bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between HLA and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Marchal Astrid , Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Neveux Iva , Bellos Evangelos , Thwaites Ryan S. , Barrett Kelly M. Schiabor , Zhang Yu , Nemes-Bokun Ivana , Kalinova Mariya , Catchpole Andrew , Tangye Stuart G. , Spaan András N. , Lack Justin B. , Ghosn Jade , Burdet Charles , Gorochov Guy , Tubach Florence , Hausfater Pierre ,   COVID Human Genetic Effort,   COVIDeF Study Group,   French COVID Cohort Study Group,   CoV-Contact Cohort,   COVID-STORM Clinicians,   COVID Clinicians,   Orchestra Working Group,   Amsterdam UMC Covid-19 Biobank,   NIAID-USUHS COVID Study Group, Dalgard Clifton L. , Zhang Shen-Ying , Zhang Qian , Chiu Christopher , Fellay Jacques , Grzymski Joseph J. , Sancho-Shimizu Vanessa , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Cobat Aurélie , Bolze Alexandre
Published: December 2023

Human genetic studies of critical COVID-19 pneumonia have revealed the essential role of type I interferon-dependent innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, an association between the HLA-B*15:01 allele and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals was recently reported, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing T cell-dependent adaptive immunity. We report a lack of association of classical HLA alleles, including HLA-B*15:01, with pre-omicron asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated participants in a prospective population-based study in the US (191 asymptomatic vs. 945 symptomatic COVID-19 cases). Moreover, we found no such association in the international COVID Human Genetic Effort cohort (206 asymptomatic vs. 574 mild or moderate COVID-19 cases and 1,625 severe or critical COVID-19 cases). Finally, in the Human Challenge Characterisation study, the three HLA-B*15:01 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed symptoms. As with other acute primary infections, no classical HLA alleles favoring an asymptomatic course of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified. These findings suggest that memory T-cell immunity to seasonal coronaviruses does not strongly influence the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals.
Association Between use of an Adaptive Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Algorithm and Healthcare Utilization and Cost
Authors: Gold Michael R. , Zhou Jiani , Higuera Lucas , Lanctin David P. , Chung Eugene S.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the association between use of adaptive pacing on clinical and economic outcomes of CRT recipients in real-world analysis.

Background

The AdaptivCRTTMalgorithm was shown in prior subgroup analyses of prospective trials to achieve clinical benefits, but a large prospective trial showed nonsignificant changes in the endpoint of mortality or heart failure hospitalizations.

Methods

CRT-implanted patients from the Optum Clinformatics® database with ≥90 days of follow-up were included. Remote monitoring data was used to classify patients based on CRT setting – adaptive biventricular and left ventricular pacing (aCRT) vs. standard biventricular pacing (Standard CRT). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for baseline differences between groups. Mortality, 30-day readmissions, healthcare utilization, and payer and patient costs were evaluated post-implantation.

Results

This study included 2,412 aCRT and 1,638 Standard CRT patients (mean follow-up: 2.4 ± 1.4 years), with balanced baseline characteristics after adjustment. The aCRT group was associated with lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI):0.80, 0.96]), fewer all-cause 30-day readmissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.87 [CI:0.81, 0.94]), and fewer all-cause and HF-related inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department (ED) visits. The aCRT cohort was also associated with lower all-cause outpatient payer-paid amounts and lower all-cause and HF-related inpatient and ED patient-paid amounts.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis of a large real-world cohort, use of an adaptive CRT algorithm was associated with lower mortality, reduced healthcare resource utilization, and lower payer and patient costs.
Structural variation discovery in wheat using PacBio high-fidelity sequencing
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Zhang Jijin , Kang Lipeng , Qiu Xuebing , Xu Song , Xu Jun , Guo Yafei , Niu Zelin , Niu Beirui , Bi Aoyue , Zhao Xuebo , Xu Daxing , Wang Jing , Yin Changbin , Lu Fei
Published: December 2023

Background

Structural variations (SVs) pervade plant genomes and contribute substantially to the phenotypic diversity. However, most SVs were ineffectively assayed because of their complex nature and the limitations of early genomic technologies. The recent advance in third-generation sequencing, particularly the PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi) sequencing technology, produces highly accurate long-reads and offers an unprecedented opportunity to characterize SVs’ structure and functionality. As HiFi sequencing is relatively new to population genomics, it is imperative to evaluate and optimize HiFi sequencing based SV detection before applying the technology at scale.

Results

We sequenced wheat genomes using HiFi reads, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of mainstream long-read aligners and SV callers in SV detection. The results showed that the accuracy of deletion discovery is markedly influenced by callers, which account for 87.73% of the variance, while both aligners (38.25%) and callers (49.32%) contributed substantially to the accuracy variance for insertions. Among the aligners, Winnowmap2 and NGMLR excelled in detecting deletions and insertions, respectively. For SV callers, SVIM achieved the best performance. We demonstrated that combining the aligners and callers mentioned above is optimal for SV detection. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of sequencing depth on the accuracy of SV detection, showing that low-coverage HiFi sequencing is sufficiently robust for high-quality SV discovery.

Conclusions

This study thoroughly evaluated SV discovery approaches using HiFi reads, establishing optimal workflows to investigate structural variations in the wheat genome. The notable accuracy of SV discovery from low-coverage HiFi sequencing indicates that skim HiFi sequencing is effective and preferable to characterize SVs at the population level. This study will help advance SV discovery and decipher the biological functions of SVs in wheat and many other plants.
Vitamin B5 Metabolism is Essential for Vacuolar and Mitochondrial Integrity and Xenobiotic Detoxification in Fungi
Authors: Choi Jae-Yeon , Gihaz Shalev , Munshi Muhammad , Singh Pallavi , Vydyam Pratap , Hamel Patrice , Adams Emily M. , Fuller Kevin , Mamoun Choukri Ben
Published: December 2023

Fungal infections, a leading cause of mortality among eukaryotic pathogens, pose a growing global health threat due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat this challenge. The PCA pathway for biosynthesis of Co-enzyme A (CoA) and Acetyl-CoA (AcCoA) from vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has been validated as an excellent target for the development of new antimicrobials against fungi and protozoa. The pathway regulates key cellular processes including metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, sterols, and heme. In this study, we provide genetic evidence that disruption of the PCA pathway results in a significant alteration in the susceptibility of fungi to a wide range of xenobiotics, including clinically approved antifungal drugs through alteration of vacuolar integrity and drug detoxification. The drug potentiation-mediated by genetic regulation of genes in the PCA pathway could be recapitulated using the pantazine analog PZ-2891 as well as the celecoxib derivative, AR-12 through inhibition of fungal AcCoA synthase activity. Collectively, the data validate the PCA pathway as a suitable target for enhancing the efficacy and safety of current antifungal therapies.
Spatially clustered piRNA genes promote the transcription of piRNAs via condensate formation of the H3K27me3 reader UAD-2
Authors: Zhu Chengming , Si Xiaoyue , Hou Xinhao , Xu Panpan , Gao Jianing , Tang Yao , Weng Chenchun , Xu Mingjing , Yan Qi , Jin Qile , Cheng Jiewei , Ruan Ke , Zhou Ying , Shan Ge , Xu Demin , Chen Xiangyang , Xiang Shengqi , Huang Xinya , Feng Xuezhu , Guang Shouhong
Published: December 2023

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are essential for maintaining genome integrity and fertility in various organisms. In flies and nematodes, piRNA genes are encoded in heterochromatinized genomic clusters. The molecular mechanisms of piRNA transcription remain intriguing. Through unique molecular indexed-small RNA sequencing and chromosome editing, we discovered that spatial aggregation of piRNA genes enhances their transcription in nematodes. The heterochromatinized piRNA genome recruits the piRNA transcription complex USTC (including PRDE-1, SNPC-4, TOFU-4, and TOFU-5) and the H3K27me3 reader UAD-2, which phase separate into droplets to initiate piRNA transcription. We searched for factors that regulate piRNA condensate formation and isolated the SUMO E3 ligase GEI-17 as inhibiting and the SUMO protease TOFU-3 as promoting condensate formation, thereby regulating piRNA production. Our study revealed that spatial aggregation of piRNA genes, phase separation and deSUMOylation may benefit the organization of functional biomolecular condensates to direct piRNA transcription in the heterochromatinized genome.
Developing Standards for Rapid Evaluation and Appraisal Methods (STREAM): an e-Delphi consensus study
Authors: Clark Sigrún Eyrúnardóttir , Vera San Juan Norha , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia
Published: December 2023

Timeliness is key to influencing the utility of evaluation and research findings and has given rise to a range of rapid evaluation and appraisal approaches. However, issues in the design, implementation and transparency in their reporting has led to concerns around their rigour and validity. To address this, we have developed the Standards for Rapid Evaluation and Appraisal Methods (STREAM). We followed a four-stage consensus process, starting with a (1) steering group consultation; (2) three-stage e-Delphi study; (3) stakeholder consensus workshop; and (4) piloting exercise. The stakeholders invited to participate in the consensus process had experience in conducting, being part of, or commissioning rapid evaluations or appraisals. As a result, 38 standards were developed with the purpose of guiding the design and implementation of rapid evaluations and appraisals and supporting the reporting of methods used. We suggest strengthening STREAM by testing it in alternative contexts to assess its generalisability.
P-tau217 and other blood biomarkers of dementia: variation with time of day
Authors: della Monica Ciro , Revell Victoria , Atzori Giuseppe , Laban Rhiannon , Skene Simon S. , Heslegrave Amanda , Hassanin Hana , Nilforooshan Ramin , Zetterberg Henrik , Dijk Derk-Jan
Published: December 2023

Plasma biomarkers of dementia, including phosphorylated tau (p-tau217), offer promise as tools for diagnosis, stratification for clinical trials, monitoring disease progression, and assessing the success of interventions in those living with Alzheimer’s disease. However, currently, it is unknown whether these dementia biomarker levels vary with time of day, which could have implications for their clinical value. In two protocols, we studied 38 participants (70.8 ± 7.6 years; mean ± SD) in a 27-hour laboratory protocol with either two samples taken 12 hours apart or 3-hourly blood sampling for 24 hours in the presence of a sleep-wake cycle. The study population comprised people living with mild Alzheimer’s disease (PLWA, n = 8), partners/caregivers of PLWA (n = 6) and cognitively intact older adults (n = 24). Single molecule array technology was used to measure phosphorylated tau (p-tau217) (ALZpath), amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40), amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL) (Neuro 4-Plex E). Analysis with a linear mixed model (SAS, PROC MIXED) revealed a significant effect of time of day for p-tau217, Aβ40, Aβ42, and NfL, and a significant effect of participant group for p-tau217. For p-tau217, lowest levels were observed in the morning upon waking and highest values in the afternoon/early evening. The magnitude of the diurnal variation for p-tau217 was similar to the reported increase in p-tau217 over one year in amyloid-β-positive mild cognitively impaired people. Currently, the factors driving this diurnal variation are unknown and could be related to sleep, circadian mechanisms, activity, posture, or meals. Overall, this work implies that time of day of sample collection may be relevant in the implementation and interpretation of plasma biomarkers in dementia research and care.
Modeling the profibrotic microenvironmentin vitro: model validation
Authors: Grigorieva Olga , Basalova Natalia , Dyachkova Uliana , Novoseletskaya Ekaterina , Vigovskii Maksim , Arbatskiy Mikhail , Kulebyakina Maria , Efimenko Anastasia
Published: December 2023

Establishing the molecular and cellular mechanisms of fibrosis requires the development of validated and reproducible models. The complexity ofin vivomodels challenges the monitoring of an individual cell fate, in some cases making it impossible. However, the set of factors affecting cells inin vitroculture systems differ significantly fromin vivoconditions, insufficiently reproducing living systems. Thus, to model profibrotic conditionsin vitro, usually the key profibrotic factor, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ-1) is used as a single factor. TGFβ-1 stimulates the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, the main effector cells promoting the development and progression of fibrosis. However, except for soluble factors, the rigidity and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a critical role in the differentiation process. To develop the model of more complex profibrotic microenvironmentin vitro, we used a combination of factors: decellularized ECM synthesized by human dermal fibroblasts in the presence of ascorbic acid if cultured as cell sheets and recombinant TGFβ-1 as a supplement. When culturing human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue (MSCs) under described conditions, we observed differentiation of MSCs into myofibroblasts due to increased number of cells with stress fibrils with alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and increased expression of myofibroblast marker genes such as collagen I, EDA-fibronectin and αSMA. Importantly, secretome of MSCs changed in these profibrotic microenvironment: the secretion of the profibrotic proteins SPARC and fibulin-2 increased, while the secretion of the antifibrotic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) decreased. Analysis of transciptomic pattern of regulatory microRNAs in MSCs revealed 49 miRNAs with increased expression and 3 miRNAs with decreased expression under profibrotic stimuli. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that at least 184 gene targets of the differently expressed miRNAs genes were associated with fibrosis. To further validate the developed model of profibrotic microenvironment, we cultured human dermal fibroblasts in these conditions and observed increased expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAPa) after 12 hours of cultivation as well as increased level of αSMA and higher number of αSMA+ stress fibrils after 72 hours. The data obtained allow us to conclude that the conditions formed by the combination of profibrotic ECM and TGFβ-1 provide a complex profibrotic microenvironmentin vitro. Thus, this model can be applicable in studying the mechanism of fibrosis development, as well as for the development of antifibrotic therapy.
The dark side of leadership communication: the impact of supervisor verbal aggressiveness on workplace culture, employee–organization relationships and counterproductive work behaviors
Authors: Yue Cen April , Qin Yufan Sunny , Men Linjuan Rita
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study is designed to bridge a gap in the existing leadership communication literature by delving into lesser-explored facets of the field. It particularly concentrates on investigating how the verbal aggressiveness of supervisors influences various aspects of the workplace, including workplace emotional culture, the quality of employee–organization relationships (EORs) and the prevalence of counterproductive work behaviors (CWB).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative research design to investigate the impact of supervisors' verbal aggressiveness on employee and organizational outcomes. The data were collected from 392 full-time employees across various organizations and industries in the USA using a self-report questionnaire. The researchers used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data and test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of this study showed that supervisors' verbal aggressiveness had a significant positive association with negative emotional culture and employee CWB. However, it had no direct impact on employee–organization relationships. The effect of supervisor verbal aggressiveness on employee CWB was found to be mediated by a negative team-level emotional culture.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on leadership communication by highlighting the detrimental influence of the dark side of leadership communication. More specifically, by identifying negative emotional culture and employee CWB as the direct outcomes of supervisor verbal aggressiveness, the authors add to the existing theoretical knowledge on verbal aggressiveness in the workplace. Additionally, this study provides empirical evidence of the impact of a negative emotional culture on eliciting employees' CWBs and diminishing relationship quality, adding to the body of knowledge on why managing emotional culture is crucial for organizations and workgroups.
Political corruption as a source of regulatory obstacles to NPD and the role of business associations in overcoming these obstacles
Authors: Sorkun Metehan Feridun , Özen Şükrü
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates how perceived political corruption, a generally overlooked corruption type, relates to firms' new product development (NPD) through perceived regulatory obstacles. It also examines firms' perceptions of business association support in this relationship, considering these associations' potential support for NPD.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an empirical analysis of 1,663 firms in Turkey, a country noted for a history of legislative corruption, and in which there are strong business associations. Drawing the data from the World Bank's 2019 Enterprise Surveys Dataset, this study tested the hypotheses via the two-stage factor score regression method.

Findings

This study finds that perceived political corruption significantly relates to NPD negatively through perceived regulatory obstacles. It also finds that the perceived support of business associations to NPD is significantly greater when firms perceive regulatory obstacles but only slight political corruption.

Originality/value

As far as political corruption is concerned, this study reveals that corruption can also be the cause of regulatory obstacles, expanding the common view of corruption as a means of overcoming regulatory obstacles to NPD. In addition, it introduces the role of business associations in this relationship by revealing their support to NPD for different levels of perceived political corruption and regulatory obstacles.
The role of organisational and contextual factors in supply chain collaboration and competitive advantage: the case of the garment industry in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Dung Thi My , Thai Vinh Van , Duc Truong Ton Hien , Nguyen Thanh-Thuy
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to investigate how organisational and contextual factors affect supply chain collaboration and how that, in turn, influences firms' competitive advantage in the garment industry in the context of Vietnam, a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with senior managers who are involved in supply chain collaboration in twelve garment companies in Vietnam. The data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo 12. Based on the literature and interview findings, a research model underpinned by the relational view (RV) and institutional theories, with organisational and contextual factors being the antecedents and competitive advantage as the outcome of supply chain collaboration, was proposed.

Findings

The findings showed that organisational and contextual factors induce both internal, supplier and customer supply chain collaboration. There is also a positive relationship between supply chain collaboration and competitive advantage. Based on these findings, a strategy matrix for supply chain collaboration is also put forward.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical attempts to investigate the role of organisational and contextual factors as potential antecedents of supply chain collaboration and its effects on competitive advantage in the garment industry. The research is expected to enrich both the literature and management practices on supply chain collaboration in the context of developing countries.
Economic impact of farmer producer organisation (FPO) membership: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Gurung Rajiv , Choubey Manesh , Rai Runa
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) are considered as a strategy to improve the livelihoods of small farmers through economies of scale by providing collective strength to farmers for improved access to production technology, value-addition services, high-quality inputs and marketing services for improving their incomes. This study investigates the impact of FPO membership on organic farming household's income in Northeast India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses field survey data collected from all four districts of Sikkim. Primary data were obtained from a survey of 560 organic farming households, 280 of which are FPO members and the rest 280 are non-members. Propensity score matching (PSM) is used to estimate the impact of FPO membership on net returns, return on investment (ROI) and profit margin.

Findings

Results show that the FPO members had, on average, Rs. 7,254–8,133 higher annual net returns, 4.6–4.8% higher ROI and 8–8.4% higher profit margin than the non-members. The findings confirm that FPO membership has a positive and significant impact on net returns, return on investment and profit margin. Also, heterogeneity analysis indicates that FPO membership has larger positive impact on relatively bigger farmers and female-headed households.

Research limitations/implications

As the study was based on a cross-sectional survey, the findings may be subjected to some limitations.

Originality/value

This study is based on a novel data set, collected specifically to examine the economic impact of FPO membership on organic farming in India.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0451
Shaming behavior in online communities: exploring a new configuration of digital conversations
Authors: Roth-Cohen Osnat , Rashi Tsuriel
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to conceptualize online shaming discourse in virtual communities and to serve as a practical guide for online community managers and members.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study explores the construction of meanings in human interaction in online communities by presenting a conceptual model, “The Triple-Responsibility Model in Online Communities,” that is based on Kantian ethics.

Findings

The model includes characterizing the roles of core participants in online communities: writer, reader and group manager; and delineating four ethical principles – truth, necessity, proportionality and caution – that can help society find the golden mean between social change and respecting human dignity and concern for an individual’s public image and provide a theoretical contribution and practical guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

It addresses shaming in virtual communities by suggesting a balance of several key principles, including truth, necessity, proportionality and caution. This is a new conceptualization of online shaming relevant to today's digital arena.

Practical implications

The guidelines can contribute to the ongoing political debate over what constitutes appropriate and justified regulation. Moreover, Facebook community leaders are responsible for formatting the group’s identity, the technical facets of group management and for setting group boundaries and determining the rules of participation. The posited rules may affect social media group managers, as they are called upon to leverage their privileged position and channel their media power into influencing online discourse.

Social implications

The current study provides insights into how shaming can be used as a legitimate tool in society by implementing an ethical approach, resulting in guidelines that restrict online discourse for participants in virtual communities and affect the work of social media group managers and policymakers.

Originality/value

By presenting a new conceptual model, the authors suggest that ethics are a helpful tool and offer insights into how online communities' participants and managers should use their voice and balance between shaming and maintaining the dignity of the individual.
A review of experimental investigations to attain productive and sustainable micro-electrical discharge machining process on metals and superalloys
Authors: Vincent Nivin , John Franklin Robert
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the current production scenario emphasizing the significance of green manufacturing in achieving economic and environmental sustainability goals to fulfil future needs; to determine the viability of particular strategies and actions performed to increase the process efficiency of electrical discharge machining; and to uphold the values of sustainability in the nonconventional manufacturing sector and to identify future works in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough analysis of numerous experimental studies and findings is conducted. This prominent nontraditional machining process’s potential machinability and sustainability challenges are discussed, along with the current research to alleviate them. The focus is placed on modifications to the dielectric fluid, choosing affordable substitutes and treating consumable tool electrodes.

Findings

Trans-esterified vegetable oils, which are biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for conventional dielectric fluids, provide pollution-free machining with enhanced surface finish and material removal rates. Modifying the dielectric fluid with specific nanomaterials could increase the machining rate and demonstrate a decrease in machining flaws such as micropores, globules and microcracks. Tool electrodes subjected to cryogenic treatment have shown reduced tool metal consumption and downtime for the setup.

Practical implications

The findings suggested eco-friendly machining techniques and optimized control settings that reduce energy consumption, lowering operating expenses and carbon footprints. Using eco-friendly dielectrics, including vegetable oils or biodegradable dielectric fluids, might lessen the adverse effects of the electrical discharge machine operations on the environment. Adopting sustainable practices might enhance a business’s reputation with the public, shareholders and clients because sustainability is becoming increasingly significant across various industries.

Originality/value

A detailed general review of green nontraditional electrical discharge machining process is provided, from high-quality indexed journals. The findings and results contemplated in this review paper can lead the research community to collectively apply it in sustainable techniques to enhance machinability and reduce environmental effects.
Direct identification of pathogens via microbial cellular DNA in whole blood by MeltArray
Authors: Song Jiabao , Lin Su , Zhu Lin , Lin Yong , An Wenbin , Zhang Jinding , Wang Haohao , Yang Zhuan , Liao Yiqun , Xu Ye , Li Qingge
Published: December 2023

Rapid identification of pathogens is critical for early and appropriate treatment of bloodstream infections. The various culture‐independent assays that have been developed often have long turnaround times, low sensitivity and narrow pathogen coverage. Here, we propose a new multiplex PCR assay, MeltArray, which uses intact microbial cells as the source of genomic DNA (gDNA). The successive steps of the MeltArray assay, including selective lysis of human cells, microbial cell sedimentation, microbial cellular DNA extraction, target‐specific pre‐amplification and multiplex PCR detection, allowed the detection of 35 major bloodstream infectious pathogens in whole blood within 5.5 h. The limits of detection varied depending on the pathogen and ranged from 1 to 5 CFU/mL. Of 443 blood culture samples, including 373 positive blood culture samples and 70 negative blood culture samples, the MeltArray assay showed a sensitivity of 93.8% (350/373, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 90.7%–96.0%), specificity of 98.6% (69/70, 95% CI = 91.2%–99.9%), positive predictive value of 99.7% (95% CI = 98.1%–99.9%), and negative predictive value of 75.0% (95% CI = 64.7%–83.2%). The MeltArray detection results of 16 samples differed from MALDI–TOF and were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Further testing of 110 whole blood samples from patients with suspected bloodstream infections using blood culture results revealed that the MeltArray assay had a clinical sensitivity of 100% (9/9, 95% CI = 62.8%–100.0%), clinical specificity of 74.5% (70/94, 95% CI = 64.2%–82.7%), positive predictive value of 27.3% (95% CI = 13.9%–45.8%), and negative predictive value of 100.0% (95% CI = 93.5%–100.0%). Compared with metagenomic next‐generation sequencing, the MeltArray assay displayed a positive agreement of 85.7% (6/7, 95% CI = 42.0%–99.2%) and negative agreement of 100.0% (4/4, 95% CI = 39.6%–100.0%). We conclude that the MeltArray assay can be used as a rapid and reliable tool for direct identification of pathogens in bloodstream infections.
Three‐dimensional imaging anatomical research and clinical implications of V1 +2d in the left upper lung
Authors: Liao Wei , Xu Xinfeng , Li Zhihua , Xu Wenzheng , Xia Yang , Cao Xincen , Zhu Quan , Wu Weibing , Wang Jun , Chen Liang
Published: December 2023

Background

To investigate the distribution pattern of V1+2d in the left superior pulmonary vein and its clinical significance.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using three‐dimensional computed tomographic bronchography and angiography (3D‐CTBA) data from 500 lung cancer patients. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the incidence and drainage patterns of the three sub‐branches of V1+2d, namely V1+2d1, V1+2d2 and V1+2d3. Furthermore, clinical data from 10 patients' lesions involving V1+2d were reviewed to illustrate the impact of adjacency to V1+2d on the surgical approach.

Results

The incidences of V1+2d1, V1+2d2 and V1+2d3 were 100%, 76.4% and 100% respectively. The relative interlobar distribution sizes of B3a and B1+2c and the left upper division (LUD) vein type influenced the incidence of V1+2d2 (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). V1+2d2 predominantly occurred in B3a = B1+2c and B1+2c > B3a patterns. V1+2d2 was entirely absent in the B3a > B1+2c pattern. V1+2d2 exhibited a higher incidence in both the central vein (CV) type and the noncentral vein (NCV) type when compared to the semi‐central vein (SCV) type (100% vs. 100% vs. 64.8%). The most prevalent venous drainage pattern was the three sub‐branches of V1+2d constituting a major trunk to drain (41.2%). All 10 cases with lesions involving V1+2d successfully underwent sublobar resection with no complications, and the surgical margin was ≥2 cm.

Conclusions

The three sub‐branches of V1+2d exhibit a high incidence with diverse distribution patterns, yet a discernible pattern exists. For inter‐ or multi‐intersegmental nodules involving V1+2d, combined segmentectomy and subsegmentectomy or combined subsegmentectomy can ensure the safe margin.
Integrated analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing uncovers genetic differences between Zi goose and Xianghai flying goose
Authors: Ni Hongyu , Zhang Yonghong , Yang Yuwei , Yin Yijing , Ren Jing , Xiao Qingxing , Zhao Puze , Hong Xiaoqing , Zhang Ziyi , Cui Benhai , Sun Hao , Sun Xueqi , Li Yumei
Published: December 2023

Zi goose is a famous indigenous breed originating from northeast China with high annual egg production. Xianghai flying goose is a composite breed and is bred by crosses of the wild swan goose and the Zi goose. Our previous study revealed significant differences in muscle fiber characteristics between the two populations. Here, we aimed to reveal the underlying genetic basis of the above phenotype differences through whole‐genome and transcriptome analysis. A total of 20 blood samples (10 Zi geese and 10 Xianghai flying geese) were used for whole genome sequencing, and eight breast muscle tissue samples (four Zi geese and four Xianghai flying geese) were used for RNA sequencing. Using the FST and XP‐EHH analysis, some highly differentiated genome regions annotated with egg production (RORB, WNT4, BMPR1B) and breast muscle development (WNT7B) between the two populations were detected. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed differentially expressed genes related to muscle development (IGF1, PAX7). Moreover, several genes were detected by both genome and transcriptome analysis, and some of them were reported to be associated with muscle growth (SLIT2, PREX1) and intramuscular fat (COL6A1). These findings will help researchers better understand the genetic basis related to egg production and muscle development in geese.
Destructive managerial anger stemming from self‐immanent pride: Is humility a solution?
Authors: Bachkirov Alexandre Anatolievich
Published: December 2023

The article proposes that managers can counteract and/or prevent the detrimental effects of destructive anger by cultivating the virtue of humility. Traditional psychological conceptualisations of anger are examined, a need for a novel approach to understanding the origins of this emotion is highlighted, and the recently introduced concept of self‐immanent pride is reviewed. The first contribution of the article delves into how destructive managerial anger stems from self‐immanent pride leading to negative workplace outcomes. The second contribution proposes a shift from reacting to anger to adopting a proactive approach that emphasises nurturing managerial humility. The third contribution offers practical suggestions, highlighting the importance of self‐reflection for understanding how self‐immanent pride leads to anger. The article considers boundary conditions and recommends future avenues for research into anger, pride and humility from an ethical perspective.
The highs and lows of cyclic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhang Haiyu , Villar‐Prados Alejandro , Bussel James B. , Zehnder James L.
Published: December 2023

Cyclic thrombocytopenia (CTP) is characterized by periodic platelet oscillation with substantial amplitude. Most CTP cases have a thrombocytopenic background and are often misdiagnosed as immune thrombocytopenia with erratically effective treatment choices. CTP also occurs during hydroxyurea treatment in patients with myeloproliferative diseases. While the aetiology of CTP remains uncertain, here we evaluate historical, theoretical and clinical findings to provide a framework for understanding CTP pathophysiology. CTP retains the intrinsic oscillatory factors defined by the homeostatic regulation of platelet count, presenting as reciprocal platelet/thrombopoietin oscillations and stable oscillation periodicity. Moreover, CTP patients possess pathogenic factors destabilizing the platelet homeostatic system thereby creating opportunities for external perturbations to initiate and sustain the exaggerated platelet oscillations. Beyond humoral and cell‐mediated autoimmunity, we propose recently uncovered germline and somatic genetic variants, such as those of MPL, STAT3 or DNMT3A, as pathogenic factors in thrombocytopenia‐related CTP. Likewise, the JAK2 V617F or BCR::ABL1 translocation that drives underlying myeloproliferative diseases may also play a pathogenic role in hydroxyurea‐induced CTP, where hydroxyurea treatment can serve as both a trigger and a pathogenic factor of platelet oscillation. Elucidating the pathogenic landscape of CTP provides an opportunity for targeted therapeutic approaches in the future.
Does subsidizing the cost of care impact on dental attendance patterns among older adults?
Authors: Allen Finbarr , Guarnizo‐Herreño Carol C. , Fan Sim Yu , Tsakos Georgios
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess whether eligibility for an age‐related universal (pioneer generation [PG]) subsidy incentivises dental attendance by older Singaporeans.

Methods

Data were collected between 2018 and 2021 from in‐person interviews of Singaporean adults aged 60–90 years using a questionnaire and a clinical examination. The questionnaire included details of age, gender, ethnicity, education, residential status, socio‐economic status, marital status, eligibility for subsidy (community health assistance/CHAS, PG or both) and frequency of dental attendance. The clinical examination recorded number of teeth (categorized as edentulous, 1–9 teeth;10–19 teeth; ≥20 teeth). To estimate the effect of the PG subsidy on dental attendance pattern, a regression discontinuity (RD) analysis was applied using age as the assignment variable.

Results

A total of 1172 participants aged 60–90 years (64.2% female) were recruited, with 498 (43%) being eligible for the PG subsidy. For those eligible for PG subsidy, there was a higher proportion of regular attenders than irregular attenders (53.6% vs. 46.4%). In age adjusted RD analysis, those eligible for the PG subsidy were 1.6 (95% CI: 1.0, 2.7) times more likely to report regular attendance than their PG non‐eligible counterparts. The association remained strong (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–3.7) even after further controlling for demographics, socioeconomic factors, number of teeth and eligibility for the CHAS subsidy.

Conclusions

Being eligible for the PG subsidy substantially increased the odds of regular dental attendance.
Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for a residual gastric lesion after unsuccessful endoscopic submucosal dissection in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Okubo Yuki , Takeuchi Yoji , Shichijo Satoki
Published: December 2023

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Estimating the potential distribution of yellow spotted stink bug (Erthesina fullo) using ecological niche models
Authors: Zhu Gengping , Bush Tatiana N. , Burgstahler Katherine S. , Green Nathaniel , Cook Hannah , Rampone Emily , Helmreich Salena , Reed Riley M. , Milnes Joshua M. , Crowder David W.
Published: December 2023

Invasive insect species threaten the productivity of ecosystems worldwide, and ecological niche models can be used to predict distributions of invaders and guide management efforts. Ecological niche models can also aid monitoring for invasive species that are globally distributed. One such species is the yellow spotted stink bug (Erthesina fullo Thunberg), a polyphagous pest native to Asia that has established in Europe and South America and threatens specialty crops. Here, we used ecological niche models to predict the potential distribution of E. fullo, and created a website to display predictions. We show that E. fullo has peak occurrence probability in areas with annual mean temperatures around 20°C, and that the occurrence probability increases as maximum monthly temperature reaches up to 38°C. The likelihood of occurrence decreased as annual precipitation increased, but increased with greater precipitation in the wettest and driest months. This suggests E. fullo is most suited to regions that are warm and dry and where most precipitation occurs across only a few months, such as southern North America, central and southern South America, southern Europe, southern Africa, and central and eastern Australia. Given that E. fullo is a highly mobile hitchhiking insect that travels through cargo and other containers to new areas, the potential spread of this species into new regions should be carefully monitored.
Perspectives for reducing seed shattering in ryegrasses
Authors: Kiesbauer Jenny , Grieder Christoph , Studer Bruno , Kölliker Roland
Published: December 2023

In the last decades, the progress in ryegrass (Lolium spp.) breeding was mainly on agronomic traits such as biomass yield, forage quality or disease resistance. However, for commercial success, a stable and high seed yield is a prerequisite for any cultivar. The realized seed yield is influenced by many different factors such as non‐optimal pollination and fertilization, seed abortion and seed shattering. While seed shattering has been largely eliminated in major cereal crops such as rice, barley or sorghum during domestication, the trait has been largely neglected in ryegrass breeding programs. The close syntenic relationship of cereal and ryegrass genomes offers the opportunity to develop breeding approaches for reducing seed shattering in the latter by transferring knowledge from the former. The objectives of this review are to (1) give an overview on the knowledge of morphology on seed shattering in cereal crops and ryegrasses, (2) compare the genetic background underlying seed shattering in different species, (3) identify putative candidate genes controlling seed shattering in ryegrasses through comparative genomic analysis and (4) give an outlook on new breeding strategies resulting in low seed shattering cultivars of ryegrasses and related forage grass species.
Mesothelioma in situ of the peritoneum: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Symes Emily , Tjota Melissa , Cody Brittany , Kindler Hedy , Mitchell Owen , Witmer Hunter , Turaga Kiran , Mueller Jeffrey , Krausz Thomas , Husain Aliya N. , Li Huihua
Published: December 2023

Aim

Diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ (MIS) is historically controversial and, until recently, specific features defining the entity have not been well characterized. Most reported cases of MIS occurred in the pleura; peritoneal MIS is very rare. This study investigates the morphologic features and results of ancillary testing in peritoneal MIS.

Methods

We present three patients with peritoneal MIS, as defined by a single layer of mesothelial cells with loss of nuclear BRCA‐1‐associated protein‐1 (BAP1) immunostaining and without evidence of invasive tumour by microscopic evaluation, imaging, or direct examination of the peritoneum. Histology and immunostains were reviewed by three expert thoracic pathologists with multidisciplinary input. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in all three cases. A literature review was conducted to characterize this rare precursor lesion.

Results

BAP1 was lost in all three lesions, while methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) was retained in two (not performed in the third). NGS revealed BAP1 pathogenic alterations in all three cases as well as mutations of SMO, ERCC3, TET2, and U2AF1. Progression to invasive mesothelioma occurred in one patient at 13 months postdiagnosis (case 1). One patient was diagnosed at age 24 and was later found to harbour a BAP1 germline mutation (case 3).

Conclusion

This work describes the histologic features and clinicopathologic characteristics of peritoneal MIS in three cases, highlights BAP1 somatic and germline mutations in peritoneal MIS, and strengthens the importance of ancillary studies (including immunohistochemical and molecular studies) in the diagnosis of MIS.
NR1D1‐rearranged soft tissue tumour: A clinicopathological and molecular analysis of four additional cases
Authors: Yin Tangchen , Zhu Peipei , Lao I Weng , Yu Lin , Bai Qianming , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Jian
Published: December 2023

Aims

Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1)‐rearranged soft tissue tumour is a newly described entity with an epithelioid morphology and a potential for aggressive behaviour. Largely due to under‐recognition, this tumour type has not yet been widely acknowledged. Herein, we report four additional cases to further expand its clinicopathological and molecular spectrum.

Methods and results

Four mesenchymal tumours with NR1D1 rearrangement were identified from our consultation files. There were one male and three females with ages ranging from 19 to 47 years (median = 28.5 years). Tumour occurred in the tongue, neck, hip and index finger, respectively. Histologically, two tumours were composed predominantly of epithelioid cells; one tumour had admixed epithelioid‐spindle cells and one tumour consisted of monomorphic small round to ovoid cells. By immunohistochemistry, none of the tumours expressed lineage‐specific markers. Targeted RNA‐sequencing identified NR1D1 fusions in all four tumours, the partner genes being MAML2, MAML3, KMT2A and NCOA2, respectively. The novel MAML3 and NCOA2 rearrangements were confirmed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation analysis. On follow‐up (2–23 months), one patient experienced local recurrence due to incomplete resection and one patient developed lung metastasis. The other two patients were alive without disease.

Conclusions

This study adds more support for NR1D1‐rearranged soft tissue tumour as an emerging entity. The occurrence of two additional tumours in the head and neck region, description of a small round cell variant and identification of novel MAML3, KMT2A and NCOA2 partners further expand its clinicopathological and molecular spectrum. More studies on larger series are necessary to validate the fully malignant potential of NR1D1‐rearranged soft tissue tumour.
Antecedents and outcomes of open innovation over the past 20 years: A framework and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Zengguang , Liang Xiaoning , Garrett Tony C.
Published: December 2023

The open innovation paradigm emphasizes that firms can improve their innovation performance by collaborating with other firms. However, there is no consensus in the open innovation literature regarding what drives firms' implementation of inbound and outbound open innovation and how the two types of open innovation influence innovation and firm performance. The present meta‐analysis synthesizes previous research to advance our understanding of open innovation by reexamining its antecedents and its moderating effects on innovation and firm performance. Using data from 157 articles, our results show that appropriation strategy, formal organizational structure, learning culture and top manager competence drive inbound open innovation, while innovation strategy, appropriation strategy, learning culture, and top manager competence drive outbound open innovation. In addition, we find that absorptive capacity positively moderates the positive impact of inbound and outbound open innovation on innovation performance. However, industry type (i.e., high‐ and low‐tech) is not found to moderate the effect of open innovation on innovation or firm performance, suggesting that both high‐ and low‐tech firms can equally reap benefits from open innovation. Furthermore, this study also partially supports the moderating effects of firm size and cultural value (individualism vs. collectivism) on the open innovation—performance relationship. These findings collectively suggest that the effects of inbound and outbound open innovation on performance are subject to contextual factors. Although this meta‐analysis does not allow us to generate new theories in the open innovation literature, it offers valuable insights to both academics and practitioners regarding factors affecting the implementation of open innovation and its performance implications.