bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial characterization of HIV/SIV infection at anorectal mucosa using rhesus macaque rectal challenge model
Authors: Maric Danijela , Corbin Lisette , Greco Natalie , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon , McRaven Michael D. , Veazey Ronald S. , Hope Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

The study described herein is a continuation of our work in which we developed a methodology to identify small foci of transduced cells following rectal challenge of rhesus macaques with a non-replicative luciferase reporter virus. In the current study, the wild-type virus was added to the inoculation mix and twelve rhesus macaques were necropsied 2-4 days after the rectal challenge to study the changes in infected cell phenotype as the infection progressed. Relying on luciferase reporter we noted that both anus and rectum tissues are susceptible to the virus as early as 48h after the challenge. Small regions of the tissue containing luciferase-positive foci were further analyzed microscopically and were found to also contain cells infected by wild-type virus. Phenotypic analysis of the Env and Gag positive cells in these tissues revealed the virus can infect diverse cell populations, including but not limited to Th17 T cells, non Th17 T cells, immature dendritic cells, and myeloid-like cells. The proportions of the infected cell types, however, did not vary much during the first four days of infection when anus and rectum tissues were examined together. Nonetheless, when the same data was analyzed on a tissue-specific basis, we found significant changes in infected cell phenotypes over the course of infection. For anal tissue, a statistically significant increase in infection was observed for Th17 T cells and myeloid-like cells, while in the rectum, the non-Th17 T cells showed the biggest temporal increase, also of statistical significance.

IMPORTANCE

Men who have sex with men are at the highest risk of acquiring HIV via receptive anal intercourse. Understanding what sites are permissive to the virus, and what the early cellular targets are is critical for development of effective prevention strategies to control HIV acquisition amid receptive anal intercourse. Our work sheds light on the early HIV/SIV transmission events at the rectal mucosa by identifying the infected cells and highlights the distinct roles that different tissues play in virus acquisition and control.
Disparities in stroke incidence over time by sex and age in Latin America and the Caribbean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nuñez Marilaura , Delfino Carlos , Asenjo-Lobos Claudia , Schilling Andrea , Lavados Pablo , Anderson Craig S. , Muñoz Venturelli Paula
Published: February 2023

Background

High-income countries studies show unfavorable trends in stroke incidence (SI) in younger populations. We aimed to estimate temporal change in SI disaggregated by age and sex in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC).

Methods

A search strategy was used in MEDLINE, WOS, and LILACS databases from 1997 to 2021, including prospective observational studies with age and sex-disaggregated data of first-ever stroke (FES) incidence. Risk of bias was assessed with The Joanna Briggs Institute’s guide. The main outcomes were incidence rate ratio (IRR) and relative temporal trend ratio (RTTR) of SI, comparing time periods ≥2010 with <2010. Pooled RTTR (pRTTR) only considering studies with two periods in the same population were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

From 9,242 records identified, six studies were selected including 4,483 FES in 4,101,084 individuals. Crude IRR in younger subjects (<55 years) comparing ≥2010:<2010 periods showed an increase in SI in the last decade (IRR 1.37;95%CI 1.23-1.50), in contrast to a decrease in older people during the same period (IRR 0.83; 95%CI 0.76–0.89). Overall RTTR (<55:≥55 years) was 1.65 (95CI% 1.50-1.80), with higher increase in young women (pRTTR 3.08; 95%CI 1.18-4.97; p for heterogeneity <0.001).

Conclusions

An unfavorable change in SI in young people - especially in women - was detected in the last decade in LAC. Further investigation of the explanatory variables is required to ameliorate stroke prevention and inform local decision-makers.

Registration of protocol

CRD42022332563 (PROSPERO).
Detection of airborne respiratory viruses in pediatric patient rooms in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Xie Yanmin , Chi Shiu Eunice Yuen , Ye Dan , Zhang Wenjie , Huang Wenbo , Yang Zifeng , Cowling Benjamin John , Lan Leung Nancy Hiu
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the controversy of aerosol transmission for different respiratory viruses, there are few direct comparisons. Respiratory virus detection in the air can inform transmission risk assessment in healthcare settings. We aimed to identify five common respiratory viruses in the air in pediatric patient rooms.

Methods

We sampled air with two-stage cyclone samplers continuously for 4 hours in 5-bed pediatric patient rooms in a tertiary hospital in China. Respiratory virus RNA/DNA recovered in the air were quantified by PCR.

Results

We conducted air sampling on 44 occasions from December 2017 through January 2020, and identified 24, 18, 16, 4 and 8 occasions which had ≥1 patient in the room tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (AdV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), influenza B or A virus, respectively. Detection of influenza A viral gene copies was most frequent even when there were no known infected patients in the room (72%). Influenza B, AdV and RSV were detected in low to moderate frequencies, whether there were infected patients in close proximity (13-50%) or not (12-25%). PIV was rarely detected even when air samplers were placed in close proximity to infected patients (8%). About 103–105copies/m3were detected for all detected respiratory viruses.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers and visitors likely have substantial exposure to various respiratory viruses including influenza A/B viruses, RSV and AdV in pediatric patient rooms, even in the absence of infected individuals in close proximity, suggesting the potential value of improving indoor ventilation or air disinfection in hospitals.
Understanding the impact of a social support program in Immokalee, FL, during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Richards Lindsay , Wang Leping , Jeanmarie Joashilia , Shafazand Shirin , Palazuelos Daniel , Monacello Vitina
Published: February 2023

From December 2020 to July 2021, $700,000 was distributed in direct cash transfers to residents of Immokalee, FL who tested positive for COVID-19. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of this cash transfer program. We conducted 157 structured interviews with program beneficiaries via phone call or home visit and asked about sociodemographic variables, how the money was used, whether the money was sufficient for two weeks’ financial needs, and participant ability to self-isolate. A logit regression model was then used to explore the relationships between sociodemographic variables and whether the respondent thought the money was enough for two weeks of financial needs. A majority of respondents (83.7%) reported spending the check exclusively on living expenses, and 99.3% reported that the money helped them stay home and quarantine while having COVID-19. Offering direct cash transfers of $800-$1200 to residents of Immokalee, FL who tested positive for COVID-19 was effective in reducing COVID-associated financial burden, and this money was most likely to be spent on living necessities rather than temptation goods. People with housing insecurity and without a high school degree were significantly less likely to report that the money was enough for two weeks’ financial needs, indicating that these characteristics mark those in the population who may have needed more support. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing health disparities, it is important to understand the role of cash transfers as a public health tool and their potential impact on community mitigation efforts.
Reduced serotonergic transmission alters sensitivity to cost and reward via 5-HT1Aand 5-HT1Breceptors in monkeys
Authors: Hori Yukiko , Mimura Koki , Nagai Yuji , Hori Yuki , Kumata Katsushi , Zhang Ming-Rong , Suhara Tetsuya , Higuchi Makoto , Minamimoto Takafumi
Published: February 2023

Deficiency of the serotonin (5-HT) system is considered one of the core biological pathologies of depression and other psychiatric disorders whose key symptom is decreased motivation. Yet, the exact role of 5-HT in motivation remains controversial and elusive. Here, we pharmacologically manipulated the 5-HT system and quantified effects on motivation in terms of incentives and costs for goal-directed action in monkeys. Reversible inhibition of 5-HT synthesis increased refusal responses and reaction times in goal-directed task performance, indicating decreased motivation that could be separated into value-dependent and -independent components. To identify the receptor subtypes involved in these components, we systemically administered antagonists specific for four major 5-HT receptor subtypes: 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT4. Positron emission tomography visualized the unique distribution of each subtype in limbic brain regions and determined the systemic antagonist dose that achieved approximately 30% occupancy. We found that blockade of 5-HT1A, but not other receptor subtypes, increased sensitivity to future workload and time-delay to reward, and decreased motivation in a value-independent manner. Moreover, blocking only 5-HT1Breceptors reduced the impact of incentive value on motivation. These results suggest that two distinct processes, mediated by 5-HT1Aand 5-HT1Breceptors, lead to reduced motivation in 5-HT system deficiency.
A regulatory circuit involving the NADH dehydrogenase-like complex balances C4photosynthetic carbon flow and cellular redox in maize
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Tian Shilong , Chen Genyun , Tang Qiming , Zhang Yijing , Fleming Andrew J. , Zhu Xin-Guang , Wang Peng
Published: February 2023

C4plants typically operate a CO2concentration mechanism from mesophyll (M) cells into bundle sheath (BS) cells. NADH dehydrogenase-like (NDH) complex is enriched in the BS cells of many NADP-ME type C4plants, and is more abundant in C4than in C3plants, but to what extent it is involved in the CO2concentration mechanism remains to be experimentally investigated.

We created maize and rice mutants deficient in NDH function, and used a combination of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches for comparative analysis.

Considerable decrease in growth, photosynthetic activities, and levels of key photosynthetic proteins were observed in maize but not rice mutants. However, gene expression for many cyclic electron transport and Calvin-Benson cycle components plus BS specific C4enzymes, was up-regulated in maize mutants. Metabolite analysis of the maizendhmutants revealed increased NADPH/NADP ratio, as well as malate, RuBP, FBP, and photorespiration components.

We suggest that by optimizing NADPH and malate levels, adjusting NADP-ME activity, NDH functions to balance metabolic and redox states in the BS cells of maize, coordinating photosynthetic gene expression and protein content, thus directly regulating the carbon flow in the two-celled C4system of maize.
Dying cell-released exosomal CXCL1 promotes breast cancer metastasis by activating TAM/PD-L1 signaling
Authors: Wang Shengqi , Li Jing , Wang Neng , Yang Bowen , Zheng Yifeng , Wang Xuan , Zhang Juping , Pan Bo , Wang Zhiyu
Published: February 2023

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that dying cell-released signals may induce cancer progression and metastasis by modulating the surrounding microenvironment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and targeting strategies are yet to be explored.

Methods

Apoptotic breast cancer cells induced by paclitaxel treatment were sorted and their released exosomes (exo-dead) were isolated from the cell supernatants. Chemokine array analysis was conducted to identify the crucial molecules in exo-dead. Zebrafish and mouse xenograft models were used to investigate the effect of exo-dead on breast cancer progressionin vivo. Multiple molecular biological experiments were conducted to determine the underlying mechanisms of exo-dead in promoting breast cancer, as well as its intervention values.

Results

It was demonstrated that exo-dead were phagocytized by macrophages and induced breast cancer metastasis by promoting the infiltration of immunosuppressive PD-L1+TAMs. Chemokine array identified CXCL1 as a crucial component in exo-dead to activate TAM/PD-L1 signaling. Exosomal CXCL1 knockdown or macrophage depletion significantly inhibited exo-dead-induced breast cancer growth and metastasis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that CXCL1exo-deadenhanced TAM/PD-L1 signaling by transcriptionally activating EED-mediated PD-L1 promoter activity. More importantly, TPCA-1 (2-[(aminocarbonyl) amino]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide) was screened as a promising inhibitor targeting exosomal CXCL1 signals to enhance paclitaxel chemosensitivity and limit breast cancer metastasis without noticeable toxicities.

Conclusions

Our results highlight CXCL1exo-deadas a novel dying cell-released signal and provide TPCA-1 as a targeting candidate to improve breast cancer prognosis.
Effects of ploidy and genetic diversity on competitive outcomes
Authors: Pérez-Romero Jesús Alberto , Muñoz Ana García , Olivieri Enrica , Muñoz-Pajares A. Jesús , Abdelaziz Mohamed , Godoy Oscar
Published: February 2023

Genetic diversity affects evolutionary trajectories but their ultimate effects on ecological interactions and community dynamics remains poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that phenotypic novelties produced by ploidy and heterozygosity modify the ecological interactions between novel genotypes and more ancient locally adapted ones, and therefore, their opportunities to coexist.

We performed a greenhouse competition experiment with three taxa of theErysimum incanumspecies complex differing in ploidy (2x, 4x and 6x) and heterozygosity (high and low). This experiment allows us to parameterize a population model to test the effect of genetic diversity on modulating the ecological forces that determine the outcome of competition, niche and fitness differences.

Depending on whether ploidy variation and the level of heterozygosity made interspecific competition greater or smaller than intraspecific competition, we predicted either priority effects or coexistence. Such competitive outcome differences were explained by the phenotypic expression in the number of stalks (plant size surrogate) with genotypes under priority effects showing more stalks.

Altogether, our results show that non-polyploid plants can coexist with polyploids contravening theoretical expectations of polyploidy dominance under stable conditions. However, historical contingency such as order of arrival promotes priority effects when adaptive phenotypic optimums strongly compete for space.
Polygenic dynamics underlying the response of quantitative traits to directional selection
Authors: Götsch Hannah , Bürger Reinhard
Published: February 2023

We study the response of a quantitative trait to exponential directional selection in a finite haploid population, both at the genetic and the phenotypic level. We assume an infinite sites model, in which the number of new mutations per generation in the population follows a Poisson distribution (with mean Θ) and each mutation occurs at a new, previously monomorphic site. Mutation effects are beneficial and drawn from a distribution. Sites are unlinked and contribute additively to the trait. Assuming that selection is stronger than random genetic drift, we model the initial phase of the dynamics by a supercritical Galton-Watson process. This enables us to obtain time-dependent results. We show that the copy-number distribution of the mutant in generationn, conditioned on non-extinction untiln, is described accurately by the deterministic increase from an initial distribution with mean 1. This distribution is related to the absolutely continuous partW+of the random variable, typically denotedW, that characterizes the stochasticity accumulating during the mutant’s sweep. A suitable transformation yields the approximate dynamics of the mutant frequency distribution in a Wright-Fisher population of sizeN. Our expression provides a very accurate approximation except when mutant frequencies are close to 1. On this basis, we derive explicitly the (approximate) time dependence of the expected mean and variance of the trait and of the expected number of segregating sites. Unexpectedly, we obtain highly accurate approximations for all times, even for the quasi-stationary phase when the expected per-generation response and the trait variance have equilibrated. The latter refine classical results. In addition, we find that Θ is the main determinant of the pattern of adaptation at the genetic level, i.e., whether the initial allele-frequency dynamics are best described by sweep-like patterns at few loci or small allele-frequency shifts at many. The number of segregating sites is an appropriate indicator for these patterns. The selection strength determines primarily the rate of adaptation. The accuracy of our results is tested by comprehensive simulations in a Wright-Fisher framework. We argue that our results apply to more complex forms of directional selection.
MicroRNA-195-3p as a potential regulator of hypoxic injury in HUVECs
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Liu Bingshi , Wang Yanfang , Sun Lixian , Liu Chao , Zhang Haoran , Qin Wei , Liu Jingyi , Han Leng , Cui Zhoukai , Shan Weichao
Published: February 2023

Coronary heart disease is the most common heart disease and is the leading cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Revascularization methods are considered effective against coronary heart disease However, the mechanism of molecular revascularization remains largely unknown. Endothelial cells are the primary cells that initiate angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and require a hypoxic environment for induction. In this study, we aimed to determine the expression and role of microRNA-195-3p in hypoxia-treated HUVEs(human umbilical vein endothelial cells). Herein, we induced hypoxia in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using the “Anaerobic tank method.” Hypoxia injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed upregulation of microRNA-195-3p; decreased cell proliferation, migration, and autophagy; and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, the microRNA-195-3p inhibitor partially reversed the effects of hypoxia-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Therapeutic intervention using microRNA-195-3p inhibitor could maintain endothelial cell function under hypoxic conditions, improve cell activity, and be considered a new treatment strategy for coronary heart diseases.
Indigenous cattle of Sri Lanka: Genetic and phylogeographic relationship with Zebu of Indus valley and South Indian origin
Authors: Lokugalappatti LGS , Wickramasinghe Saumya , Alexander P.A.B.D , Abbas Kamran , Hussain Tanveer , Ramasamy Saravanan , Manomohan Vandana , Tapsoba Arnaud Stephane R. , Pichler Rudolf , Babar Masroor E. , Periasamy Kathiravan
Published: February 2023

The present study reports the population structure, genetic admixture and phylogeography of island cattle breeds of Sri Lanka viz. Batu Harak, Thawalam and White cattle. Moderately high level of genetic diversity was observed. Estimates of inbreeding for Thawalam and White cattle breeds were relatively high with 6.1% and 7.2% respectively. Genetic differentiation of Sri Lankan Zebu (Batu Harak and White cattle) was lowest with Red Sindhi among Indus valley zebu while it was lowest with Hallikar among the South Indian cattle. Global F statistics showed 6.5% differences among all the investigated zebu cattle breeds and 1.9% differences among Sri Lankan zebu breeds. The Sri Lankan zebu cattle breeds showed strong genetic relationships with Hallikar cattle, an ancient breed considered to be ancestor for most Mysore type draught cattle breeds of South India. Genetic admixture analysis revealed high levels of breed purity in Lanka White cattle with >97% zebu ancestry while significant taurine admixture was observed in Batu Harak and Thawalam cattle. Two major zebu haplogroups, I1 and I2 were observed in Sri Lankan zebu with the former predominating the later in all the three breeds. A total of 112 haplotypes were observed in the studied breeds, of which 50 haplotypes were found in Sri Lankan zebu cattle. Mismatch analysis revealed unimodal distribution in all the three breeds indicating population expansion. The sum of squared deviations (SSD) and raggedness index were non-significant in both the lineages of all the three breeds except for I1 lineage of Thawalam cattle (P<0.01) and I2 lineage of Batu Harak cattle (P<0.05). The results of neutrality tests revealed negative Tajima’s D values for both the lineages of Batu Harak (P>0.05) and White cattle (P>0.05) indicating an excess of low frequency polymorphisms and demographic expansion. Genetic dilution of native zebu cattle germplasm is a cause for concern and it is imperative that national breeding organizations consider establishing conservation units for the three native cattle breeds to maintain breed purity and initiate genetic improvement programs.
Indoor and outdoor air pollutants as emerging public health threat in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review
Authors: Husaini Danladi Chiroma , Manzur Kemberly , Medrano Jorge
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This systematic review examined the emerging threat of indoor and outdoor pollutants to public health in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Design/methodology/approach

Pollutants and pollution levels are becoming an increasing cause for concern within the LAC region, primarily because of the rapid increase in urbanization and the use of fossil fuels. The rise in indoor and outdoor air pollutants impacts public health, and there are limited regional studies on the impact of these pollutants and how they affect public health. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases. Significant search terms included “indoor air pollution,” “outdoor air pollution,” “pollution,” “Latin America,” “Central America,” “South America” and “Caribbean was used.” The systematic review utilized the Rayyan systematic software for uploading and sorting study references.

Findings

Database searches produced 1,674 results, of which, after using the inclusion–exclusion criteria and assessing for bias, 16 studies were included and used for the systematic review. These studies covered both indoor and outdoor pollution. Various indoor and outdoor air pollutants linked to low birth weight, asthma, cancer and DNA impairment were reported in this review. Even though only some intervention programs are available within the region to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution, these programs need to be robust and appropriately implemented, causing possible threats to public health. Significant gaps in the research were identified, especially in the Caribbean.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include limited available research done within LAC, with most of the research quantifying pollutants rather than addressing their impacts. Additionally, most studies focus on air pollution but neglect water and land pollution’s effects on public health. For this reason, the 16 studies included limited robustness of the review.

Originality/value

Although available studies quantifying pollution threats in LAC were identified in this review, research on the adverse impacts of pollution, especially concerning public health, is limited. LAC countries should explore making cities more energy-efficient, compact and green while improving the transportation sector by utilizing clean power generation. In order to properly lessen the effects of pollution on public health, more research needs to be done and implemented programs that are working need to be strengthened and expanded.
Multicultural conflict cultures: more similarities than differences in diverse societies
Authors: Desrayaud Nathalie , Hurley Carolyn M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand how cultural variables – collectivism and face concerns – influence perceived and ideal organizational conflict cultures in two multicultural societies.

Design/methodology/approach

Individuals studying in Singapore (N = 162) and the USA (N = 216) completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyses tested the hypotheses.

Findings

Regardless of cultural background, individuals prefer agreeable conflict cultures, with over 95% scoring above the scale mid-point. Ideal passiveness varied; highly collective and mutual face concerned individuals were more likely to idealize active conflict cultures. Collectivism overall was associated with perceiving and idealizing active and agreeable conflict cultures, though some relationships were only significant for one sample. Self-face concerned individuals were more likely to perceive passive conflict cultures.

Research limitations/implications

Culture influences organizational conflict cultures, but not necessarily in stereotypical ways. Despite cultural and geographical differences, the data provide evidence for a universal preference for agreeable conflict cultures. This finding is encouraging, given the increase in workplace diversity and desire to be responsive to needs of equity and inclusion. Therefore, leaders and managers should strive to establish agreeable conflict norms, even in the most culturally diverse organizations. The young, college student sample may not represent all working people, although the authors only recruited students with jobs who worked 28 h per week on average.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the value of considering multiple levels of influence on conflict, advances the theory and measurement of organizational conflict cultures and identifies powerful similarities among diverse employees.
Choice experiment to assess consumer attributes for a pharmaceutical product
Authors: Bica Vinicius Claudino , Martins Vera Lúcia Milani , Raymundo Belleza Mauricio , Lermen Fernando Henrique , Echeveste Márcia Elisa Soares
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the appropriate combination of attributes that must be present to deliver value in a new product for a pharmaceutical enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The application object was the Metronidazole analytical standard, using choice experiments to product attributes and price.

Findings

The practical results indicate that consumer value anticipation allows entry into the market with higher competitiveness.

Originality/value

Conceptually, it uses a value delivery approach, generally applied to large companies, in a case aimed at enterprises. In practice, for the enterprise studied, the value anticipation by the consumer allows entry into the market with higher competitiveness.
Exploring innovative strategies in problem based learning to contribute to sustainable development: a case study
Authors: Carrió Llach Mar , Llerena Bastida Maria
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a great responsibility to put education for sustainable development at the centre of their work. Curricula should therefore start to incorporate the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and key competencies in sustainability, and research should be carried out to determine effective learning methods for this. This study aims to explore the usefulness of problem-based learning (PBL) approaches to train biomedical students in sustainability and to provide some recommendations for the design and implementation of new PBL-SDG scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Two PBL-SDG scenarios were designed, implemented and evaluated for 110 students of human biology degree. Learning outcomes and student perceptions of this approach were analysed through questionnaires, student productions, non-participant observation and focus groups.

Findings

The results show that the PBL-SDG scenarios effectively addressed several SDGs and sustainability competencies in a transversal, collaborative and innovative manner. According to student perceptions, the elements that contributed most to the development of these competencies were emotional involvement with the scenario, reflection on their own actions, freedom to approach the problem and tutors who empowered them with their proposals.

Originality/value

The PBL-SDG approach presented in this study is an example of a pedagogical strategy that can help HEIs educate their learners as key change agents. The findings of this study provide evidence for this important aspect and give guidelines and strategies to successfully designing and implementing such methodologies in biomedical education.
Members' perspectives of good governance practice of Thailand's credit union cooperatives
Authors: Kumkit Tidarat , Anh Dao Le Trang , Gan Christopher , Hu Baiding
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study explores the awareness (AWN) levels of good governance amongst Thai credit union cooperatives' (CUCs) members and the factors hindering good governance practice in Thai CUCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey questionnaire from 629 members of 36 selected CUCs in Thailand. This study analysed the determinants of governance AWN levels of Thai CUCs' members using the ordered probit model. The study also employs OLS estimation to investigate the factors hindering good governance practices.

Findings

The study shows that members of different CUC types and sizes have different levels of governance AWN. Members' characteristics, experiences, and perceptions significantly influence CUC members' AWN of governance issues. The findings also suggest that a lack of morality, transparency, participation, responsibility and accountability are key obstacles that hinder good governance practices of Thai CUCs.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to assess the level of AWN amongst Thai CUCs' members in different CUC sizes and types. This is also the first research that identifies the factors that hinder good governance practice in Thai CUCs based on members' evaluations. The study's findings provide important reference and implications for Thai policy makers and CUCs' board of managers to enhance members' AWN and CUCs' governance performance, and thus increase income and living standard of CUCs' members in the long term.
Sustainability reporting, board gender diversity and earnings management: evidence from East Africa community
Authors: Githaiga Peter Nderitu
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of board gender diversity on the relationship between sustainability reporting (SR) and earnings management (EM) in the East Africa Community (EAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed a sample of 71 publicly traded companies from 2011 to 2021.

Findings

The study finds that both SR and board gender diversity have a negative and significant effect on EM and that board gender diversity moderates the relationship between SR and EM.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that boards should support the adoption of SR and increase female representation as a practical way to reduce EM. Policymakers should also implement appropriate measures, such as imposing mandatory SR and gender quotas on corporate boards, to address EM.

Originality/value

This research adds to the limited knowledge of SR and EM in the EAC and also fills a gap in the existing literature by investigating the influence of board gender diversity on the link between SR and EM.
Nestlé India Limited: comeback after the Maggi fiasco
Authors: Akhter P. Sohana , Prusty Sanjana , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: February 2023

Research methodology

We have used data mostly from published sources like The Economic Times, Forbes, The Times of India and the annual reports of Nestlé India Ltd. Because we classify it as a Teaching Case Study as per the guidelines of Emerald Publishing, we have ensured that any data presented in the case has been acquired only from published sources and is not internal company data. Citations have also been provided wherever necessary.

Case overview/synopsis

On 6 June 2015, Nestlé India’s top product Maggi instant noodles was banned nationwide for an unspecified period. The ban was imposed due to allegations of Maggi containing high amounts of lead and message, and consequently violating the food safety standards. What followed was the destruction of massive stocks of Maggi which had been taken off from shelves of stores countrywide. Furthermore, the company faced a huge blow financially as its sales plummeted. This case delves into how Nestlé India adopted relevant strategies to successfully avert the Maggi crisis. Some remedial measures included appointing a Managing Director who understood the market, improving the communication channel and boosting the churn out of new products along with greater emphasis on marketing and advertising.

Complexity academic level

This case is aimed mainly at undergraduate level students in the field of management studies and public relations management. This case is also relevant for students pursuing a specialization in Crisis Communication, Public Relations, Marketing and Organizational Change.
Premarital screening of the viral hepatitis among Saudi nationals
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah A. K. , Altalhi Yasser A. , Alghamdi Ahmed A. S. , Muhandis Samah M. , Al Aboud Daifallah M. , Shehab Gaber M. G. , Abdel‐Moneim Ahmed S.
Published: February 2023

Blood borne sexually transmitted infections are among the most serious health problems worldwide. Many people possessing these infections do not have symptoms and may remain undiagnosed. The current study aimed to screen premaritally the incidence of blood borne viruses among Saudi nationals. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted, using a total of 91,000 medical records, in the blood bank from a single center in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. All persons who underwent premarital examination during the period 2016–2021 for the presence of hepatitis B and C viruses as a part of the national screening program in Saudi Arabia were included in the study. Serological tests were used to screen the presence of HBc Ab and HBs Ag. Both anti‐HCV antibodies and the presence of virus RNA using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were also performed. The study reported the presence of 378/91000 (0.42%) infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) as indicated by the presence of HBc Ab and HBs Ag. Meanwhile, 208 (0.23%) cases were found to be exposed to HCV including 49/91000 (0.05%) active HCV cases, positive for the HCV RNA, while 159/91000 (0.17%) persons were found to possess positive HCV antibodies in the absence of detectable HCV RNA. It was concluded that there is a low prevalence of HBV and HBV among Saudi citizens who were subjected to premarital screening.
Development and validation of a food‐related analysis–holism scale (F‐AHS)
Authors: Beekman Thadeus L. , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: February 2023

Recent studies have indicated analytic–holistic cognitive style differences of consumers can significantly impact perceptions, opinions, and behaviors toward foods. Interestingly, these studies have also offered evidence that the sole measurement tool to assess analytic–holistic tendencies, the analysis–holism scale (AHS), may not accurately apply to food‐experience‐related research scenarios. Due to these notions, Studies 1 and 2 employed the use of 465 and 487 participants, respectively, to develop, refine, and finalize a food‐related AHS (F‐AHS) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and prior research on analytic–holistic differences and scale development. Study 3 was conducted to validate the newly developed F‐AHS, based on the results of Studies 1 and 2, by replicating the procedures and analyses from prior research while using the F‐AHS instead of the AHS to segment participants (N = 130). The results of Study 3 provided consistent evidence that the F‐AHS better separated participants into analytic and holistic groups than the AHS through larger analytic–holistic differences that more closely aligned with prior analytic–holistic research. Our findings showed that the F‐AHS is capable of separating consumers into analytic and holistic cognitive style groups and is better suited to sensory and consumer‐related applications than the AHS.

Practical Application

Our findings provide researchers with an optimized tool to separate consumers into analytic and holistic groups in food‐experience‐related situations. The food‐related analysis–holism scale can then be used in both academia and industry to separate consumers based on cognitive style to better understand how and why consumers show variations in perception, acceptance, and behavior in food‐related experiences.
SPATA2 suppresses epithelial‐mesenchymal transition to inhibit metastasis and radiotherapy sensitivity in non–small cell lung cancer via impairing DVL1/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Ji Hongbo , Zhang Lu , Zou Man , Sun Yanchen , Dong Xiaohan , Mi Zeyun , Meng Maobin , Yuan Zhiyong , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: February 2023

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer‐related death of cancer patients. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one critical process during the cascade of tumor metastasis. EMT is a developmental program exploited by cancer cells to transition from epithelial state to mesenchymal state and confers metastatic properties as well as treatment resistance. Finding factors to inhibit EMT will greatly improve the prognosis patients. Spermatogenesis associated 2 (SPATA2) was originally isolated from human testis and proved playing a role in spermatogenesis. To date, however, the role of SPATA2 in oncogenesis is unknown. In the current study, by mining the public database and validating in a cohort of collected non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens, we uncovered that the expression of SPATA2 positively correlated with the prognosis of patients and was an independent prognosis marker in NSCLC. Functional studies proved that ectopic overexpression of SPATA2 inhibited EMT resulting in impaired motility and invasiveness properties in vitro and metastasis in vivo, and increased radiosensitivity in NSCLC. Mechanistic investigation showed that SPATA2 could suppress the β‐catenin signaling via attenuating DVL1 ubiquitination to achieve the functions. Taken together, the current study revealed an inhibitory role of SPATA2 on EMT and that SPATA2 could be a potential target for therapy of NSCLC.
Estimated reimbursement impact of COVID‐19 on emergency physicians
Authors: Venkatesh Arjun K. , Janke Alexander T. , Koski‐Vacirca Ryan , Rothenberg Craig , Parwani Vivek , Granovsky Mike A. , Burke Laura G. , Li Shu‐Xia , Pines Jesse M.
Published: February 2023

Background

The delivery and financing of health care services were altered in unprecedented ways by COVID‐19 and subsequent policy responses. We estimated reimbursement losses to emergency physicians in 2020 compared to 2019 related to shifting acute care utilization during COVID‐19.

Methods

This was an observational analysis of the Clinical Emergency Department Registry (CEDR) and the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Study sample included all ED visits from a sample of 214 emergency department (ED) sites in the CEDR in 2019 and 2020 as well as all ED visits in the NEDS in 2019. We identified level of service billing code for evaluation and management (E&M) services, insurance payer, and geographic location of ED visits across sites in the CEDR and linked these to fee schedules to estimate total professional reimbursement across sites. Our primary analysis was to estimate reimbursement in 2020 compared to 2019 across the CEDR sites. In our secondary analysis, we linked sites in the CEDR to those in NEDS to estimate nationwide reimbursement.

Results

Total E&M reimbursement for emergency physicians in the CEDR was $1.6 billion in 2019 and $1.3 billion in 2020, reflecting a 19.7% decline year over year ($308 million loss). In our secondary analysis, we estimate nationwide losses of $6.6 billion, a −19.4% decline year over year. If emergency physicians had received maximum allowable federal relief funds via CARES Act Phases 1 to 3 (2% of 2019 revenue) this would sum to $680 million (2% of the $34 billion) or 10.3% of the estimated $6.6 billion pandemic‐related losses.

Conclusions

Our analyses provide an estimate of the scale of economic impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings warrant consideration for policymaker relief and future redesign of emergency care financing. Ultimately, the COVID‐19 pandemic likely expanded known cracks in the financing of health care into steep fault lines.
The link between formality and procedural fairness: The influences of precision, sensitivity and role clarity
Authors: Wang Kelly K. , Dyball Maria Cadiz , Wang Andy
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the complex and not straight‐forward association between formality and procedural fairness. It examines the mediating roles of precision of performance measures, sensitivity of performance measures and role clarity. Using survey responses of functional managers of Australian manufacturing firms, the study finds that the link between formality and procedural fairness is mediated by sensitivity of performance measures and role clarity. Role clarity also mediates the link between sensitivity of performance measures and procedural fairness. Our study contributes to the literature by identifying two important factors through which formal performance evaluation can enhance procedural fairness, which is a source of performance motivation.
Distributional heterogeneity in climate change impacts and adaptation: Evidence from Indian agriculture
Authors: Kumar Surender , Khanna Madhu
Published: February 2023

This study estimates the distributional heterogeneity in the effects of climate change on yields of three major cereal crops: rice, maize, and wheat in India using district‐level information for the period 1966–2015. We distinguish between the effects of changes in growing season weather from those due to changes in long‐term climate trends and the heterogeneity in these effects across the distribution of crop yields by estimating naïve and climate penalty inclusive models using fixed‐effect quantile panel models. We observe an absence of adaptation against rising temperatures for rice and wheat. However, we find a statistically significant presence of adaptation for wheat and maize for changes in precipitation, though the magnitude is small. Moreover, we find that the effects are asymmetric, and are larger at the lower tail of productivity distribution and smaller at the upper tail of the distribution. A 1°C increase in temperature lowers rice and wheat productivity by 23% and 9%, respectively at the first quantile, but the damage is only 6% and 5% at the ninth quantile. Heterogeneity in impacts and adaptation estimates over the yield distribution curve and across crops suggests the importance of customizing strategies for adaptation to changing weather and climate conditions across regions, crops, and current productivity levels.
Evaluating the tradeoff between cost effectiveness and participation in agricultural conservation programs
Authors: Howard Gregory , Zhang Wendong , Valcu‐Lisman Adriana , Gassman Philip W.
Published: February 2023

Using a survey of 430 farmer respondents in the Boone and North Raccoon River watersheds in Iowa, we examine the impacts of three program innovations—reverse auctions, spatially targeted payments, and higher offered payments—on agricultural conservation program cost effectiveness and participation by farmers. We combine farmer responses to a discrete choice experiment offering voluntary conservation contracts with township‐level estimates of per‐acre nitrogen reductions from each practice derived from the process‐based ecohydrological Soil and Water Assessment Tool model. Using a random‐parameters logit model, we show that both cost‐reducing and benefit‐boosting interventions reduce budgetary costs per projected pound of nitrogen removed from the watershed for each practice and thus are more cost effective than the prevailing current cost‐share programs. However, we find that these interventions can reduce participation by 30%–70%. Our policy simulations show that even with large budgets, the watershed‐level nitrogen reduction from all policy interventions remains far below the policy targets set by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Furthermore, we find cover crop contracts are far more cost effective than no‐till/strip‐till split nitrogen application contracts.
A molecular sensitization map of European children reveals exposome‐ and climate‐dependent sensitization profiles
Authors: Kiewiet M. B. Gea , Lupinek Christian , Vrtala Susanne , Wieser Sandra , Baar Alexandra , Kiss Renata , Kull Inger , Melén Erik , Wickman Magnus , Porta Daniela , Gori Davide , Gehring Ulrike , Aalberse Rob , Sunyer Jordi , Standl Marie , Heinrich Joachim , Waiblinger Dagmar , Wright John , Antó Josep M. , Bousquet Jean , van Hage Marianne , Valenta Rudolf
Published: February 2023

Background

Understanding differences in sensitization profiles at the molecular allergen level is important for diagnosis, personalized treatment and prevention strategies in allergy.

Methods

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization profiles were determined in more than 2800 sera from children in nine population‐based cohorts in different geographical regions of Europe; north [BAMSE (Sweden), ECA (Norway)], west/central [PIAMA (the Netherlands), BiB (the United Kingdom), GINIplus (Germany)], and south [INMA Sabadell and Gipuzkoa (Spain) and ROBBIC Rome and Bologna (Italy)] using the MeDALL‐allergen chip.

Results

Sensitization to grass pollen allergen, Phl p 1, and to major cat allergen, Fel d 1, dominated in most European regions whereas sensitization to house dust mite allergens Der p 1, 2 and 23 varied considerably between regions and were lowest in the north. Less than half of children from Sabadell which has a hot and dry climate were sensitized to respiratory allergens, in particular house dust mite allergens as compared to Gipuzkoa nearby with a more humid climate. Peanut allergen Ara h 1 was the most frequently recognized class 1 food allergen in Northern/Western Europe, while the fruit allergens Pru p 3, Act d 1 and 2 were prominent in Southern and Western/Central Europe. Ves v 5‐sensitization dominated in North and West/Central Europe.

Conclusion

We show regional, exposome‐ and climate‐dependent differences in molecular IgE‐reactivity profiles in Northern, Western/Central and Southern Europe which may form a molecular basis for precision medicine‐based approaches for treatment and prevention of allergy.