bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Outcomes and Complication Rates of Biologic vs Synthetic Meshes in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Makarewicz Nathan , Perrault David , Sharma Ayushi , Shaheen Mohammed , Kim Jessica , Calderon Christian , Sweeney Brian , Nazerali Rahim
Published: May 2023

Objective

This systematic review evaluates all published studies comparing biologic and synthetic meshes in implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR), to determine which category of mesh produces the most favorable outcomes.

Summary Background Data

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. Implant-based breast reconstruction is currently the most popular method of postmastectomy reconstruction, and recently, the use of surgical mesh in IBBR has become commonplace. Although there is a long-standing belief among surgeons that biologic mesh is superior to synthetic mesh in terms of surgical complications and patient outcomes, few studies exist to support this claim.

Methods

A systematic search of the EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases was performed in January 2022. Primary literature studies comparing biologic and synthetic meshes within the same experimental framework were included. Study quality and bias were assessed using the validated Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

Results

After duplicate removal, 109 publications were reviewed, with 12 meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria. Outcomes included common surgical complications, histological analysis, interactions with oncologic therapies, quality of life measures, and esthetic outcomes. Across all 12 studies, synthetic meshes were rated as at least equivalent to biologic meshes for every reported outcome. On average, the studies in this review tended to have moderate Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scores.

Conclusion

This systematic review offers the first comprehensive evaluation of all publications comparing biologic and synthetic meshes in IBBR. The consistent finding that synthetic meshes are at least equivalent to biologic meshes across a range of clinical outcomes offers a compelling argument in favor of prioritizing the use of synthetic meshes in IBBR.
Trends in Patient-Reported Outcomes Reporting in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Biswas Sonali , Mullikin Alexandria , Phillips Brett T.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide essential information in reconstructive surgery, where interventions center on patients' functional and aesthetic goals. Although multiple patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been validated for breast reconstruction since 2009, no studies have assessed recent frequency and consistency in use. This study aims to characterize recent trends in inclusion of PROs in recent breast reconstruction literature.

Methods

Articles published between 2015 and 2021 pertaining to autologous and/or prosthetic breast reconstruction in Annals of Plastic Surgery and Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery were considered in a scoping review. Original breast reconstruction articles were reviewed for use of PROMs and characteristics of administration in accordance with PRISMA-Scr guidelines. Previously defined scoping review criteria were considered, including PROM used, timeline of collection, and topics addressed, with trends in frequency and consistency of usage assessed over the designated period.

Results

Of the 877 articles reviewed and 232 articles included, 24.6% reported using any PROM. The majority used BREAST-Q (n = 42, 73.7%), with the remainder being institutional surveys or previously validated questionnaires. Patient-reported outcomes were most often collected retrospectively (n = 20, 64.9%) and postoperatively (n = 33, 57.9%). The average time point of postoperative survey administration was 16.03 months (SD, 19.185 months). χ2 Analysis revealed no significant association between the numbers of articles, including PROMs and the year (P = 0.1047).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that only one-fourth of breast reconstruction articles report the use of PROMs with no interval increase over recent years. Patient-reported outcome measures were predominantly used retrospectively and postoperatively with notable variation in timing of administration. The findings highlight the need for improved frequency and consistency of PROM collection and reporting, as well as for further exploration into barriers and facilitators of PROM use.
Nasal Bifidity: An Unusual Pediatric Congenital Anomaly and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Li Hsuen N. , Carro Marina A. , Castiglione Charles L. , Hughes Christopher D.
Published: May 2023

Congenital nasal anomalies are rare, with an estimated incidence of 1/20,000 to 40,000 live births. Hyperplasia and duplication anomalies are the most uncommon, comprising about 1% of reported cases. The authors present the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented to our institution with an isolated congenital bifid nasal septum. Parents reported a visibly abnormal nose since birth, and it had been continuously monitored by the parents and pediatrician. She demonstrated no history of difficulty breathing or other nasal concerns and was otherwise growing and developing normally. On physical examination, she was breathing comfortably through her bilateral nasal airways. Her nasal examination revealed a widened mid-vault with deep dorsal grooving and a bifid tip. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an isolated bifid nasal septum without other facial malformation or intracranial extension. She underwent an open septorhinoplasty. Intraoperatively, the authors identified an anomalous dorsal nasal bone extension with a resultant bifidity in the body and caudal portions of the septum. Ostectomy and cartilaginous repositioning allowed for an autogenous reconstruction without the need for grafting. She subsequently recovered well without postoperative complications and continues to have improved nasal appearance with maintenance of function. A review of recent literatures revealed 2 other cases that are similar in presentation. The authors proposed that embryologically there might have been a change in expression of bone morphogenetic protein in the frontonasal area leading to caudal extension of the nasal bone. This in turn interferes with the fusion of nasal septum resulting in the bifid septum and dual dome morphology.
The Effect of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Tissue Regeneration in Reconstructive and Graft Surgery: Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Pereira Vinicius Balan , Barbirato Davi da Silva , Lago Carlos Augusto Pereira do , Vasconcelos Belmiro Cavalcanti do Egito
Published: May 2023

This systematic review answered the guiding question using the PICO system: “What are the effects of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) on alveolar ridge preservation and tissue gain in reconstructive and jaw graft surgery?” Searches were performed in the PubMed|MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS|bvs databases. In total, 573 articles were found in the initial search, and 564 were evaluated after the removal of duplicates, of which 5 randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria and were included 2 studies investigated the effect of A-PRF on the preservation of the bone ridge, 1 study evaluated the tissue repair after tooth extraction with A-PRF, 1 evaluated the peri-implant gap filling with A-PRF-xenograft mixture, and other the A-PRF on the treatment of alveolar osteitis. Advanced-PRF preparation protocol varied between the included studies from 8 to 13 minutes of centrifugation, at 1300 RPM (200g). The use of A-PRF provided greater dimensions of height and more favorable maintenance of the ridge profile, probing depth, and gingival margin level after extraction. Advanced-PRF also increased bone density, vital bone, epithelial healing, and control of postoperative pain and swelling after tooth extraction and in the treatment of alveolar osteitis.
Long-term Outcome of Asymptomatic Patients With Graft Fibrosis in Protocol Biopsies After Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hartleif Steffen , Hodson James , Lloyd Carla , Cousin Vladimir L. , Czubkowski Piotr , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Debray Dominique , Demetris Anthony , Di Giorgio Angelo , Evans Helen M. , Fischler Björn , Gonzales Emmanuel , Gouw Annette S.H. , Hübscher Stefan G. , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Lacaille Florence , Malenicka Silvia , McLin Valerie A. , Markiewicz-Kijewska Małgorzata , Mazariegos George V. , Rajanayagam Jeremy K. , Scheenstra René , Singer Stephan , Smets Françoise , Sokal Etienne , Squires James E. , Sturm Ekkehard , Verkade Henkjan , Kelly Deirdre A. ,   on behalf of the Graft Injury Group (GIG)
Published: May 2023

Background.

The histological prevalence of allograft fibrosis in asymptomatic children after liver transplantation (LT) is well documented. However, long-term graft and patient survival remain unclear. This retrospective multicenter study aims to determine the prevalence of allograft fibrosis and analyze the long-term outcome for patients transplanted in childhood.

Methods.

We reviewed clinical data of children who had undergone 10-y protocol liver biopsies. We excluded patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis B or C, and retransplantation. In total, 494 patients transplanted in childhood across 12 international transplant centers were included. We evaluated the development of fibrosis by comparing the results with biopsies obtained 5 and 15 y post-LT. Histological findings were correlated with graft and patient survival up to 20 y post-LT.

Results.

In the 10-y biopsies, periportal or pericentral fibrosis was observed in 253 patients (51%), 87 (18%) had bridging fibrosis, 30 (6%) had cirrhosis, and 124 (25%) had no fibrosis. The prevalence and stage of graft fibrosis significantly progressed from 5 to 10 y. At 10 y, the severity of fibrosis correlated significantly with inflammation. Patients with graft cirrhosis in the 10-y biopsy were more likely to die or require retransplantation subsequently (P = 0.027).

Conclusions.

At 10 y post-LT, most patients transplanted in childhood developed fibrosis, based on the protocol liver biopsies. Although mild-to-moderate graft fibrosis did not largely affect patient or graft survival up to 20 y post-LT, this progressive fibrosis finding has substantial implications for developing cirrhosis and portal hypertension in adult care.
Treatment of a Snakebite Injury With Secondary Bacterial Infection
Authors: Sachett Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves , Vieira Samara Sousa Carvalho , Soares Frandison Gean Souza , Alcântara João Arthur , Carvalho Hanna Beatriz de Souza , da Silva Eliana Marques Gomes , da Silva Iran Mendonça , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Pit viper snakebites are challenging as they often cause tissue injury and secondary bacterial infection that may impair full recovery of the affected limb. We describe the evolution of a snakebite injury with secondary infection and the use of specialized dressings to achieve tissue repair and complete closure of the wound.

CASE:

Ms E., a 45-year-old woman, was bitten by a pit viper that began as a small lesion and progressed to necrosis, cellulitis, edema, and hyperemia of the perilesional skin, local inflammation, and infection. We implemented a combination of topical hydrogel therapy with calcium alginate and hydrofiber with 1.2% silver to promote autolytic debridement, combat local infection, and provide a moist wound environment. The wound required daily local treatment for 2 months due to extensive tissue damage, combined with the proteolytic action of the bothropic venom.

CONCLUSION:

The care of wounds caused by snakebites is a challenge for the health care team due to tissue loss resulting from the action of the venom and secondary bacterial infection. Close follow-up with the use of systemic antibiotics and topical therapies proved effective in minimizing tissue loss in this case.
Ensuring Safety While Achieving Beauty: An Evidence-Based Approach to Optimizing Mastectomy and Autologous Breast Reconstruction Outcomes in Patients with Obesity
Authors: Hassan Abbas M , Paidisetty Praneet , Ray Nicholas , Govande Janhavi V , Largo Rene D , Chu Carrie K , Mericli Alexander F , Schaverien Mark V , Clemens Mark W , Hanasono Matthew M , Chang Edward I , Butler Charles E , Garvey Patrick B , Selber Jesse C
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Although obesity has previously been associated with poor outcomes after mastectomy and breast reconstruction, its impact across the WHO obesity classification spectrum and the differential effects of various optimization strategies on patient outcomes have yet to be delineated. We sought to examine the impact of WHO obesity classification on intraoperative surgical and medical complications, postoperative surgical and patient-reported outcomes of mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction, and delineate outcomes optimization strategies for obese patients.

STUDY DESIGN:

This is a review of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction from 2016 to 2022. Primary outcomes were complication rates. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes and optimal management strategies.

RESULTS:

We identified 1,640 mastectomies and reconstructions in 1,240 patients with mean follow-up of 24.2 ± 19.2 months. Patients with class II/III obesity had higher adjusted risk of wound dehiscence (odds ratio [OR] 3.20; p < 0.001), skin flap necrosis (OR 2.60; p < 0.001), deep venous thrombosis (OR 3.90; p < 0.033), and pulmonary embolism (OR 15.3; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Obese patients demonstrated significantly lower satisfaction with breasts (67.3 ± 27.7 vs 73.7 ± 24.0; p = 0.043) and psychological well-being (72.4 ± 27.0 vs 82.0 ± 20.8; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Unilateral delayed reconstructions were associated with independently shorter hospital stay (β –0.65; p = 0.002) and lower adjusted risk of 30-day readmission (OR 0.45; p = 0.031), skin flap necrosis (OR 0.14; p = 0.031), and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.07; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS:

Obese women should be closely monitored for adverse events and lower quality of life, offered measures to optimize thromboembolic prophylaxis, and advised on the risks and benefits of unilateral delayed reconstruction.
Postoperative Complication Impact on Quality of Life after Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Chi , Gomez Diego , Abdulwadood Isra , Kosiorek Heidi , Hammond Jacob B , Cronin Patricia , Reece Edward , Rebecca Alanna , Casey William , Pockaj Barbara A
Published: May 2023

Background:

Though the overall psychosocial benefits and body image gains of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) are well-established, there is limited information on how postoperative complications affect patient quality of life (QOL).

Study Designe:

A single-institution cross-sectional survey analysis was performed on patients who underwent PMBR between 2008-2020. QOL was assessed using the BREAST-Q and the Was It Worth It questionnaires. The results were compared between patients who had major complications, minor complications, and no complications. Responses were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests as appropriate.

Results:

Five-hundred and sixty-eight patients met inclusion criteria, and 244 patients responded (43% response rate). Most patients did not have any complications (n=128; 52%), 41 had minor complications (17%), and 75 had major complications (31%). There were no differences in any of the BREAST-Q wellbeing metrics based on degree of complication. Across all three groups, patients reported that surgery was worthwhile (n=212; 88%), they would choose reconstruction again (n=203; 85%), and they would recommend it to a friend (n=196; 82%). Overall, 77% reported that their overall experience either met or exceeded expectations, and 88% of patients had unchanged or improved overall QOL.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates that QOL and wellbeing are not negatively impacted by postoperative complications. Though patients who had no complications had an overall more positive experience, nearly two-thirds of all patients, no matter the degree of complication, stated that their overall experience either met or exceeded their expectations.
Persistent immune abnormalities discriminate post-COVID syndrome from convalescence
Authors: Sbierski-Kind Julia , Schlickeiser Stephan , Feldmann Svenja , Ober Veronica , Grüner Eva , Pleimelding Claire , Gilberg Leonard , Brand Isabel , Weigl Nikolas , Ahmed Mohamed I. M. , Ibarra Gerardo , Ruzicka Michael , Benesch Christopher , Pernpruner Anna , Valdinoci Elisabeth , Hoelscher Michael , Adorjan Kristina , Stubbe Hans Christian , Pritsch Michael , Seybold Ulrich , Bogner Johannes , Roider Julia
Published: May 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are key organizers of tissue immune responses and regulate tissue development, repair, and pathology. Persistent clinical sequelae beyond 12 weeks following acute COVID-19 disease, named post-COVID syndrome (PCS), are increasingly recognized in convalescent individuals. ILCs have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms but their role in the development of PCS remains poorly defined. Here we used multiparametric immune phenotyping, finding expanded circulating ILC precursors (ILCPs) and concurrent decreased group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in PCS patients compared to well-matched convalescent control groups at > 3 months after infection. Patients with PCS showed elevated expression of chemokines and cytokines associated with trafficking of immune cells (CCL19/MIP-3b, FLT3-ligand), endothelial inflammation and repair (CXCL1, EGF, RANTES, IL1RA, PDGF-AA). These results define immunological parameters associated with PCS and might help find biomarkers and disease-relevant therapeutic strategies.
Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 neutralization profiles after bivalent boosting using antigenic cartography
Authors: Rössler Annika , Netzl Antonia , Knabl Ludwig , Bante David , Wilks Samuel H. , Borena Wegene , Laer Dorothee von , Smith Derek J , Kimpel Janine
Published: May 2023

Since emergence of the initial SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants, omicron has diversified substantially. Antigenic characterization of these new variants is important to analyze their potential immune escape from population immunity and implications for future vaccine composition. Here, we describe an antigenic map based on human single-exposure sera and live-virus isolates that includes a broad selection of recently emerged omicron variants such as BA.2.75, BF.7, BQ, XBB and XBF variants. Recent omicron variants clustered around BA.1 and BA.5 with some variants further extending the antigenic space. Based on this antigenic map we constructed antibody landscapes to describe neutralization profiles after booster immunization with bivalent mRNA vaccines based on ancestral virus and either BA.1 or BA.4/5 omicron. Immune escape of BA.2.75, BQ, XBB and XBF variants was also evident in bivalently boosted individuals, however, cross-neutralization was improved for those with hybrid immunity. Our results indicate that future vaccine updates are needed to induce cross-neutralizing antibodies against currently circulating variants.

Graphical abstract
Inter-surgeon variation in reoperation following strabismus surgery among Medicare beneficiaries: Associations with adjustable sutures, patient and surgeon characteristics
Authors: Leffler Christopher T. , Woock Alicia , Shinbashi Meagan , Suggs Melissa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to quantify inter-surgeon variation in strabismus surgery reoperation rates in a large national database of provider payments, and to explore associations of reoperation rate with practice type and volume, surgical techniques, and characteristics of the patient population.

Methods

Fee-for-service payments to providers for Medicare beneficiaries having strabismus surgery between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to identify reoperations in the same calendar year. The adjustable-suture technique was considered to be available to the patient if the patient’s surgeon billed for adjustable sutures. Predictors of the rate of reoperation for each surgeon were determined by multivariable linear regression.

Results

Among 141 surgeons, the reoperation rate for 1-horizontal muscle surgery varied between 0.0% and 30.8%. Due to the presence of high-volume surgeons with high reoperation rates, just 11 surgeons contributed half of the reoperation events for 1-horizontal muscle surgery in this national database. Use of adjustable sutures, surgeon gender, and surgical volume were not independently associated with surgeon reoperation rate. Associations of reoperation with patient characteristics, such as age and poverty, were explored. In a multivariable model, surgeons in the South tended to have a higher reoperation rate (p=0.03). Still, the multivariable model could explain only 16.3% of the variation in surgeon reoperation rate for 1-horizontal muscle. For 1-vertical muscle surgery, patient poverty was associated with a lower surgeon reoperation rate (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Patient-level analyses which ignore inter-surgeon variation will be dominated by the practices of a small number of high-volume, high-reoperation surgeons. There are order-of-magnitude variations in reoperation rates among strabismus surgeons, the cause of which remains largely unexplained.
Microglial synaptic pruning in the nucleus accumbens during adolescence sex-specifically influences splenic immune outcomes
Authors: Kirkland J. M. , Patel Ishan , Ardeshna Monali S. , Kopec Ashley M.
Published: May 2023

Strong social support promotes a variety of positive health outcomes in humans and rodent models, while social isolation in rodents shortens lifespan, perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) can increase mortality by up to 50% in humans. How social relationships lead to these drastic health effects is unclear, but may involve modulation of the peripheral immune system. The reward circuitry of the brain and social behaviors undergo a critical period of development during adolescence. We published that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning occurs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reward region during adolescence to mediate social development in male and female rats. We hypothesized that if reward circuitry activity and social relationships directly impact the peripheral immune system, then natural developmental changes in the reward circuitry and social behaviors during adolescence should also directly impact the peripheral immune system. To test this, we inhibited microglial pruning in the NAc during adolescence, and then collected spleen tissue for mass spectrometry proteomic analysis and ELISA validation. We found that the global proteomic consequences of inhibiting microglial pruning in the NAc were similar between the sexes, but target-specific examination suggests that NAc pruning impacts Th1 cell-related immune markers in the spleen in males, but not females, and broad neurochemical systems in the spleen in females, but not males.

Please note, if this preprint will be pushed further to publication it will not be by me (AMK), as I am leaving academia. So, I’m going to write more conversationally.
CD28-Selective Inhibition Prolongs Non-Human Primate Kidney Transplant Survival
Authors: Lovasik Brendan P. , Kim Steven C. , Higginbotham Laura , Wakwe Walter , Mathews David V. , Breeden Cynthia , Farris Alton B. , Larsen Christian P. , Ford Mandy L , Nadler Steven , Adams Andrew B.
Published: May 2023

Costimulation blockade using belatacept results in improved renal function after kidney transplant as well as decreased likelihood of death/graft loss and reduced cardiovascular risk; however, higher rates and grades of acute rejection have prevented its widespread clinical adoption. Treatment with belatacept blocks both positive (CD28) and negative (CTLA-4) T cell signaling. CD28-selective therapies may offer improved potency by blocking CD28-mediated costimulation while leaving CTLA-4 mediated coinhibitory signals intact. Here we test a novel domain antibody directed at CD28 (anti-CD28 dAb (BMS-931699)) in a non-human primate kidney transplant model. Sixteen macaques underwent native nephrectomy and received life-sustaining renal allotransplantation from an MHC-mismatched donor. Animals were treated with belatacept alone, anti-CD28 dAb alone, or anti-CD28 dAb plus clinically relevant maintenance (MMF, Steroids) and induction therapy with either anti-IL-2R or T cell depletion. Treatment with anti-CD28 dAb extended survival compared to belatacept monotherapy (MST 187 vs. 29 days, p=0.07). The combination of anti-CD28 dAb and conventional immunosuppression further prolonged survival to MST ∼270 days. Animals maintained protective immunity with no significant infectious issues. These data demonstrate CD28-directed therapy is a safe and effective next-generation costimulatory blockade strategy with a demonstrated survival benefit and presumed advantage over belatacept by maintaining intact CTLA-4 coinhibitory signaling.
Classification of bacterial nanowire proteins using Machine Learning and Feature Engineering model
Authors: Raya Dheeraj , Peta Vincent , Bomgni Alain , Du Do Tuyen , Kalimuthu Jawaharraj , Salem David R. , Gadhamshetty Venkataramana , Gnimpieba Etienne Z. , Dhiman Saurabh Sudha
Published: May 2023

Nanowires (NW) have been extensively studied forShewanellaspp. andGeobacterspp. and are mostly produced by Type IV pili or multiheme c-type cytochrome. Electron transfer via NW is the most studied mechanism in microbially induced corrosion, with recent interest in application in bioelectronics and biosensor. In this study, a machine learning (ML) based tool was developed to classify NW proteins. A manually curated 999 protein collection was developed as an NW protein dataset. Gene ontology analysis of the dataset revealed microbial NW is part of membranal proteins with metal ion binding motifs and plays a central role in electron transfer activity. Random Forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) models were implemented in the prediction model and were observed to identify target proteins based on functional, structural, and physicochemical properties with 89.33%, 95.6%, and 99.99% accuracy. Dipetide amino acid composition, transition, and distribution protein features of NW are key important features aiding in the model’s high performance.
CryoEM PSII structure reveals adaptation mechanisms to environmental stress inChlorella ohadii
Authors: Fadeeva Maria , Klaiman Daniel , Caspy Ido , Nelson Nathan
Published: May 2023

Performing photosynthesis in the desert is a challenging task since it requires a fast adaptation to extreme illumination and temperature changes. To understand adaptive mechanisms, we purified Photosystem II (PSII) fromChlorella ohadii, a green alga from the desert soil surface, and identified structural elements that might enable the photosystem functioning under harsh conditions. The 2.72 Å cryogenic electron-microscopy (cryoEM) structure of PSII exhibited 64 subunits, encompassing 386 chlorophylls, 86 carotenoids, four plastoquinones, and several structural lipids. At the luminal side of PSII, the oxygen evolving complex was protected by a unique subunit arrangement - PsbO (OEE1), PsbP (OEE2), CP47, and PsbU (plant OEE3 homolog). PsbU interacted with PsbO, CP43, and PsbP, thus stabilising the oxygen evolving shield. Substantial changes were observed on the stromal electron acceptor side - PsbY was identified as a transmembrane helix situated alongside PsbF and PsbE enclosing cytochrome b559, supported by the adjacent C-terminal helix of Psb10. These four transmembrane helices bundled jointly, shielding cytochrome b559 from the solvent. The bulk of Psb10 formed a cap protecting the quinone site and probably contributed to the PSII stacking. So far, theC. ohadiiPSII structure is the most complete description of the complex, suggesting numerous future experiments. A protective mechanism that prevented QBfrom rendering itself fully reduced is proposed.
Contrastive Learning for Sleep Staging based on Inter Subject Correlation
Authors: Zhang Tongxu , Wang Bei
Published: May 2023

In recent years, multitudes of researches have applied deep learning to automatic sleep stage classification. Whereas actually, these works have paid less attention to the issue of cross-subject in sleep staging. At the same time, emerging neuroscience theories on inter-subject correlations can provide new insights for cross-subject analysis. This paper presents the MViTime model that have been used in sleep staging study. And we implement the inter-subject correlation theory through contrastive learning, providing a feasible solution to address the crosssubject problem in sleep stage classification. Finally, experimental results and conclusions are presented, demonstrating that the developed method has achieved state-of-the-art performance on sleep staging. The results of the ablation experiment also demonstrate the effectiveness of the cross-subject approach based on contrastive learning. The code can be accessed through:https://github.com/jukieCheung/MViTime.
ZBTB7A regulates MDD-specific chromatin signatures and astrocyte-mediated stress vulnerability in orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Fulton Sasha L. , Bendl Jaroslav , Gameiro-Ros Isabel , Fullard John F. , Al-Kachak Amni , Lepack Ashley E. , Stewart Andrew F. , Singh Sumnima , Poller Wolfram C. , Bastle Ryan M. , Hauberg Mads E. , Fakira Amanda K. , Chen Min , Durand-de Cuttoli Romain , Cathomas Flurin , Ramakrishnan Aarthi , Gleason Kelly , Shen Li , Tamminga Carol A. , Milosevic Ana , Russo Scott J. , Swirski Filip , Blitzer Robert D. , Slesinger Paul A. , Roussos Panos , Maze Ian
Published: May 2023

Hyperexcitability in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a key clinical feature of anhedonic domains of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, the cellular and molecular substrates underlying this dysfunction remain unknown. Here, cell-population-specific chromatin accessibility profiling in human OFC unexpectedly mapped genetic risk for MDD exclusively to non-neuronal cells, and transcriptomic analyses revealed significant glial dysregulation in this region. Characterization of MDD-specific cis-regulatory elements identified ZBTB7A – a transcriptional regulator of astrocyte reactivity – as an important mediator of MDD-specific chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Genetic manipulations in mouse OFC demonstrated that astrocytic Zbtb7a is both necessary and sufficient to promote behavioral deficits, cell-type-specific transcriptional and chromatin profiles, and OFC neuronal hyperexcitability induced by chronic stress – a major risk factor for MDD. These data thus highlight a critical role for OFC astrocytes in stress vulnerability and pinpoint ZBTB7A as a key dysregulated factor in MDD that mediates maladaptive astrocytic functions driving OFC hyperexcitability.
Anatomy of interactions among risk factors influencing implementation of building information modeling (BIM): a system dynamics approach
Authors: Zarghami Seyed Ashkan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The overarching objective of this paper is to examine the cause–effect relationships among building and information modeling (BIM)-related risk factors and their impact on the implementation of BIM in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on previous research to identify and categorize BIM-related risk factors. It then develops a system dynamics (SD) model to examine the cause–effect relationships among these factors leading to issues in BIM implementation.

Findings

The proposed SD model illustrates how nine reinforcing feedback loops provide connections between four categories of risks, namely, technical, information, legal and organizational risks and, consequently, create vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM.

Originality/value

This paper is among a few studies that depart from reductionism by taking a holistic approach and demonstrating how the interactions between BIM-related risk factors lead to vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM.
Transformational leadership and job performance of Maldives Civil Service employees, mediated by organisational commitment
Authors: Sudha Aminath , Azam S.M. Ferdous , Tham Jacquline
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Emerging research on public administration theory has highlighted the need for public sector managers to become better leaders by inspiring and motivating them to align themselves with their organisation's mission and vision. Therefore, transformational leadership has become increasingly appealing in public administration. This study investigates how transformational leadership affects the job performance of those in the Maldives' civil service. Furthermore, it tests the mediation effect of organisational commitment on the relationship between transformational leadership and the job performance of those working in the Maldives' civil service.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative and cross-sectional design to collect data from 370 employees from different Maldives civil service offices. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The mediating effect was tested using bootstrapping.

Findings

The results reveal that transformational leadership did not significantly affect job performance. While a mediation effect was present, the effect size was within a small range.

Originality/value

The results of this study has important implications for the Maldives' civil service from a human resource management perspective and provides insights to policymakers on how to improve leadership in Maldives' civil service institutions. Furthermore, this study contributes significantly to the existing research in understanding the effect of transformational leadership on public sector organisations in Asia and from a developing country's perspective.
Do you want to be roasted? The boundaries of using dark humor as a brand-to-brand communication strategy
Authors: Saavedra Torres Jose Luis , Bhattarai Ashok , Dang Anh , Rawal Monika
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines the use of dark humor in brand-to-brand communications on social media and its impact on consumers' brand perceptions. In particular, this study looks at roasting messages in which a brand humorously insults its peers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a sampling method to recruit 286 participants from the United States. They employed an ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analysis to test the hypotheses, as well as Hayes' PROCESS to test the mediation and moderation effects, including Johnson–Neyman procedure.

Findings

The authors found that not all customers find roasting messages funny. Rather, consumers' personality and age will influence their perceived humor of the messages and their brand evaluations. Customers who are young and extroverted are likely to believe roasting messages to be funny. They thus perceive the brand to be cooler and more sincere when using such a communication approach, compared to when the brand neutrally interacts with others. Meanwhile, brands may find less success with old and introverted customers.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on how the consumers' perception of humor in a roasting type of brand-to-brand communication has an impact on consumers' psychological perceptions of brand coolness and brand sincerity. To guide practitioners, it explored how the interaction between a consumer's personality and age moderates the aforementioned relationship.
Plants stand still but hide: Imperfect and heterogeneous detection is the rule when counting plants
Authors: Perret Jan , Besnard Aurélien , Charpentier Anne , Papuga Guillaume
Published: May 2023

The estimation of population size and its variation across space and time largely relies on counts of individuals, generally carried out within spatial units such as quadrats or sites. Missing individuals during counting (i.e. imperfect detection) results in biased estimates of population size and trends. Imperfect detection has been shown to be the rule in animal studies, and most studies now correct for this bias by estimating detection probability. Yet this correction remains exceptional in plant studies, suggesting that most plant ecologists implicitly assume that all individuals are always detected.

To assess if this assumption is valid, we conducted a field experiment to estimate individual detection probability in plant counts conducted in 1 × 1 m quadrats. We selected 30 herbaceous plant species along a gradient of conspicuousness at 24 sites along a gradient of habitat closure, and asked groups of observers to count individuals in 10 quadrats using three counting methods requiring progressively increasing times to complete (quick count, unlimited count and cell count). In total, 158 participants took part in the experiment, allowing an analysis of the results of 5024 counts.

Over all field sessions, no observer succeeded in detecting all the individuals in the 10 quadrats. The mean detection rate was 0.44 (ranging from 0.11 to 0.82) for the quick count, 0.59 for the unlimited count (range 0.18–0.87) and 0.74 for the cell count (range 0.46–0.94).

Detection probability increased with the conspicuousness of the target species and decreased with the density of individuals and habitat closure. The observer's experience in botany had little effect on detection probability, whereas detection was strongly affected by the time observers spent counting. Yet although the more time‐consuming methods increased detection probability, none achieved perfect detection, nor did they reduce the effect on detection probability of the variables we measured.

Synthesis. Our results show that detection is imperfect and highly heterogeneous when counting plants. To avoid biased estimates when assessing the size, temporal or spatial trends of plant populations, plant ecologists should use methods that estimate the detection probability of individuals rather than relying on raw counts.
‘The best of both worlds’: The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) approach to the quest for crisis management keystone
Authors: Jin Yan
Published: May 2023

This insight piece features the Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) at the University of Georgia in the United States. As a thought leadership entity joined by leading practitioners and scholars, the CCTT aims to build academia‐industry collaborations through dialogue on emerging topics and cocreation of evidence‐based advice for next‐generation crisis management theory and practice. This case study, written by the CCTT director and cofounder, walks through the origins of the CCTT, its mission and goals, structure and focus areas, as well as core activities and outputs. It discusses the unique value the CCTT approach brings to cross‐sector crisis communication knowledge generation and dissemination, shedding new light to centre‐based model exploration and innovative crisis management thought leadership development.
Food commodity price changes and consumer welfare in Bangladesh: Valuable lessons for today
Authors: Rahman Kazi Tamim , Shanoyan Aleksan , Hovhannisyan Vardges
Published: May 2023

The recent rise in global food prices threatens many countries worldwide, especially the vulnerable populations. Viable coping strategies can only be designed based on the important policy lessons learned from the experiences of these countries in confronting the similar shocks of 2007–2011. However, the disproportionate effects of these events and the impacts of policy responses remain largely unexplored. We examine the impact of a food price surge and the effectiveness of various mitigating policies in Bangladesh, one of the most populous, densely populated countries in the world that is plagued by poverty. Specifically, we combine individual‐level expenditure survey data with recent advances in consumer theory to examine the welfare consequences across income groups and geographic areas of the country over 2000–2016. Our empirical findings lend support to the hypothesis that the brunt of the price surge was borne by relatively less affluent and rural households, and government poverty alleviation programmes were largely ineffective.
A multidecadal oscillation in precipitation and temperature series is pronounced in low flow series from Puget Sound streams
Authors: Georgiadis Nicholas J. , Baker Joel E.
Published: May 2023

In Pacific Northwest streams, summer low flows limit water available to competing instream (salmon) and out‐of‐stream (human) uses, creating broad interest in how and why low flows are trending. Analyses that assumed linear (monotonic) change over the last ~60 years revealed declining low flow trends in minimally disturbed streams. Here, polynomials were used to model flow trends between 1929 and 2015. A multidecadal oscillation was observed in flows, which increased initially from the 1930s until the 1950s, declined until the 1990s, and then increased again. A similar oscillation was detected in precipitation series, and opposing oscillations in surface temperature, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation series. Multidecadal oscillations with similar periods to those described here are well known in climate indices. Fitted model terms were consistent with flow trends being influenced by at least two drivers, one oscillating and the other monotonic. Anthropogenic warming is a candidate driver for the monotonic decline, and variation in (internal) climatic circulation for the oscillating trend, but others were not ruled out. The recent upturn in streamflows suggests that anthropogenic warming has not been the dominant factor driving streamflow trends, at least until 2015. Climate projections based on simulations that omit drivers of multidecadal variation are likely to underestimate the range, and rate of change, of future climatic variation.
Stress hyperglycemia ratio is associated with systemic inflammation and clinical outcomes in diabetic inpatients with pneumonia on admission
Authors: Liu Bing , Chen Yu , Yu Liping , Zhou Min
Published: May 2023

Backgrounds

Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) reflects the acute blood glucose change in response to acute illnesses or injuries, including pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the associations of SHR with systemic inflammation and clinical outcomes in diabetic inpatients with pneumonia on admission.

Methods

A multicenter and retrospective study was conducted among diabetic inpatients with pneumonia on admission via electronic medical records from 2013 to 2019 in Ruijin Hospital, Shengjing Hospital, and China‐Japan Friendship Hospital.

Results

The study included 1631 diabetic inpatients with pneumonia on admission. Patients of the fourth quartile (Q4) of SHR on admission showed significantly elevated systemic inflammation compared with those of the first quartile (Q1), second quartile (Q2), or third quartile (Q3) of SHR, including more white blood cells (9.1 × 109/L in Q4 vs 7.6 × 109/L in Q1, 7.9 × 109/L in Q2, and 8.0 × 109/L in Q3, p < .001), higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (7.0 in Q4 vs 3.6 in Q1, 3.8 in Q2, and 4.0 in Q3, p < .001), higher C‐reactive protein (52.8 mg/L in Q4 vs 18.9 mg/L in Q1, p < .001; 52.8 mg/L in Q4 vs 28.6 mg/L in Q2, p = .002), higher procalcitonin (0.22 ng/mL in Q4 vs 0.10 ng/mL in Q1, 0.09 ng/mL in Q2, and 0.11 ng/mL in Q3, p < .001), and higher D‐dimer (0.67 mg/L in Q4 vs 0.47 mg/L in Q1, 0.50 mg/L in Q2, and 0.47 mg/L in Q3, p < .001). Excluding patients with hypoglycemia on admission in the analyses, there were still distinct J‐shaped associations between SHR and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with different severity of pneumonia, especially in those with CURB‐65 score for pneumonia severity (Confusion, blood Urea nitrogen, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure) ≥ 2. In the multivariable regression model, predictive value for adverse clinical outcomes was higher when SHR was taken as a spline term than as quartiles in all patients (area under curve 0.831 vs 0.822, p = .040), and when SHR as a spline term instead of fasting blood glucose was included in patients with CURB‐65 ≥ 2 (area under curve 0.755 vs 0.722, p = .027).

Conclusions

SHR was correlated with systematic inflammation and of J‐shaped associations with adverse clinical outcomes in diabetic inpatients with pneumonia of different severity. The inclusion of SHR in the blood glucose management of diabetic inpatients may be beneficial, especially for the prevention of potential hypoglycemia or the recognition of relative glucose insufficiency in those with severe pneumonia or high hemoglobin A1C.
(Re‐)Packaging Knowledge and The Business of Format: Benjamin Martin's The General Magazine of Arts and Sciences (1755–64)
Authors: Schwalm Helga
Published: May 2023

Benjamin Martin was an itinerant lecturer, instrument maker, and the author of a substantial number of textbooks mainly in the sciences. His biggest project, however, was The General Magazine of Arts and Sciences (1755–64), dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge to a broad audience. Rather than study Martin's works with regard to the history of science, this article examines his publications in terms of their highly self‐conscious engagement with form and format. While his textbooks are concerned with economic compression, his periodical General Magazine experiments with a special, unwieldy mode of seriality that brings to the fore the role of format as well as the precarious status of seriality for the purposes of knowledge dissemination.
When Peer Recognition Backfires: The Impact of Peer Information on Subsequent Helping Behavior*
Authors: Wang Pei
Published: May 2023

Peer recognition systems (PRS) have gained popularity in recent years as a means for organizations to promote employee helping behavior. However, there are theoretical reasons to believe that peer information that is publicly disclosed in PRS may reduce subsequent helping behavior, and I use an experiment to test my theory. Specifically, I examine a three‐employee setting where an employee (the worker) receives no recognition for helping a coworker (the recognizer) but another coworker (the helper) does. I predict and find that the worker's willingness to subsequently help the recognizer/helper is lower when the worker perceives that the worker's initial help exceeds (vs. subceeds) the helper's. I also find that the worker's perception of fairness mediates the process, and the worker's willingness to help the recognizer has a spillover effect on the worker's willingness to help the helper. My study provides the first empirical evidence of the negative impact that PRS have on helping behavior.