bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and monitoring of eye findings in children exposed to Zika virus during gestation: 3 years of follow-up
Authors: Dos Santos Maria Luiza Bernardes , Lima Luiz Cláudio Santos De Souza , Zin Andrea Araújo , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes , De Vasconcelos Zilton Farias Moreira , Neves Luiza Maceira De Almeida , Pereira Maurício Bastos , Vianna Renata Artimos De Oliveira , Velarde Luis Guillermo Coca , De Oliveira Solange Artimos , Riley Lee Woodland , Cardoso Claudete Aparecida Araújo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a recently described disease. Our main objective was to evaluate and monitor, over 3 years, the ophthalmoscopic findings in children exposed to zika virus (ZIKV) during gestation.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between April 2016 and May 2019. We evaluated two groups with exanthema serving as a proxy for viremia: (i) children whose mothers had exanthema during pregnancy and (ii) children who had microcephaly without maternal exanthema during pregnancy. We performed indirect ophthalmoscopy at recruitment and every 6 months thereafter. We also tested the association between ocular findings with maternal exanthema, microcephaly, CZS and maternal infection confirmed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and gender.

Results

Of the 72 children included, 16 (22.2%) had optic nerve and/or retinal lesions. All 16 had CZS and 15 (93.7%) had microcephaly (14 at birth and 1 postnatally). The child with postnatally acquired microcephaly was born to a mother without exanthema during pregnancy. Fifty-six (77.8%) of the 72 children were followed for a median time of 24 months and none exhibited differences between admission and follow-up examinations. After logistic regression, only microcephaly at birth was associated with eye abnormalities (odds ratio, 77.015; 95% confidence interval, 8.85–670.38; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We observed that there was no progression of the lesions over the follow-up period. We also showed that the eye findings were associated only with microcephaly at birth. Attention should be paid to all children born during a ZIKV epidemic, regardless of maternal exanthema and/or microcephaly at birth.
Conditional Poisson Regression with Random Effects for the Analysis of Multi-site Time Series Studies
Authors: Barrera-Gómez Jose , Puig Xavier , Ginebra Josep , Basagaña Xavier
Published: September 2023

The analysis of time series studies linking daily counts of a health indicator with environmental variables (e.g., mortality or hospital admissions with air pollution concentrations or temperature; or motor vehicle crashes with temperature) is usually conducted with Poisson regression models controlling for long-term and seasonal trends using temporal strata. When the study includes multiple zones, analysts usually apply a two-stage approach: first, each zone is analyzed separately, and the resulting zone-specific estimates are then combined using meta-analysis. This approach allows zone-specific control for trends. A one-stage approach uses spatio-temporal strata and could be seen as a particular case of the case–time series framework recently proposed. However, the number of strata can escalate very rapidly in a long time series with many zones. A computationally efficient alternative is to fit a conditional Poisson regression model, avoiding the estimation of the nuisance strata. To allow for zone-specific effects, we propose a conditional Poisson regression model with a random slope, although available frequentist software does not implement this model. Here, we implement our approach in the Bayesian paradigm, which also facilitates the inclusion of spatial patterns in the effect of interest. We also provide a possible extension to deal with overdispersed data. We first introduce the equations of the framework and then illustrate their application to data from a previously published study on the effects of temperature on the risk of motor vehicle crashes. We provide R code and a semi-synthetic dataset to reproduce all analyses presented.
Community-Level Risk Factors for Firearm Assault and Homicide: The Role of Local Firearm Dealers and Alcohol Outlets
Authors: Pear Veronica A. , Wintemute Garen J. , Jewell Nicholas P. , Cerdá Magdalena , Ahern Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Background:

Identifying community characteristics associated with firearm assault could facilitate prevention. We investigated the effect of community firearm dealer and alcohol outlet densities on individual risk of firearm assault injury.

Methods:

In this density-sampled case–control study of Californians, January 2005–September 2015, cases comprised all residents with a fatal or nonfatal firearm assault injury. For each month, we sampled controls from the state population in a 4:1 ratio with cases. Exposures were monthly densities of county-level pawn and nonpawn firearm dealers and ZIP code-level off-premises alcohol outlets and bars and pubs (“bars/pubs”). We used case–control-weighted G-computation to estimate risk differences (RD) statewide and among younger Black men, comparing observed exposure densities to hypothetical interventions setting these densities to low. We estimated additive interactions between firearm and alcohol retailer density. Secondary analyses examined interventions targeted to high exposure density or outcome burden areas.

Results:

There were 67,850 cases and 268,122 controls. Observed (vs. low) densities of pawn firearm dealers and off-premises alcohol outlets were individually associated with elevated monthly risk of firearm assault per 100,000 people (RDpawn dealers: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.08; RDoff-premises outlets: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03), but nonpawn firearm dealer and bar/pub density were not; models targeting only areas with the highest outcome burden were similar. Among younger Black men, estimates were larger. There was no interaction between firearm and alcohol retailer density.

Conclusions:

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that limiting pawn firearm dealers and off-premises alcohol outlet densities can reduce interpersonal firearm violence.
Kite Mastopexy: Small Scar and Tissue-conserving Technique
Authors: Cala Uribe Laura C. , Perez Pachon Mauricio , Villate Hernandez Andres , Zannin Ferrero Andreina
Published: September 2023

Background:

Breasts are considered one of the most physically and sexually appealing features of the female body. Reduction/augmentation techniques have greatly evolved in the last decades.

We are reporting our experience with an innovative technique for mastopexy that recovers the aesthetics of the breast and avoids over-resection of its lower pole.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria were women who underwent kite mastopexy with or without implants between January 2018 and May 2022 in a single center (Bogota, Colombia). Exclusion criteria were patients with American Society of Anesthesiology score more than II, with any uncontrolled chronic illness and/or medical history of diabetic mellitus, metabolic syndrome, body mass index more than 32 kg per m2, and active smokers.

Results:

We found 133 consecutive female patients. Age range was 18 and 67 years (median 39). Breast implants were used for the purpose of kite mastopexy in 52% cases. Patients were divided into two groups: implants (group 1) versus no implants (group 2). Procedure 1 involved mastopexy without implants; procedure 2 included current implant users who underwent either implant removal or in whom implants were not used for the sake of mastopexy. Procedures 3 and 4 included patients who underwent either new implant placement or implant exchange, respectively. Average time of surgery was 1.5 hours. Minor complications were mostly related to wound dehiscence. No major complications were reported.

Conclusions:

Kite mastopexy restores the breast aesthetics by following specific markings, a new plication of breast pillars, and a reduced scar. Our technique demonstrates a very low rate of complications while entailing natural and appealing results.
Lipid droplet deposition in the regenerating liver: A promoter, inhibitor, or bystander?
Authors: Hu Yuelei , Wang Ruilin , Liu Juan , Wang Yunfang , Dong Jiahong
Published: September 2023

Liver regeneration (LR) is a complex process involving intricate networks of cellular connections, cytokines, and growth factors. During the early stages of LR, hepatocytes accumulate lipids, primarily triacylglycerol, and cholesterol esters, in the lipid droplets. Although it is widely accepted that this phenomenon contributes to LR, the impact of lipid droplet deposition on LR remains a matter of debate. Some studies have suggested that lipid droplet deposition has no effect or may even be detrimental to LR. This review article focuses on transient regeneration-associated steatosis and its relationship with the liver regenerative response.
Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Correlates With Lifestyle and Health in Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Authors: Shaw Keely A. , Zello Gordon A. , Crizzle Alexander M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This study examined and compared the association between body mass index (BMI) and BMI with waist circumference (WC) on lifestyle measure and health outcomes in Canadian long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs).

Methods

Two hundred LHTDs completed a survey on diet and physical activity, and participated in objective measures of height, weight, WC, and blood pressure.

Results

More than half of the sample was classified as obese (57%). Body mass index risk was significantly associated with poorer health (P < 0.05), increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased body fat (P < 0.001), and sleep apnea (P < 001). When BMI + WC was used, additional significant associations were observed with age, years of experience, eating breakfast, and hypertension and malignancy.

Conclusion

Body mass index + WC is a more sensitive measure in assessing cardiometabolic risk in LHTDs than using BMI alone.
Association of Receipt of Systemic Treatment for Melanoma With Insurance Type in North Carolina
Authors: Adamson Adewole S. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Thomas Nancy E. , Haynes Alex B. , Pignone Michael P.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Previous studies of hospital-based patients with metastatic melanoma suggest sociodemographic factors, including insurance type, may be associated with the receipt of systemic treatments.

Objectives:

To examine whether insurance type is associated with the receipt of systemic treatment among patients with melanoma in a broad cohort of patients in North Carolina.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study between 2011 and 2017 of patients with stages III–IV melanoma using data from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry linked to Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance claims across the state. The primary outcome was the receipt of any systemic treatment, and the secondary outcome was the receipt of immunotherapy.

Results:

A total of 372 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 68 years old (interquartile range: 56–76) and 61% were male. Within the cohort 48% had Medicare only, 29% had private insurance, 12% had both Medicare and Medicaid, and 11% had Medicaid only. A total of 186 (50%) patients received systemic treatment for melanoma, 125 (67%) of whom received immunotherapy. The use of systemic therapy, including immunotherapy, increased significantly over time. Having Medicaid-only insurance was independently associated with a 45% lower likelihood of receiving any systemic treatment [0.55 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.85)] and a 43% lower likelihood of receipt of immunotherapy [0.57 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.95)] compared with private insurance.

Conclusions:

Stage III–IV melanoma patients with Medicaid-only insurance were less likely to receive systemic therapy or immunotherapy than patients with private insurance or Medicare insurance. This finding raises concerns about insurance-based disparities in treatment access.
Renal denervation for the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease
Authors: Camafort Miguel , Ihm Sang Hyun , Ruilope Luis Miguel
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Hypertension is a condition characterized by increased sympathetic activity and the autonomic nervous system. Resistant hypertension, a condition with a prevalence of 10% to 20% in the general hypertensive population, is more likely to experience poor outcomes and adverse cardiovascular events. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive, catheter-based percutaneous intervention, has been considered for treating this condition. Clinical trials have used various catheters, such as the Symplicity Spyral catheter, Vessix Renal Denervation system, and Paradise endovascular ultrasound renal denervation system.

Recent findings

After the first randomized clinical trials examining the effectiveness and safety of RDN for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, new clinical trials have used various catheters based on radiofrequency, such as the Spyral catheter, Vessix Renal Denervation system, or based on radiofrequency as the Paradise endovascular ultrasound renal denervation system. Positive results on this trials have shown that endovascular RDN (radiofrequency energy or high focused ultrasound energy) could be considered as a treatment option for uncontrolled resistant hypertension.

Therefore, endovascular RDN (radiofrequency energy or high focused ultrasound energy) could be considered as a treatment option for uncontrolled resistant hypertension, which can be considered as an alternative to increasing medication. Nevertheless more data are needed, mainly in cardiovascular outcomes. RDN should be performed in experienced and specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team, and the benefits and risks of RDN should be addressed in a shared-decision-making process.
Improving liver transplant outcomes with transplant-omics and network biology
Authors: Scarpa Joseph
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Molecular omics data is increasingly ubiquitous throughout medicine. In organ transplantation, recent large-scale research efforts are generating the ‘transplant-ome’ – the entire set of molecular omics data, including the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. Importantly, early studies in anesthesiology have demonstrated how perioperative interventions alter molecular profiles in various patient populations. The next step for anesthesiologists and intensivists will be to tailor perioperative care to the transplant-ome of individual liver transplant patients.

Recent findings

In liver transplant patients, elements of the transplant-ome predict complications and point to novel interventions. Importantly, molecular profiles of both the donor organ and recipient contribute to this risk, and interventions like normothermic machine perfusion influence these profiles. As we can now measure various omics molecules simultaneously, we can begin to understand how these molecules interact to form molecular networks and emerging technologies offer noninvasive and continuous ways to measure these networks throughout the perioperative period. Molecules that regulate these networks are likely mediators of complications and actionable clinical targets throughout the perioperative period.

The transplant-ome can be used to tailor perioperative care to the individual liver transplant patient. Monitoring molecular networks continuously and noninvasively would provide new opportunities to optimize perioperative management.
Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery Complicated With Dysphagia
Authors: Wei Liu , Sulian Li , Tonglian Li , Yan Zhang , Zongchao Liu
Published: September 2023

Anterior cervical spine surgery is a common type of neck surgery in orthopaedics. Swallowing disorder is one of the most common complications after surgery. It is characterized by food entering the esophagus from the mouth through the pharynx. The process of reaching the stomach is hampered and leads to increases in a range of risk factors that affect the health of the patient. This article reviews relevant literature reports from recent years retrieved from various national and international medical databases, aiming to find more economical, effective, and simple perioperative nursing strategies for patients with cervical anterior surgery through evidence-based thinking and methods, with the aim of developing a personalized care model that is easy to implement and has a long-lasting effect and a wide range of rehabilitation benefits to better serve patients.
Multiorgan Failure in a Malnourished Infant: Inappropriate Use of Goat Milk, Dilution, or Both?
Authors: Gosalvez-Tejada Andrea , Mapa Sara , Azzam Ruba , Chugh Ankur
Published: September 2023

Goat milk is gaining popularity in the United States as an alternative to cow and soy milk. The milk is presented as a healthier and less allergenic alternative, with casein and more MCT oil. The interest in goat milk has increased significantly with the recent formula shortage. Goat milk is available in many forms in the United States, including liquid and powdered formulations. However, there are no approved infant formulas in the United States that are goat milk-based. This case describes an infant who became critically ill due to family confusion over goat milk feeds, highlighting the importance of understanding the nutritional components and safety of various goat milk formulations.
Supporting and Uplifting New and Diverse Scientists in HIV Research (San Diego SUN): A Research Education and Training Program to Promote the Success of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows
Authors: Pitpitan Eileen V. , Campbell Chadwick K. , Zúñiga María Luisa , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Stockman Jamila K.
Published: September 2023

Background:

We implemented a mentored research education and training program for underrepresented minorities (URMs) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows called San Diego SUN (SD SUN): Supporting and Uplifting New and Diverse Scientists in HIV Research. The SD SUN program aimed to prepare fellows for an academic career trajectory in HIV science focused on ameliorating HIV-related disparities in communities of color.

Setting:

The program leveraged a strong interinstitutional collaboration between San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego, that share commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion and an established history of training programs for URM/BIPOC investigators.

Methods:

During a 9-month training period, launched in February 2022, fellows supported by a mentoring team completed ten 3-hour training sessions (core curriculum) and a mentored research project. The curriculum included seminars on building skills for a productive academic research career and reflective discussions around issues uniquely faced by URM/BIPOC investigators. Standardized measures developed for Center for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pipeline Initiative (eg, around benefits gained) were used to evaluate the program.

Results:

Six fellows participated in the SD SUN program. The results demonstrated a successful first year. Fellows were highly engaged and reported positive experiences, satisfaction with their mentor(s), various benefits gained from the program, and gains in numerous skillsets.

Conclusions:

Challenges were faced during implementation (eg, teaching grant writing to fellows at different skill levels). Time constraints were reported by some faculty mentors with limited bandwidth. We describe insights and solutions to the major challenges to sustaining the successful SD SUN program.
Texas Developmental Center for AIDS Research CFAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative Program
Authors: Pereira Fred A. , Newell Alana D. , Rice Andrew P.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The Texas Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR) diversity program, termed the CFAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI), was created in 2021 to engage high school students and graduate students from Underrepresented Minorities/Black, Indigenous, and People of Color populations.

Setting:

The Texas D-CFAR CDEIPI has partnered with 2 Texas high schools with predominantly economically disadvantaged and minority student populations—Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston, TX, and the South Texas Independent School District Medical Professions High School in Olmito, TX in the Rio Grande Valley.

Methods:

A total of 370 high school student learners at both partner schools participated in presentations of research and career paths related to HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 during the 2021–2022 academic year. Afterward, learners completed anonymous surveys to share their self-reported interest in research degrees and careers.

Results:

Learners reported increased knowledge of related science content and interest in research careers, including HIV-1 research, after each of the sessions.

Conclusions:

The programming has been of interest to student learners, and future additions intend to build upon the Texas D-CFAR CDEIPI.
Chromosomal rearrangement in the 22q11.2 region: a critical locus for sociability and attentional skills
Authors: Babinet Marie-Noëlle , Thomas Nadine , Pons Linda , Schluth-Bolard Caroline , Sanlaville Damien , Demily Caroline
Published: September 2023

Rearrangements of 22q11.2 region, most often deletions and duplications, are responsible for multiple congenital disorders. These rearrangements are involved in syndromes that share some phenotypic similarities. To date, 22q11.2 triplication remains very rare, with few cases described in the literature. Here, we report for the first time the clinical, neurocognitive, social cognition and psychiatric properties of a 6-year-old child with 22q11.2 triplication, in comparison with a patient with 22q11.2 duplication and 16 cases of patients with 22q11.2 deletion. Chromosomal region 22q11.2 seems to be a critical locus for sociability and attentional skills and rearrangements could be interpreted as a predisposing factor for the development of psychotic symptoms (22q11.2 deletion), a protective factor (22q11.2 duplication) or a tendency factor for hypersociability (22q11.2 triplication).
An Immuno-Epidemiological Model of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the African Buffalo Population with Carrier Transmission
Authors: Atkins Summer , Gulbudak Hayriye , Welker J. Shane , Smith Houston
Published: September 2023

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that spreads among cloven-hoofed animals. Although not deadly, FMD can cause major delays in meat and dairy production. One major concern is that the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) can persist in African buffalo hosts as natural reservoirs for long periods of time, causing the pathogens to reemerge in susceptible populations. In this paper, we present a novel immuno-epidemiological model of FMD in the African buffalo host populations. Upon infection, the hosts can undergo two phases, namely the acute and the carrier stages. In our model, we divide the infectious population based upon these two stages so that we can dynamically capture the immunological characteristics of both phases of the disease to better understand the carrier’s role in disease transmission. We first define the within-host viral-immune kinetics dependent epidemiological basic reproduction numberℛ0and show that it is a threshold condition for the local stability of the disease-free equilibrium and existence of the endemic equilibrium. We also analytically show that the system always displays forward bifurcation with respect to between-host epidemic parameters. Later, by using a sensitivity analysis (SA) approach developed for multi-scale models, we assess the impact of the acute infection and carrier phase immunological parameters onℛ0. Interestingly, our numerical results show that the within-carrier infected host immune kinetics parameters and the susceptible individual recruitment rates play significant roles in disease persistence, which are consistent with experimental and field studies.
Plasticity state-dependent changes in visual cortex parvalbumin interneuron mRNA translation and chromatin
Authors: Benacom David , Chataing Camille , Apulei Jessica , Queguiner Isabelle , Prochiantz Alain , Di Nardo Ariel A
Published: September 2023

The juvenile brain is shaped by critical periods of heightened plasticity whose timing is regulated by the maturation of parvalbumin interneurons. Gene expression during brain developmental is regulated by neuronal activity, which can trigger the formation of DNA double-strand breaks on early response genes regulatory elements. To determine if critical period plasticity induces double-strand breaks (γH2AX foci) and alters chromatin structure (DAPI foci) of parvalbumin cells, we analyzed the primary visual cortex of mice at peak ocular dominance plasticity (postnatal day P30) and in the non-plastic adult (at P90-P100). We also measured the expression of LINE-1 retrotransposons, known to induce double-strand breaks. Foci numbers and LINE-1 Orf1p expression were increased at P30 specifically in parvalbumin cells. TRAP-based RNA sequencing confirmed that LINE-1 translation in parvalbumin cells is activated at P30 compared to P100. ChABC injections in primary visual cortex were performed to determine whether reopened adult plasticity recapitulates the P30 translatome of parvalbumin cells. While the P30 TRAP was enriched for ion channel, postsynaptic membrane, and extracellular matrix components, the ChABC P100 TRAP was enriched for cytoskeletal structure and receptor binding proteins. Furthermore, ChABC treatment did not alter foci distribution or LINE-1 translation. These results suggest that juvenile critical periods promote genomic instability in parvalbumin cells and that adult plasticity reopened by ChABC is distinct from critical period plasticity.
Disrupted cerebellar structural connectome in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and its association with transcriptional profiles
Authors: Dong Xinyi , Liu Bing , Huang Weijie , Chen Haojie , Zhang Yunhao , Shmuel Amir , Yao Zeshan , Ma Guolin , Shu Ni
Published: September 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is primarily characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, including gray matter atrophy and disrupted anatomical and functional connectivity of the cerebellum. The alterations of topological organization of cerebellar white matter structural network in SCA3 and the underlying neurobiological mechanism remain unknown. Using a cohort of 20 patients with SCA3 and 20 healthy controls, we constructed cerebellar structural networks from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and investigated alterations of topological organization. Then we mapped the alterations with transcriptome data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to identify possible biological mechanisms for regional selective vulnerability to white matter damage. Compared with healthy controls, decreased global and nodal efficiency, and widely distributed decreased edge strength were observed in SCA3 patients. The regions with decreased nodal global efficiency were mainly located in cerebellar anterior lobe, and the genes express higher in these regions were significantly enriched in synapse-related biological processes. The regions with decreased nodal local efficiency were mainly located in cerebellar posterior lobe, and the higher gene expression in these regions were significantly enriched in metabolic biological processes. Similar hub distributions were found in two groups of subjects, whereas the strengths of rich-club and feeder connections were lower in SCA3 patients. Moreover, strength of the inter-module connections was lower in SCA3 group and negatively correlated with SARA score, ICARS score, and CAG repeat number. These findings suggest a mechanism of white matter vulnerability and a potential image biomarker for the disease severity, providing insights into neurodegeneration and pathogenesis in this disease.
Conformational flexibility of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins modulates transmitted / founder sensitivity to broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Parthasarathy Durgadevi , Pothula Karunakar Reddy , Dam Kim-Marie A. , Ratnapriya Sneha , Benet Héctor Cervera , Parsons Ruth , Huang Xiao , Sammour Salam , Janowska Katarzyna , Harris Miranda , Sacco Samuel , Sodroski Joseph , Bridges Michael D. , Hubbell Wayne L. , Acharya Priyamvada , Herschhorn Alon
Published: September 2023

HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs) mediate viral entry and are the sole target of neutralizing antibodies. Envs of most primary HIV-1 strains exist in a closed conformation and occasionally sample more open states. Thus, current knowledge guides immunogen design to mimic the closed Env conformation as the preferred target for eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to block HIV-1 entry. Here we show that Env-preferred conformations of 6 out of 13 (46%) transmitted/founder (T/F) strains tested are incompletely closed. As a result, entry of these T/Fs into target cells is sensitive to antibodies that recognize internal epitopes exposed on open Env conformations. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of unliganded, incompletely closed T/F Envs (1059-SOSIP) at 3.6 Å resolution exhibits an asymmetric configuration of Env protomers with increased sampling of states with incompletely closed trimer apex. Double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy provided further evidence for enriched occupancy of more open Env conformations. Consistent with conformational flexibility, 1059 Envs were associated with resistance to most bnAbs that exhibit reduced potency against functional Env intermediates. To follow the fate of incompletely closed Env in patients, we reconstructedde novothe post-transmission evolutionary pathway of a second T/F Env (CH040), which is sensitive to the V3-targeting antibody 19b and highly resistant to most bnAbs. Evolved viruses exhibited increased resistance to cold, soluble CD4 and 19b, all of which correlate with closing of the adapted Env trimer. Lastly, we show a correlation between efficient neutralization of multiple Env conformations and increased antiviral breadth of CD4-binding site (CD4bs) bnAbs. In particular, N6 bnAb, which uniquely recognizes different Env conformations, efficiently neutralizes 50% of the HIV-1 strains that were resistant to VRC01 and transmitted during the first-in-humans antibody-mediated prevention trial (HVTN 704). VRC01-resistant Envs are incompletely closed based on their sensitivity to cold and on partial sensitivity to antibodies targeting internal, typically occluded, epitopes. Most VRC01-resistant Envs retain the VRC01 epitope according to VRC01 binding to their gp120 subunit at concentrations that have no significant effect on virus entry, and they exhibit cross resistance to other CD4bs bnAbs that poorly recognize functional Env intermediates. Our findings refine current knowledge of Env conformational states and provide guidance for developing new strategies for bnAb immunotherapy and Env-based immunogen design.
Viperin immunity evolved across the tree of life through serial innovations on a conserved scaffold
Authors: Shomar H , Georjon H , Feng Y , Olympio B , Tesson F , Cury J , Wu F , Bernheim A
Published: September 2023

Evolutionary arms races between cells and viruses drive the rapid diversification of antiviral genes in diverse life forms. Recent discoveries have revealed the existence of shared immune genes between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, showing molecular and mechanistic similarities in their response to viruses. However, the underlying evolutionary dynamics that explain the conservation and adaptation of these antiviral genes remain mostly unexplored. Here, we show that viperins constitute a highly conserved family of immune genes across diverse prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and uncover mechanisms by which they diversified in eukaryotes. Our findings indicate that viperins are enriched in Asgard archaea and widely distributed in all major eukaryotic clades, suggesting their presence in the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA). We show that viperins maintain their immune function by producing antiviral nucleotide analogs. We demonstrate that eukaryotic viperins diversified through serial innovations on the viperin gene, such as the emergence and selection of substrate specificity towards pyrimidine nucleotides, and through partnerships with genes maintained through genetic linkage, notably with nucleotide kinases. These findings unveil biochemical and genomic transitions underlying the adaptation of immune genes shared by prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Our study paves the way for the understanding of the conservation of immunity across domains of life.
Circular economy in aquaculture: the perspectives of aspiring future operators
Authors: Masi Margherita , La Sala Piermichele , Coluccia Benedetta , Adinolfi Felice , Vecchio Yari
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the views of Italian aquaculture production science students, in their role of future operators, on the application of circular economy strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A key step in the development of professional knowledge is to solicit the opinions of the future operators in the aquaculture sector. The authors used the Q methodology to assess the perceptions of the students on four different knowledge dimensions of the CE: operations, culture and organization, products and services, and ecosystem.

Findings

Four discourses emerge from the results, representing the respondents' views on the CE. The first discourse considers CE as business strategy applicable to products and services, the second a corporate mission and the fourth an operational efficiency strategy. Finally, the third discourse views CE as a multidimensional concept.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the scientific and institutional debate on how to accelerate the aquaculture's circular transition. First and foremost, it offers insights to guide policy makers in the development of appropriate knowledge and information systems. Second, it offers the opportunity to improve training programmes to enable current students to be prepared for the future challenges.

Originality/value

The results reflect a different perceived knowledge of CE among future operators, whose opinions are little explored in the literature.
A systematic literature review on the determinants of cryptocurrency pricing
Authors: Peng Sanshao , Prentice Catherine , Shams Syed , Sarker Tapan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Given the cryptocurrency market boom in recent years, this study aims to identify the factors influencing cryptocurrency pricing and the major gaps for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was undertaken. Three databases, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCOhost, were used for this review. The final analysis comprised 88 articles that met the eligibility criteria.

Findings

The influential factors were identified and categorized as supply and demand, technology, economics, market volatility, investors’ attributes and social media. This review provides a comprehensive and consolidated view of cryptocurrency pricing and maps the significant influential factors.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to systematically and comprehensively review the relevant literature on cryptocurrency to identify the factors of pricing fluctuation. This research contributes to cryptocurrency research as well as to consumer behaviors and marketing discipline in broad.
Does corporate social responsibility mediate the relationship between board diversity and financial distress: evidence from an emerging economy?
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Khan Imran , Jabri Qadri Al , Khan Muhammad Tahir
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study hypothesized that the impact of board diversity on financial distress (FD) is not direct but rather mediated by the firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of CSR as a mediator in the board diversity–FD relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examined six board diversity dimensions – age, gender, nationality, education and tenure in 81 nonfinancial Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)-listed firms from 2010 to 2021. The CSR engagement of the sample firms is evaluated using a multidimensional financial approach and the likelihood of FD is computed using Altman’s Z-score. The system-generalized method of moments estimator is used to meet the study objectives. In addition, several tests are run to determine the robustness of the study’s findings.

Findings

Based on the procedure for mediation analysis outlined by Baron and Kenny (1986), the authors found that CSR is significantly inversely associated with the likelihood of FD. Second, board diversity variables age, gender and national diversity were positively associated with CSR. Third, board age, gender and national diversity are significantly inversely related to FD. Finally, it was found that there is partial mediation between board age diversity and FD, whereas full mediation is shown between board age diversity and FD and between board nationality diversity and FD.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights into PSX’s board diversity for companies, regulators and policymakers.

Originality/value

This research studies the connection between board diversity and FD. In addition, the current study extended the analysis by testing for the first time the mediating role of CSR in the diversity–distress relationship, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.
Design and performance analysis of cascaded pseudo derivative feedback plus pseudo derivative feedforward controller for PMSM drive
Authors: Koothu Kesavan Prabhakaran , Subramaniam Umashankar , Almakhles Dhafer Jaber
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a cascaded pseudo derivative feedback (PDF) plus pseudo derivative feedback plus pseudo derivative feedforward (PDFF) controller for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) to improve the transient response of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Proportional integral (PI) plus PI controller and the proposed PDF plus PDFF controller are designed, stability analysis is performed using the extended root locus method, and the effect of the damping coefficient is also extensively studied to validate the robustness of the proposed controller.

Findings

When compared to a cascaded PI plus PI controller, the proposed control approach has a much shorter settling time for the entire system and a 50% reduction in overshoot in stator current under extensive variations in speed with load disturbance.

Originality/value

The proposed controller is programmed into an FPGA Altera Cyclone II and applied to a 1.5 kW laboratory prototype PMSM drive. The effectiveness of the proposed methods has been demonstrated experimentally throughout a wide variable speed range, from 0 to 157 rad/s at different load conditions.
Stakeholder views of prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Coffie George Harrison , Novieto Divine Tuinese , Yankah Jonas Ekow
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate stakeholders' perception of the most prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used for this study came from a cross-sectional survey (questionnaire), which was administered to 273 stakeholders in the construction industry using convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using statistical software package SPSSv17 to determine the most prevalent unethical practices. The ranking factor was calculated based on relative importance index (RII) value.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that corruption was perceived by major stakeholders as the most prevalent unethical behavior (RII = 0.82) followed by bribery (RII = 0.79). Political interference and kickback came third (RII = 0.77) and fourth (RII = 0.74), respectively. However, the least prevalent unethical behaviors were extortion (RII = 0.56), workplace violence (RII = 0.57), alcohol abuse (RII = 0.59) and harassment (RII = 0.59). The findings suggest that when the various groupings were taken into consideration separately, the differences in their perceptions were obvious.

Research limitations/implications

Data for this study were collected from construction stakeholders in Ghana who were conveniently sampled. As a result, in reference to the sampling framework which focused on major stakeholders in only two regions of Ghana does not sufficiently ensure full generalization of the results.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide significant information for construction organizations and practitioners regarding unethical practices, which are most prevalent in the Ghanaian construction industry. Construction organizations and practitioners seeking to mitigate the negative effect of unethical practices on their performance should focus on educating construction workers on how to avoid corrupt practices and report same to the authorities. Also, ethics training programs must be instituted for staff coupled with constant and random inspection and checking of ethical compliance, verbal promotion and praise for ethical conduct and in some cases increase in employees pay.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to have accessed the views of broader stakeholders, i.e. consultants, contractors, professionals, suppliers, regulators, clients and construction workers in the construction industry regarding the most prevalent unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry in one study. This study, therefore, enriches the current literature by providing additional dimension to the understanding of unethical practices in the Ghanaian construction industry.
Network connectedness and portfolio hedging of green bonds, stock markets and commodities
Authors: Mezghani Taicir , Ben Hamadou Fatma , Boujelbène-Abbes Mouna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time-frequency connectedness between green bonds, stock markets and commodities (Brent and Gold), with a particular focus on China and its implication for portfolio diversification across different frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors implement the frequency connectedness approach of Barunik and Krehlik (2018), followed by the network connectedness before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, the authors implement more involvement in portfolio allocation and risk management by estimating hedge ratios and hedging effectiveness for green bonds and other financial assets.

Findings

The time-frequency domain spillover results show that gold is the net transmitter of shocks to green bonds in the long run, whereas green Bonds are the net recipients of shocks, irrespective of time horizons. The subsample analysis for the pandemic crisis period shows that green bonds dominate the network connectedness dynamic, mainly because it is strongly connected with the SP500 index and China (SSE). Thus, green bonds may serve as a potential diversifier asset at different time horizons. Likewise, the authors empirically confirm that green bonds have sizeable diversification benefits and hedges for investors towards stock markets and commodity stock pairs before and during the COVID-19 outbreak for both the short and long term. Gold only offers diversification gains in the long run, while Brent does not provide the desired diversification gains. Thus, the study highlights that green bonds are only an effective diversified.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by improving the understanding of the interconnectedness and hedging opportunities in short- and long-term horizons between green bonds, commodities and equity markets during the COVID-19 pandemic shock, with a particular focus on China. This study's findings provide more implications regarding portfolio allocation and risk management by estimating hedge ratios and hedging effectiveness.
Corruption spreads: understanding interorganizational corruption contagion in municipal governments
Authors: Monteduro Fabio , D'Onza Giuseppe , Mussari Riccardo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Corruption is a major social problem, and scholars have devoted considerable attention to this phenomenon. However, less attention has been paid to how corruption spreads among organizations and what factors can make its spread more likely. This study aims to fill the gap by modelling corruption as an interorganizational contagion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used social contagion theory to model corruption as an interorganizational contagion, influenced by the susceptibility of organizations and the strength of contagion sources. The study analysed 736 medium and large Italian municipalities over a five-year period, with 3,146 observations (excluding missing data). The authors conducted a longitudinal analysis using panel logistic regression techniques and performed robustness and endogeneity checks through a dynamic panel data model.

Findings

The authors found that municipalities with a higher percentage of corrupt neighbouring municipalities were more likely to experience corruption. The probability of experiencing corruption was also significantly higher for municipalities with weaker organizational resistance to corruption contagion.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not clearly explained the organizational mechanisms behind the spread of corruption at the interorganizational level. The study suggests that corruption contagion at the municipal level occurs via reduced uncertainty in decision-makers and is influenced by the prevalence of corruption locally. The spread can be driven by conscious or unconscious mechanisms. This study challenges the idea that corruption contagion is immediate and inevitable. Organizational resistance to corruption can affect the risk of contagion, highlighting the importance of anti-corruption controls and ethical systems in preventing it.
An institutional explanation of management accounting change in an emerging economy: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur , Hossain Dewan Mahboob , Alam Md. Saiful
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the nature of management accounting (MA) change and the institutional pressures driving the change using the context of an emerging economy – Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 20 listed companies in Bangladesh through in-depth interviews. It uses the typology of MA change proposed by Sulaiman and Mitchell (2005) in identifying the nature and extent of MA change executed during the preceding three years. A modified version of Granlund and Lukka’s (1998) model is used to identify and explain the impact of institutional and economic pressures on MA change.

Findings

This study finds that MA changes have taken place in the Bangladeshi listed companies in the forms of modification, addition and replacement during the preceding three years. The findings also showed that mimetic and coercive pressures influence the adoption of new MA techniques or changes in the existing MAP. The impact of economic forces (specifically the advancement of operating technology and competition intensity) on MA change is also well evident.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the typology of MA change and the institutional forces affecting the MA change, which have rarely been addressed in the context of an emerging and developing economy.