bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mendelian insights: Irritable bowel syndrome as a predictor of upper urinary tract calculi
Authors: Gao Shang , Tian Renli
Published: November 2024

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a notably higher rate of consultations in urology clinics compared to other clinics. They often present with symptoms such as lumbar pain, dysuria, and urinary difficulty that are also associated with upper urinary tract calculi (UUTC). UUTC are the leading cause of nephrectomy in non-oncological cases, early screening for high-risk populations is deemed necessary. We investigated the relationship between IBS and UUTC using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, with the primary analysis conducted using the inverse variance weighting method. To enhance the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses employing Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO. Additionally, we included type 2 diabetes in a multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis for further exploration. Our two-sample MR analysis, employing the inverse variance weighting method, suggested a positive association between IBS and UUTC, with an odds ratio of 1.47, a 95% confidence interval from 1.01 to 2.15, and a P-value of .442. Both weighted median and MR Egger analyses also indicated that IBS may be a risk factor for UUTC, although the results were not statistically significant. The Cochran Q test revealed no evidence of heterogeneity (P > .05). The MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO analyses did not support the presence of pleiotropy (P > .05), and no outliers were detected by MR-PRESSO. Sensitivity analyses reinforce the reliability of our findings. Multivariate MR analysis further confirmed that IBS is a risk confirmed factor for UUTC, with significant results (P < .05). IBS is identified as one of the etiological factors for UUTC, enhancing our understanding of the gut-kidney axis. The specific mechanisms underlying this association warrant further investigation. Clinicians should consider the importance of monitoring for UUTC in patients with IBS.
Emerging trends and hotspots in peptic ulcer from 2008 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Jiahui , Jin Jiamei , Wang Xiaoyang , Huang Fugang , Sun Ke , Li Menglin , Liu Xiaogu
Published: November 2024

Peptic ulcer (PU) is a common digestive disorder in the gastroduodenal. Although bibliometrics has become very popular in the medical field, a bibliometric analysis of research related to PU has yet to be reported. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the trends and hotspots of PU in the last 15 years. Literature data related to PU retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2008 to 2023 were visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace 6.1.6.msi, VOSviewer 1.6.19, and SCImago Graphica Beta 1.0.35. Six thousand four hundred ninety-one papers were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The country with the highest number of publications was China. The institution with the highest number of publications was Baylor College of Medicine. The most prolific author was Yamaoka Yoshio. Malfertheiner Peter had the highest number of citations. The journal with the most publications is World Journal of Gastroenterology. The most cited Journal is Gastroenterology. The most cited reference was published by Marshall B. J. et al in 1984. The article with the highest burst strength was published in 2012 by Malfertheiner Peter. The keyword with the highest burst strength was “oxidative stress.” Our research provides a bibliometric analysis of PU research to reveal the trends and hotspots of PU for 2008 to 2023. Our findings will help researchers to quickly understand the current state of research and provide a reference for in-depth studies in this area to foster the development of PU research.
Network pharmacology integrated with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism of Tongxie Yaofang in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Tang Lili , Liu Yuedong , Tao Hongwu , Feng Wenzhe , Ren Cong
Published: November 2024

Tongxie Yaofang (TXYF), a classical traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used in China to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to integrate network pharmacology with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism of Tongxie Yaofang in the treatment of UC. The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database was used to retrieve the relevant chemical compositions of the herbs contained in TXYF. The DisGeNET, GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and Therapeutic Target Database databases were used to retrieve UC-related targets. To construct protein–protein interaction networks and screen for key targets, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of the key targets of TXYF in the treatment of UC were performed using R 4.3.2 software. AutoDock Tools 1.5.7 was used for molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations of protein complexes and complexes of proteins with small-molecule ligands and eutectic ligands were carried out with Gromacs 2022 software. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that TXYF could act on UC through multiple targets and pathways. It may exert therapeutic effects mainly through the AGE/RAGE, TOLL, JAK/STAT, and Th17 signaling pathways. The possible targets of TXYF in the treatment of UC could be AKT1, BCL2, EGFR, HMOX1, HSP90AA1, and TGFβ1. Molecular docking analysis revealed that AKT1 had the highest binding energy (‐10.55 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the complexes formed by the AKT1 protein and the chemical compounds MOL001910 and MOL00035 had good stability and high binding strength. AKT1 may be the most critical target of TXYF in treating UC, and the key chemical components of TXYF in treating UC may include β-sitosterol (MOL000358) and 11alpha,12alpha-epoxy-3beta-23-dihydroxy-30-norolean-20-en-28,12beta-olide (MOL00 1910). This study revealed that TXYF may exert therapeutic effects on UC through multiple targets, multiple biological functions, and multiple signaling pathways. This study provides a new insight into the pharmacological mechanism of TXYF in treating UC.
Influence of clinical experience in detecting calcifications of the head and neck region on panoramic radiographs: an app-based evaluation
Authors: Schneider Benedikt , Grün Pascal , Degel Ulli , Ströbele Dragan , Bandura Patrick , Pfaffeneder-Mantai Florian , von See Constantin , Turhani Dritan
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) are used in dental practice as the first diagnostic tool for the initial detection of head and neck regions soft-tissue calcifications. The aim of this study was to use a self-developed application (App) to evaluate the ability of dental students at different levels of training to examine known DPRs with different soft-tissue calcification.

Methods:

A total of known 100 DPRs with (n=50) and without (n=50) calcification were independently evaluated by four groups: preclinical, first clinical and last clinical dental students, and dentists with less than or equal to 1 year of professional experience in the same time (15 min) and examination conditions. Unity software was used to develop the examination App, which allowed to mark areas with calcifications on the DPRs. The data were statistically analyzed between the groups (significance level: P<0.05) for every location, and the detection rate was calculated as a percentage of detected calcifications.

Results:

Results revealed that the overall detection rate of calcifications in all groups was 29.17%. Dentists exhibited the highest detection rate (36.46%), followed by the last- (29.69%), first- (32.29%), and preclinical (15.10%) students.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that clinical experience plays a role in the correct detection of soft-tissue calcifications in DPRs. However, deficiencies in radiological training during dental education may contribute to diagnostic errors. As these can become life-threatening risks, the results highlight the need for early training in the dental curriculum to improve diagnostic performance and minimize possible diagnostic errors.
Management of recurrent end-stage achalasia with robotic-assisted esophagectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Khalid Faizan , Augustine Sana W. , Singh Satvir , Sohail Rohab , Hashmi Tooba , Younus Shaik Mahboob , Asfeen Ummul , Zahdeh Tamer , Mahmood Khan Aadil , Singh Mansi
Published: November 2024

Introduction and Importance:

Achalasia, an uncommon esophageal motility disorder, presents therapeutic challenges, especially in refractory cases with a history of multiple surgeries. Here, we present a complex case illustrating the dilemmas and multidisciplinary approach required in managing such patients. This case underscores the relevance of newer techniques like robotic-assisted esophagectomy in refractory achalasia management.

Case Presentation:

A 53-year-old male with recurrent achalasia endured persistent dysphagia, reflux, and esophageal spasms despite undergoing Heller myotomies, fundoplications, and hiatal hernia repairs. Imaging revealed severe esophageal dilation and anatomical alterations post-surgeries. Opting for a robotic-assisted thoracoabdominal esophagectomy due to relentless symptoms, the patient faced technical hurdles due to adhesions and a dilated esophagus. Post-surgery, complications like thoracic duct injury, milky pleural effusion, atrial fibrillation, and limb ischemia arose, necessitating multidisciplinary intervention.

Clinical discussion:

Managing refractory achalasia poses significant challenges, particularly in extensively operated patients. Despite aggressive surgeries, debilitating symptoms persisted, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Complications like thoracic duct injury and atrial fibrillation further complicate management, highlighting the intricacies of such cases. Careful consideration of surgical options and the potential of newer techniques like POEM are crucial in navigating such complexities.

Conclusion:

Managing refractory achalasia, especially in patients with extensive surgical histories, requires a multidisciplinary approach and careful consideration of treatment options. This case underscores the evolving landscape of achalasia management and emphasizes the potential benefits of newer techniques like POEM in select cases.
Tuberculous meningitis leading to stroke: a case report
Authors: Aryal Egesh , Adhikari Aayam , Adhikari Alisha , Bhattarai Dikshita , Shakya Subij , Paudel Amita , Dhonju Kiran , Ranjini Nived J. , Sharma Aditi , Dahal Mohit R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Tuberculosis is a major public health issue in developing countries. Vasculitis, resulting from tubercular meningitis, can lead to stroke.

Case presentation:

A 33-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with relapsing-remitting fever with an evening rise in temperature for 1 month, personality changes (aggression and mutism) for 2 weeks, followed by difficulty in moving his lower limbs, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Neck rigidity, a positive Kernig’s sign, bilateral mute plantar responses, and 0/5 power in bilateral lower limbs were noted on examinations. MRI of the brain was suggestive of tubercular meningitis and showed an infarct with hemorrhagic transformation in the relatively uncommon, right basifrontal lobe. Gene Xpert test done on cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis.

Discussion:

Tuberculous meningitis leading to infarct is a challenging diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms and variable cerebrospinal fluid AFB staining results. Radiological imaging with MRI helps in suggesting the diagnosis and Gene Xpert confirms the diagnosis. Antitubercular therapy, steroids, physiotherapy, and supportive care are part of management.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of considering tubercular meningitis-related cerebral infarction despite initial negative CSF AFB stain. Radiological investigation may help in guiding the clinician towards a diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis with vasculitis.
Usability of Light-Linking Technology for Infusion Line Identification
Authors: Huffman Carolyn , Butcher Wendy , Gonzales Cliff , Hampton Kerrin , Munn Lindsay , Saunders Ian , Russell Greg
Published: November 2024

Critical care nurses are faced with increasing task loads due to increasing patient complexity. In addition to this complexity, most critical care patients have a maze of infusion and monitoring lines that must be navigated when administering medications. Task load is escalated when a nurse must identify an injection port and administer a medication rapidly. This study tested a commercially available light-linking infusion line identification device. Researchers compared standard labeling practices to the light-linking technology on time to injection, error rate, usability, and task load. Forty-seven intensive care nurses completed 188 critical care simulations using a randomized cross-over design. Simulations were carried out in both daylight and low-light conditions. The light-linking technology reduced overall time to injection compared to standard labeling practices and demonstrated a significant decrease in time to injection in low-light settings, greater perceived usability, and lower perceived task load. Injection error rate could not be adequately assessed, but 6 of 8 errors were committed in low-light conditions.
Time to successful outcome vs. treatment duration in cranial remolding orthosis treatment
Authors: Petz Alyssa M. , Vallery Claire E. , Richards Chelsea J. , Gensch Hannah T. , Yosef Matheos , Khalatbari Shokoufeh H. , Frank Christopher J. , Richards Jennifer A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Cranial remolding orthoses are an effective treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. Typical treatment durations are well documented. However, treatment duration can be affected by multiple factors and may not be a true representation of the time necessary to achieve a successful clinical outcome.

Objective:

This study compared the time to achieve a successful clinical outcome against the total treatment duration for cranial remolding orthosis therapy in infants with deformational plagiocephaly.

Study design:

This is a retrospective study of infants treated for deformational plagiocephaly with a cranial remolding orthosis.

Methods:

 A total of 300 infants with deformational plagiocephaly who were treated with a cranial remolding orthosis were grouped by corrected age at initiation of treatment and by severity of deformity. A successful outcome was defined as achieving a final cranial vault asymmetry of 5 mm or less. For the 226 infants who achieved a successful outcome, time to successful outcome and treatment duration were compared between the groups.

Results:

The time to successful outcome depended on severity but not on age at initiation. The median time to successful outcome ranged from 6 weeks to 17.5 weeks, depending on the severity of the deformity. Time to successful outcome was significantly shorter than treatment duration for infants with an initial cranial vault asymmetry of less than 17 mm.

Conclusion:

Current treatment durations for infants with moderate plagiocephaly may be longer than necessary. Estimated treatment time lines should be based on the initial severity of the infant's deformity.
Effects of a low-cost prosthetic knee on amputee gait over uneven and even terrains
Authors: Aviles Jessica , Castleberry Julia , Madigan Michael L.
Published: November 2024

Limited data are available related to using a low-cost prosthetic knee while walking. To address this gap, this study compared the performance of a low-cost prosthetic knee with 2 more advanced prosthetic knees while walking on even and uneven terrains. Two adult subjects with above-knee amputations completed walking trials using a low-cost prosthetic knee (ReMotion knee) and their personal prosthetic knees (Ottobock 3R60 Pro mechanical knee and Ossur Rheo microprocessor knee) over even and uneven terrains. Several measures of gait performance were obtained including step size, stability, energy expenditure, as well as user perception of ReMotion workload and performance during gait. Effects of the ReMotion knee were different between the mechanical and microprocessor knee user. In addition, subjects perceived the positive aspects associated with the ReMotion knee to be its lightweight feature and their perceived increased in stability during walking while both subjects disliked the inability of the ReMotion knee to adjust to preferred walking speeds. This study provided an understanding of low-cost prosthetic technology among lower-limb amputees compared to prosthetic technology with more technologically advanced assistance. These findings may help guide future low-cost prosthetic knee design considerations for use on various terrains.
Exploring the FAP-Targeted Therapeutics for Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Chopra Sejal , Walia Rama , Kaur Komalpreet , Roesch Frank , Moon Euy Sung , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Shukla Jaya
Published: November 2024

Metastatic or recurrent adrenocortical carcinoma is a potentially lethal malignancy, presenting significant challenges in disease management owing to absence of effective systemic treatments. Significantly diminished survival rates necessitate rapid identification of specific molecules for the development of targeted therapeutics. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)–expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts have been a major breakthrough causing a paradigm shift in targeted theranostics focusing on the tumor microenvironment. The effectiveness of various FAP inhibitors (FAPis) and FAP targeting peptide has been extensively documented in diverse clinical investigations. We have evaluated 3 molecules, that is, DOTA.SA.FAPi (SA.FAPi), FAPi46, and FAP2286, as potential theranostic probes for adrenocortical carcinoma.
Perinatal Risk Factors in Single-suture Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Van Carlen Martin , Lane Steven , Ching Rosanna C. , Ong Juling , Gallo Pasquale , Halsnad Moorthy , Hennedige Anusha
Published: November 2024

To our knowledge, there has not been a review article summarizing the current evidence with regard to perinatal risk factors, and our aim is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence of perinatal risk factors in single suture craniosynostosis to inform our practice and identify any need for further research in this area. Our target population was pediatric single-suture craniosynostosis patients, and the intervention was perinatal risk factors. The comparison group was an age and sex-matched control group without craniosynostosis and the outcome we investigated was presence of single suture craniosynostosis. The literature search was done using OVID MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Embase databases from 1946 to 2023. A PRISMA flowchart was created, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan pooled odds ratios, and 95% CIs were used to combine results from individual studies. Our initial search identified 625 abstracts and these were narrowed down to 16 articles, which were included in the final selection for the review. Out of these, 13 were used for the quantitative meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed a possible association between craniosynostosis and the following perinatal risk factors; presence of maternal thyroid disease, maternal age greater than 29, paternal age greater than 29, maternal smoking, gestational age above 37 weeks, and maternal underweight (BMI<18.5). Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate definite associations. The next step is to set up a multicenter prospective study among a craniofacial unit network.
Interdisciplinary Operating Room Ergonomics Needs and Priorities
Authors: Mah Alexis , Alam Fahad , Larouche Jeremie , Dandal Marie-Antonette , Cohen Tara , Hallbeck Susan , Norasi Hamid , Kallocsai Csilla , Sriram Sapna , Helman James D. , Hallet Julie
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To examine perceived OR ergonomics facilitators and barriers, with a focus on the interdisciplinary team.

Summary Background Data:

Poor ergonomics causes musculoskeletal injuries affecting all operating room (OR) staff with repercussions on patient care, outcomes, and sustainability. Lack of ergonomic awareness and education are risk factors.

Methods:

We conducted a self-administered web-based survey of OR nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists at a single centre (n=238). We developed a questionnaire through items generation and reduction, followed by reliability and validity testing.

Results:

Response rate was 53.8%. Respondents perceived that on average 80% of nurses, 70% of surgeons, and 40% anesthesiologists experienced MSK injuries, with no difference in professional groups’ perceptions. Guideline ergonomics interventions were rarely used (<25%) except for specialized clothing (33%), equipment repositioning (59%), and seating (37%), though perceived beneficial by 80-90%. Reported barriers to optimal ergonomics were organizational/structural (lack of time, space, equipment, funding), whereas solutions were individual. Fear of unfavourable perception from others was a concern for 62%. Teams discussing, prioritizing, monitoring, or helping with ergonomics was indicated by <50%. Individual ergonomic adaptations were perceived as convenience by other staff.

Conclusions:

While structural/organizational issues are reported as barriers to ergonomics, solutions appeared as individual responsibilities. Team dynamics did not prioritize nor support ergonomics. Education tools leveraging the interdisciplinary team are warranted. This work will be supplemented by interviews and live observations to build tailored educational tools for OR teams.
Vampire bats rapidly fuel running with essential or non-essential amino acids from a blood meal
Authors: Rossi Giulia S. , Welch Kenneth C.
Published: November 2024

In most mammals, running is fuelled by oxidization of endogenous carbohydrates and lipids while amino acids contribute little (< 5–10%). Common vampire bats (
Desmodus rotundus
), however, specialize on a unique, protein-rich blood diet. Therefore, we hypothesized that (i) vampire bats would rapidly begin utilizing dietary amino acids to support running metabolism, and (ii) that relative reliance on essential and non-essential amino acids would be similar. We fed bats cow’s blood enriched either with isotopically labelled glycine (non-essential amino acid) or leucine (essential amino acid). Bats were exercised at speeds of 10, 20 and 30 m min
−1
on a respirometry treadmill, allowing us to assess metabolic rate (i.e. O
2
consumption and CO
2
production) and track the oxidation of labelled amino acids in exhaled CO
2
. Vampire bats oxidized amino acids as their primary fuel as indicated by a respiratory exchange ratio (RER = ratio of CO
2
production to O
2
consumption rates) of approximately 0.8–0.9 at all speeds, with the labelled meal accounting for as much as 60% of oxidized fuels at peak usage. Similar oxidation rates indicated bats did not discriminate between essential and non-essential amino acid use. These findings reiterate how strongly metabolism can be shaped by a specialized diet.
Physical mechanism reveals bacterial slowdown above a critical number of flagella
Authors: Tătulea-Codrean Maria , Lauga Eric
Published: November 2024

Numerous studies have explored the link between bacterial swimming and the number of flagella, a distinguishing feature of motile multi-flagellated bacteria. We revisit this open question using augmented slender-body theory simulations, in which we resolve the full hydrodynamic interactions within a bundle of helical filaments rotating and translating in synchrony. Unlike previous studies, our model considers the full torque–speed relationship of the bacterial flagellar motor, revealing its significant impact on multi-flagellated swimming. Because the viscous load per motor decreases with the flagellar number, the bacterial flagellar motor transitions from the high-load to the low-load regime at a critical number of filaments, leading to bacterial slowdown as further flagella are added to the bundle. We explain the physical mechanism behind the observed slowdown as an interplay between the load-dependent generation of torque by the motor, and the load-reducing cooperativity between flagella, which consists of both hydrodynamic and non-hydrodynamic components. The theoretically predicted critical number of flagella is remarkably close to the values reported for the model organism
Escherichia coli
. Our model further predicts that the critical number of flagella increases with viscosity, suggesting that bacteria can enhance their swimming capacity by growing more flagella in more viscous environments, consistent with empirical observations.
The effect of climate change and temperature extremes on
Aedes albopictus
populations: a regional case study for Italy
Authors: Garrido Zornoza Miguel , Caminade Cyril , Tompkins Adrian M.
Published: November 2024

The Asian tiger mosquito,
Aedes albopictus
, has spread widely throughout Italy since its introduction, with significant public health implications. We examine how decadal temperature trends and sub-monthly heatwave events affect its climate-driven geographical distribution and temporal dynamics using a new regional-scale dynamical
Aedes
model. The model is calibrated using

12

years of ovitrap data for Emilia-Romagna and reproduces the vector seasonality and, to a lesser extent, its inter-annual variability. Simulated vector density hotspots overlap with densely populated areas in Rome, Milan, Naples, Foggia, Catania, Palermo, Lecce, Cagliari, Genoa, Turin and large urban centres in Emilia-Romagna. Lower risk is simulated over the Central Apennine mountains and the Alps. At decadal time scale, we simulate a lengthening of the active mosquito season by 0.5–3 weeks per decade, with the vector becoming homodynamic in southern Italy. Depending on the climatic setting, heatwaves can increase or reduce vector populations and, in some locations, can temporarily decrease mosquito populations. Such decreases can be followed by a population rebound and overshoot. Given the model’s skill in reproducing key spatio-temporal
Ae. albopictus
features, there is potential to develop an early warning system to inform control efforts at a national scale.
A stochastic mechanism causing long or short transients near a bifurcation point
Authors: Gordillo Luis F. , Greenwood Priscilla E.
Published: November 2024

When a bifurcation parameter in a deterministic model becomes a stochastic process, additional new stochastic processes may arise near a critical parameter value. By examining the sample paths of a population model with a strong Allee effect, in which the bifurcation parameter is defined as an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process, we find that transient times before extinction may be extended or shortened according to the excursions of the OU process. We find the distributions of transient times as they depend on process parameters.
FIGNL1 inhibits homologous recombination in BRCA2 deficient cells by dissociating RAD51 filaments
Authors: Kuthethur Raviprasad , Acharya Ananya , Sengodan Satheesh Kumar , Fonseca Carmen , Nagar Nupur , Nasrin VZ Safa , Ibini Oluwakemi , Manolika Eleni-Maria , de Koning Kelly , Braunshier Stefan , Dessapt Julien , Fradet-Turcotte Amélie , Lebbink Joyce H.G. , Kanaar Roland , Poluri Krishna Mohan , Sharan Shyam K. , Cejka Petr , Chaudhuri Arnab Ray
Published: November 2024

Homologous recombination (HR) deficiency upon BRCA2 loss arises from defects in the formation of RAD51 nucleoprotein filaments. Here, we demonstrate that loss of the anti-recombinase FIGNL1 retains RAD51 loading at DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in BRCA2-deficient cells, leading to genome stability, HR proficiency, and viability of BRCA2-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells. Mechanistically, we directly show that strand invasion and subsequent HR defects upon BRCA2 loss primarily arises from the unrestricted removal of RAD51 from DSB sites by FIGNL1, rather than from defective RAD51 loading. Furthermore, we identify that the MMS22L-TONSL complex interacts with FIGNL1 and is critical for HR in BRCA2/FIGNL1 double-deficient cells. These findings identify a pathway for tightly regulating RAD51 activity to promote efficient HR, offering insights into mechanisms of chemoresistance in BRCA2-deficient tumors.
Systems metabolic engineering ofCorynebacterium glutamicumfor efficient L-tryptophan production
Authors: Dong Yufei , Chen Zhen
Published: November 2024

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a versatile industrial microorganism for producing various amino acids. However, there have been no reports of well-defined C. glutamicum strains capable of hyperproducing L-tryptophan. This study presents a comprehensive metabolic engineering approach to establish robust C. glutamicum strains for L-tryptophan biosynthesis, including: (1) identification of potential targets by enzyme-constrained genome-scale modeling; (2) enhancement of the L-tryptophan biosynthetic pathway; (3) reconfiguration of central metabolic pathways; (4) identification of metabolic bottlenecks through comparative metabolome analysis; (5) engineering of the transport system, shikimate pathway, and precursor supply; and (6) repression of competing pathways and iterative optimization of key targets. The resulting C. glutamicum strain achieved a remarkable L-tryptophan titer of 50.5 g/L in 48h with a yield of 0.17 g/g glucose in fed-batch fermentation. This study highlights the efficacy of integrating computational modeling with systems metabolic engineering for significantly enhancing the production capabilities of industrial microorganisms.
Prevalence and factors influencing contraceptive uptake among in school adolescent girls aged 13-19 years in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district
Authors: Mubanga Jennise , Hazemba Alice Ngoma , Bwembya Phoebe
Published: November 2024

Background: Low contraceptive uptake among in school adolescent girls continues perpetuating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Adolescent pregnancy has adverse maternal complications and compromise their social-economic potential. Studies have shown high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy due to low contraceptive uptake, despite availability of effective preventive measures. Adolescents still have many unmet contraceptive needs. Therefore, contraceptive use among in school adolescent girls needs more attention. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted among 383 in school adolescent girls aged 13-19. Primary data was collected and analyzed using STATA version 13.0. Characteristics of respondents were analyzed and presented in Frequency and Percentages. Applied chi-square and fishers exact tests to measure association between response variable and explanatory variables. Applied logistic regression to determine odds of factors influencing contraceptive uptake. Used investigator led best fit model to select best predictors of contraceptive uptake with statistically significant p-value (<0.05) and 95% confidence-interval. Results: Study showed majority 70% of adolescent girls never used contraceptives while, 20.6% ever used. Odds of contraceptive uptake increased among adolescents with both moderate and high knowledge levels (AOR:7.38, 95% CI:1.16-46.87, p =0.034) and (AOR:66.73, 95% CI3.84-1161.01, p = 0.004), having moderate and easy access (AOR:15.98, 95% CI:5.01-50.95, p<0.000) and (AOR:893.57, 95% CI:38.84-20560.12, p<0.000). Confidentiality showed moderately and extremely confidential (AOR:6.84, 95%CI: 1.96-23.85, p =0.003) and (AOR:124.60, 95%CI:6.07-2558.39, p =0.002). Also, having satisfactory and excellent information about sexual and reproductive health showed high odds (AOR:12.53, 95% CI:3.86-40.67, p<0.000) and (AOR:25.13, 95% CI:.3.34-188.95, p =0.000 respectively. Conclusion: Findings highlighted low contraceptive prevalence with factors influencing contraceptive uptake such as age, knowledge, access, confidentiality and adequate sexual and reproductive health information. Therefore, strengthening collaboration between education and healthcare systems in meeting sexual and reproductive health needs would significantly reduce teen pregnancies and promote their socio-economic development. Keywords: Adolescent girls, Contraceptives uptake/use, Contraceptive prevalence
Life shocks and self-perceived risk of housing loss among low-income individuals
Authors: Byrne Thomas H. , Hahm Christian , Tamta Mohit , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe the self-perceived risk of housing loss among low-income individuals in the context of four potential life shocks and examines whether individuals’ social and economic resources are protective against self-perceived risk of housing loss in the context of these life shocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a national online survey of low-income households in the USA. The authors asked respondents to assess whether they would be at risk of housing loss if they experienced any of four potential life shocks: job loss, moderate and major medical catastrophes and damage to home from natural disaster. Logistic regression models estimated the association between self-perceived risk of housing loss in the context of these life shocks and respondents’ economic and social resources, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.

Findings

A minority of respondents reported that they would be able to maintain their housing if they were to experience a life shock (i.e. 34%–43% depending on the specific life shock). Receipt of more generous forms of income support as well as having family or friends to live with in the event of housing loss were the most consistent economic and social resource predictors of respondents’ self-perceived ability to maintain their housing in the context of a life shock.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that comprehensive assessments of risk of housing crises should take into account how individuals view their vulnerability to housing loss if they were to experience a life shock.
The power of oversight: institutional investors as moderators of the earnings quality-information asymmetry nexus in Europe
Authors: Eliwa Yasser , Haslam Jim , Abraham Santhosh , Saleh Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Purpose

While there is some evidence of a relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry, there is limited evidence on the moderating role of institutional investors in this relationship. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine how institutional ownership affects the relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry, with a focus on the impact of different investment horizons.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of listed European firms from 2000 to 2022. Earnings quality is measured using the McNichols (2002) modification of the Dechow and Dichev (2002) model. The analysis examines the moderating effect of institutional ownership on the relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry.

Findings

This study finds that the relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry is more pronounced in firms with a higher percentage of institutional ownership. This study finds that the monitoring role of long-term institutional investors is more effective than that of short-term institutional investors. This study also finds that the influence of institutional investors is more significant in firms with incentives to engage in earnings management.

Practical implications

The findings provide evidence suggesting that institutional investors are an important class of investors in terms of exercising an effective monitoring role to mitigate information asymmetry and demand higher earnings quality from their investee firms. These findings are informative for many financial reporting participants, including investors, analysts, regulators and managers.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing research examining the relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry (e.g. Affleck-Graves et al., 2002; Ascioglu et al., 2012; Bhattacharya et al., 2013; Jayaraman, 2008; Liu and Elayan, 2015) by examining the moderating effect of institutional ownership on this relationship. It further contributes to the literature by distinguishing between long- and short-term institutional investors and their respective monitoring roles. In addition, this study broadens the geographical scope of the research by using cross-country data from European firms, providing evidence that country-specific factors do not uniformly affect the relationship between earnings quality and information asymmetry.
Institutional policing work in a constellation of labels and spaces of place: video game development management insights
Authors: Gidley Devon , Palmer Mark
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore (a) the dynamics of place and space in an institutional setting and (b) institutional work done in different spaces of the same place.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional ethnographic methods (participant-observation, interviews and artefacts) were used over the course of 12 months of fieldwork in a multi-organizational video game development space.

Findings

The paper presents two main findings. First, the authors show how the place was a dynamic rainbow constellation and manifested as different spaces over time and for different actors. The authors describe the spaces based on existing literature (accelerator, experimental, incubator or coworking space) or inductively (atrium and hybrid). Second, the authors show how institutional work changed depending on the spatial conceptions of the institutional place. In particular, the authors show dynamic rainbow constellation of fluid spaces raises different forms of institutional policing work (self, backroom, spectacle, tangential and preventative) and the conditions under which institutional policing work is subtly fluid and takes form, but also changes.

Originality/value

Significant contributions are made to understanding how actors work at forming a rainbow constellation ring of fluid labels and spaces of a place. This paper explicates and amplifies the forms of institutional policing work, providing a novel case example of that social interaction.
Quality management practices toward project performance in healthcare sector: modelling the mediating role of intellectual capital
Authors: Shah Syed Asim , Sultan Khalid , Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Rehman Shafique Ur
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study examines the influence of quality management practices (QMP) on project performance (PP) and the indirect association of QMP with PP through the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC). QMP may be one of the most successful strategies to improve project performance. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, the study examines the impact of QMP on PP through the mediating role of IC.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample frame of 329 employees in different NGOs and public healthcare organizations was selected. Data were analyzed on SmartPLS 3.2.7 by applying SEM.

Findings

The outcome reveals that QMP has a significant impact on PP. The results found partial mediation of IC on the linkage between QMP and PP.

Research limitations/implications

The key research limitation was that it examined only two antecedents (QMP and IC) of project performance based on RBV and institutional theory, which did not yield deep insights from other institutional forces that could influence the model, such as mimetic pressure, institutional pressure and business orientation.

Originality/value

QMP is highly significant in the healthcare sector; however, research on the relationship between QMP, IC and PP is lacking. Thus, this research is an initial attempt to investigate these relationships empirically. We add to our understanding of RBV by investigating the role of IC in mediating the QMP-PP linkage.
Grocery retailers’ CSR: the role of claim type
Authors: Untilov Olga , Louis Didier , Charton-Vachet Florence , Lombart Cindy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines how substantive and/or associative claims about the local origin of organic products moderate the determinants and consequences of a grocery retailer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment with four different conditions – no claim, substantive claim (i.e. number of kilometres), associative claim (i.e. photograph of the producer) and a combination of substantive and associative claims – was carried out in a laboratory store in France with 249 consumers who were randomly divided into four independent samples (a between-subjects design). To analyse the data, partial least squares structural equation modelling was mobilised using XLSTAT (2022) software.

Findings

The study indicates that using claims about the local origin of organic products via in-store signage is an appropriate tool for grocery retailers. For the three types of claims considered, the ethics of the offering influences the retailer’s CSR, which has an indirect impact on consumers’ actual purchases of local organic products via two routes: trust and affective commitment and trust and preference for the retailer. However, grocery retailers should favour a combination of substantive and associative claims to create a stronger impact on purchases.

Originality/value

This research extends the use of substantive and associative claims to sustainable products.
The professional logics of accounting education in MENA countries: evidence from Egypt and KSA
Authors: Diab Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of the surrounding institutional context, with a particular focus on the professional perspective, on accounting education in two leading developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), by focusing on public universities’ undergraduate level in the two countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an interpretative approach, this study uses data collected mainly through interviews with the members of the key accounting professional and regulatory bodies, accounting professors and accounting graduates in Egypt and KSA. Theoretically, this study uses insights from the institutional theory to understand the institutional context shaping accounting education in the two examined settings.

Findings

Despite sharing several cultural aspects, we noticed differences in accounting education in the two MENA countries. We explained how the dominant institutional perspective in these contexts (i.e. the professional perspective) affects accounting education, resulting in various implications for accounting graduates and the accounting profession. In Egypt, we noticed a retreatment of the professional perspective due to the dominance of an economic perspective informed by the worse economic conditions in the country, negatively affecting accounting education. In contrast, accounting education in KSA is primarily driven by the professional context aided by the availability of facilities and resources as well as the centrality of the role played by professionals and regulators in accounting education, which has directed accounting educators towards incorporating professional knowledge into accounting curricula.

Practical implications

By highlighting the influence of the professional context on accounting education in a particular developing country, the findings of this study can guide regulators and policymakers in other developing countries concerning developing their accounting education programmes. Furthermore, professionals should allow accounting academics to contribute to developing the accounting profession and employers should support accounting students’ training and development.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the situation of accounting education beyond Western developed contexts, presenting an extensive theoretical explanation of the salient institutional perspectives shaping that situation.
Predicting zombie firms after the COVID-19 pandemic using explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Seo Dongwook , Kim Hyeong Joon , Mun Seongjae
Published: November 2024

This study examines various artificial intelligence (AI) models for predicting financially distressed firms with poor profitability (“Zombie firms”). In particular, we adopt the Explainable AI (“XAI”) approach to overcome the limitations of the previous AI models, which is well-known as the black-box problem, by utilizing the Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) and the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). This XAI approach thus enables us to interpret the prediction results of the AI models. This study focuses on the Korean sample from 2019 to 2023, as it is expected that the COVID-19 pandemic increases the number of zombie firms. We find that the XGBoost model based on a boosting technique has the best predictive performance among several AI models, including the traditional ones (e.g. the logistic regression). In addition, by using the XAI approach, we provide visualized interpretations for the prediction results from the XGBoost model. The analysis further reveals that the return on sales and the selling, general and administrative costs are the most impactful variables for predicting zombie firms. Overall, this study focusing on several AI models not only shows the improvement for the prediction of zombie firms (relative to the traditional models) but also increases the reliability of the prediction results by adopting the XAI approach, providing several implications for market participants, such as financial institutions and investors.
Teacher epistemic curiosity: how principal–teacher conversation supports it
Authors: Adams Curt , Adigun Olajumoke Beulah , Fiegener Ashlyn
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to introduce teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning into the leadership literature and to determine if school principals can support it. The inquiry was organized by the following research question: In what ways can principal–teacher conversations support teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning? The research question guided the review of literature on epistemic curiosity, eventually leading to the leadership practice of transformative leadership conversation (TLC). A hypothesized model on the relationship between TLC and epistemic curiosity for student learning was advanced from research on student and employee curiosity and self-determination theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesized model was tested with a correlational research design. Teacher survey data were collected in December 2023 from a random sample of certified public school teachers from a metropolitan area in a southwestern state of the USA. Usable survey responses were received from 2,022 teachers, resulting in a 55% response rate. The hypothesized model was tested with structural equation modeling in AMOS 28 using robust maximum likelihood estimation. The latent models include measurement and structural components.

Findings

Results confirm the hypothesized relationships among TLC, need-satisfaction and teacher epistemic curiosity. TLC and need-satisfaction both had strong, direct relationships with teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning. TLC explained approximately 20% of the variance in teacher curiosity and need-satisfaction explained approximately 18%. The combined model accounted for approximately 55% of the variance in teacher epistemic curiosity.

Originality/value

The study emerged from robust evidence on the essential function of curiosity for knowing, learning, performance and life well-being, as well as limited research on social processes that leaders can leverage to stimulate teachers’ motivation to understand how their students learn. Curiosity is an inner energy behind learning; it fuels an innate drive to explore, know, create, design and adapt to our surroundings. Schools and classrooms come to life when teachers and students engage in learning from a place of curiosity, making this motivational resource worthy of leadership attention.