bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of an Individualized Lung Protective Ventilation on Lung Strain and Stress in Children Undergoing Laparoscopy: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Acosta Cecilia M. , Poliotto Sergio , Abrego Diego , Bradley Dolores , de Esteban Santiago , Mir Francisco , Ricci Lila , Natal Marcela , Wallin Mats , Hallbäck Magnus , Sipmann Fernando Suarez , Tusman Gerardo
Published: December 2023

Background

Exaggerated lung strain and stress could damage lungs in anesthetized children. The authors hypothesized that the association of capnoperitoneum and lung collapse in anesthetized children increases lung strain-stress. Their primary aim was to describe the impact of capnoperitoneum on lung strain-stress and the effects of an individualized protective ventilation during laparoscopic surgery in children.

Methods

The authors performed an observational cohort study in healthy children aged 3 to 7 yr scheduled for laparoscopic surgery in a community hospital. All received standard protective ventilation with 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Children were evaluated before capnoperitoneum, during capnoperitoneum before and after lung recruitment and optimized PEEP (PEEP adjusted to get end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure of 0), and after capnoperitoneum with optimized PEEP. The presence of lung collapse was evaluated by lung ultrasound, positive Air-Test (oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry 96% or less breathing 21% O2 for 5 min), and negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure. Lung strain was calculated as tidal volume/end-expiratory lung volume measured by capnodynamics, and lung stress as the end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure.

Results

The authors studied 20 children. Before capnoperitoneum, mean lung strain was 0.20 ± 0.07 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.23), and stress was 5.68 ± 2.83 (95% CI, 4.44 to 6.92) cm H2O. During capnoperitoneum, 18 patients presented lung collapse and strain (0.29 ± 0.13; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.35; P < 0.001) and stress (5.92 ± 3.18; 95% CI, 4.53 to 7.31 cm H2O; P = 0.374) increased compared to before capnoperitoneum. During capnoperitoneum and optimized PEEP, children presenting lung collapse were recruited and optimized PEEP was 8.3 ± 2.2 (95% CI, 7.3 to 9.3) cm H2O. Strain returned to values before capnoperitoneum (0.20 ± 0.07; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.22; P = 0.318), but lung stress increased (7.29 ± 2.67; 95% CI, 6.12 to 8.46 cm H2O; P = 0.020). After capnoperitoneum, strain decreased (0.18 ± 0.04; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.20; P = 0.090), but stress remained higher (7.25 ± 3.01; 95% CI, 5.92 to 8.57 cm H2O; P = 0.024) compared to before capnoperitoneum.

Conclusions

Capnoperitoneum increased lung strain in healthy children undergoing laparoscopy. Lung recruitment and optimized PEEP during capnoperitoneum decreased lung strain but slightly increased lung stress. This little rise in pulmonary stress was maintained within safe, lung-protective, and clinically acceptable limits.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Combined Calcaneal Osteotomy and Achilles Tendon Lengthening in the Treatment of Rigid Heel Varus Deformity: A Novel Approach
Authors: Ciftci Sadettin , Safali Selim , Aydin Bahattin Kerem , Senaran Hakan
Published: December 2023

Calcaneal sliding osteotomy is a frequently preferred procedure in the treatment of rigid heel varus deformity. The routine approach for calcaneal osteotomy is the lateral approach. However, wound problems, risk of iatrogenic injury to medial neurovascular structures, and difficulty in the management of the deformity are the main problems of this approach. In this article, we describe a new surgical approach, consisting of Achilles tendon lengthening in addition to calcaneal osteotomy, facilitating the intervention of other flexor tendon components and posterior structures in the correction of rigid heel varus deformity.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5.
Renal Function Impairment in Children With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ríos-Barnés María , Velasco-Arnaiz Eneritz , Fortuny Clàudia , Benavides Marta , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Muga Oihana , Del Valle Rut , Frick Marie Antoinette , Bringué Xavier , Herrero Susana , Vilas Javier , Alonso-Ojembarrena Almudena , Castells-Vilella Laura , Rojo Pablo , Blázquez-Gamero Daniel , Esteva Cristina , Sánchez Emilia , Alarcón Ana , Noguera-Julian Antoni ,   on behalf of the Spanish Registry of Infants with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Published: December 2023

Background:

We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of glomerular and tubular renal dysfunction by means of urinalysis in infants and toddlers with congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) and their association with cCMV disease, viruria and antiviral treatment.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was done using the Spanish Registry of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection. First-morning urine samples were collected from January 2016 to December 2018 from patients <5 years old enrolled in Spanish Registry of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection. Samples were excluded in case of fever or other signs or symptoms consistent with acute infection, bacteriuria or bacterial growth in urine culture. Urinary protein/creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratios, urinary beta-2-microglobulin levels, hematuria and CMV viruria were determined. A 0.4 cutoff in the urinary albumin/protein ratio was used to define tubular (<0.4) or glomerular (>0.4) proteinuria. Signs and symptoms of cCMV at birth, the use of antivirals and cCMV-associated sequelae at last available follow-up were obtained from Spanish Registry of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.

Results:

Seventy-seven patients (37 females, 48.1%; median [interquartile range] age: 14.0 [4.4–36.2] months) were included. Symptom-free elevated urinary protein/creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratios were observed in 37.5% and 41.9% of patients, respectively, with tubular proteinuria prevailing (88.3%) over glomerular proteinuria (11.6%). Proteinuria in the nephrotic range was not observed in any patients. In multivariate analysis, female gender was the only risk factor for tubular proteinuria (adjusted odds ratio = 3.339, 95% confidence interval: 1.086–10.268; P = 0.035). cCMV disease at birth, long-term sequelae, viruria or the use of antivirals were not associated with urinalysis findings.

Conclusions:

Mild nonsymptomatic tubular proteinuria affects approximately 40% of infants and toddlers with mostly symptomatic cCMV in the first 5 years of life.
A Year of Deaths Due to or With COVID-19 Under Universal Postmortem Testing in San Francisco
Authors: Miyashiro Rand A. , McFarland Willi
Published: December 2023

The Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco, California, issued the order that all decedents were required to have a documented COVID-19 test effective from June 2020 to June 2021. The justification for the requirement was that complete data on COVID-19 status at the time of death were needed to help protect first responders and funeral home workers, identify missed cases, and characterize the places of death for otherwise unknown COVID-19 cases. To fill the gap in COVID-19 testing for all decedents, particularly among persons dying outside of hospitals, a specialized Decedent Testing Unit was created along with an increased capacity of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, the Decedent Testing Unit and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner provided postmortem testing results for 2776 decedents. Of these, 80 tested positive for COVID-19 for a positivity rate of 2.97%. The largest number of COVID-19–positive specimens were collected from persons who died at home (n = 37, 46.3%), followed by those who died in hospice (n = 20, 25.0%), other places outside of homes or facilities (n = 8, 10.0%), and in skilled nursing or long-term care facilities (n = 7, 8.8%). Follow-up of California death records found that 17 of these 80 cases (21.3%) had COVID-19 listed as one of the causes of death, 22 (27.5%) mentioned COVID-19 under “other conditions,” and 41 (51.3%) made no mention of COVID-19. In the context of providing the COVID-19 status of decedents not otherwise known to have infection, our data help gauge the likelihood of missing deaths due to or with COVID-19 and inform future public health decisions on whether to require universal postmortem testing with COVID-19 resurgences or with new deadly epidemics.
Immunohistochemical Comparison of Ki-67 and MCM-3 in Odontogenic Cysts: An Observational Study
Authors: Bhola Ridhi , Narwal Anjali , Kamboj Mala , Devi Anju
Published: December 2023

Odontogenic cysts are a diverse group of pathologic entities with different proliferation potential, leading to variations in their biological behavior. One of the most cited proliferation markers used in diagnostic histopathology is Ki-67. Another group of proteins recently investigated is minichromosome maintenance (MCM-3) and its expression has been evaluated in several odontogenic lesions but the results were controversial. Thus, the present study endeavored to compare the expression of MCM-3 and Ki-67 in odontogenic cysts. Furthermore, a pioneer attempt was made to evaluate the sensitivity of these markers to inflammation. A total of 101 cases (37 dentigerous cysts, 37 odontogenic keratocysts, and 27 radicular cysts) were included. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and MCM-3 were investigated using a labeling index (LI). In addition, they were scored for inflammation, followed by correlation with both markers. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (P<0.05). Overall, a higher LI of MCM-3 than Ki-67 was obtained in all study groups along with a positive correlation of Ki-67 LI with inflammation. Thus, MCM-3 proteins proved to be a more accurate means to determine the proliferation potential and were not sensitive to external stimuli like inflammation than conventional markers, such as Ki-67.
Clinical Uptake of Pediatric Exoskeletons: A Pilot Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Herold Larissa , Bosques Glendaliz , Sulzer James
Published: December 2023

Objective

While the design and clinical evidence base of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices has been advancing, few studies investigate user experiences with accessing and using such devices in pediatric rehabilitation. This pilot study aims to further the understanding of barriers encountered by clinicians and caregivers when implementing a RAGT device.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a local outpatient pediatric therapy center with a RAGT exoskeleton. Six caregivers and six clinicians participated in semi-structured interviews with brief surveys. The surveys were summarized with descriptive statistics. The interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

The five most mentioned CFIR constructs were knowledge and beliefs, relative advantage, child attributes, complexity, and access to knowledge and information. Caregivers experienced obstacles to accessing and trialing RAGT devices. Clinicians expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of incorporating RAGT into their clinic and preferred lower-tech gait training techniques.

Conclusion

While some aspects of access and usability may be addressed by device design and technological advancements, overcoming other barriers will require a deeper understanding of the roles of scientific evidence, personal beliefs, and current therapy workflows in the uptake of robotic interventions.
Short-term effect of a carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis and integrated rehabilitation on self-reported physical function, pain, speed, and agility in civilians
Authors: Williamson Jared N. , Grunst Megan M. , Lynn Jeffrey , Williamson Gary A. , Blanck Ryan V. , Wilken Jason M.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are widely used to restore mobility and reduce pain in individuals with lower extremity pain and disability. The use of a carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis (CDO) with integrated physical training and psychosocial intervention has been shown to improve outcomes in a military setting, but civilian data are limited.

Objectives:

To use existing clinical data to evaluate the initial effectiveness of an integrated CDO and rehabilitative program and identify baseline characteristics that impact patient response to the intervention.

Study design:

Retrospective cohort.

Methods:

Records of 131 adult patients who received a CDO and device specific training were reviewed. Patient-reported measures of pain and lower extremity function and physical measurements of walking and agility were extracted at baseline and on training completion.

Results:

A majority of patients reported improved or greatly improved physical function (92%), maximum pain (69%), and typical pain (55%) and experienced improved or greatly improved walking speed (92%) and agility (52%) irrespective of age and sex. Regression models for examining short-term improvement in pain and physical function accounted for 52% (p < 0.001) and 26% (p < 0.001) of the outcome variance, respectively. Improvement in typical pain was influenced by baseline typical and maximum pain, and functional improvement was influenced by sex and baseline physical function.

Conclusions:

Most patients (92.4%) reported a positive initial outcome after intervention as measured using patient-reported and objective measures.
Influence of Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Aspiration and Drainage for Severe Acute Cholecystitis on the Surgical Outcomes of Subsequent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Post Hoc Analysis of the CSGO-HBP-017 (CSGO-HBP-017C)
Authors: Toya Keisuke , Tomimaru Yoshito , Fukuchi Nariaki , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Mori Takuji , Tanemura Masahiro , Sakai Kenji , Takeda Yutaka , Tsujie Masanori , Yamada Terumasa , Miyamoto Atsushi , Hashimoto Yasuji , Hatano Hisanori , Shimizu Junzo , Sugimoto Keishi , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Matsumoto Kenichi , Kobayashi Shogo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi ,   on behalf of the Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Group
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) and/or drainage (PTGBD) are useful approaches in the management of acute cholecystitis in patients who cannot tolerate surgery because of poor general condition or severe inflammation. However, reports regarding its effect on the surgical outcomes of subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are sparse. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of PTGBA on surgical outcomes of subsequent LC by comparing the only-PTGBA group, including patients who did not need the additional-PTGBD, versus the additional-PTGBD group, including those who needed the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a post hoc analysis of our multi-institutional data. This study included 63 patients who underwent LC after PTGBA, and we compared the surgical outcomes between the only-PTGBA group (n = 56) and the additional-PTGBD group (n = 7).

Results:

No postoperative complications occurred among the 63 patients, and the postoperative hospital stay was 11 ± 12 days. Fourteen patients (22.2%) had a recurrence of cholecystitis, of whom 7 patients (11.1%) needed the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA. Significantly longer operative time (245 ± 74 vs 159 ± 65 min, P = 0.0017) and postoperative hospital stay (22 ± 27 vs 10 ± 9 d, P = 0.0118) and greater intraoperative blood loss (279 ± 385 vs 70 ± 208 mL, P = 0.0283) were observed among patients in the additional-PTGBD group compared with the only-PTGBA group, whereas the rates of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3: 0% each) and conversion to open surgery (28.6% vs 8.9%, P = 0.1705) were comparable.

Conclusion:

PTGBA for acute cholecystitis could result in good surgical outcomes of subsequent LC, especially regarding postoperative complications. However, we should keep in mind that the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA failure, which sometimes happened, would be associated with increased operative difficulty and longer recovery.
Effect of Smoke Evacuator on Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds and Particles in Surgical Smoke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Yoshizaki Yuhi , Kawakami Toshiaki , Iwamoto Mitsuru , Hayakawa Tomoaki , Hayashi Yoshihito , Sawa Yui , Ito Kyoji , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Nishikata Yasuyoshi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Surgical smoke is an occupational health problem and is increasingly recognized as a potential source of virus transmission. Dedicated smoke evacuators are used to protect against surgical smoke exposure. We tested the hypothesis that using smoke evacuators would reduce volatile organic compounds and the number of particles in surgical smoke during the laparotomy procedure.

STUDY DESIGN:

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing laparotomy from June 11, 2021, to March 30, 2022, to compare the effectiveness of smoke evacuators with a control (registration, UMIN000044250). The primary outcome was a change in the acetaldehyde level. Secondary outcomes were changes in the formaldehyde level and particle count assessed by the particle size of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 nm.

RESULTS:

A total of 42 patients were randomized and assessed (smoke evacuator group, n = 22 vs control group, n = 20). The acetaldehyde level was significantly lower in the smoke evacuator group than in the control group: mean (95% CI), 10.6 (3.7 to 17.5) vs 47.2 (19.9 to 74.5) μg/m3, p < 0.001. Similarly, the formaldehyde level was 72.2% lower in the smoke evacuator group than in the control group. Particle counts by each particle size category were 80% to 95% lower in the smoke evacuator group than in the control group (all, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Dedicated smoke evacuators reduced the level of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, and the number of particles in surgical smoke, minimizing the potential exposure to volatile organic compounds and particle matters during surgery.
Cognitive load dissonance and personality factors: an empirical analysis in organizational settings
Authors: Francesco Di Gruttola , Antonio Mastrogiorgio , Donata Orfei M. , Sonia D’Arcangelo , Nicola Lattanzi , Emiliano Ricciardi , Andrea Malizia P.
Published: December 2023

Previous research that aimed at characterizing the importance of workers’ personological traits in coping with stress in organizational settings is often biased by the potential inconsistency (i.e., dissonance) between subjective perception and objective experience of workload. This study explored the relationship between the subjective, self-reported and objective physiological measures of cognitive load, and the possible confounding role of personality traits on a representative population (call center operators) in ecological settings (daily working routines consisting in inbound and outbound calls). With this aim, the personality traits of 30 call center operators were preliminarily characterized using the Ten Item Personality Inventory. Then, objective heart rate variability and electrodermal activity were measured during their inbound and outbound calls. Finally, a subjective self-evaluation of the experienced cognitive load was acquired. No significant correlations were found between subjective and objective measures of cognitive load except when controlling for personality traits. In particular, a negative correlation was found between the subjective perception of cognitive load and the psychophysiological indices of the parasympathetic tone. Specifically, the personality factors of Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Emotional Stability have a significant influence on the subjective perception of cognitive load, without predicting the objective psychophysiological expression. Our study emphasizes the importance of studying the dissonance between subjectively-perceived feelings and their objective physiological instantiation, along with the influence of personality factors, in organizational settings.
Bone mineral density assessment in patients with cystinuria
Authors: D’Ambrosio Viola , Capolongo Giovanna , Caletti Chiara , Vietri Maria Teresa , Ambrogio Martina , Lombardi Gianmarco , Perna Alessandra F , Orefice Giuseppe , Gremese Elisa , Varriano Valentina , Gatti Davide , Fassio Angelo , Capasso Giovambattista , Gambaro Giovanni , Ferraro Pietro Manuel
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cystinuria is a rare genetic disease characterized by impaired tubular transport of cystine. Clinical features of cystinuria include mainly nephrolithiasis and its complications, although cystinuric patients may present with other comorbidities. There are currently no data on bone features of patients with cystinuria. Our aim is to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) in cystinuria.

Methods

Our study included adult cystinuric patients followed at 3 specialized outpatient clinics in Italy (Rome, Naples and Verona). Markers of bone turnover were analyzed in a centralized laboratory. Clinical, biochemical and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) data were collected from September 2021 to December 2022. One sample t-tests were used to assess whether BMD Z-scores were significantly different from 0.

Results

39 patients were included in the study. Mean (SD) age was 38 (15) years, 40% were women. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 92 mL/min/1.73 m2. Serum parameters associated with bone remodeling (parathyroid hormone, FGF23, calcium and phosphate) were all in the normal range, with only 4 patients showing mild hypophosphatemia. Prevalence of low BMD, defined as T-score < −1 at any site, was 65%, higher at the femur and lumbar spine. Average Z-scores were negative across most sites.

Conclusions

Our data show a high prevalence of low BMD in cystinuric patients, despite having normal (or moderately impaired) kidney function and being relatively young.
A 6-week randomized-controlled field study: Effect of isokinetic eccentric resistance training on strength, flexibility and muscle structure for the shoulder external rotator in male junior handball players
Authors: Vetter Sebastian , Witt Maren , Hepp Pierre , Schleichardt Axel , Schleifenbaum Stefan , Roth Christian , Denecke Timm , Henkelmann Jeanette , Köhler Hans-Peter
Published: December 2023

Background

Team handball involves a tremendous amount of shoulder motion with high forces during repeated extended external range of motion. Shoulder complaints are a common problem in youth handball players. While eccentric training for the lower extremity shows preventive effects by improving strength, range of motion and fascicle length, there is a research gap for the shoulder joint and for advanced tissue characterization using diffusion tensor imaging.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of six-week eccentric isokinetic resistance training on the strength, flexibility, and fiber architecture characteristics of the external rotators compared to an active control group in junior handball players.

Methods

15 subjects were randomly assigned to the eccentric training group and 14 subjects to the active control group (conventional training). Primary outcome measures were eccentric and concentric isokinetic strength of the external rotators, range of motion, and muscle fascicle length and fascicle volume.

Results

The intervention group, showed significant changes in eccentric strength (+15 %). The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles showed significant increases in fascicle length (+13 % and +8 %), and in fractional anisotropy (+9 % and 6 %), which were significantly different from the control group.

Conclusions

Eccentric isokinetic training has a significant effect on the function and macroscopic structure of the shoulder external rotators in male junior handball players. While strength parameters and muscle structure improved, range of motion did not change. Future research is needed for more convenient field exercises in this context.
An integrated mathematical model of the neuromuscular activity of a motor unit
Authors: Ivanova Zdravka D. , Ivanov Tihomir B. , Raikova Rositsa T.
Published: December 2023

In the present work, we propose a new integrated mathematical model for the neuromuscular activation of a motor unit, describing the four consecutive processes, leading to muscle contraction—neural impulse propagation, acetylcholine transport in the neuromuscular junction, calcium release in the muscle cell, and force generation. We connect in an appropriate way models of the respective processes, known from the literature, and validate the resulting model by showing that it can reproduce with high accuracy experimental data for two motor unit twitches on a rat medial gastrocnemius muscle and can numerically restore the sequence of events that result in force generation. Sensitivity analysis for some of the model parameters is further performed to study their effect on the model solutions and to show that they can be related to known malfunctions or treatments of the neuromuscular system.
Structural Basis of μ-Opioid Receptor-Targeting by a Nanobody Antagonist
Authors: Yu Jun , Kumar Amit , Zhang Xuefeng , Martin Charlotte , Raia Pierre , Koehl Antoine , Laeremans Toon , Steyaert Jan , Manglik Aashish , Ballet Steven , Boland Andreas , Stoeber Miriam
Published: December 2023

The μ-opioid receptor (μOR), a prototypical member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, is the molecular target of opioid analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl. Due to the limitations and severe side effects of currently available opioid drugs, there is considerable interest in developing novel modulators of μOR function. Most GPCR ligands today are small molecules, however biologics, including antibodies and nanobodies, are emerging as alternative therapeutics with clear advantages such as affinity and target selectivity. Here, we describe the nanobody NbE, which selectively binds to the μOR and acts as an antagonist. We functionally characterize NbE as an extracellular and genetically encoded µOR ligand and uncover the molecular basis for µOR antagonism by solving the cryo-EM structure of the NbE-µOR complex. NbE displays a unique ligand binding mode and achieves µOR selectivity by interactions with the orthosteric pocket and extracellular receptor loops. Based on a β-hairpin loop formed by NbE that deeply inserts into the µOR and centers most binding contacts, we design short peptide analogues that retain µOR antagonism. The work illustrates the potential of nanobodies to uniquely engage with GPCRs and describes novel μOR ligands that can serve as a basis for therapeutic developments.
Scalable Genotyping of Microbial Colonies
Authors: Chen Arnold , Nchinda Nkazi , Cira Nate
Published: December 2023

The sequence of the 16S region is taxonomically informative and widely used for genotyping microbes. While it is easy and inexpensive to genotype several isolates by Sanger sequencing the 16S region, this method becomes quite costly if scaled to many isolates. High throughput sequencing provides one potential avenue for obtaining 16S sequences at scale, but presents additional challenges. First, DNA purification workflows for high-throughput sample preparation are labor intensive and expensive. Second, cost-effective multiplexing and library preparation schemes are difficult to implement for many libraries on a single sequencing run. Therefore, we implemented a scalable protocol for isolate genotyping involving colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with simple cell lysis as well as a four barcode indexing scheme that enables scalable multiplexing and streamlined library preparation by amplifying with four primers simultaneously in a single reaction. We tested this protocol on 93 colonies cultured from environmental samples, and we were able to ascertain the identity of ∼90% of microbial isolates.
Boundary effects cause false signals of range expansions in population genomic data
Authors: Kemppainen Petri , Schembri Rhiannon , Momigliano Paolo
Published: December 2023

Studying range expansions (REs) is central for understanding genetic variation through space and time as well as for identifying refugia and biological invasions. Range expansions are characterized by serial founder events causing clines of decreasing diversity away from the center of origin and asymmetries in the two-dimensional allele frequency spectra. These asymmetries, summarized by the directionality index (ψ), are sensitive to REs and persist for longer than clines in genetic diversity. In continuous and finite meta-populations, genetic drift tends to be stronger at the edges of the species distribution. Such boundary effects (BEs) are expected to affect geographic patterns in ψ as well as genetic diversity. With simulations we show that BEs consistently cause high false positive rates in equilibrium meta-populations when testing for REs. In the simulations, the absolute value of ψ (|ψ|) in equilibrium data sets was proportional to the fixation index (FST). By fitting signatures of REs as a function of ɛ=|ψ|/FSTand geographic clines in ψ, strong evidence for REs could be detected in data from a recent rapid invasion of the cane toad,Rhinella marina, in Australia, but not in 28 previously published empirical data sets from Australian scincid lizards or the Indo-Australasian blacktip shark that were significant for the standard RE tests. Thus, while clinal variation in ψ is still the most sensitive statistic to REs, in order to detect true signatures of REs in natural populations, its magnitude needs to be considered in relation to the overall levels of genetic structuring in the data.
Identification of the molecular components of enhancer-mediated gene expression variation in multiple tissues regulating blood pressure
Authors: Yaacov Or , Mathiyalagan Prabhu , Berk-Rauch Hanna H. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Zhu Luke , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Iribarren Carlos , Risch Neil , Lee Dongwon , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: December 2023

Inter-individual variation in blood pressure (BP) arises in part from sequence variants within numerous enhancers modulating expression of an unknown number of causal genes. We propose that these genes are active in tissues relevant to BP physiology and can be identified from tissue epigenomic data and genotypes of BP-phenotyped individuals. We used the ENCODE project’s H3K27ac and ATAC-seq data from the heart, adrenal gland, kidney, and artery to comprehensively identify all cis regulatory elements (CREs) in these tissues to estimate the impact of all common human single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in CREs on gene expression, using machine learning methods. To identify specific genes, we integrated these results through a gene-wise association test against BP. We conducted analyses in two separate large-scale cohorts: 77,822 individuals from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) of Kaiser Permanente North California and 315,270 individuals from the UK Biobank (UKB).

We identified 309, 259, 331 and 367 genes (FDR<0.05) for diastolic BP (DBP), and 191, 184, 204, and 204 genes for systolic BP (SBP), in the artery, kidney, heart, and adrenal gland, respectively, in GERA; 50-70% of these genes were replicated in the UKB and is significantly higher than the 12-15% expected by chance (P <10-4). These results enabled the prediction of tissue expression of these 988-2,875 putative BP-genes in individual participants of both cohorts to construct an expression polygenic score (exPGS). This score explained ∼27% of the reported SNV heritability (h2, 21%), substantially higher than that expected from prior studies. Additionally, we utilized these methods to provide dual-modality supporting evidence, CRE and expression-based, for the causality of genes previously detected by GWAS.
The impact of patient-centered care on quality of life and hope among patients receiving home medical care: The Zaitaku Evaluative Initiatives and Outcome Study
Authors: Iida Hidekazu , Hayashi Shinu , Yasunaka Masakazu , Tsugihashi Yukio , Hirose Misaki , Shirahige Yutaka , Kurita Noriaki ,   the ZEVIOUS group
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the correlation between the quality of patient-centered care and quality of life and hope among patients receiving home medical care.

Design

Multicenter cross-sectional study

Setting and Participants

This study was part of the Zaitaku Evaluative Initiatives and Outcome Study involving 29 home care clinics in Japan. The participants were patients receiving home medical care who were judged capable of responding to the questionnaire survey by their attending physician.

Methods

Patient centeredness, the exposure variable, was measured using the Japanese version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool–Short Form (JPCAT-SF). Outcomes, namely quality of life and hope, were measured utilizing the Quality of Life-Home Care (QOL-HC) and Health-Related Hope (HR-Hope) scales, respectively. Mixed-effects linear regression models were applied, incorporating covariates such as age, sex, education, family member presence, comorbidities (primary and other), depressive symptoms, residence type, and patient life expectancy.

Results

Among the 194 participants, a notable association was found, wherein a higher JPCAT-SF total score correlated with an elevated QOL-HC score (adjusted mean difference per 10-point increase: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17–0.42). Within the JPCAT-SF domains, elevated scores for first contact, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, and community orientation were correlated with higher QOL-HC scores. Additionally, a higher JPCAT-SF total score was associated with elevated HR-Hope levels (adjusted mean difference per 10-point increase: 5.1, 95% CI: 3.2–7). Higher scores for first contact, longitudinality, coordination, comprehensiveness, and community orientation were associated with higher HR-Hope scores.

Conclusions and Implications

The findings underscore that higher quality patient-centered care is positively associated with enhanced quality of life and hope among home medical care patients. This study highlights the importance of strengthening patient centeredness in daily clinical practice.
A Small Genome Amidst the Giants: Evidence of Genome Reduction in a Small Tubulinid Free-Living Amoeba
Authors: Tekle Yonas I. , Tefera Hanna
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the genomic characteristics ofEchinamoeba silvestris, a small-sized amoeba within the Tubulinea clade of the Amoebozoa supergroup. Despite Tubulinea’s significance in various fields, genomic data for this clade have been scarce. E. silvestrispresents the smallest free-living amoeba genome within Tubulinea and Amoebozoa to date. Comparative analysis reveals intriguing parallels with parasitic lineages in terms of genome size and predicted gene numbers, emphasizing the need to understand the consequences of reduced genomes in free-living amoebae. Functional categorization of predicted genes inE. silvestrisshows similar percentages of ortholog groups to other amoebae in various categories, but a distinctive feature is the extensive gene contraction in orphan (ORFan) genes and those involved in biological processes. Notably, among the few genes that underwent expansion, none are related to cellular components, suggesting adaptive processes that streamline biological processes and cellular components for efficiency and energy conservation. The investigation delves into genomic structural evidence, including gene content and repetitive elements, illuminating the distinctive genomic traits ofE. silvestrisand providing reinforcement for its compact genome size. Overall, this research underscores the diversity within Tubulinea, highlights knowledge gaps in Amoebozoa genomics, and positionsE. silvestrisas a valuable addition to genomic datasets, prompting further exploration of complexities in Amoebozoa diversity and genome evolution.
Corrosion and protection of friction stir welding of magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhou Ziru , Zheng Songlin , Chen Jiahuan , Zhang Ting , He Zhen , Wang Yuxin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The high specific strength makes magnesium alloys have a wide range of applications in aerospace, military, automotive, marine and construction industries. However, its poor corrosion resistance and weldability have limited its development and application. Friction stir welding (FSW) can effectively avoid the defects of fusion welding. However, the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of FSW joints in magnesium alloys vary among different regions. The purpose of this paper is to review the corrosion of magnesium alloy FSW joints, and to summarize the protection technology of welded joints.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion of magnesium alloy FSW joints includes electrochemical corrosion and stress corrosion. This paper summarizes corrosion protection techniques for magnesium alloys FSW joints, focusing on composition, microstructure changes and surface treatment methods.

Findings

Currently, this research is mainly focused on enhancing the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy FSW joints by changing compositions, structural modifications and surface coating technologies. Refinement of the grains can be achieved by adjusting welding process parameters, which in turn minimizes the effects of the second phase on the alloy’s corrosion resistance.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the corrosion and protection of magnesium alloys FSW joints, covering the latest research advancements and practical applications. It aims to equip researchers with a better insight into the field and inspire new studies on this topic.
India Someday: weaving glorious memories amidst hurdles
Authors: Menezes Stacy , Saha Tanaya
Published: December 2023

Expected learning outcomes

This case study aims to stimulate the students’ thoughts about the introduction of sustainability and its importance in the travel and tourism industry and introduce the concept of resilience and building of dynamic capability of a venture from the perspective of an entrepreneur.

Case overview/synopsis

Established in 2009, India Someday was a fledgling travel company based in Mumbai, India. The team comprised passionate travellers who provided planning assistance for those willing to explore India independently. The company offered customised, personalised and tailor-made trips to create a memorable travel experience for travellers with differing budgets and age groups. Upon the launch of Asia Someday, an extension of the travel venture India Someday, Mr Asif Munshi shared a moment of relief as he shook hands with his co-founder, Mr Harsh Shirodkar. The pandemic significantly impacted the tourism industry, yet it fortified their entrepreneurial spirit and inspired them to bounce back with a dynamic and vigorous comeback and further strengthened the foundation of the endeavour. The expansion of their entrepreneurial venture marked the initiation of the second innings of their enterprise. Although the company had managed to stay afloat because of savings, it was soon depleted. But the withdrawal of the no-fly list and the gradual opening of borders brought a ray of hope for India Someday. Munshi was preoccupied with his thoughts about the future steps of his dream venture. With emails from his previous clients regarding travel plans to India, he could see that the prior impact of India Someday had not gone in vain. Although relieved with the commencement of people travelling, the future was uncertain and the founders knew that they had to be prepared to successfully operate their venture.

Subject area

Tourism and hospitality courses/entrepreneur courses

Study level/applicability

Beginner

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 12: Tourism and hospitality.
Uni Style Image – a savvy fashion brand poised to stay buoyant
Authors: Ahuja Yukti , Jain Pooja , Gupta Parul
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes

This case study covers marketing concepts, including marketing mix, segmentation, targeting and brand positioning and communication. After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand the importance of segmentation and targeting; recognize the differences between business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customers (B2C) segments; gain knowledge about the points of parity and points of difference while positioning; and examine the elements of a marketing mix.

Case overview/synopsis

The case centered around Mr. Ashvinder Singh, founder and director of Uni Style Image (USI), who initiated the polo T-shirt business in 1990 in Okhla, Delhi. The brand expanded across the country, but from 2010, USI faced fluctuating demand due to the rise of online marketing and intense competition from global fashion brands. Revenues dropped massively, leading to a significant downsizing from over 300 employees to just 11 by the end of fiscal year 2016–2017. In 2018, Singh explored the B2B model; however, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 impacted many small- and mid-sized apparel businesses, including USI. In the fiscal year 2021–2022, the B2B segment accounted for 90% of total revenue, but the business size could not cover significant operating expenses. Despite only 10% of revenue coming from the B2C segment, Singh wanted to leverage the online space. In September 2022, Singh closed his factory in Noida, National Capital Region, Delhi. Amid the uncertainty, Singh explored various opportunities in the Indian market. In 2023, he even engaged a consultancy for expertise in marketing initiatives. He had to choose the target segment/s, develop a positioning strategy and create an effective marketing mix with very limited resources.

Complexity academic level

This case is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering a valuable teaching tool for essential marketing concepts, such as the marketing mix, segmentation, positioning and brand communication. It can be used in both core marketing courses and elective courses like brand management, consumer behavior and integrated marketing communication. The decision dilemma presented in the case enriches the understanding of these concepts, making it a valuable resource for marketing education.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Consumer response to store-related stimuli in a crisis: evidence from Japan and Croatia
Authors: Anić Ivan-Damir , Kursan Milaković Ivana , Hirogaki Mitsunori
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model, this study examines how safety measures, related assistance and tangible benefits affect consumers' emotional and cognitive states, leading to behavioural responses in an uncertain store environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was tested with the survey data collected from grocery shoppers in Japan and Croatia (n = 314 in each country) and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Safety measures and related assistance decreased perceived threat in Croatia, enhanced arousal in both countries and caused fear in Japan. Tangible benefits reduced fear in Japan and increased arousal in Croatia. In a crisis, perceived threats push unplanned buying and motivate consumers to protect themselves. Arousal drives unplanned buying but diverts consumers from health-focussed behaviour. Loyalty can be gained if fear is controlled.

Practical implications

To retain consumers, retailers should secure a safe shopping environment that reduces fear and provides enough benefits to outweigh the threat.

Originality/value

Using the S-O-R framework, this study enriches the literature on consumer behaviour in a pandemic by contributing new insights into (1) the impact of safety measures and tangible benefits as stimuli, (2) the organismic response through affective and cognitive states, (3) health-focussed behaviour as a novel outcome and (4) comparing the effects in the two countries.
A contingency study of the performance of new venture logistics firms in Nigeria
Authors: Caesar Livingstone Divine , Eshun Mark , Gamadey Frank Mawuyome Kwame , Okeremi Akinyele
Published: December 2023

Purpose

High failure rates characterise the experience of new entrepreneurial ventures in Nigeria and other emerging economies. Reliance on strategic tools such as entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is critical to the growth and survival of new ventures. This empirical study aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between EO and performance of new venture logistics firms in Nigeria. It further explores the contingent effects of social capital and marketing capabilities on the hypothesised direct relationships from a transport industry perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers of 650 new venture logistics service providers in selected Nigerian cities were Web-surveyed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Regression analysis was further performed. Common method variance and other validity checks were assessed.

Findings

The 469 valid responses showed a positive relationship between EO and new venture performance (NVP). Social capital and marketing capabilities positively moderate the direct relationship between EO and NVP. Managerial implications suggest that context-specific dynamics must be considered when making strategic EO decisions to aid firm growth and survival.

Originality/value

This study directly responds to the contingency approach recommendation of past studies (Anwar et al., 2022; Van Stel et al., 2021; Covin and Wales, 2019) using the logistics service and emerging economy context. It also introduces social capital and marketing capabilities as moderators.
ESG and dividend distribution decisions: evidence of moderation by shareholder activism
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Singh Kuldeep
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Environment, social and governance (ESG) practices and shareholder activism are making significant strides in the decision-making policies and processes for all firms. This study aims to assess the impact of ESG on the dividend payout decisions of firms in India. In addition, it also aims to determine how shareholder activism influences the impact of ESG on dividend distribution decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gather relevant data from 78 non-financial listed Indian firms from 2016 to 2020. This study undertakes longitudinal data analysis, with fixed effects and calculation of robust standard errors. In addition, the slope test is used to examine the effects of the interaction between ESG and shareholder activism.

Findings

It is found in the study that not only does ESG positively impact the dividends but also shareholder activism positively impacts the dividend distribution decisions. Surprisingly, the authors see a significant but negative interaction impact of shareholder activism on the positive association of ESG with dividend distribution decisions. In other words, ESG impacts dividend distribution decisions differently at levels of shareholder activism. When shareholder activism is low, ESG positively influences dividend distribution decisions. However, when shareholder activism is high, ESG negatively influences dividend distribution decisions.

Practical implications

This result has significant implications for all the stakeholders, including shareholders. A shareholder expecting a dividend could decide correctly through the current study’s findings. In cases of high shareholder activism, investors may skip picking a stock if investors expect high ESG to influence the dividend distribution decisions favourably. On the contrary, investors may choose a stock if shareholder activism is low and all else remains the same.

Originality/value

Literature has some evidence of the influence of shareholder activism and ESG (in silos) on the dividend distribution decisions in the firms. This study attempts to contribute by bringing forth the interaction effects of shareholder activism and ESG on dividend distribution decisions.