bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete genome sequence of the biocontrol yeastPapiliotrema terrestrisstrain LS28
Authors: Palmieri Davide , Barone Giuseppe , Cigliano Riccardo Aiese , De Curtis Filippo , Lima Giuseppe , Castoria Raffaello , Ianiri Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Papiliotrema terrestris strain LS28 is a biocontrol agent selected for its antagonistic activity against several plant pathogens both in the field and postharvest. The availability of a genome sequencing sets the foundation for the identification of the genetic mechanisms of its antagonistic activity. The genome size is 21.29 Mbp with a G+C content of 58.65%, and genome annotation predicts 8,626 protein-encoding genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome data confirms that P. terrestris is a Tremellomycetes more closely related to Papiliotrema flavescens than Papiliotrema laurentii.
Volcanic tremor of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption
Authors: Benediktsdóttir Ásdís , Gudmundsson Ólafur , Li Ka Lok , Brandsdóttir Bryndís
Published: September 2021

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland generally start with an increase in tremor levels. These signals do not have clear onset, like many earthquakes. As the character of the tremor signal is variable from one volcano to another, locating the source of the tremor signal may require different techniques for different volcanoes. Continuous volcanic tremor varied considerably during the course of the Eyjafjallajökull summit eruption, 14 April to 22 May 2010, and was clearly associated with changes in eruptive style. The tremor frequencies ranged between 0.5 and 10 Hz, with increased vigour during an effusive and explosive phase, in comparison with purely explosive phases. Higher-frequency tremor bursts early in the eruption were caused by processes at the eruption site. Location of the tremor using a method based on differential phase information extracted from interstation correlograms showed the tremor to be stable near the eruption vent, through time, for signals between 0.5 and 2 Hz. Analyses of power variations of the vertical component of the tremor with distance from the eruption site are consistent with tremor waveform content being dominated by surface waves in the 0.5–2 Hz frequency range. The tremor source depth was argued to be shallow, less than about 1 km. The attenuation quality factor (Q) was found to be on the order of Q = 10–20 for paths in the area around Eyjafjallajökull and Q = 20–50 for paths outside the volcano. The pattern of radiated wave energy from the tremor source varied with time, defining ten different epochs during the eruption. Thus the tremor-source radiation did not remain isotropic, which needs to be considered when locating tremor based on amplitude, that is azimuthally variable source radiation.
CON: Procalcitonin does not have clinical utility in children with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Banerjee Ritu
Published: September 2021

Most clinical studies supporting procalcitonin (PCT)-guided management of lower respiratory tract infections have been performed in adults. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the clinical impact of PCT use in children and limited data informing age-appropriate PCT cut-offs; diagnostic accuracy in immunocompromised children; patient subgroups most likely to benefit from PCT testing; whether PCT adds value beyond available rapid molecular viral diagnostics; and optimal implementation strategies for PCT-guided treatment. At the present time there is little evidence to support routine use of PCT to aid management of paediatric pneumonia.
Star formation in CALIFA survey perturbed galaxies – II. Star-formation histories and oxygen abundances
Authors: Morales-Vargas A , Torres-Papaqui J P , Rosales-Ortega F F , Chow-Martínez M , Trejo-Alonso J J , Ortega-Minakata R A , Robleto-Orús A C , Romero-Cruz F J , Neri-Larios D M ,   CALIFA Survey Collaboration
Published: September 2021

Galaxy evolution is generally affected by tidal interactions. First, in this series, we reported several effects that suggest that tidal interactions contribute to the regulation of star formation (SF). To confirm this, we now compare stellar mass assembly histories and SF look-back time annular profiles between CALIFA survey tidally and non-tidally perturbed galaxies. We pair their respective star-forming regions at the closest stellar mass surface densities to reduce the influence of stellar mass. The assembly histories and annular profiles show statistically significant differences so that higher star-formation rates characterize regions in tidally perturbed galaxies. These regions underwent a more intense (re)activation of SF in the last 1 Gyr. Varying shapes of the annular profiles also reflect fluctuations between suppression and (re)activation of SF. Since gas-phase abundances used to be lower in more actively than in less actively star-forming galaxies, we further explore the plausible presence of metal-poor gas inflows able to dilute such abundances. The resolved relations of oxygen (O) abundance with stellar mass density and with total gas fraction show slightly lower O abundances for regions in tidally perturbed galaxies. The single distributions of O abundances statistically validate this. Moreover, from a metallicity model based on stellar feedback, the mass rate differentials (inflows−outflows) show statistically valid higher values for regions in tidally perturbed galaxies. These differentials, and the metal fractions from the population synthesis, suggest dominant gas inflows in these galaxies. This dominance and the differences in SF through time confirm the previously reported effects of tidal interactions on SF.
A role for AKT1 in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Palma Martine , Leroy Catherine , Salomé-Desnoulez Sophie , Werkmeister Elisabeth , Kong Rebekah , Mongy Marc , Le Hir Hervé , Lejeune Fabrice
Published: September 2021

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a highly regulated quality control mechanism through which mRNAs harboring a premature termination codon are degraded. It is also a regulatory pathway for some genes. This mechanism is subject to various levels of regulation, including phosphorylation. To date only one kinase, SMG1, has been described to participate in NMD, by targeting the central NMD factor UPF1. Here, screening of a kinase inhibitor library revealed as putative NMD inhibitors several molecules targeting the protein kinase AKT1. We present evidence demonstrating that AKT1, a central player in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, plays an essential role in NMD, being recruited by the UPF3X protein to phosphorylate UPF1. As AKT1 is often overactivated in cancer cells and as this should result in increased NMD efficiency, the possibility that this increase might affect cancer processes and be targeted in cancer therapy is discussed.
Protecting children and adolescents against the risks of vaping
Authors: Chadi Nicholas , Vyver Ellie , Bélanger Richard E
Published: September 2021

Youth vaping presents significant risks for the health and safety of Canadian children and adolescents. This statement provides background information about vaping, vaping products, and related devices, discusses the short- and long-term harms known to be associated with their use, and offers prevention and cessation strategies for youth who vape or are at risk for starting. Youth vaping is associated with increased risk for tobacco and other substance use, mental health problems, pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, and unintentional injuries. Vaping should not be used as a smoking cessation tool for youth, due to lack of effectiveness and evidence of harm. Many preventive and treatment strategies used for tobacco cessation, including behavioural and pharmacological options, can be adapted to help youth quit vaping. Recommendations for community stakeholders and policy makers are included.
Are High-Interest Loans Predatory? Theory and Evidence from Payday Lending
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Kim Joshua , Taubinsky Dmitry , Zinman Jonathan
Published: September 2021

It is often argued that people might take on too much high-cost debt because they are present focused and/or over-optimistic about how soon they will repay. We measure borrowers’ present focus and over-optimism using an experiment with a large payday lender. Although the most inexperienced quartile of borrowers under-estimate their likelihood of future borrowing, the more experienced three quartiles predict correctly on average. This finding contrasts sharply with priors we elicited from 103 payday lending and behavioural economics experts, who believed that the average borrower would be highly overoptimistic about getting out of debt. Borrowers are willing to pay a significant premium for an experimental incentive to avoid future borrowing, which we show implies that they perceive themselves to be time inconsistent. We use borrowers’ predicted behaviour and valuation of the experimental incentive to estimate a model of present focus and naivete. We then use the model to study common payday lending regulations. In our model, banning payday loans reduces welfare relative to existing regulation, while limits on repeat borrowing might increase welfare by inducing faster repayment that is more consistent with long-run preferences.
Transcriptomic-based toxicological investigations of graphene oxide with modest cytotoxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells: changes of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways
Authors: Luo Yingmei , Wang Xuefeng , Cao Yi
Published: September 2021

The wide uses of graphene oxide (GO) lead to the contact of GO with vascular systems, so it is necessary to investigate the toxicological effects of GO to endothelial cells. Recently, we reported that GO of small lateral size (<500 nm) was relatively biocompatible to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but recent studies by using omics-techniques revealed that nanomaterials (NMs) even without acute cytotoxicity might induce other toxicological effects. This study investigated the effects of GO on HUVECs based on RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Even after exposure to 100 μg/ml GO, the cellular viability of HUVECs was higher than 70%. Furthermore, 25 μg/ml GO was internalized but did not induce ultrastructural changes or intracellular superoxide. These results combined indicated GO’s relatively high biocompatibility. However, by analyzing the most significantly altered Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathways, we found that 25 μg/ml GO altered pathways related to immune systems’ functions and the responses to virus. We further verified that GO exposure significantly decreased Toll-like receptor 3 and interleukin 8 proteins, indicating an immune suppressive effect. However, THP-1 monocyte adhesion was induced by GO with or without the presence of inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide. We concluded that GO might inhibit the immune responses to virus in endothelial cells at least partially mediated by the inhibition of TLR3. Our results also highlighted a need to investigate the toxicological effects of NMs even without acute cytotoxicity by omics-based techniques.
Biologic Reconstruction With a Motorized Intramedullary Bone Transport Nail After Tumor Resection
Authors: Zuckerman Lee M.
Published: September 2021

Distraction osteogenesis is an option for reconstruction of intercalary defects. The use of bone transport after tumor surgery has been limited because of concerns of pin tract infections with external fixation and the theoretical risk of causing tumor growth. The effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the regenerate and healing of the docking site are also not well studied, but the current literature has mostly favorable outcomes with no evidence of causing tumor proliferation. The Precice bone transport nail offers a noninvasive method of distraction osteogenesis, which eliminates the need for prolonged external fixation and the risk of pin tract infections. This report discusses the technique for using the Precice bone transport nail after tumor resection. Bone transport may be considered for intercalary defects after en bloc resection of sarcoma, metastatic disease, and benign aggressive bone tumors. The use of distraction osteogenesis after tumor resection is a promising technique for the biologic reconstruction of intercalary defects.
Management of Segmental Tibial Bone Defects With a Motorized Intramedullary Bone Transport Nail: A Case Review With Follow-Up
Authors: Stoneback Jason W. , Erdman Mary Kate , Marecek Geoffrey S.
Published: September 2021

Large segment bone defects of the tibia are challenging problems. Although caused by a wide range of conditions, tibial critical bone loss defects often require complex reconstructive plans with prolonged inability to weight-bear on the effected extremity. Reconstruction options frequently require harvesting of autograft leading to further morbidity. Distraction osteogenesis allows reconstruction of large segmental defects of the tibia while avoiding donor site morbidity. Historically, distraction osteogenesis of tibia was most reliably performed with circler ring external fixation. This process allowed early weight-bearing but unfortunately has considerable drawbacks. Negative effects include pin tract irritation and inability to wear normal clothes. The advent of the bone transport nail now allows management of tibial critical bone loss defects through distraction osteogenesis negating the need for external fixation. This new technique allows treatment of large segmental tibial defects by means of distraction osteogenesis with an all-internal device avoiding the negative effects of external fixation while simultaneously allowing early weight-bearing.
Geriatric Acetabular Fractures and Femoral Head Protrusio: Methods of Fixation and the Option of Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Walters Murphy M. , Bergin Patrick F. , Russell George V. , Morellato John T.
Published: September 2021

Currently, the literature is unclear regarding the optimal treatment algorithm for geriatric acetabular fractures. In a recent epidemiological study, 70% of all acetabular fractures in patients older than 65 years were classified as either associated both column or anterior column/posterior hemitransverse. Within the subset of these fractures, variants with significant femoral head protrusio, which is defined as the displacement of the femoral head medial to the ilioischial line, present with unique challenges. Goals of treatment in these cases should include surgical techniques that minimize the physiologic insult for the patient yet restore hip congruity and stability. “Fix and replace” is becoming an increasingly popular approach in the acute setting; however, its indications are not yet well-established. At our institution, we often favor open reduction and internal fixation alone as an effective and efficient way to treat the protrusio variant, even at the expense of protected weight-bearing. In the following article, we present a systematic approach for the management of geriatric acetabular fracture femoral head protrusio along with specific case examples.
Geriatric Ankle Fracture: Robust Fixation Versus Hindfoot Nail
Authors: Srinath Arjun , Matuszewski Paul E. , Kalbac Tyler
Published: September 2021

The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures is increasing in step with the current aging population. Special considerations must be taken into account when treating geriatric patients due to increased medical comorbidities, worse soft tissue envelope, poor bone quality, and the needs for early mobilization. The orthopaedic surgeon must have a variety of surgical options to treat fractures in the elderly population based on patient-specific needs. This article uses a case-based approach to discuss relevant considerations when selecting between hindfoot fusion nail and robust open reduction and internal fixation for geriatric ankle fractures.
Initial Clinical Experience with a Symmetric Tip Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Without Side Holes
Authors: Tal Michael G. , Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this article is to assess the performance and safety of a novel, symmetric, side-hole–free tunneled cuffed catheter hypothesized to sustain adequate flow without the need for side holes. Between November 2016 and January 2019, Pristine hemodialysis catheters were placed de novo in 45 end-stage renal disease patients (27 males and 18 females) at a single investigational site. Forty-one catheters were placed in the right and four in the left internal jugular vein. There were no incidents of insertion failure. Patients had dialysis three times per week and were followed at four investigational sites. Nominal catheter flows, incidence of poor flow, and catheter-related infections were recorded at each dialysis session and analyzed. The average follow-up time was 161.69 days for a total of 7116 catheter days. Nine patients died from reasons unrelated to the catheter and one patient switched to fistula. Four patients had poor flows necessitating catheter replacement. Four patients had catheter-related bloodstream infections which resolved with antibiotics. These equate to 0.56 events per 1000 catheter days. Catheter survival was 100%, 97.6%, and 89.7% at 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. The initial clinical assessment of the symmetric Pristine hemodialysis catheter featuring a Y-tip devoid of side holes revealed good catheter performance and survival and a low complication rate.
Innovation Amid Pandemic
Authors: Geyer Latrina T. , Bennett Stephanie G. , Atkins W. Jason , Baird Marianne , Bannan Ryan , Cunningham Tim , Davis Mardi J. , Zellinger Mary
Published: September 2021

This article details a shared leadership structure and decision-making processes used to construct an innovative and evidence-based care delivery model for safety and optimal outcomes in the intensive care unit during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Insights into ways professional development practitioners can facilitate changes in care delivery models, support nurses in their professional roles, and contribute to improved patient care outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic are provided.
Clinicopathologic Analysis of Primary Adrenal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kawano Tasuku , Tsuyuki Yuta , Suzuki Yuka , Shimada Kazuyuki , Kato Seiichi , Takahara Taishi , Mori Mayuko , Nakaguro Masato , Sakakibara Ayako , Nakamura Shigeo , Satou Akira
Published: September 2021

Primary adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PA-DLBCL) is rare. We investigate 23 Japanese patients with PA-DLBCL to understand the clinicopathologic features and biological behavior of this disease. The 17 males and 6 females had a median age of 74 years (range: 40 to 86 y). Tumor cells harbored Epstein-Barr virus–encoded small RNA (EBER) in 9 (39%) samples, including samples from the 2 patients with methotrexate-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was detected in tumor cells of 6 (26%) samples, including 1 EBER+ and 5 EBER− samples. Four (17%) patients exhibited an intravascular proliferating pattern, and all 4 patient samples showed positive staining for PD-L1 in tumor cells. Among those patients, 3 showed intravascular proliferating pattern accompanied by a diffuse extravascular proliferation of tumor cells, and 1 patient was diagnosed with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. We divided the 23 patients into 3 groups: EBER+ (n=9, 39%), EBER−PD-L1+ (n=5, 22%), and EBER−PD-L1− (n=9, 39%). A comparison of the outcomes among the 3 groups showed significant differences in overall survival (P=0.034). The EBER+ group had the worst prognosis, and the EBER−PD-L1− group had the best prognosis. We also compared the outcomes among the 3 groups that received rituximab-containing chemotherapies. Both the overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly different among these groups (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). In conclusion, we evaluated 3 types of PA-DLBCL and found that each had unique clinical, pathologic, and prognostic features. Our results suggested that immune senescence, iatrogenic immunodeficiency, and immune evasion contribute to the development of PA-DLBCL.
Characterizing Adverse Events Reporting for an Over-the-Counter Disposable Intravaginal Support Device for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Sansone Stephanie A. , Stoddard Michelina D. , Cho Ahra , Asfaw Tirsit S. , Sedrakyan Art , Chughtai Bilal
Published: September 2021

Objectives

In recent years, new intravaginal support devices for stress urinary incontinence have been introduced to the market. Although studies have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, few studies have examined adverse events attributed to their use. The objective of this study was to characterize reported adverse events for an over-the-counter intravaginal support device and determine whether further medical treatment was necessary to manage the adverse event.

Methods

We searched the Manufacturer and User Device Experience database from January 2015 to September 2020 for pertinent reported adverse events, which included the unique report key, event date, report date, event text descriptions, and resulting course of treatment. Per Manufacturer and User Device Experience database mandatory requirements, all reports were submitted by the manufacturer within 30 days of receiving the consumer’s voluntary submission.

Results

A total of 257 reports were included for analysis. The most common reported adverse event was related to the string of the device, which broke with either removal or insertion of the device (230 of 257 [89.5%]). The majority of patients who required medical attention (133 of 257 [51.8%]) were evaluated and managed in the office setting (85 of 133 [63.9%]), whereas 37% (95 of 257) of patients were able to self-treat.

Conclusions

Most complications attributed to device use were self-managed or managed in the outpatient setting. No emergent hospitalizations or deaths were attributed to their use, supporting their generally low-risk profile and high tolerability. Limitations of this review include the inability to decipher a denominator for these reported adverse events and the potential bias attributed to voluntary consumer reporting.
Levator-Urethra Gap: Normative Data in a Nonpregnant Nulliparous Population
Authors: Gregory W. Thomas , Cramer Meagan , Holland Amanda , Boniface Emily
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aimed to establish a normative range of the levator-urethra gap (LUG) measurement in nonpregnant, nulliparous women to be used as a standard against which assessments of injury or avulsion of the levator ani could be made.

Methods

Nulliparous women in the Pacific Northwest who were planning pregnancy within the ensuing 12 months underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography. In the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions, the LUG was measured on both the right and left sides for 3 contiguous image slices.

Results

One hundred thirty-five participants underwent examinations, of which 134 had evaluable MRIs and 70 had evaluable ultrasounds. Mean (SD) age was 30.8 (4.0) years, and mean (SD) body mass index was 25.9 (6.4). The majority of the participants self-identified as White (80%) and non-Hispanic (89%). The 99th percentile was no greater than 2.39 cm on any slice for either MRI or US-based measurements. In the MRI set, the lowest LUG values at which all 3 measurements on a side were found to have exceeded a putative threshold value (for injury) were 2.1 cm for the right side and 2.05 cm for the left side. The corresponding LUG values in the ultrasound set were 2.2 cm on the right and 2.25 cm on the left.

Conclusions

The LUG threshold in 3 successive slices in the minimal hiatal dimension suggestive of levator ani injury could be as low as 2.1 cm when using MRI and 2.25 cm when using ultrasound in a similar population.
Conducive environments reduce sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality: a quality improvement project
Authors: Ho Alexander G.T. , Tan Mary , Perez Hilario M. , Tan Ching Nee. , Mordiffi Siti Z.
Published: September 2021

Aim:

The current implementation project aimed to improve patients’ sleep quality in a hospital by implementing targeted interventions to reduce sleep disturbances.

Methods:

The Silent Night project was implemented in two general units of an academic tertiary hospital. The project comprised three phases: preimplementation, implementation, and postimplementation. Patient surveys were administered to obtain patients’ perspectives on the sources of noise disturbances at night. Noise-monitoring machines were installed in two wards to obtain objective data on noise levels at night. Concurrently, data were collected on noise-generating activities that were observed.

Results:

The overall quality of sleep reported by patients improved by 17% (from 73.5 to 88.9%). Patients’ survey reported reduced noise disturbances from direct care activities, environmental noise and medical equipment alarms. The mean noise level in the orthopedics unit reduced significantly from 57.04 to 55.22 dB with a corresponding decrease in noise generating activities by 60% (from 362 to 144). In the geriatric unit, the mean noise level increased from 51.36 to 53.12 dB but is within the National Environmental Agency's permissible noise level of 55 dB even though the noise generating activities reduced significantly by 92.2% (from 954 to 74).

Conclusion:

The ‘Silent Night’ project has successfully reduced noise disturbances generating from environment and nursing care activities and improved patients’ sleep quality in the hospital. Sharing sessions regarding sources of noise and the ‘Silent Night’ poster promoted the awareness of noise disturbances in healthcare professionals, visitors, and patients.
The equivalence of hydration status measured by the Fresenius BCM and the Cella Bioimpedance Spectroscopy devices on hemodialysis patients
Authors: Matthie Jim , Baricevic Borut , Malnaric Marentic Vlasta , Krajacic Boris
Published: September 2021

Background

Fluid management is a serious challenge for patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy (HD). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a promising technique to help with clinical hydration (HYD) assessment. The Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) Body Composition Monitor (BCM) is the standard but is large and expensive. Cella Medical has introduced a small wireless BIS device. This study compared the HYD status predicted by the two devices.

Methods

Following the FMC BCM device manual guidelines, measurements of BIS were made wrist-ankle using typical ECG electrodes on the non-fistula side of HD patients pre dialysis while in their normal supine position. As usual, patients were measured before their normal time of therapy with the BCM. The Cella measurements were then performed within two minutes.

Results

Forty-two HD patients (M=64%, age=64±30 yrs.), were measured. One patient data was removed. The mean BCM HYD status was 1.86 l, SD 1.46 l, and SEM 0.22 l. Cella was 1.806 l, SD 1.36 l, and the SEM 0.21 l. The 95% difference confidence interval (CI) was -0.66 to 0.55 l. The Pearson’s correlation (r) was r^2 = 0.85 (p<0.00001). There was no proportional bias: the offset was -0.056 l, and K=1.010. The limits of agreement (LOA) analysis showed a mean difference of 0.56 l, and limits d ±2SD = (−1.192 l, 1.081 l), indicating 95% of the difference will lie within these limits. To evaluate equivalence, we performed two one-sided t-tests (TOST). When the bounds were reduced to the limit =0.47 l and -0.59 l, we obtained a 0.046 p-value (alpha =0.05), at 80% statistical power. For 26% of the subjects, the difference was <0.1 l, for 43% <0.25 l, for 71% <0.5 l, for 83% <0.75 l, for 90% <1.0 l, and for 9.5% (4 patients) more than 1 l. Only two cases (4.8%) were just over the ±2SD limit.

Conclusion

This study suggests the BCM and Cella devices can be used interchangeably.
Seroresponse to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among maintenance dialysis patients over six months
Authors: Hsu Caroline M. , Weiner Daniel E. , Manley Harold J. , Aweh Gideon N. , Ladik Vladimir , Frament Jill , Miskulin Dana , Agyropoulos Christos , Abreo Kenneth , Chin Andrew , Gladish Reginald , Salman Loay , Johnson Doug , Lacson Eduardo K.
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

While most maintenance dialysis patients exhibit initial seroresponse to vaccination, concerns remain regarding the durability of this antibody response. This study evaluated immunity over time.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements

This retrospective cohort study included maintenance dialysis patients from a midsize national dialysis provider who received a complete SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series and had at least one antibody titer checked after full vaccination. Immunoglobulin G spike antibodies (SAb-IgG) titers were assessed monthly with routine labs beginning after full vaccination and followed over time; the semiquantitative SAb-IgG titer reported a range between 0 and ≥ 20 U/L. Descriptive analyses compared trends over time by prior history of COVID-19 and type of vaccine received. Time-to-event analyses were conducted for the outcome of loss of seroresponse (SAb-IgG < 1 U/L or development of COVID-19). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for additional clinical characteristics of interest.

Results

Among 1898 maintenance dialysis patients, 1567 (84%) had no prior history of COVID-19. Patients without a history of COVID-19 had declining titers over time. Among 441 BNT162b2/Pfizer recipients, median [IQR] SAb-IgG titer declined from 20 [5.99-20] U/L in month 1 to 1.30 [0.15-3.59] U/L by month 6. Among 779 mRNA-1273/Moderna recipients, median [IQR] SAb-IgG titer declined from 20 [20-20] in month 1 to 6.20 [1.74-20] by month 6. The 347 Ad26.COV2.S/Janssen recipients had a lower titer response than mRNA vaccine recipients over all time periods. In time-to-event analyses, Ad26.COV2.S/Janssen and mRNA-1273/Moderna recipients had the shortest and longest time to loss of seroresponse, respectively. The maximum titer reached in the first two months after full vaccination was predictive of the durability of the SAb-IgG seroresponse; patients with SAb-IgG titer 1-19.99 U/L were more likely to have loss of seroresponse compared to patients with SAb-IgG titer ≥ 20 U/L (HR 23.9 [95% CI: 16.1-35.5]).

Conclusions

Vaccine-induced seroresponse wanes over time among maintenance dialysis patients across vaccine types. Early titers after full vaccination predict the durability of seroresponse.
Metabotropic group II glutamate receptors mediate cue-triggered increases in incentive motivation for reward
Authors: Garceau Caroline , Marsault Justine , Robinson Mike J F , Samaha Anne-Noël
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Reward-associated cues can acquire incentive motivational properties and invigorate reward-seeking actions via Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT). Glutamatergic neurotransmission mediates the appetitive effects of reward-associated cues. We characterized the expression of PIT and its mediation by metabotropic group II glutamate (mGlu2/3) receptor activity in female and male rats.

Objectives

Across the sexes, we used PIT procedures to determine i) cue-triggered increases in incentive motivation for water reward (Experiment 1), ii) the respective influences of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 and reward devaluation by satiation on this effect (Experiment 2).

Methods

Water-restricted male and female Sprague-Dawley rats learned to lever press for water. Separately, they learned that one of two auditory stimuli predicts free water (CS+ vs CS-). On PIT test days, the CS+ and CS- were presented non-contingently, and we measured effects on lever pressing under extinction (no water). In Experiment 1, we characterized PIT across the sexes. In Experiment 2, we measured PIT after systemic LY379268 administration (0, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg), and water satiation, respectively.

Results

Female and male rats showed similar PIT, with CS+ but not CS- presentations potentiating water-seeking behaviour. LY379268 (1 mg/kg) attenuated CS+ evoked increases in both water-associated lever pressing and conditioned approach to the water port. Reward devaluation attenuated both water-seeking and CS+ evoked conditioned approach behaviour.

Conclusions

The sexes show similar cue-triggered increases in reward ‘wanting’, and water devaluation suppresses both water seeking and cue-triggered anticipation of water reward. Finally, across the sexes, mGlu2/3 receptor activity mediates cue-triggered increases in reward ‘wanting’.
Immunoglobulin enhancers increase RNA polymerase 2 stalling at somatic hypermutation target sequences
Authors: Tarsalainen Alina , Maman Yaakov , Meng Fei-Long , Kyläniemi Minna K. , Soikkeli Anni , Budzynska Paulina , McDonald Jessica J. , Šenigl Filip , Alt Frederic W. , Schatz David G. , Alinikula Jukka
Published: September 2021

Somatic hypermutation (SHM) drives the genetic diversity of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes in activated B cells and supports the generation of antibodies with increased affinity for antigen. SHM is targeted to Ig genes by their enhancers (DIVACs; diversification activators), but how the enhancers mediate this activity is unknown. We show using chicken DT40 B cells that highly active DIVACs increase the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase 2 (Pol2) and Pol2 occupancy in the mutating gene with little or no accompanying increase in elongation-competent Pol2 or production of full-length transcripts, indicating accumulation of stalled Pol2. DIVAC has similar effect also in human Ramos Burkitt lymphoma cells. The DIVAC-induced stalling is weakly associated with an increase in the detection of single-stranded DNA bubbles in the mutating target gene. We did not find evidence for antisense transcription, or that DIVAC functions by altering levels of H3K27ac or the histone variant H3.3 in the mutating gene. These findings argue for a connection between Pol2 stalling and cis-acting targeting elements in the context of SHM and thus define a mechanistic basis for locus-specific targeting of SHM in the genome. Our results suggest that DIVAC elements render the target gene a suitable platform for AID-mediated mutation without a requirement for increasing transcriptional output.
Large-scale allosteric switch in the 7SK RNA regulates transcription in response to growth and stress
Authors: Olson Samuel W. , Turner Anne-Marie W. , Arney J. Winston , Saleem Irfana , Weidmann Chase A. , Margolis David M. , Weeks Kevin M. , Mustoe Anthony M.
Published: September 2021

7SK is a highly conserved non-coding RNA that regulates eukaryotic transcription by sequestering positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). 7SK regulatory function likely entails changes in RNA structure, but characterizing dynamic RNA-protein complexes in cells has remained an unsolved challenge. We describe a new chemical probing strategy (DANCE-MaP) that uses maximum likelihood deconvolution and probabilistic read assignment to define simultaneously (i) per-nucleotide reactivity profiles, (ii) direct base pairing interactions, and (iii) tertiary and higher-order interactions for each conformation of multi-state RNA structural ensembles, all from a single experiment. We show that human 7SK RNA, despite significant heterogeneity, intrinsically codes for a large-scale structural switch that couples dissolution of the P-TEFb binding site to structural remodeling at distal release factor binding sites. The 7SK structural equilibrium is regulated by cell type, shifts dynamically in response to cell growth and stress, and can be exogenously targeted to modulate transcription in cells. Our data support that the 7SK structural ensemble functions as an integrator of diverse cellular signals to control transcription elongation in environment and cell specific ways, and establishes DANCE-MaP as a powerful strategy for comprehensively defining RNA structure and dynamics in cells.
It is not a man's world: perceptions by male faculty of the status and representation of their female colleagues
Authors: Mousa Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Purpose

By studying four public universities in Egypt, the author of this paper aims to identify how male faculty perceive the representation and status of their female colleagues.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employed a qualitative research method via semi-structured interviews with 40 male academics in addition to five focus group discussions with an additional 20 male academics. The author subsequently used thematic analysis to determine the main ideas in the transcripts.

Findings

The findings confirmed that women faculty are not under-represented at professorial levels, but they are denied administrative academic positions, such as rectors and deans in universities. The author also discovered that the social norms shaping both national and organizational culture in Egypt create a cultural bias against women faculty.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in the context of a developing nation to focus on the status and representation of women faculty from the perspective of male colleagues, and subsequently, it is the first to address the higher education sector in one of the leading developing nations in Africa and the Middle East. This paper contributes by filling a gap in HR management and higher education, in which empirical studies that address male faculty to identify their perceptions of the status and representation of their female colleagues have been limited so far.
Culture and attitudes towards contraception of women in subsistence markets: the role of values and social axioms
Authors: Jaravaza Divaries Cosmas , Saruchera Fanny
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of culture on attitudes to contraception by rural-based women in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 395 rural women in Eastern Zimbabwe, this study examines the hypothesized relationships between values (resultant conservation, resultant self-enhancement), social axioms (reward for application, social cynicism, religiosity, social complexity, fate control and Ubuntu) and contraceptive attitudes, considering the moderating effects of age and education.

Findings

Using covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling and Multi-Group Analysis, this study found that resultant self-enhancement, fate control, the reward for application and religiosity significantly relate to attitudes to contraception whilst resultant conservation, social complexity, Ubuntu and social cynicism, did not produce significant correlations. Age and education moderate the significant relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings suggest that contraception social marketers, non-governmental organizations and health practitioners should develop marketing strategies to neutralize the negative impact of these beliefs held by rural contraceptive consumers to increase contraceptive awareness and uptake in such subsistence markets. In addition, this study provides empirical evidence on the role of Ubuntu as a new culture construct in African markets.

Originality/value

Despite being limited to a single developing economy, this paper extends prior research on consumer culture and attitudes on contraception use by exploring the role of values and social axioms, an imperative issue for rural women health and general subsistence market well-being.
The role of Islamic social finance during Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia’s economic recovery
Authors: Ascarya Ascarya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose Islamic solutions to the Covid-19 health and economic crises, specifically using Islamic social finance (ISF) instruments, including zakat, infaq and waqf.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the qualitative content analysis method, guided by a model of composite approaches of poverty alleviation in Islam, integrated Islamic commercial and social finance (IICSF) and crisis management of Umar bin Khattab, to construct various programs and/or policy actions toward economic recovery in Indonesia.

Findings

The results show that ISF with its instruments, especially zakat, infaq and waqf could help the government and the economy to recover from the crisis. The proposed solutions include: save lives, including medical assistance using zakat-infaq and health-care waqf using waqf; save households, by creating a social safety net and graduation program using zakat-infaq; save businesses, especially micro-small enterprises (MSEs), through financial and business assistance (especially digital marketing) leveraging zakat-infaq-waqf and save financial institutions, especially micro-small financial institutions, by the development of cash waqf and the adoption of fintech and IICSF, especially in Islamic financial institutions targeting MSEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory in nature, which needs further investigations using more sophisticated qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

Practical implications

If the above programs using ISF instruments are implemented, the economic surplus would be re-established and the acceleration of economic recovery can be realized.

Social implications

The successful adoption of ISF could at the same time reduce poverty, accelerate MSEs development and improve equitable well-being.

Originality/value

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused health, economic and social problems, which must be solved holistically, including ISF within IICSF.
“Red” and “green” flags of risk disclosures – identifying associations between positive and negative key phrases and consecutive cumulative abnormal stock returns
Authors: Nagel Deborah Yvonne , Fuhrmann Stephan , Guenther Thomas W.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The usefulness of risk disclosures (RDs) to support equity investors’ investment decisions is highly discussed. As prior research criticizes the extensive aggregation of risk information in existing empirical research, this paper aims to provide an attempt to identify disaggregated risk information associated with cumulative abnormal stock returns (CARs).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 2,558 RDs of companies listed in the S&P 500 index. The RDs were filed within 10 K filings between 2011 and 2017. First, this study automatically extracted 35,685 key phrases that occurred in a maximum of 1.5% of the RDs. Second, this study performed stepwise regressions of these key phrases and identified 67 (78) key phrases that show positive (negative) associations with CARs.

Findings

The paper finds that investors seem to value most the more common key phrases just below the 1.5% rarest key phrase threshold and business-related key phrases from RDs. Furthermore, investors seem to perceive key phrases that contain words indicating uncertainty (impacts) as a negative (positive) rather than a positive (negative) signal.

Research limitations/implications

The research approach faces limitations mainly due to the selection of the included key phrases, the focus on CARs and the methodological choice of the stepwise regression analysis.

Originality/value

The study reveals the potential for companies to increase the information value of their RDs for equity investors by providing tailored information within RDs instead of universal phrases. In addition, the research indicates that the tailored RDs encouraged by the SEC contain relevant information for investors. Furthermore, the results may guide the attention of equity investors to relevant text passages whose deeper analysis might be useful with regard to investors’ capital market decisions.
Exploring the perspectives of physically challenged women entrepreneurs in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Bukari Shaibu , Quarshie Michael Ayikwei , Opoku Felix Kwame
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Entrepreneurship and disability are discordant because of the assumption that the former is only meant for non-disabled people. Drawing on the capability, agency/structure and social exclusion theories, this study examines the lived experiences of physically challenged women entrepreneurs in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach, involving in-depth interview and observation to solicit the views of six physically challenged women entrepreneurs in the Metropolis.

Findings

The study found that the physically challenged women consider themselves as women with entrepreneurial minds, capable of actualising and achieving their entrepreneurial well-being, by functioning and proving their capabilities and having the capacities to choose and act independently. The study also found that the structures (physical self, socio-economic, cultural and attitudes, etc.) that confront the women reinforce their capabilities as physically challenged women entrepreneurs. It further found that for these women, being a physically challenged woman entrepreneur demands that one should have self-belief capabilities and being high self-esteem regardless of one’s challenges.

Originality/value

The study is an original submission that makes contributions towards understanding and appreciating the perspectives and lived experiences of capable physically challenged women entrepreneurs in a developing country. There have been studies on women entrepreneurs in Ghana but not specifically on physically challenged women entrepreneurs. This study addresses that gap.
Dynamic capabilities for digital transformation
Authors: Ellström Daniel , Holtström Johan , Berg Emma , Josefsson Cecilia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify sensing, seizing and reconfiguring routines of dynamic capabilities that enable digital transformation in firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is used. Representatives from a firm going through digital transformations are interviewed, and focus groups have been carried out with a consultancy firm experienced in giving advice to firms going through digital transformation.

Findings

Six routines identified as relevant specifically for digital transformation are identified. These are cross-industrial digital sensing, inside-out digital infrastructure sensing, digital strategy development, determination of enterprise boundaries, decomposition of digital transformation into specified projects and creation of a unified digital infrastructure.

Practical implications

The authors provide direction for managers on how to approach digital transformation. In relation to previous research, the authors provide more specific guidance regarding how to reconfigure the organization in digital transformation.

Originality/value

The paper uses a novel context for digital transformation and complements the very few studies available using dynamic capabilities to understand digital transformation.