bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Point-of-Care Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing on Prescribing Practices in Primary Care for Management of Strep A: A Retrospective Before–After Study
Authors: May Larissa , Sickler Joanna , Robbins Elissa M , Tang Shaowu , Chugh Kamal , Tran Nam
Published: March 2022

Background

Rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) are the standard of care (SOC) for testing in patients with suspected group A Î²-hemolytic Streptococcus (Strep A) infection. Due to lower sensitivity, guidelines recommend confirmatory microbiological culture following negative RADT results. This process is time-consuming, and adherence is often poor, resulting in high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. We sought to evaluate the impact of switching from RADTs to point-of-care (POC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on use of antibiotics in primary care, when used as part of an antibiotic stewardship initiative.

Methods

In this retrospective before–after study, electronic medical records of any patients presenting with suspected acute pharyngitis (June 2018–May 2019) across 15 outpatient primary care clinics were evaluated. Strep A was detected using the cobas Strep A assay (cobas Liat system).

Results

Analysis of 10 081 eligible patient records showed that POC PCR testing resulted in a 44.1% reduction in antibiotic prescribing for patients with a negative POC PCR test result (10.1% PCR vs 18.0% RADT; P < .0001). Rates of antibiotic prescription varied across clinical sites, ranging between 10.7% and 33.8% and 12.4% and 34.4% during the use of PCR tests and RADTs, respectively. POC PCR had no impact on prescription rates in patients with positive POC test results compared to RADTs (76.2% vs 76.5%, respectively). More than 99% of antibiotics were prescribed during the initial primary care encounter.

Conclusions

As part of a broader antibiotic stewardship initiative, implementation of POC PCR as SOC in outpatients with acute pharyngitis symptoms reduced the volume of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.
β-Cyanoalanine synthase protects mites against Arabidopsis defenses
Authors: Dixit Sameer , Widemann Emilie , Bensoussan Nicolas , Salehipourshirazi Golnaz , Bruinsma Kristie , Milojevic Maja , Shukla Akanchha , Romero Luis C , Zhurov Vladimir , Bernards Mark A , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Grbić Miodrag , Grbić Vojislava
Published: March 2022

Glucosinolates are antiherbivory chemical defense compounds in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Specialist herbivores that feed on brassicaceous plants have evolved various mechanisms aimed at preventing the formation of toxic isothiocyanates. In contrast, generalist herbivores typically detoxify isothiocyanates through glutathione conjugation upon exposure. Here, we examined the response of an extreme generalist herbivore, the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch), to indole glucosinolates. Tetranychus urticae is a composite generalist whose individual populations have a restricted host range but have an ability to rapidly adapt to initially unfavorable plant hosts. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis of mite populations that have differential susceptibilities to Arabidopsis defenses, we identified β-cyanoalanine synthase of T. urticae (TuCAS), which encodes an enzyme with dual cysteine and β-cyanoalanine synthase activities. We combined Arabidopsis genetics, chemical complementation and mite reverse genetics to show that TuCAS is required for mite adaptation to Arabidopsis through its β-cyanoalanine synthase activity. Consistent with the β-cyanoalanine synthase role in detoxification of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), we discovered that upon mite herbivory, Arabidopsis plants release HCN. We further demonstrated that indole glucosinolates are sufficient for cyanide formation. Overall, our study uncovered Arabidopsis defenses that rely on indole glucosinolate-dependent cyanide for protection against mite herbivory. In response, Arabidopsis-adapted mites utilize the β-cyanoalanine synthase activity of TuCAS to counter cyanide toxicity, highlighting the mite’s ability to activate resistant traits that enable this extreme polyphagous herbivore to exploit cyanogenic host plants.
Preoperative Visual Measures of Verbal Learning and Memory and their Relations to Speech Recognition After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Ray Christin , Pisoni David B. , Lu Emily , Kronenberger William G. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

This study examined the performance of a group of adult cochlear implant (CI) candidates (CIC) on visual tasks of verbal learning and memory. Preoperative verbal learning and memory abilities of the CIC group were compared with a group of older normal-hearing (ONH) control participants. Relations between preoperative verbal learning and memory measures and speech recognition outcomes after 6 mo of CI use were also investigated for a subgroup of the CICs.

Design:

A group of 80 older adult participants completed a visually presented multitrial free recall task. Measures of word recall, repetition learning, and the use of self-generated organizational strategies were collected from a group of 49 CICs, before cochlear implantation, and a group of 31 ONH controls. Speech recognition outcomes were also collected from a subgroup of 32 of the CIC participants who returned for testing 6 mo after CI activation.

Results:

CICs demonstrated poorer verbal learning performance compared with the group of ONH control participants. Among the preoperative verbal learning and memory measures, repetition learning slope and measures of self-generated organizational clustering strategies were the strongest predictors of post-CI speech recognition outcomes.

Conclusions:

Older adult CI candidates present with verbal learning and memory deficits compared with older adults without hearing loss, even on visual tasks that are independent from the direct effects of audibility. Preoperative verbal learning and memory processes reflecting repetition learning and self-generated organizational strategies in free recall were associated with speech recognition outcomes 6 months after implantation. The pattern of results suggests that visual measures of verbal learning may be a useful predictor of outcomes in postlingual adult CICs.
Temporal Modulation Transfer Functions of Amplitude-Modulated Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Young Adults
Authors: Lawlor Kerri J. , Clinard Christopher G. , Piker Erin G.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) are widely used to evaluate saccular function in clinical and research applications. Typically, transient tonebursts are used to elicit cVEMPs. In this study, we used bone-conducted amplitude-modulated (AM) tones to elicit AMcVEMPs. This new approach allows the examination of phase-locked vestibular responses across a range of modulation frequencies. Currently, cVEMP temporal modulation transfer functions (TMTFs) are not well defined. The purposes of the present study were (1) to characterize the AMcVEMP TMTF in young, healthy individuals, (2) to compare AMcVEMP TMTFs across different analysis approaches, and (3) to determine the upper frequency limit of the AMcVEMP TMTF.

Design:

Young adults (ages 21 to 25) with no history of vestibular lesions or middle ear pathologies participated in this study. Stimuli were amplitude-modulated tones with a carrier frequency of 500 Hz and modulation frequencies ranging from 7 to 403 Hz. Stimuli were presented at 65 dB HL via a B81 bone-oscillator.

Results:

AMcVEMP waveforms consisted of transient onset responses, steady-state responses, and transient offset responses; the behavior of these different types of responses varied with modulation frequency. Differences in the TMTF shape were noted across different measures. The amplitude TMTF had a sharp peak, while signal-to-noise ratio and phase coherence TMTFs had broader shapes with plateaus across a range of modulation frequencies. Amplitude was maximal at modulation frequencies of 29 and 37 Hz. Signal-to-noise ratio maintained its peak value at modulation frequencies between 17 Hz and 127 Hz. Phase coherence and modulation gain maintained their peak values at modulation frequencies between 17 Hz and 143 Hz.

Conclusions:

AMcVEMPs reflect transient onset and offset responses, as well as a sustained response with the periodicity of an amplitude-modulation frequency. AMcVEMP TMTFs had variable shapes depending on the analysis being applied to the response; amplitude had a narrow shape while others were broader. Average upper frequency limits of the AMcVEMP TMTF were as high as approximately 300 Hz in young, healthy adults.
IDIOPATHIC MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS WITH SERPIGINOUS-LIKE PERIPAPILLARY CHORIORETINAL ATROPHY
Authors: Moussa Kareem , Alsberge Joseph B. , Munk Marion R. , Vora Robin A. , Emami-Naeini Parisa , Yiu Glenn , Cunningham Emmett T.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To report nine cases of multifocal choroiditis with serpiginous-like peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy.

Methods:

A retrospective observational case series of eyes with multifocal choroiditis with serpiginous-like peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy. Multimodal imaging findings were reviewed and presented.

Results:

Fifteen eyes of 9 patients (6 women and 3 men), with a mean age of 48.1 years (median, 46 years; range, 23–74 years), presented with multifocal choroiditis serpiginous-like peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy. All 15 eyes presented with serpiginoid peripapillary changes and had discrete patches of atrophy or punched-out scars in the posterior pole or periphery. Eleven eyes (73.3%) had cone-shaped retinal pigment epithelium elevations on optical coherence tomography, 10 eyes (66.7%) had mild vitritis, and 4 eyes (26.7%) had peripheral curvilinear streak lesions. Three eyes (20%) had choroidal neovascularization. All patients responded well to treatment with systemic immunosuppression, local corticosteroid injections, and/or intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections.

Conclusion:

Multifocal choroiditis may present with peripapillary chorioretinal changes resembling a serpiginous-like choroiditis in addition to the classic findings of patches of atrophy or punched-out scars in the posterior pole or periphery, cone-shaped retinal pigment epithelium elevated on optical coherence tomography and peripheral curvilinear streak lesions.
Contralateral Forced Eyelid Closure Increases Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Melachuri Samyuktha , Palazzolo Laura , Dhaliwal Deepinder K.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of the study was to describe the influence of contralateral forced eyelid closure on intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods:

Twenty-one healthy volunteers with no ophthalmic history had their IOP measured in the supine position to simulate the intraoperative environment. Intraocular pressure was measured with a handheld tonometer over three scenarios: (1) both eyes in a relaxed state, (2) eyelid speculum in the right eye with both eyes open and relaxed, (3) eyelid speculum in the right eye with the fellow eye squeezing tightly.

Results:

Intraocular pressure significantly increased with forced contralateral eyelid squeezing compared with the relaxed state by a mean of 7.71±5.08 mm Hg (95% Confidence Interval of 5.40–7.37), P<0.001.

Conclusions:

Contralateral eyelid squeezing can significantly increase intraoperative IOP measurements.
Visual–Spatial Attentional Performance Identifies Lower Extremity Injury Risk in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Avedesian Jason M. , McPherson April L. , Diekfuss Jed A. , Barber Foss Kim D. , Hogg Jennifer A. , Zuleger Taylor M. , Dufek Janet S. , Myer Gregory D.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Strategies to identify lower extremity musculoskeletal (LEMSK) injury risk have been informed by prospectively identified biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors. Emergent evidence suggests that cognitive and oculomotor performance may also contribute to LEMSK injury. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prospective cognitive and oculomotor measures identify adolescent athletes who sustain an in-season LEMSK injury.

Design:

Prospective longitudinal study.

Settings:

Controlled laboratory and athletic event settings.

Participants:

Four hundred eighty-eight adolescent male football and female soccer athletes aged 13 to 18 years.

Assessment of risk factors:

Preseason baseline cognitive and oculomotor performance: Attention Network Task (ANT), cued task switching, King–Devick test, and near point of convergence.

Main outcome measure:

Incidence of LEMSK sprains and strains during a single competitive season.

Results:

Attention Network Task–orienting network reaction time (RT) was the only cognitive or oculomotor measure significantly associated with LEMSK injury [B = 1.015, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.024, P < 0.01]. Every 10 milliseconds increase in orienting network RT was associated with a 15% increased risk for LEMSK injury. Athletes demonstrating an orienting network RT ≥ 32.8 milliseconds had a higher risk for LEMSK injury relative to athletes below the cut-point (relative risk, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.52-4.52; odds ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.63-5.52).

Conclusions:

Deficits in visual–spatial components of attention were associated with 2.62 times greater risk for LEMSK injury in adolescent athletes. The present results add evidence to suggest that visual–spatial attentional processing contributes to LEMSK injury and may supplement previously established LEMSK injury risk assessments.
Major Bleeding and Thromboembolic Events in Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Patients With Isolated Respiratory Failure
Authors: Baumgartner Simon , Lubnow Matthias , Malfertheiner Maximilian Valentin , Philipp Alois , Foltan Maik , Lunz Dirk , Müller Thomas , Fisser Christoph
Published: March 2022

Bleeding and thromboembolic events are common during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO). It is unknown whether these complications are driven by the ECMO system itself, multiorgan-failure, or both. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of bleeding and thromboembolic events in patients with isolated respiratory failure. Patients with vvECMO were retrospectively included from March 2009 to October 2017. Exclusion included any organ failure other than respiratory. Major bleeding was defined as a decrease in hemoglobin ≥2 g/dl per 24 hours, the requirement for transfusion of ≥2 packed red blood cell concentrates per 24 hours, any retroperitoneal, pulmonary, central nervous system bleeding, or bleeding requiring surgery. Thromboembolic events were assessed by duplex sonography or CT scan. Of 601 patients, 123 patients with a mean age of 49 ± 15 years and a median Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score of 8 (7–9) were eligible for the analysis. Major bleeding was observed in 73%; 35% of all bleedings occurred on the day of or after ECMO initiation. A more pronounced decrease of PaCO2 after ECMO initiation was seen in patients with intracranial bleeding (ICB) compared with those without. Thromboembolic events were noted in 30%. The levels of activated prothrombin time, fibrinogen, platelet count, or D-dimers affected neither bleeding nor the prevalence of thromboembolic events.
Immediate effect of stair exercise on stiffness, tone, and pressure pain threshold of thoracolumbar fascia in individuals with lower limb amputation: a preliminary report
Authors: Kablan Nilüfer , Alaca Nuray , Atalay Emre Serdar , Tatar Yaşar
Published: March 2022

Background:

Adaptations to the use of prosthesis in individuals with a lower limb amputation may cause changes in lumbopelvic region structures during daily life activities.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of stair exercise on the stiffness, tone, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation.

Design:

This is a prospective preliminary study.

Methods:

The study was conducted in Prosthetic Orthotic Centers in Istanbul. Syrian individuals with unilateral transtibial (n = 17) and transfemoral (n = 15) amputation who received prosthesis and rehabilitation services at the centers between February 2020 and December 2020 were included in the study. The subjects were instructed to ascend and descend a nine-step stair one at a time at their maximum possible speed. Measurements were made before and immediately after the stair exercise. Tone and stiffness of TLF was measured using myometer. PPT was measured using algometer. Low back pain was evaluated using numerical pain rating scale.

Results:

In the transfemoral amputation group, PPT measurements taken immediately after stair exercise were significantly decreased in both the amputated (P = 0.001) and intact (P = 0.021) sides, whereas significant reduction in stiffness when compared with the prestair levels was observed only at the intact side (P = 0.019). The change in PPT values on the amputated side was significantly higher in individuals with transfemoral amputation than those in individuals with transtibial amputation (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:

The decrease in PPT values of TLF in the transfemoral amputation group was considered as a precursor sign for low back pain development. Thus, exercises and preventive rehabilitation programs targeting TLF may be needed, especially in this group.
Biomechanical accommodation to walking with an ankle–foot prosthesis: An exploratory analysis of novice users with transtibial limb loss within the first year of ambulation
Authors: Mahon Caitlin E. , Hendershot Brad D.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The way in which a person with limb loss interacts with a prosthesis changes over time; however, there remains a lack of guidance for defining accommodation to walking with a prosthesis, limiting consistency and generalizability of research.

Objective:

To evaluate accommodations to walking with dynamic elastic response prosthetic ankle–foot devices among novice users with unilateral transtibial limb loss during the first year of ambulation.

Study design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Prosthetic and intact ankle–foot mechanical power profiles and mechanical work during step-to-step transitions were calculated using the Unified Deformable model for 22 male individuals with limb loss at five time points within the first year of independent ambulation (0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 months). Subjects walked at a self-selected walking velocity and controlled walking velocity (CWV). Subjective measures included the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.

Results:

Self-selected walking velocity ranged from 1.24 ± 0.06 m/s at 0 month to 1.38 ± 0.04 m/s at 12 months, whereas CWV was 1.20 ± 0.02 m/s. At both velocities, positive work/peak power during prosthetic push-off trended upward until the 4-month time point. In addition, negative peak power during intact foot-strike seemed to qualitatively become less negative until 4 months. Positive work during intact push-off trended downward until 4 months at CWV, whereas positive peak power during intact push-off qualitatively became more positive at self-selected walking velocity.

Conclusions:

These trends may partially indicate (biomechanical) accommodation to walking by appearance of a “plateau” at 4 months after initial ambulation with a prosthesis.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy of Gadopiclenol in Pediatric Patients Aged 2 to 17 Years
Authors: Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Tsvetkova Silvia , Grinberg Anna , Pasquiers Blaise
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, safety, and efficacy of gadopiclenol, a new high-relaxivity gadolinium-based contrast agent, in children aged 2 to 17 years.

Materials and Methods

Children scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system (CNS cohort) or other organs (body cohort) were included sequentially into 3 age groups (12–17, 7–11, and 2–6 years). Gadopiclenol was administered at the dose of 0.05 mmol/kg. A sparse sampling approach was applied, with 4 blood samples per child collected up to 8 hours postinjection. Population PK modeling was used for the analysis, including the CNS cohort and adult subjects from a previous study. Adverse events were recorded, and efficacy was assessed for all children.

Results

Eighty children were included, 60 in the CNS cohort and 20 in the body cohort. The 2-compartment model with linear elimination from the central compartment developed in adults was also suitable for children. Pharmacokinetic parameters were very similar between adults and children. Terminal elimination half-life was 1.82 hours for adults and 1.77 to 1.29 hours for age groups 12–17 to 2–6 years. The median clearance ranged from 0.08 L/h/kg in adults and 12–17 years to 0.12 L/h/kg in 2–6 years. The median central and peripheral volumes of distribution were 0.11 to 0.12 L/kg and 0.06 L/kg, respectively, for both adults and children. Simulations of plasma concentrations showed minor differences, and median area under the curve was 590 mg·h/L for adults and 582 to 403 mg·h/L for children. Two patients (2.5%) experienced nonserious adverse events considered related to gadopiclenol: a mild QT interval prolongation and a moderate maculopapular rash. Despite the limited number of patients, this study showed that gadopiclenol improved lesion detection, visualization, and diagnostic confidence.

Conclusions

The PK profile of gadopiclenol in children aged 2 to 17 years was similar to that observed in adults. Thus, there is no indication for age-based dose adaptation, and comparable plasma gadopiclenol concentrations are predicted to be achieved with body weight–based dosing in this population. Gadopiclenol at 0.05 mmol/kg seems to have a good safety profile in these patients and could improve lesion detection and visualization, therefore providing better diagnostic confidence.
3-Dimensional Fluid and White Matter Suppression Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence Accelerated With Compressed Sensing Improves Multiple Sclerosis Cervical Spinal Cord Lesion Detection Compared With Standard 2-Dimensional Imaging
Authors: Emorine Thibaut , Megdiche Imen , Brugières Pierre , Créange Alain , Kober Tobias , Massire Aurélien , Bapst Blanche
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS) is a recently proposed magnetic resonance sequence derived from magnetization-prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient-echo providing 2 coregistered datasets with white matter– and cerebrospinal fluid–suppressed signal, enabling synthetic imaging with amplified contrast. Although these features are high potential for brain multiple sclerosis (MS) imaging, spinal cord has never been evaluated with this sequence to date. The objective of this work was therefore to assess diagnostic performance and self-confidence provided by compressed-sensing (CS) 3-dimensional (3D) FLAWS for cervical MS lesion detection on a head scan that includes the cervical cord without changing standard procedures.

Materials and Methods

Prospective 3 T scans (MS first diagnosis or follow-up) acquired between 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent 3D CS-FLAWS (duration: 5 minutes 40 seconds), axial T2 turbo spin echo covering cervical spine from cervicomedullary junction to the same inferior level as FLAWS, and sagittal cervical T2/short tau inversion recovery imaging. Two readers performed a 2-stage double-blind reading, followed by consensus reading. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the number of detected spinal cord lesions and the reader's diagnostic self-confidence when using FLAWS versus the reference 2D T2-weighted imaging.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included (mean age, 40 ± 13 years, 46 women, 7 ± 6 years mean disease duration). The CS-FLAWS detected significantly more lesions than the reference T2-weighted imaging (197 vs 152 detected lesions, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 98% (T2-weighted imaging sensitivity: 90%) after consensual reading. Considering the subgroup of patients who underwent sagittal T2 + short tau inversion recovery imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Multiple Sclerosis subgroup), +250% lesions were detected with FLAWS (63 vs 25 lesions detected, P < 0.001). Mean reading self-confidence was significantly better with CS-FLAWS (median, 5 [interquartile range, 1] [no doubt for diagnosis] vs 4 [interquartile range, 1] [high confidence]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Imaging with CS-FLAWS provides an improved cervical spinal cord exploration for MS with increased self-confidence compared with conventional T2-weighted imaging, in a clinically acceptable time.
Streptomyces gobiensis sp. nov., an antimicrobial producing actinobacterium isolated from soil under black Gobi rocks
Authors: Wen Ying , Zhang Gaosen , Bahadur Ali , Liu Yang , zhang Zhengqing , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

A novel actinomycete, strain 1_25T, was isolated from soil under a black Gobi rock sample from Shuangta, PR China, and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The results of comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated the 1_25Trepresented a member of the genusStreptomyces. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that 1_25Tpossessed MK-9(H8) as the major menaquinone. The cell wall containedll-diaminopimelic acid (ll-DAP) and the whole-cell sugar pattern consisted of ribose, glucose and galactose. Major fatty acid methyl esters were observed to be iso-C16 : 0(23.6 %), and anteiso-C15 : 0(10.4 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of 1_25Twas 69 mol %. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that 1_25Thad high sequence similarity withStreptomyces qinglanensis172205T(98.1 %),Streptomyces lyciiTRM 66187T(98 %), andStreptomyces griseocarneusJCM4580T(98 %). In addition to the differences in phenotypic characters, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between 1_25Tand closely related species were below the recommended threshold values for assigning strains to the same species. The fermentation product of 1_25Tin ISP2 had an inhibitory effect onStaphylococcus aureus. On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 1_25T(=JCM 34936T=GDMCC 4.216T) represents a novel species of the genusStreptomyces, for which the nameStreptomyces gobiensissp. nov. is proposed.
Genome-resolved metagenomics reveals cohesive metabolic dynamics, metal resistance genes (MRGs) and biogeochemical cycling in a hot spring system
Authors: Nagar Shekhar , Bharti Meghali , Negi Ram Krishan
Published: March 2022

The hot spring microbiome is a complex assemblage of micro- and macro- organisms, however, the understanding and projection of enzymatic repertoire that access earth’s integral ecosystem processes remains limited. The composite microbial communities drive global carbon, sulfur, oxygen, iron and nitrogen cycles and other metabolic mechanism involved in heavy metal tolerance and degradation. Interestingly, the Khirganga hot spring microbiome displayed an astounding taxonomical diversity revealed by examination of 41 high and medium qualified metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from at least 12 bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla. Over 1749 genes putatively involved in crucial metabolism of elements viz. nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and 598 genes encoding enzymes for metals resistance from cadmium, zinc, chromium, arsenic and copper. The MAGs also possess 229 biosynthetic gene clusters dominated by bacteriocins and terpenes could be exploited in medicinal industries. Their metabolic roles found to be altering linkages in biogeochemical cycles and explored a discerned rate of carbon fixation exclusively in archaeal member Methanospirillum hungatei. Higher Pfam entropy scores in Proteobacteria members highlighting their major contribution in sequestration of ammonia, nitrate and sulfate components as electron acceptors. Through these results, we could postulate that few novel organisms within the community can conduct multiple sequential redox conversions and also considered in reducing emergent difficulties of waste water treatment plants and biotechnological applications.
A CNN model for predicting binding affinity changes between SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD variants and ACE2 homologues
Authors: Chen Chen , Boorla Veda Sheersh , Chowdhury Ratul , Nissly Ruth H. , Gontu Abhinay , Chothe Shubhada K. , LaBella Lindsey , Jakka Padmaja , Ramasamy Santhamani , Vandegrift Kurt J. , Nair Meera Surendran , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Maranas Costas D.
Published: March 2022

The cellular entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) involves the association of its receptor binding domain (RBD) with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as the first crucial step. Efficient and reliable prediction of RBD-hACE2 binding affinity changes upon amino acid substitutions can be valuable for public health surveillance and monitoring potential spillover and adaptation into non-human species. Here, we introduce a convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained on protein sequence and structural features to predict experimental RBD-hACE2 binding affinities of 8,440 variants upon single and multiple amino acid substitutions in the RBD or ACE2. The model achieves a classification accuracy of 83.28% and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85 between predicted and experimentally calculated binding affinities in five-fold cross-validation tests and predicts improved binding affinity for most circulating variants. We pro-actively used the CNN model to exhaustively screen for novel RBD variants with combinations of up to four single amino acid substitutions and suggested candidates with the highest improvements in RBD-ACE2 binding affinity for human and animal ACE2 receptors. We found that the binding affinity of RBD variants against animal ACE2s follows similar trends as those against human ACE2. White-tailed deer ACE2 binds to RBD almost as tightly as human ACE2 while cattle, pig, and chicken ACE2s bind weakly. The model allows testing whether adaptation of the virus for increased binding with other animals would cause concomitant increases in binding with hACE2 or decreased fitness due to adaptation to other hosts.
Assessing and ranking international markets based on stringency of food safety measures: application of fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS method
Authors: Yadav Dipali , Dutta Gautam , Saha Kuntal
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Implementing food safety measures (FSMs) have become a prerequisite for food firms looking to export internationally. Many exporters find it difficult to comply with multiple regulations, and their consignments are often rejected at borders due to food safety concerns. Hence, harmonization in food safety standards is arguably the most contentious topic regarding the export market since it affects international trade. Accordingly, the paper uses the case of Indian seafood exporters to identify key FSMs, investigate stringency associated with them and rank international markets based on degree of stringency for selected FSMs.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors identify the key FSMs by using the Delphi method. Then, the authors apply the Fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) method to calculate weights of the FSMs as criteria. Lastly, the authors apply the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach to rank markets. To compute fuzzy TOPSIS, weights are derived from fuzzy AHP.

Findings

This study’s findings suggest that product and process standards, traceability requirements and tolerance limits for residues are the most stringent FSMs, among others. Besides, the overall ranking of markets reveal that the European Union (EU), the USA and Japan ranked lowest and perceived to have the most stringent food safety requirements.

Originality/value

The paper offers guidance to firms and policymakers to manage their efforts and resources during food safety implementation by focussing on critical FSMs. Researchers will get insights about FSMs for further empirical investigation. To the authors’ knowledge, no study examined the stringency associated with various FSMs in the seafood industry.
Just culture and the reporting of food safety incidents
Authors: Wiśniewska Małgorzata
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Food scandals and reports of food withdrawals from the market could be caused by a lack of internal reporting and speaking up about non-compliances. The aim of this paper is to examine and explain the concept of just culture (JC) and to explain the essence of other subcultures, including the culture of voice (whistleblowing), which can more effectively support the reporting of food safety (FS) incidents and, above all, enhance an overall food safety culture (FSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Parallels are drawn between the use of the term “just culture” and of reporting of non-compliances as a decisive factor in avoiding FS incidents. The evolution of the term is developed via the literature on JC from other high-risk sectors, particularly healthcare.

Findings

The concept of JC and its meaning in the food sector was explained. Many parallels from the healthcare have been identified and explained with regard to the reporting on FS incidents. The definitions of JC in the food sector, of whistleblowing and whistleblower were proposed. Classification of FS incidents allowing for their more effective monitoring and reporting, as well as a reporting verification matrix (RVM), has been developed.

Originality/value

There is still little work on the necessity and the organizational conditions conducive to FS incident reporting. JC in the food sector is completely unknown and requires wide dissemination among scientists and practitioners. This paper will be of great interest to industry, academics and public health officials and can be used as a platform for discussions and activities aimed at implementing JC in the food sector.
Cost-quality tradeoff in nurse staffing: an exploration of USA hospitals facing market competition
Authors: Peng Xiaosong (David) , Ye Yuan , Fan Raymond Lei , Ding Xin (David) , Chandrasekaran Aravind
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research aims to explore the fine-grained relationships between nurse staffing and hospital operational performance with respect to care quality and operating costs. The authors also investigate the moderation effect of competition in local hospital markets on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A six-year panel data is assembled from five separate sources to obtain information of 2,524 USA hospitals. Fixed-effect (FE) models are used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

First, nurse staffing is initially associated with improved care quality until nurse staffing reaches a turning point, beyond which nurse staffing is associated with worse care quality. Second, a similar pattern applies to the relationship between nurse staffing and operating costs, although the turning point is at a much lower nurse staffing level. Third, market competition moderates the relationship between nurse staffing and care quality so that the turning point of nurse staffing will be higher when the degree of competition is higher. This shift of turning point is also observed in the relationship between nurse staffing and operating costs.

Practical implications

The study identifies three ranges of nurse staffing in which hospitals will likely experience simultaneous improvements, a tradeoff or simultaneous decline of care quality and operating costs when investing in more nursing capacity. Hospitals should adjust nurse staffing levels to the right directions to achieve better care or reduce operating costs.

Originality/value

Nurses constitute the largest provider group in hospitals and profoundly impact care quality and operating costs among all health care professionals. Optimizing the level of nurse staffing, therefore, can significantly impact the care quality and operating costs of hospitals.
Using immersive virtual reality with autistic pupils: moving towards greater inclusion and co-participation through ethical practices
Authors: Newbutt Nigel , Bradley Ryan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The potential of head mounted displays based virtual reality (HMD-based VR) for autistic groups has been well documented. However, the deployment and application of this technology, especially in schools, has been extremely limited. One of the main criticisms in this field has been the lack of involvement from practitioners in research on educational approaches for autistic populations and the gap between research and practice in real-life settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual article focuses on our research in a UK-based special needs school that sought to examine the effects and potential use of VR-HMDs, while seeking to establish best practices for safe and ethical application using this technology. This draws upon ethical and participatory research guidance, including British Educational Research Association and Autism Participatory Research.

Findings

The authors make recommendations on planning and implementing a participatory, safe and ethical approach to researching the use of VR-HMDs in special needs schools and engaging with the priorities of autistic children and young people and their teachers.

Originality/value

This conceptual article provides an initial first consideration of ways we can better include autistic people and their views in research that is with and about them. The value in this will mean we are able to better support autistic groups moving ahead using VR HMD-based technologies. Without this paradigm shift and including autistic people (and their stakeholders) the field might continue to build initiatives around medical-based models of disabilities rather that what the community need/want.
Capital structure behaviour among Indonesian property developers during different business cycles
Authors: Indomo Imanda Luzari , Lubis Arief Wibisono
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The issue of capital structure among property developers in Indonesia becomes interesting as the government speeds up housing development. Examining which theory prevails (trade-off versus pecking order) can be done by looking at several determinants of capital structure. This study aims to argue that examining determinants of capital structure in this context should also incorporate business cycles, as the activities of property developers are cyclical.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a total of 183 observations of listed property developers from 2010 to 2019, this study uses the ordinary least squares regression technique. The focus is on determinants of capital structure, which are profitability, tangibility, firm size, ownership and potential growth. The observations are divided into different business cycles (expansion, peak, trough and decline) based on economic growth rates.

Findings

The results show that the natures of relationships between capital structure (leverage) and its determinants are different during distinct business cycles. For example, profitability has a significant and positive effect on leverage during peak, but the signs are negative during trough and decline. Trade-off theory provides a better explanation of property developers’ capital structure behaviour during peak while pecking order theory is more relevant during trough. It is more difficult to conclude which of these theories is superior in expansion and sideways.

Originality/value

There have been limited studies that focus on corporate finance issues of property developers in Indonesia, and no particular attention has been given to the role of business cycles.
Accessing primary sources for marketing and advertising history research from family history websites
Authors: Neilson Leighann C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to respond to the Journal of Historical Research in Marketing special issue call for discussions that can assist advertising and marketing history researchers locate primary sources of interest to their research by describing the resources available through the online family history websites Ancestry.com and FindMyPast.com.

Design/methodology/approach

Brief histories of Ancestry and FindMyPast are presented, based on publicly available records and secondary sources. This paper explains the types of data researchers can access via Ancestry.com and FindMypast.com, the costs of access and then provides some examples of how these resources have been used in past research by marketing and advertising historians.

Findings

Family history websites such as Ancestry and FindMyPast can provide researchers with access to a wide variety of data sources, such as census and voting records; immigration records; city directories; birth, marriage and death records; military records; and almanacs and gazetteers, but at a cost. In some cases, paying for digital access to records is more convenient, timely and can cost less than travelling to access these same documents in physical form. Depending on the researcher’s geographical location and the country from which records are sought, this can add up to quite a cost savings. When using these sources, it is wise to determine which database contains more of the records you are searching for; Ancestry tends to have better US and Canadian resources, while FindMyPast covers the UK better.

Originality/value

Researchers interested in conducting advertising and marketing history research need access to primary data sources. Given restricted travel budgets and, indeed, restricted travel under COVID-19 conditions, gaining access to primary sources in digital form can allow researchers to continue their work. At any time, gaining access to digital records without having to travel can speed up the research process. Researchers new to the field, and those with many years of experience, can benefit from learning more about family history databases as primary data sources.
Subjective assessment for an advanced driver assistance system: a case study in China
Authors: Ao Di , Li Jialin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel subjective assessment (SA) method for level 2 or level 2+ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with a customized case study in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed SA method contains six dimensions, including perception, driveability and stability, riding comfort, human–machine interaction, driver workload and trustworthiness and exceptional operating case, respectively. And each dimension subordinates several subsections, which describe the corresponding details under this dimension.

Findings

Based on the proposed SA, a case study in China is conducted. Six drivers with different driving experiences are invited to give their subjective ratings for each subsection according to a predefined rating standard. The rating results show that the ADAS from Tesla outperforms the upcoming electric vehicle in most cases.

Originality/value

The proposed SA method is beneficial for the original equipment manufacturers developing related technologies in the future.
Translation strategies of Koha for multilingual interface management
Authors: Saha Sujan , Mandal Sukumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The automation of libraries has made a significant difference in the quality of service. All libraries seek to improve the quality of their services, and the library seems to be a frequent target for modernization efforts throughout the globe. Local dialects need specific translations to use library management software. A variety of languages are available to create open-source techniques. The integrated library management system Koha is gaining traction. The Koha software has been translated and made accessible to a worldwide audience in many languages.

Design/methodology/approach

This experiment was based on a controlled setting and a realistic observation of the Koha translation process. A sample of a population is selected to study and draw conclusions about the entire population.

Findings

Results are based on a statistical report made available on the Koha translation site for the gathering of sample data, which is based on sample data that has been collected and brought to light. This analysis demonstrates how to translate Koha software on a pootle server step by step using sting data inputs on different po files accessible in translation databases.

Originality/value

The authors of this paper explain the procedure of translating Koha software and provide a global overview of Koha software translation into different languages throughout the world. Therefore, it can be expected that the importance of Koha software will increase tremendously for the people of different languages through the method of translation.
MASs, alliance and performance: an evidence of SOX effects
Authors: Chen Yahn-Shir , Mardjono Enny Susilowati , Yang Yi-Fang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To maintain auditor independence, Section 201 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) imposes restrictions on audit firms in rendering management advisory services (MASs) to audit clients. Responding to the requirement, audit firms establish a strategic alliance with consulting companies to expand their scope of services to alleviate the impairment of auditor independence. Taiwan follows the spirit of SOX in related laws and regulations. To investigate the effects of SOX on Taiwanese auditing industry, this study aims to examine the relationship between MASs and operating performance of audit firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtains empirical data from the 1989–2017 Survey Report of Audit Firms in Taiwan, published by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). FSC administers the survey across all registered audit firms annually to collect business information on the auditing industry for macro-economic analysis and industrial policy development. The authors group audit firms into three categories: national, regional and local firms. Based on the structure-conduct-performance (S-C-P) theoretical framework, this study establishes the following cross-sectional regression equation to test the authors’ hypotheses.

Findings

Main results indicate that national firms have better post-SOX firm and alliance performance. Both firm and alliance MASs contribute more to the performance of national firms after SOX.

Practical implications

This study claims that national firms establish alliance with consulting companies for resource sharing but regional and local firms for tax-saving.

Originality/value

Consistent with the economic theory of regulation and resource-based theory, SOX matters in Taiwan.