bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medications for Chronic Conditions and Mortality in Older Adults
Authors: Hsu Hui-Fen , Tu Hung-Pin , Chen Kuei-Min , Belcastro Frank
Published: September 2022

Background

With the population aging, examining the relationship between polypharmacy and mortality based on population data sources is important for clinical management and policy direction.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the association between number of chronic medications and risk of mortality in older adults.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for information regarding chronic medication use (over 4 years) in older adults aged 65 and older. The association between medication use and mortality numbers was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for demographic variables and comorbidity.

Results

The number of medications was significantly associated with high mortality risk. Within polypharmacy, being 65–74 years old, male, living in northern Taiwan, having one type of comorbid disease, and receiving <84 days of refillable chronic prescription were associated with greater mortality risk. Subgroup analyses’ results regarding comorbidity showed significant positive associations between number of medications and mortality in most comorbid diseases except for mental disorders and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Discussion

General practitioners should know that chronic polypharmacy is associated with increased mortality risk. Recognizing the possible adverse effects of multiple medication use could help physicians optimize drug regimens in the future.
Discharge Directly Home From the PICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Roumeliotis Nadia , Hassine Chatila Hadj , Ducruet Thierry , Lacroix Jacques
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE:

Healthcare constraints with decreasing bed availability cause strain in acute care units, and patients are more frequently being discharged directly home. Our objective was to describe the population, predictors, and explore PICU readmission rates of patients discharged directly home from PICU, compared with those discharge to the hospital ward, then home.

DESIGN:

An observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Children admitted to the PICU of CHU Sainte-Justine, between January 2014 and 2020.

PATIENTS:

Patients less than 18 years old, who survived their PICU stay, and were discharged directly home or to an inpatient ward. Patients discharged directly home were compared with patients discharged to the ward using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with home discharge. Propensity scores were used to compare PICU readmission rates in patients discharged directly home to those discharged to the ward.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among the 5,531 admissions included, 594 (10.7%) were discharged directly home from the PICU. Patients who were more severe ill (odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90–0.97), had invasive ventilation (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53–0.92), or had vasoactive agents (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53–0.92) were less likely to be discharged directly home. Diagnoses associated with discharge directly home were acute intoxication, postoperative ear-nose-throat care, and shock states. There was no difference in the rate of readmission to PICU at 2 (relative risk [RR], 0.20 [95% CI, 0.02–1.71]) and 28 days (RR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.61–3.36]) between propensity matched patients discharged to the ward for 2 or less days, compared with those discharged directly home.

CONCLUSION:

Discharge directly home from the PICU is increasing locally. The population includes less severely ill patients with rapidly resolving diagnoses. Rates of PICU readmission between patients discharged directly home from the PICU versus to ward are similar, but safety of the practice requires ongoing evaluation.
Articular Findings on Chest Computed Tomography: An Algorithmic Approach for Radiologists
Authors: Mansoori Bahar , Kosaraju Vijaya , Yoon James , Chalian Hamid , Shomal Zadeh Firoozeh , Vo Kiet V. , Shafiei Mehrzad , Prabhakar Rajiah , Chalian Majid
Published: September 2022

Chest computed tomography (CT) is one of the most frequently performed imaging studies. Incidental osseous and articular findings are commonly encountered in chest CTs in daily practice. The spectrum of findings is broad, varying from benign to malignant, and interpretation of these incidental musculoskeletal findings could be challenging for radiologists. In this review, we provide a systematic algorithmic approach for the diagnosis of common articular findings seen on chest CT with recommendations for appropriate follow-up evaluation.
Combining phenotypic and genomic data to improve prediction of binary traits
Authors: Jarquin Diego , Roy Arkaprava , Clarke Bertrand , Ghosal Subhashis
Published: September 2022

Plant breeders want to develop cultivars that outperform existing genotypes. Some characteristics (here ‘main traits’) of these cultivars are categorical and difficult to measure directly. It is important to predict the main trait of newly developed genotypes accurately. In addition to marker data, breeding programs often have information on secondary traits (or ‘phenotypes’) that are easy to measure. Our goal is to improve prediction of main traits with interpretable relations by combining the two data types using variable selection techniques. However, the genomic characteristics can overwhelm the set of secondary traits, so a standard technique may fail to select any phenotypic variables. We develop a new statistical technique that ensures appropriate representation from both the secondary traits and the phenotypic variables for optimal prediction. When two data types (markers and secondary traits) are available, we achieve improved prediction of a binary trait by two steps that are designed to ensure that a significant intrinsic effect of a phenotype is incorporated in the relation before accounting for extra effects of genotypes. First, we sparsely regress the secondary traits on the markers and replace the secondary traits by their residuals to obtain the effects of phenotypic variables as adjusted by the genotypic variables. Then, we develop a sparse logistic classifier using the markers and residuals so that the adjusted phenotypes may be selected first to avoid being overwhelmed by the genotypes due to their numerical advantage. This classifier uses forward selection aided by a penalty term and can be computed effectively by a technique called the one-pass method. It compares favorably with other classifiers on simulated and real data.
Neurogenin 2 and Neuronal Differentiation 1 control proper development of the chick trigeminal ganglion and its nerve branches
Authors: Bina Parinaz , Taneyhill Lisa A.
Published: September 2022

The trigeminal ganglion contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons comprising cranial nerve V, which relays information related to pain, touch, and temperature from the face and head to the brain. Like other cranial ganglia, the trigeminal ganglion is composed of neuronal derivatives of two critical embryonic cell types, neural crest and placode cells. Neurogenesis within the cranial ganglia is promoted by Neurogenin 2 (Neurog2), which is expressed in trigeminal placode cells and their neuronal derivatives and transcriptionally activates neuronal differentiation genes like Neuronal Differentiation 1 (NeuroD1). Little is known, however, about the role of Neurog2 and NeuroD1 during chick trigeminal gangliogenesis. To address this, we depleted Neurog2 and NeuroD1 from trigeminal placode cells with morpholinos and demonstrated that Neurog2 and NeuroD1 influence trigeminal ganglion development. While knockdown of both Neurog2 and NeuroD1 affected innervation of the eye, Neurog2 and NeuroD1 had opposite effects on ophthalmic nerve branch organization. Taken together, our results highlight, for the first time, functional roles for Neurog2 and NeuroD1 during chick trigeminal gangliogenesis. These studies shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying trigeminal ganglion formation and may also provide insight into general cranial gangliogenesis and diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
TMAO and its precursors in relation to host genetics, gut microbial composition, diet, and clinical outcomes: Meta-analysis of 5 prospective population-based cohorts
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Ahmad Shahzad , Kurilshikov Alexander , Beekman Marian , Ghanbari Mohsen , van Faassen Martijn , van den Munckhof Inge C.L. , Steur Marinka , Harms Amy , Hankemeier Thomas , Ikram M. Arfan , Kavousi Maryam , Voortman Trudy , Kraaij Robert , Netea Mihai G. , Rutten Joost H.W. , Riksen Niels P. , Zhernakova Alexandra , Kuipers Folkert , Slagboom P. Eline , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Fu Jingyuan , Vojinovic Dina
Published: September 2022

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a circulating microbiome-derived metabolite implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether plasma levels of TMAO, its precursors (betaine, carnitine, deoxycarnitine, choline) and TMAO-to-precursor ratios associate with clinical outcomes, including CVD and mortality. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of their genetic, gut microbial and dietary determinants. The analyses were conducted in five Dutch prospective cohort studies including 7,834 individuals. To further investigate association results, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was also explored. We found only plasma choline levels (hazard ratio (HR) 1.17, (95% CI 1.07; 1.28)) and not TMAO to be associated with CVD risk. Our association analyses uncovered 10 genome-wide significant loci, including novel genomic regions for betaine (6p21.1, 6q25.3), choline (2q34, 5q31.1) and deoxycarnitine (10q21.2, 11p14.2) comprising several metabolic gene associations, e.g.,CPS1orPEMT. Furthermore, our analyses uncovered 68 gut microbiota associations, mainly related to TMAO-to-precursors ratios and theOscillospiraceaefamily and 16 associations of food groups and metabolites including fish-TMAO, meat-carnitine and plant-based food-betaine associations. No significant association was identified by MR approach. Our analyses provide novel insights into the TMAO pathway, its determinants and pathophysiological impact in the general population.
N-terminal acetylation shields proteins from degradation and promotes age-dependent motility and longevity
Authors: Varland Sylvia , Silva Rui Duarte , Kjosås Ine , Faustino Alexandra , Bogaert Annelies , Billmann Maximilian , Boukhatmi Hadi , Kellen Barbara , Costanzo Michael , Drazic Adrian , Osberg Camilla , Chan Katherine , Zhang Xiang , Tong Amy Hin Yan , Andreazza Simonetta , Lee Juliette J. , Nedyalkova Lyudmila , Ušaj Matej , Whitworth Alexander J. , Andrews Brenda J. , Moffat Jason , Myers Chad L. , Gevaert Kris , Boone Charles , Martinho Rui Gonçalo , Arnesen Thomas
Published: September 2022

Most eukaryotic proteins are N-terminally acetylated, but the functional impact on a global scale has remained obscure. Using genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens in human cells, we reveal a strong genetic dependency between a major N-terminal acetyltransferase and specific ubiquitin ligases. Biochemical analyses uncover that both the ubiquitin ligase complex UBR4-KCMF1 and the acetyltransferase NatC recognize proteins bearing an unacetylated N-terminal methionine followed by a hydrophobic residue. NatC KO-induced protein degradation and phenotypes are reversed by UBR knockdown, demonstrating the central cellular role of this interplay. We reveal that loss of Drosophila NatC is associated with male sterility, reduced longevity, and age-dependent loss of motility due to developmental muscle defects. Remarkably, muscle-specific overexpression of UbcE2M, one of the proteins targeted for NatC KO mediated degradation, suppresses defects of NatC deletion. In conclusion, NatC-mediated N-terminal acetylation acts as a protective mechanism against protein degradation, which is relevant for increased longevity and motility.

In Brief

Varland, Silva et al. define that a major cellular role of N-terminal acetylation is shielding proteins from proteasomal degradation by specific ubiquitin ligases. The human N-terminal acetyltransferase NatC protects the neddylation regulator UBE2M from degradation, while overexpression of Drosophila UBE2M/UbcE2M rescues the longevity and motility defects of NatC deletion.

Highlights

N-terminal acetylation by NatC protects proteins from degradation, including UBE2M

UBR4-KCMF1 targets unacetylated N-terminal Met followed by a hydrophobic residue

Drosophila NatC is required for adult longevity and motility in elderly

Overexpression of UBE2M/UbcE2M suppresses Drosophila NatC deletion phenotypes
Simultaneous adjunctive treatment of malaria and its co-evolved genetic disorder sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Safeukui Innocent , Ware Russell E. , Mohandas Narla , Haldar Kasturi
Published: September 2022

Effective treatments for genetic disorders that co-evolved with pathogens require simultaneous betterment of both conditions. Hydroxyurea (HU) offers safe and efficacious treatment for sickle cell anemia (SCA) by reducing clinical complications, transfusions, and death. Despite concerns that HU-treatment for SCA would increase infection risk by the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum, (the genetic driver of the sickle mutation), HU instead reduced clinical malaria. We show that at physiologically relevant exposures, HU (and other ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors) have significant, intrinsic killing activity in vitro against blood stages of P. falciparum, with low risk of eliciting stably resistant parasites or compromising potency of current antimalarial drugs. Additive activity devoid of antagonism by HU was observed with a wide spectrum of commonly used antimalarial treatments. These data endorse broad, safe, long-term use of HU for SCA in malaria endemic countries and provide a novel biological model for simultaneous, adjunct therapy of a life-threatening infection and concomitant management of a co-evolved genetic disorder.

Significance

Genetic disorders are increasingly being treated in global health settings. Hydroxyurea (HU; a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor) is safe and efficacious for treating sickle cell anemia (SCA). Since the sickle mutation co-evolved with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, HU-treatment may potentially have increased malarial infection in SCA patients. However, HU reduced clinical malaria, but why this occurred was not understood. We discovered that in doses used in patients, HU kills P. falciparum and shows strong potential for safe, adjunctive use with current antimalarial drugs. Our findings endorse, long-term use of HU for SCA in malaria-endemic countries and a novel model for simultaneous, adjunct treatment of a life-threatening infection like malaria with concomitant management of multiple genetic hematological disorders of global proportions.
An Engineered T7 RNA Polymerase for efficient co-transcriptional capping with reduced dsRNA byproducts in mRNA synthesis
Authors: Miller Mathew , Alvizo Oscar , Chng Chinping , Jenne Stephan , Mayo Melissa , Mukherjee Arpan , Sundseth Stuart , Chintala Avinash , Penfield Jonathan , Riggins James , Zhang Xiyun , Sero Antoinette , Dassie Justin , Leatherbury Neil , Baskerville Scott , Huisman Gjalt
Published: September 2022

Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies have recently gained tremendous traction with the approval of mRNA vaccines for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, manufacturing challenges have complicated large scale mRNA production, which is necessary for the clinical viability of these therapies. Not only can the incorporation of the required 5’ 7-methylguanosine cap analog be inefficient and costly, in vitro transcription (IVT) using wild-type T7 RNA polymerase generates undesirable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) byproducts that elicit adverse host immune responses and are difficult to remove at large scale. To overcome these challenges, we have engineered a novel RNA polymerase, T7-68, that co-transcriptionally incorporates both di- and tri-nucleotide cap analogs with high efficiency, even at reduced cap analog concentrations. We also demonstrate that IVT products generated with T7-68 have reduced dsRNA content.
Machine learning classification by fitting amplicon sequences to existing OTUs
Authors: Armour Courtney R. , Sovacool Kelly L. , Close William L. , Topçuoğlu Begüm D. , Wiens Jenna , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: September 2022

The ability to use 16S rRNA gene sequence data to train machine learning classification models offers the opportunity diagnose patients based on the composition of their microbiome. In some applications the taxonomic resolution that provides the best models may require the use ofde novoOTUs whose composition changes when new data are added. We previously developed a new reference-based approach, OptiFit, that fits new sequence data to existingde novoOTUs without changing the composition of the original OTUs. While OptiFit produces OTUs that are as high quality asde novoOTUs, it is unclear whether this method for fitting new sequence data into existing OTUs will impact the performance of classification models relative to models trained and tested only usingde novoOTUs. We used OptiFit to cluster sequences into existing OTUs and evaluated model performance in classifying a dataset containing samples from patients with and without colonic screen relevant neoplasia (SRN). We compared the performance of this model to standard methods includingde novoand database-reference-based clustering. We found that using OptiFit performed as well or better in classifying SRNs. OptiFit can streamline the process of classifying new samples by avoiding the need to retrain models using reclustered sequences.
Key role of auxin cellular accumulation in totipotency and pluripotency acquisition
Authors: Karami Omid , Khadem Azadeh , Rahimi Arezoo , Offringa Remko
Published: September 2022

Genome editing and in vitro based-plant propagation require efficient plant regeneration system. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) or de novo shoot regeneration are two major systems that widely used for plant in vitro regeneration. Most SE or shoot regeneration protocols rely on the exogenous application of the synthetic auxin analog 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and naphthylene acetic acid (NAA), whereas the natural auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4-Cl-IAA) or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) are not or less effective for plant regeneration. Although these synthetic auxins mimics the physiological activity of the main natural auxin IAA in many aspects, there are also clear differences that have been attributed to differences in stability or to different affinities for certain TIR1/AFB-Aux/IAA auxin co-receptor pairs. Here we show that the success of 2,4-D in inducing SE from Arabidopsis is related to ineffectiveness as substrate for auxin efflux, resulting in its intracellular 2,4-D accumulation. Reducing auxin efflux by addition of the auxin transport inhibitor naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) also allowed natural auxins and other synthetic analogs to induce SE in Arabidopsis with similar efficiencies as 2,4-D. The PIN-FORMED auxin efflux carriers PIN1, PIN2 and the ATP-binding cassette-B auxin transporters ABCB1 and ABCB19 were shown to be partially responsible for the efflux of natural auxins during SE induction. Importantly, all somatic embryos induced in Arabidopsis by IAA in the presence of NPA showed a normal embryo to seedling conversion and subsequent plant development, whereas for the 2,4-D system this was limited to 50-60% of the embryos. We showed that the auxin transport inhibition promotes de novo shoot regeneration capacity from callus induced by 4-Cl-IAA in Brassica napus. In addition, we observed a obvious acceleration in shoot bud emerging from callus induced by 4-Cl-IAA than 2,4-D. Based on our data we conclude, that the efficiency of plant propagation can be significantly improved by applying the natural auxins in the presence of the auxin transport inhibitor NPA.
Population Genetics and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of the Monkeypox virus interferon-alpha-beta receptor gene and its evolutionary relationship with the Orthopoxvirus genus
Authors: Felix Pierre Teodosio , Clara da Silva Santos Ana , Nascimento Iasmin Auta do , Santos da Silva Lidiane
Published: September 2022

In this work are used 59 haplotypes of the gene of the interferon-alpha-beta receptor of Monkeypox virus, Buffalopox virus, Camelpox virus, Cowpox virus, Ectromelia virus, Rabbitpox virus, Vaccinia virus and Variola virus, recuperated from GENBANK/NCBI. All sequences were publicly available on the Platform of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and were analyzed for their Molecular Variance (AMOVA), haplotypic diversity, mismatch, demographic and spatial expansion, molecular diversity and time of evolutionary divergence. The results suggested that there was a high diversity among haplotypes, with high numbers of transitions, transversions and mutations of the indels type for 5 of the 8 groups analyzed and with slight population expansion perceived in the neutrality tests. The estimators used in this study did not support a uniformity among all the results found, which ensures the lack of conservation of the gene, as well as its protein product, a fact that stimulates the use of therapies based on neutralizing antibodies and the development of new drugs that act as adjuvants to the function of the interferon-alpha-beta receptor gene.
Molecular Determinants for Differential Activation of theVibrio parahaemolyticusBile Acid Receptor
Authors: Zou Angela J. , Kinch Lisa , Chimalapati Suneeta , Rodriguez Nalleli Garcia , Tomchick Diana R. , Orth Kim
Published: September 2022

Bile acids are important for digestion of food and for antimicrobial activity. PathogenicVibrio parahaemolyticussenses bile acids via the co-component signal transduction system receptor VtrA/VtrC, an obligate membrane heterodimer. Intestinal bile acids bind to the periplasmic domain of the VtrA/VtrC complex, activating a DNA-binding domain in VtrA that induces expression of another membrane protein, VtrB. VtrB induces expression of the pathogenic Type III Secretion System 2. The bile acid taurodeoxycholate (TDC) activates VtrA/VtrC-inducedVtrBexpression, while others such as chenodeoxycholate (CDC) do not. This study demonstrates both CDC and TDC bind to the VtrA/VtrC periplasmic heterodimer using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The crystal structure of the VtrA/VtrC heterodimer bound to CDC revealed it binds in the same hydrophobic pocket as TDC, but differently. Mutation of the binding pocket caused a decrease in bile acid binding affinity with exception of the S123A mutant, which bound with a similar affinity as the wild-type protein. The S123A mutant decreased TDC-induced T3SS2 activation, providing a molecular explanation for the selective activation of the T3SS2 by bile acids.
The combination of morphogenic regulators BABY BOOM and GRF-GIF improves maize transformation efficiency
Authors: Chen Zongliang , Debernardi Juan M. , Dubcovsky Jorge , Gallavotti Andrea
Published: September 2022

Transformation is an indispensable tool for plant genetics and functional genomic studies. Although stable transformation no longer represents a major technology bottleneck in maize, there is still need for easily accessible and efficient transformation methods in most academic labs. Here we present the GGB transformation system, a rapid and highly efficient transformation system optimized for the immature embryo transformation of two maize genetic backgrounds, including the inbred line B104. The combination of distinct morphogenetic factors, the maize BABY BOOM transcriptional regulator (ZmBBM/EREB53) and the wheat GRF4-GIF1 (GROWTH REGULATING FACTOR4 - GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1) chimera, together with a modified QuickCorn protocol, regenerated transformed maize seedlings in approximately two months with an efficiency of 26 to 37%; notably, the efficiency was 7-fold higher than with using either component in isolation. Additionally, ectopic expression of both morphogenetic factors did not show obvious effects on B104 development, and in particular fertility was not affected, obviating the need to remove the morphogenetic regulators post Agrobacterium infections. The GGB transformation system is designed for CRISPR-Cas9 editing but can be adapted for other purposes and should be easy to implement in most academic labs with little transformation experience.
Local induction of IAA5 and IAA29 promotes DNA damage-triggered stem cell death in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Ogita Nobuo , Koike Toshiya , Nishimura Kohei , Inagaki Soichi , Umeda Masaaki
Published: September 2022

Plants generate organs continuously during post-embryonic development, thus how to preserve stem cells in changing environments is crucial for their survival. Genotoxic stress threatens genome stability in all somatic cells, whereas, in the meristem, only stem cells undergo cell death in response to DNA damage, followed by stem cell replenishment. It was previously shown that inhibition of downward auxin flow in roots participates in DNA damage-induced stem cell death; however, how cell death is confined to stem cells in tissues with reduced auxin content remains elusive. Here we show that, in response to DNA double-strand breaks, the Aux/IAA family members IAA5 and IAA29, which encode the negative regulators of auxin signaling, were locally induced in vascular stem cells and their daughters in Arabidopsis roots. This is an active response to DNA damage in which the transcription factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 directly induces their expression. In the iaa5 iaa29 double mutant, DNA damage-induced stem cell death was significantly suppressed, while it was fully restored by the expression of a stable form of IAA5 in vascular stem cells. Our genetic data revealed that both the suppression of auxin signaling and reduced auxin content are prerequisite for cell death induction, suggesting the central role in maintaining genome integrity in stem cells.

One-sentence summary

The induction of IAA5 and IAA29 promotes stem cell death in Arabidopsis roots under DNA stress.
What accounts for the high underwriting losses in the Ghanaian insurance industry?
Authors: Akotey Joseph Oscar , Aawaar Godfred , Boamah Nicholas Addai
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This research explores to answer the question: What accounts for the substantial underwriting losses in the Ghanaian insurance industry?

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-four (34) insurers' audited financial reports covering the period of 2007 to 2017 were analysed through dynamic panel regression to uncover the underlying causes of high underwriting losses in the Ghanaian insurance industry.

Findings

The findings indicate that efforts at increasing market share by overtrading add no value to insurers underwriting profitability. The underwriting risk suggests that the industry charges disproportionately too small premiums for the risks it underwrites. This may indicate under-pricing by some insurers to grow their customer base.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for managerial efficiency and risk management structures that align compensation with underwriting efficiency.

Originality/value

The association between managerial preference and the underwriting performance of insurers in emerging markets has rarely been researched. This study responds to this knowledge challenge.
The balance between status quo and change when minorities try to access top ranks: a tale about women achieving professorship
Authors: Meschitti Viviana , Marini Giulio
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study vertical gender segregation, which persists even in the fields where women are represented at junior levels. Academia is an example. Individual performance and lack of a critical mass do not fully explain the problem. Thus, this paper adopted an intergroup perspective (i.e. social identity and competition theories) to study how a majority (i.e. men) can influence the advancement of a minority (i.e. women).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigated promotions from associate to full professor in Italy. The original data set included all promotions from 2013 to 2016. To study intergroup dynamics, individual-level variables were analysed together with structural factors, such as gender representation and availability of resources.

Findings

The effect of gender representation was significant in that promotions were more likely when full professor ranks within academic institutions were men-dominated and associate professor ranks were women-dominated. Concurrently, the analysis of individual-level variables supported the existence of discrimination against women. The paper argues that the majority grants more promotions under the pressure of change; however, this does not contrast with discrimination at the individual level.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focused only on one country. However, the framework can be applied in other contexts and used to study segregation based on factors other than gender.

Originality/value

This study explored gender segregation from a new perspective, highlighting the importance of the interplay between individual and structural factors. This interplay might be one of the causes of the slow progress of gender equality.
C-STARS: a collaborative online learning environment for situated translation teaching in higher education
Authors: Zappatore Marco
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Before COVID-19 pandemic, translation students in higher education attended courses on computer-assisted translation to acquire operational knowledge of professional software, without experiencing collaborative/interactive learning. In few European universities skills labs were introduced to offer fieldwork-like activities, but without shared modelling standards and mainly held in presence for few consecutive days. As the COVID-19 pandemic further deprived students of crucial educational experiences, the purpose of this paper is to present an online collaborative learning environment exploiting a customised combination of information and learning applications the students already experienced during the pandemic to smoothen their learning curve and increase the educational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-framework methodology to build and operate a computer-supported online collaborative skills lab for translation students is proposed. Reference standards and guidelines are leveraged to provide participants with a common knowledge ground, to activate the computer-supported collaborative learning perspective, and to ensure an appropriate simulation fidelity.

Findings

An end-to-end implementation of the proposed approach along with educational effectiveness analysis performed via complementary assessment strategies is presented. Achieved outcomes highlight significant participation rate, consistent improvement in technical and soft skills at both individual and collective levels, and clear activation of collaborative learning dynamics.

Practical implications

Every master degree in translation teaching can adopt this approach by complying with the proposed guidelines.

Originality/value

The proposed multi-framework approach is novel and applied to a teaching sector where it is highly needed to fill a pre-existing gap.
Leadership styles and safety culture – a meta-analytic study
Authors: Nasim Md Aqeel , Yadav Rama Shankar , Dash Sanket Sunand , Bamel Umesh
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to quantitatively review previous empirical studies on leadership style and safety culture using meta-analysis and identify the most influential leadership style across organizations. Further, the moderating effect of riskiness in the organizational process on the relationship between leadership style and safety culture was also done.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic literature review and applied meta-analysis based on 24 empirical studies to calculate the effect size for the relationships between leadership style and safety culture.

Findings

A substantial effect size between leadership style and safety culture (r= 0.50). It was interesting to note the significant relationship between leadership and safety culture, irrespective of high- and low-risk organizations. Moreover, empowering leadership style (r= 0.60) emerged as the most influential leadership style across all organizations and in high-risk organizations.

Originality/value

The meta-analysis established leadership as an essential antecedent of safety culture and suggests implications for future research and practice related to safety and leadership.
Remanufacturing production decisions considering product life cycle and green consumers' scale in the circular economy
Authors: Liu Bohai , Song Qi , Zheng Handong , Ma Yaoyao , Li Kai
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to study the optimal strategy of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) considering both consumer segmentation and upward substitution of remanufactured products in the product life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors develop two remanufacturing models: the OEM remanufacturing model and the authorized remanufacturing model. Then, the authors study the impact of both green consumers' scale and the product life cycle expressed as the market growth rate on the OEM's optimal decision-making. Therefore, the authors derive the optimal solutions of the two models by using game theory.

Findings

The authors find that in the case of low market growth rate, when there only exist ordinary consumers, if the substitutability of remanufactured products produced by the OEM is below one threshold or above another threshold, the OEM can obtain higher profit in the OEM remanufacturing model, and vice versa. If the substitutability of remanufactured products produced by the OEM is below a threshold when there are both ordinary and green consumers, the OEM prefers the authorized remanufacturing model; and vice versa. Moreover, in the case of high market growth rate, the OEM prefers the OEM remanufacturing model only when the substitution-level in OEM remanufacturing model is above a threshold.

Originality/value

The present study fills the gap in existing researches by simultaneously discussing product life cycle and green consumers' scale. The authors provide manufacturers with a new basis for remanufacturing decisions.
Tales of woe: farmers–herders conflict and victimisation experiences in Nigeria
Authors: Adejoh Pius Enechojo , Amaike Omobolanle Gift , Agugua Augustine Okechuchwu , Olowu Gafar Femi , Busari-Akinbode Sofiat
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the victimisation experiences of farmers, herders and community members within the context of the persistent conflict between farmers and herders across Nigeria, with specific focus on Anambra, Benue and Oyo states in south-east, north-central and south-west geopolitical zones of the country, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the cross-sectional survey to elicit quantitative data from 725 respondents made up of 256 farmers, 225 herders and 244 community members aged 18 years and above, in six purposively sampled local government areas in the three states, while 16 in-depth interviews, 19 key informant interviews and 18 focus group discussions were conducted to extract qualitative data from purposively sampled farmers, herders, community leaders and members of the study communities.

Findings

The results show that farmers, herders and other community members in the study suffered losses in the form of destruction of farmlands and livelihood, internal displacement and human fatalities, for the farmers and community members; and destruction of livelihood, loss of money and human fatalities, for the herders. The paper predicts a worsening of the feud between these groups and the attendant reprisal attacks and victimisation if the current binary narrative of victimhood that privileges the needs and experiences of one group over the other persists, and urges stakeholders to put in place enduring structures that will minimise nomadic herding and ensure proactive security.

Originality/value

The focus on the issue of the “victimisation experiences” of herders and farmers and the invitation to researchers and policymakers to examine the role of the prevailing binary construction of victimhood in the conflict is a refreshing addition to other works on this subject.
Developing scientifically validated bias and diversity trainings that work: empowering agents of change to reduce bias, create inclusion, and promote equity
Authors: Cox William Taylor Laimaka
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Research consistently shows that non-scientific bias, equity, and diversity trainings do not work, and often make bias and diversity problems worse. Despite these widespread failures, there is considerable reason for hope that effective, meaningful DEI efforts can be developed. One approach in particular, the bias habit-breaking training, has 15 years of experimental evidence demonstrating its widespread effectiveness and efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts from the author’s perspective as a scientist–practitioner – the author draws primarily on the scientific literature, but also integrates insights from practical experiences working in DEI. The author provides a roadmap for adapting effective, evidence-based approaches from other disciplines (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) into the DEI context and review evidence related to the bias habit-breaking training, as one prominent demonstration of a scientifically-validated approach that effects lasting, meaningful improvements on DEI issues within both individuals and institutions.

Findings

DEI trainings fail due to widespread adoption of the information deficit model, which is well-known as a highly ineffective approach. Empowerment-based approaches, in contrast, are highly promising for making meaningful, lasting changes in the DEI realm. Evidence indicates that the bias habit-breaking training is effective at empowering individuals as agents of change to reduce bias, create inclusion, and promote equity, both within themselves and the social contexts they inhabit.

Originality/value

In contrast to the considerable despair and pessimism around DEI efforts, the present analysis provides hope and optimism, and an empirically-validated path forward, to develop and test DEI approaches that empower individuals as agents of change.
The ecological implications of interplant drought cuing
Authors: Falik Omer , Mauda Shachar , Novoplansky Ariel
Published: September 2022

Plants can perceive, integrate and respond to multiple signals and cues informative of imminent threats and opportunities. Here, we tested the hypothesis that unstressed plants are able to perceive and adaptively respond to stress cues emitted from their drought‐stressed neighbours, and to induce adaptive responses in additional unstressed plants.

Triplets of split‐rootStenotaphrum secundatumplants were grown in rows. One root of the first plant was subjected to drought while its other root shared its pot with one of the roots of an unstressed target neighbour, which in turn shared its other pot with an additional unstressed target neighbour.

Cuing from drought‐stressed plants increased survival in both proximate directly cued and in more distant relayed‐cued target plants under drought. Drought cuing lowered plant performance under benign conditions. Experiments with aWiltymutant and fluridone treatments showed that drought cuing was greatly reduced in ABA‐deficientPisum Sativumplants.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the possible adaptive implications of both direct and relayed stress cuing among neighbouring plants, the possible cost of plant responsiveness to drought cues under benign conditions and the involvement of ABA in interplant drought cuing. The results suggest that interplant root communication of drought cues could have novel implications for plant interactions, survival and performance under both natural and agricultural settings.
‘Sand in the works?’ Infrastructural affordances and life with dementia in the community
Authors: Symonds‐Brown Holly , Ceci Christine , Judge Harkeert
Published: September 2022

The social health of people living with dementia is a more recent addition to the dementia research agenda; to date conceptions of the problem and solutions have relied on underdeveloped theorisations of sociality and social inclusion. In this article, using a material‐semiotic approach to care practices and infrastructure, we use an ethnographic case study of one family of a person living with dementia using a day programme and home care supports over a period of 9 months, to examine how infrastructural arrangements provide particular affordances for social relatedness for people living with dementia in the community. The aim of the analysis is to consider how the infrastructural affordances created by the organisation of care may create spatially bounded lives and limit the subject positions available for people living with dementia and their families. It is these narrowed positions of dwelling that we argue may be the necessary starting place for thinking about the social health of people living with dementia and the solutions that might be helpful for them.
Microbial biodiversity of raw milk collected from Yangzhou and the heterogeneous biofilm‐forming ability of Pseudomonas
Authors: Li Huaxiang , Zhang Yanhe , Yuan Xinhai , Liu Siqi , Fan Luyao , Zheng Xiangfeng , Wang Shuo , Yuan Lei , Jiao Xinan
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to reveal microbial populations in Chinese raw milk using both 16S rRNA sequencing and high‐throughput sequence (HTS) methods. Psychrotrophic isolates were clustered into 23 genera and 57 species, and the abundant genera in raw milk were Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Lactococcus. Genetic diversity and biofilm‐forming capacity of Pseudomonas isolates were analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and crystal violet staining assay, respectively. Heterogeneous biofilm‐forming ability of Pseudomonas isolates with the same RAPD patterns was observed. HTS analysis revealed a 33‐fold higher diversity at the genus level, and a different bacterial population was predominated by Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. The results provide insight into the microbial contamination of raw milk.
Remotely shared CT‐derived presurgical understanding of lung cancer: A randomized trial
Authors: Yoon Soon Ho , Na Kwon Joong , Kang Chang Hyun , Park In Kyu , Park Samina , Goo Jin Mo , Kim Young Tae
Published: September 2022

Shared decision‐making is imperative for patient‐and family‐centered care. However, gathering individuals in a single place was challenged by modern life and pandemic restrictions. This study conducted a 1:1 randomized trial to examine the feasibility of a CT‐derived 3D virtual explanation module for lung cancer to improve the understanding of patients and third parties in physically separate locations. We prospectively enrolled adults in whom elective surgical resection for lung cancer was planned at a single tertiary hospital in 2020. From presurgical CT scans, deep neural networks automatically segmented lung cancer, airway, pulmonary lobes, skin, and bony thorax. The segmented structures were subsequently transformed into an anonymized interactive 3D module which comprised a standardized scenario with explanatory texts. The intervention group received a link to the module on their smartphone before admission and could repeatedly access the link or transfer it to patients' third parties. A total of 33 and 29 patients were enrolled in the intervention and control arms. The understanding score did not statistically differ between the arms (mean difference, 0.7 [95% CI: −0.2, 1.5]; p = 0.13). However, 76% of patients in the intervention arm accessed the link, and patient median access count was 14. The link recipients of third parties had comparable understanding scores to the patients (mean difference, −0.2 [95% CI: −1.9, 1.5]; p = 1.00), indicating that the understanding could be shared remotely with patients and patients’ third parties. In conclusion, it was feasible that people physically separated from patients obtained a comparable understanding of lung cancer surgery using the patient's CT‐derived 3D virtual explanation module.
Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 inhibits miR‐515‐5p function and modulates high mobility group B3 to promote the growth of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Xueying , Kang Jian , Ma Yupeng , Wang Qi , Li Weiwu , Su Juan , Zhang Xinqi
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study is performed to analyze the role of long non‐coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 in prostate cancer.

Methods and materials

Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1, miR‐515‐5p, and high mobility group B3 mRNA expressions were examined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. After gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function models were established, the changes in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay, and Transwell experiments. Validation of the targeting relationships between plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 and miR‐515‐5p, and between miR‐515‐5p and high mobility group B3 was conducted using bioinformatics prediction, a dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and an RNA immunoprecipitation experiment. Moreover, the effects of plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 and miR‐515‐5p on high mobility group B3 protein expression were examined using Western blot.

Results

Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 expression and high mobility group B3 expression were up‐regulated in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines while miR‐515‐5p expression was down‐regulated. Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 knockdown restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LNCaP and DU145 cells in vitro, and the transfection with miR‐515‐5p inhibitors reversed these effects. Mechanistically, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 could repress the function of miR‐515; high mobility group B3 was proved to be a target gene of miR‐515‐5p, and its expression could be indirectly positively modulated by plasmacytoma variant translocation 1.

Conclusion

Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 accelerates prostate cancer progression by repressing miR‐515‐5p's function to upregulate high mobility group B3 expression.