findings are used to initiate a discussion of foundational components of a screening-in hiring process for police, informed by both empirical research and community perspectives.
Brands in the eye of the storm: navigating political consumerism and boycott calls on social media
Authors: Dalakas Vassilis , Melancon Joanna Phillips , Szczytynski Izabela
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Given the division between conservative and liberal ideologies on many issues, brands navigate social media minefields whenever they take a social or political stance. This study aims to explore real-time social media consumer responses to eight US boycott threats, including both conservative-based and liberal-based calls for boycott.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory analysis of approximately 800 tweets collected in the 24 h following each brand’s trigger event led to a framework of motivations for using social media to engage in boycott discussions over a brand’s political stance.

Findings

Eleven pro-boycott and 11 anti-boycott consumer profiles emerged across cases. Overarching motivations for pro- and anti-boycotters include a desire to cause/prevent change, seeking justice/fairness, self-enhancement and expression of hostility. Findings suggest that political consumerism occurs with differing motivations and varying levels of emotion, that brand defenders may lessen boycott effectiveness and that threats to boycott may not always translate to actual boycotts.

Originality/value

This paper explores actual consumer boycott calls from various industries as they unfolded in real-time, as opposed to other research that explores hypothetical boycotts or a single case study. Additionally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is among the first to explore how consumers enter the boycott conversation in defense of the brand and attempt to diffuse the call for a boycott.
Treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome: “They also serve who only stand and wait”
Authors: Lanna Mariano
Published: May 2022

Linked article : This is a mini commentary on Bartin et al., pp. 2028–2037. in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17228
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding practices: A secondary analysis of data from the All Our Families Cohort
Authors: Horsley Kristin , Chaput Kathleen , Da Costa Deborah , Nguyen Tuong‐Vi , Dayan Natalie , Tomfohr‐Madsen Lianne , Tough Suzanne
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur in approximately 7%–10% of pregnancies and are associated with adverse maternal cardiovascular health outcomes across the lifespan. In contrast, breastfeeding has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors in a dose‐dependent manner. Despite the potential protective effects of lactation on cardiovascular risk, how hypertensive disorders of pregnancy relate to breastfeeding practices and experiences is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes in the first year postpartum.

Material and methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of prospective data from the All Our Families Cohort, a population‐based study conducted in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Women with a singleton pregnancy (n = 1418) who completed self‐report questionnaires at <25 weeks and 34–36 weeks of gestation, and 4 months and 12 months postpartum, and provided consent to link to electronic medical records that identified diagnoses of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (n = 122). Logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to model associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes. Outcomes included breastfeeding intention, intended duration, exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months, breastfeeding duration at 12 months and breastfeeding difficulties.

Results

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were not associated with breastfeeding intention (odds ration [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–3.03, P = 0.57), intended breastfeeding duration (b = −3.28, 95% CI −7.04 to 0.48, P = 0.09), or initiation (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.29– 1.65, P = 0.32), but were associated with an increase in the odds of non‐exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months postpartum (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.39–3.22, P < 0.001). Women with hypertensive disorders breastfed for 6.26 (95% CI −10.00 to −2.51, P < 0.001) weeks less over 12 months postpartum, had significantly higher odds of reporting insufficient milk supply (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.19–2.46, P < 0.05) and had lower odds of breast and/or nipple pain (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.92, P < 0.05) compared with those without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with altered breastfeeding practices and experiences during the first year postpartum. Further research is needed to examine biopsychosocial mechanisms through which hypertensive disorders associate with shorter breastfeeding duration, and to examine whether greater breastfeeding duration, intensity or exclusivity reduces short‐ or long‐term maternal cardiovascular risk.
Sources of excess steroid prescriptions and clinical adverse outcomes associated with steroid excess in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: The Leeds IBD Steroids study
Authors: Rosiou Konstantina , Carbonell Jenelyn , Dolby Vivien , Monfared Niloufar , Raine Tim , Selinger Christian P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Corticosteroids remain important for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares. Steroid excess, however, may be a marker of poor care. Patients access steroid prescriptions from primary (General Practitioners [GP]) or secondary care (hospital‐based). Sources of prescriptions and associated outcomes are not well described.

Methods

Patients attending IBD clinics with linked primary care information were included. We examined appropriateness and timeliness of treatment escalation and avoidability of steroid excess in relation to prescription sources.

Results

Of 2246 patients, 33% were exposed to steroids over 2 years. Primary care issued 28% of prescriptions. Secondary care prescriptions were more often of appropriate dose and duration (85% vs 41%, p < 0.001). Further flares occurred in 50% of patients prescribed steroids from primary care (vs 39%; p = 0.003).

Steroid excess was observed in 15%. Patients with steroid excess who received prescriptions from primary care that were not communicated to secondary care less often received timely treatment escalation (49% vs 66%, p = 0.042) and steroid excess was more often avoidable (73% vs 56%, p = 0.022).

Patients with steroid excess had higher risks of hospitalisation for IBD (OR = 12.33, 95% CI [8.89–17.11]), hospitalisation for infections (OR = 2.89, 95% CI [1.82–4.61]) and GP prescribed antibiotics (OR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.07–1.86]).

Conclusion

Patients commonly access steroids through primary care, but doses and durations are frequently inappropriate with patients more likely to flare. Steroid excess was associated with IBD admissions, admissions for infections and antibiotic prescriptions. Improved liaison between primary and secondary care is required to reduce steroid excess.
Histological study and immunohistochemical location of cytoskeletal proteins in the testis and epididymis of the three species of lizards of the family Leiosauridae (Reptilia: Squamata)
Authors: da Silveira Firmiano Enely Maris , Machado‐Santos Clarice , Ribeiro Ricardo Brito Amanda , de Sousa Bernadete Maria , Lima Pinheiro Nadja , das Neves Cardoso Nathália , Alves do Nascimento Aparecida
Published: May 2022

The objective of the study was to histologically describe the structure of the testis and epididymis, identifying the GAGs in them. Furthermore, the distribution of smooth muscle alpha‐actin, desmin, and vimentin is described of E. bilineatus, E. perditus, and U. vautieri, through immunohistochemical method. Two adult males of each species of the lizards were collected in southeastern Brazil. In the testicular albuginea, the presence of neutral glycoproteins was detected. In E. bilineatus, the epididymal duct epithelium is simple, composed of secretory cells, cylindrical in shape and acidophilic cytoplasm. In the testis of the three lizards there was a positive immunolocation accentuated for α‐SMA in the dense connective tissue of the tunica albuginea. A moderate reaction was observed in the connective tissue albuginous and in the layer of smooth muscle fibers in a circumferential arrangement of the epididymal duct. The immunolocation for desmin was accentuated in the fibers of the testicular albuginea of E. bilineatus, while in U. vautier and E. perditus was moderate. In the epididymis, only in E. perditus and E. bilineatus positive immunoreaction was verified. In the three lizards there were no observations of immunostaining for vimentin with the antibody utilized.
Cefotaxime‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom in a child with cross‐reactivity to other cephalosporins and cosensitization to teicoplanin
Authors: Mansour Khadija , Ben Fadhel Najah , Ben Fredj Nadia , Ben Romdhane Haifa , Chaabane Amel , Chadli Zohra , Aouam Karim
Published: May 2022

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS) is a severe adverse drug‐induced reaction. Commonly related to anticonvulsant and allopurinol, DRESS can affect both adults and children. Cefotaxime is rarely associated with DRESS, especially with children. We report a cefotaxime‐induced DRESS in a child and emphasize the role of allergological work‐up to point out the culprit drug in exploring cross‐reactivity and identifying a possible cosensitization. A 2‐year‐old boy was treated with cefotaxime, vancomycin and metronidazole for acute otomastoiditis. Metronidazole was withdrawn and vancomycin was changed by teicoplanin 10 and 15 days later, respectively. Nineteen days after ongoing cefotaxime and 4 days after teicoplanin intake, the patient developed hyperthermia, a widespread exanthema, facial oedema with neither mucosal involvement nor palpable lymphadenopathy. Biological tests revealed eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytes, mild cytolysis and a high lactate dehydrogenase level. Serological tests for viral and bacterial infections were negative. DRESS was suspected and the 2 antibiotics were withdrawn. Intradermal tests (IDT) were carried out 2 months later with cefotaxime and teicoplanin. They revealed a positive result at 48‐hour reading. To assess cross‐reactivity among β‐lactams, IDT to penicillins (benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin) was performed showing negative results at 48‐hour reading. Nevertheless, IDT to cephalosporins (cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone) displayed positive results at 48‐hour reading. As a result, IDT are of great interest and should be performed to confirm the role of cefotaxime and detect a potential cross‐reactivity with chemically similar drugs and drugs taken before and during the episode of DRESS.
International surveillance of trends in melanoma survival: the impact of morphology
Authors: Olsen Catherine M.
Published: May 2022

Linked Article: Di Carlo et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:364–380.
Clinical implications and genetic features of clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance compared to lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Choi Eun‐Ji , Cho Young‐Uk , Hur Eun‐Hye , Park Han‐Seung , Choi Yunsuk , Lee Jung‐Hee , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung , Kim Miyoung , Hwang Sang‐Hyun , Jang Seongsoo , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Seo Eul‐Ju , Lee Je‐Hwan
Published: May 2022

Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is characterized by persistent cytopenias with genetic aberrations, which do not meet the diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We aimed to compare the clinical and genetic characteristics of CCUS with lower‐risk MDS and identify patients with CCUS with a high risk of progression. We performed targeted sequencing of bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS) (n = 139) and MDS (n = 226). Overall survival (OS) of patients with CCUS (n = 78) was worse than non‐clonal ICUS (n = 61) and superior to lower‐risk MDS (n = 99). Patients with CCUS showed similar characteristics to those with lower‐risk MDS, except for higher haemoglobin, lower BM cellularity, and less frequent SF3B1 mutations. Lower haemoglobin, DDX41 (biallelic germline and somatic), ETV6, and RUNX1 mutations were independent prognostic factors for worse OS. Lower haemoglobin and DDX41 mutations were also associated with lower progression‐free survival. Patients with CCUS with high‐risk features showed similar or worse OS than patients with lower‐risk MDS. Our findings suggest that patients with CCUS having certain clinical or genetic features should be regarded and treated as lower‐risk MDS despite lacking significant dysplasia or MDS‐associated chromosomal abnormalities.