bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental wellbeing among Danish employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a longitudinal study on the role of industry and working environment
Authors: Nielsen Maj Britt Dahl , Ekholm Ola , Møller Sanne Pagh , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Santini Ziggi Ivan , Grønbæk Morten Klöcker , Thygesen Lau Caspar
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on working life. Previous studies have primarily focused on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers and are mostly based on cross-sectional data from non-representative samples. The aim of this study was to investigate mental wellbeing trajectories among employees from different industries, and to longitudinally identify factors that affect mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, including job insecurity, fear of COVID-19, working from home or being discharged with wage compensation and management quality.

Methods

Baseline data were obtained from the Danish Health and Wellbeing Survey in 2019 (September–December), with follow-up in September–November 2020. We included 1995 respondents, who completed the questionnaire in both waves and were employed in 2020 and measured mental wellbeing using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale.

Results

Mental wellbeing declined among employees in all industries. Employees working from home and employees unsatisfied with management experienced a greater decline in mental wellbeing. We found no differences in mental wellbeing trajectories in relation to fear of infecting others or contracting COVID-19, job insecurity and being discharged with wage compensation.

Conclusions

Mental wellbeing declined among employees in all industries with no difference between industries. Employees working from home may have been particularly vulnerable, and the analyses show that managers play a key role in mitigating the negative consequences of the pandemic by ensuring adequate information and involvement of employees.
Prime Order Isometries of Unimodular Lattices and Automorphisms of IHS Manifolds
Authors: Brandhorst Simon , Cattaneo Alberto
Published: October 2022

We characterize conjugacy classes of isometries of odd prime order in unimodular ${\mathbb {Z}}$-lattices. This is applied to give a complete classification of odd prime order non-symplectic automorphisms of the known deformation types of irreducible holomorphic symplectic manifolds up to deformation and birational conjugacy.
Transforming and evaluating the UK Biobank to the OMOP Common Data Model for COVID-19 research and beyond
Authors: Papez Vaclav , Moinat Maxim , Voss Erica A , Bazakou Sofia , Van Winzum Anne , Peviani Alessia , Payralbe Stefan , Lara Elena Garcia , Kallfelz Michael , Asselbergs Folkert W , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Dobson Richard J B , Denaxas Spiros
Published: October 2022

Objective

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the value of real-world data for public health research. International federated analyses are crucial for informing policy makers. Common data models (CDMs) are critical for enabling these studies to be performed efficiently. Our objective was to convert the UK Biobank, a study of 500 000 participants with rich genetic and phenotypic data to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM.

Materials and Methods

We converted UK Biobank data to OMOP CDM v. 5.3. We transformedparticipant research data on diseases collected at recruitment and electronic health records (EHRs) from primary care, hospitalizations, cancer registrations, and mortality from providers in England, Scotland, and Wales. We performed syntactic and semantic validations and compared comorbidities and risk factors between source and transformed data.

Results

We identified 502 505 participants (3086 with COVID-19) and transformed 690 fields (1 373 239 555 rows) to the OMOP CDM using 8 different controlled clinical terminologies and bespoke mappings. Specifically, we transformed self-reported noncancer illnesses 946 053 (83.91% of all source entries), cancers 37 802 (70.81%), medications 1 218 935 (88.25%), and prescriptions 864 788 (86.96%). In EHR, we transformed 13 028 182 (99.95%) hospital diagnoses, 6 465 399 (89.2%) procedures, 337 896 333 primary care diagnoses (CTV3, SNOMED-CT), 139 966 587 (98.74%) prescriptions (dm+d) and 77 127 (99.95%) deaths (ICD-10). We observed good concordance across demographic, risk factor, and comorbidity factors between source and transformed data.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the OMOP CDM can be successfully leveraged to harmonize complex large-scale biobanked studies combining rich multimodal phenotypic data. Our study uncovered several challenges when transforming data from questionnaires to the OMOP CDM which require further research. The transformed UK Biobank resource is a valuable tool that can enable federated research, like COVID-19 studies.
Cytokinin modulates the metabolic network of sulfur and glutathione
Authors: Pavlů Jaroslav , Kerchev Pavel , Černý Martin , Novák Jan , Berka Miroslav , Jobe Timothy O , López Ramos José Maria , Saiz-Fernández Iñigo , Rashotte Aaron Michael , Kopriva Stanislav , Brzobohatý Břetislav
Published: October 2022

The phytohormone cytokinin is implicated in a range of growth, developmental, and defense processes. A growing body of evidence supports a crosstalk between cytokinin and nutrient signaling pathways, such as nitrate availability. Cytokinin signaling regulates sulfur-responsive gene expression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and their impact on sulfur-containing metabolites have not been systematically explored. Using a combination of genetic and pharmacological tools, we investigated the interplay between cytokinin signaling and sulfur homeostasis. Exogenous cytokinin triggered sulfur starvation-like gene expression accompanied by a decrease in sulfate and glutathione content. This process was uncoupled from the activity of the major transcriptional regulator of sulfate starvation signaling SULFUR LIMITATION 1 and an important glutathione-degrading enzyme, γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase 2;1, expression of which was robustly up-regulated by cytokinin. Conversely, glutathione accumulation was observed in mutants lacking the cytokinin receptor ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE 3 and in cytokinin-deficient plants. Cytokinin-deficient plants displayed improved root growth upon exposure to glutathione-depleting chemicals which was attributed to a higher capacity to maintain glutathione levels. These results shed new light on the interplay between cytokinin signaling and sulfur homeostasis. They position cytokinin as an important modulator of sulfur uptake, assimilation, and remobilization in plant defense against xenobiotics and root growth.
Emergence of Novel RNA-Editing Sites by Changes in the Binding Affinity of a Conserved PPR Protein
Authors: Loiacono F Vanessa , Walther Dirk , Seeger Stefanie , Thiele Wolfram , Gerlach Ines , Karcher Daniel , Schöttler Mark Aurel , Zoschke Reimo , Bock Ralph
Published: October 2022

RNA editing converts cytidines to uridines in plant organellar transcripts. Editing typically restores codons for conserved amino acids. During evolution, specific C-to-U editing sites can be lost from some plant lineages by genomic C-to-T mutations. By contrast, the emergence of novel editing sites is less well documented. Editing sites are recognized by pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins with high specificity. RNA recognition by PPR proteins is partially predictable, but prediction is often inadequate for PPRs involved in RNA editing. Here we have characterized evolution and recognition of a recently gained editing site. We demonstrate that changes in the RNA recognition motifs that are not explainable with the current PPR code allow an ancient PPR protein, QED1, to uniquely target the ndhB-291 site in Brassicaceae. When expressed in tobacco, the Arabidopsis QED1 edits 33 high-confident off-target sites in chloroplasts and mitochondria causing a spectrum of mutant phenotypes. By manipulating the relative expression levels of QED1 and ndhB-291, we show that the target specificity of the PPR protein depends on the RNA:protein ratio. Finally, our data suggest that the low expression levels of PPR proteins are necessary to ensure the specificity of editing site selection and prevent deleterious off-target editing.
Modified scarf osteotomy with capsular interposition as salvage for resection or silicone implant arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A report of three cases
Authors: Noguchi Takaaki , Hirao Makoto , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Ebina Kosuke , Etani Yuki , Tsuboi Hideki , Okamura Gensuke , Akita Shosuke , Okada Seiji , Hashimoto Jun
Published: October 2022

This study investigated modified scarf osteotomy as a salvage procedure after resection arthroplasty or silicone implant arthroplasty to preserve mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint after hallux valgus surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated three feet with rheumatoid forefoot deformities that showed recurrence of forefoot deformity or breakage of the implant after resection or silicone implant arthroplasty in the first MTP joint. All feet were treated using modified scarf osteotomy with capsular interposition. All cases achieved obvious correction after modified scarf osteotomy despite resection of the first MTP joint and consequently showed both radiographic and clinical improvements. Modified scarf osteotomy offers potential as a definitive salvage procedure after resection arthroplasty or silicone implant arthroplasty for forefoot deformity in patients with RA, because the procedure can realign the first MTP joint obviously with preservation of the range of motion. Concomitant medial capsular interposition into the newly formed first MTP joint is also recommended where possible, to protect the edges of the proximal basal phalanx and distal first metatarsal and also to smoothen the motion of newly formed first MTP joint.
Variation in plant Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor domain protein dependence on ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1
Authors: Johanndrees Oliver , Baggs Erin L , Uhlmann Charles , Locci Federica , Läßle Henriette L , Melkonian Katharina , Käufer Kiara , Dongus Joram A , Nakagami Hirofumi , Krasileva Ksenia V , Parker Jane E , Lapin Dmitry
Published: October 2022

Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains are integral to immune systems across all kingdoms. In plants, TIRs are present in nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors, NLR-like, and TIR-only proteins. Although TIR-NLR and TIR signaling in plants require the ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) protein family, TIRs persist in species that have no EDS1 members. To assess whether particular TIR groups evolved with EDS1, we searched for TIR-EDS1 co-occurrence patterns. Using a large-scale phylogenetic analysis of TIR domains from 39 algal and land plant species, we identified 4 TIR families that are shared by several plant orders. One group occurred in TIR-NLRs of eudicots and another in TIR-NLRs across eudicots and magnoliids. Two further groups were more widespread. A conserved TIR-only group co-occurred with EDS1 and members of this group elicit EDS1-dependent cell death. In contrast, a maize (Zea mays) representative of TIR proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats was also present in species without EDS1 and induced EDS1-independent cell death. Our data provide a phylogeny-based plant TIR classification and identify TIRs that appear to have evolved with and are dependent on EDS1, while others have EDS1-independent activity.
Development of Genome-Driven, Lifestyle-Informed Markers for Identification of the Cereal-Infecting Pathogens Xanthomonas translucens Pathovars undulosa and translucens
Authors: Román-Reyna Verónica , Curland Rebecca D. , Velez-Negron Yesenia , Ledman Kristi E. , Gutierrez-Castillo Diego E. , Beutler Jonathan , Butchacas Jules , Brar Gurcharn Singh , Roberts Robyn , Dill-Macky Ruth , Jacobs Jonathan M.
Published: October 2022

Bacterial leaf streak, bacterial blight, and black chaff caused by Xanthomonas translucens pathovars are major diseases affecting small grains. Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens and X. translucens pv. undulosa are seedborne pathogens that cause similar symptoms on barley, but only X. translucens pv. undulosa causes bacterial leaf streak of wheat. Recent outbreaks of X. translucens have been a concern for wheat and barley growers in the Northern Great Plains; however, there are limited diagnostic tools for pathovar differentiation. We developed a multiplex PCR based on whole-genome differences to distinguish X. translucens pv. translucens and X. translucens pv. undulosa. We validated the primers across different Xanthomonas and non- Xanthomonas strains. To our knowledge, this is the first multiplex PCR to distinguish X. translucens pv. translucens and X. translucens pv. undulosa. These molecular tools will support disease management strategies enabling detection and pathovar incidence analysis of X. translucens.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
OPHTHALMOLOGIC INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH HEREDITARY TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS
Authors: Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Puertas Mariluz , Almazán-Alonso Elena , Fernández-Jiménez Marina , Flores-Moreno Ignacio , Antón Clara Salas , García-Pavía Pablo , Ruiz-Moreno José M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the ophthalmologic involvement in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and its correlation with the mutations described in the literature.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, noninterventional study. Fifty-two eyes of 26 consecutive patients diagnosed with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis who visited the Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda University Hospital from September 2019 to March 2022. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and multimodal imaging. Cardiologic, neurologic, digestive, and renal examinations were also recorded.

Results:

Eighteen eyes of the total (34.61%) showed amyloid-related ocular involvement, vitreous amyloid deposits being the most common ocular manifestation (18/52). Statistically significant differences were found for the presence of vitreous amyloid deposits (P < 0.01), crystalline amyloid deposits (P < 0.05), parenchymal amyloid deposits (P < 0.01), and vascular alterations (P < 0.01) when comparing affected and unaffected eyes. Moreover, affected eyes showed worse best-corrected visual acuity (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Ocular manifestations are present in a substantial number of patients with ATTR that could potentially lead to devastating consequences to patients' best-corrected visual acuity and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary management and ophthalmologic assessment, follow-up and surgical treatment when necessary. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the largest series in Spain of amyloidosis' ophthalmologic involvement.
Established Clinical Prediction Rules for Bleeding Had Mediocre Discrimination in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients
Authors: Graves Jonah M. , Pruett Cliff , Stephenson Kevin , Deych Elena , Yang Bin Q. , Vader Justin M. , Gage Brian F.
Published: October 2022

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) reduce mortality in patients with end-stage heart failure, but LVAD management is frequently complicated by bleeding. Bleeding prediction post-LVAD implantation is challenging as prediction rules for hemorrhage have not been rigorously studied in this population. We aimed to validate clinical prediction rules for bleeding, derived in the atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism populations, in an LVAD cohort. This was a retrospective cohort study of LVAD recipients at an academic center. The primary end-point was time to gastrointestinal bleed or intracranial hemorrhage after implant; the secondary end-point was time to any major hemorrhage after hospital discharge. Four hundred and eighteen patients received an LVAD (135 HeartMate II, 125 HeartMate 3, 158 HVAD) between November 2009 and January 2019. The primary end-point occurred in 169 (40.4%) patients with C-statistics ranging 0.55–0.58 (standard deviation [SD] 0.02 for all models). The secondary end-point occurred in 167 (40.0%) patients with C-statistics ranging 0.53–0.58 (SD 0.02 for all models). Modifying the age and liver function thresholds increased the C-statistic range to 0.56–0.60 for the primary and secondary end-points. In a sensitivity analysis of HeartMate 3 patients, prediction rules performed similarly. Existing prediction rules for major bleeding had mediocre discrimination in an LVAD cohort.
Transfusion management in the trauma patient
Authors: Dilday Joshua , Lewis Meghan R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

Transfusion of blood products is lifesaving in the trauma ICU. Intensivists must be familiar with contemporary literature to develop the optimal transfusion strategy for each patient.

Recent findings

A balanced ratio of red-blood cells to plasma and platelets is associated with improved mortality and has therefore become the standard of care for resuscitation. There is a dose-dependent relationship between units of product transfused and infections. Liquid and freeze-dried plasma are alternatives to fresh frozen plasma that can be administered immediately and may improve coagulation parameters more rapidly, though higher quality research is needed. Trauma induced coagulopathy can occur despite a balanced transfusion, and administration of prothrombin complex concentrate and cryoprecipitate may have a role in preventing this. In addition to balanced ratios, viscoelastic guidance is being increasingly utilized to individualize component transfusion. Alternatively, whole blood can be used, which has become the standard in military practice and is gaining popularity at civilian centers.

Hemorrhagic shock is the leading cause of death in trauma. Improved resuscitation strategy has been one of the most important contemporary advancements in trauma care and continues to be a key area of clinical research.
Female pattern hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome: more than just hirsutism
Authors: Jiang Victoria S. , Hawkins Spencer D. , McMichael Amy
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

To explore the recent updates in the diagnosis, management, and clinical implications of androgenic alopecia among patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Recent findings

PCOS diagnosis continues to be the most common cause of infertility among reproductively aged women, serving as the most common endocrinopathy among this population. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has been seen to be associated and more common among patients with PCOS, however, there are limited studies examining the impact of FPHL among PCOS patients. Although hyperandrogenism is associated with FPHL, the pathophysiology continues to be unclear as FPHL can be present with normal biochemical androgen markers. Treatment can be complex, as common treatments to promote hair growth can exacerbate undesired hirsutism, which can be overcome by cosmetic treatments. New second-line treatment options such as low level laser therapy and platelet rich plasma have been emerging, with limited data supporting efficacy.

PCOS is a complex endocrinological disorder that has significant gynecologic, cutaneous, and metabolic implications that require multidisciplinary collaboration and care. Reproductive goals should be thoroughly discussed prior to starting any treatment, as PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among reproductively-aged women.
Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm
Authors: Schardein Jessica N. , Fendereski Kiarad , Hotaling James M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

The sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen was recently published with specific step-by-step instructions for semen evaluation and sperm processing. Point-of-care (POC) testing for semen evaluation and microfluidics for sperm processing are rapidly evolving technologies that could impact how we evaluate and process sperm. Understanding the updated manual in the context of these novel technologies is important.

Recent findings

Proper standardization of semen evaluation and sperm processing will allow for consistent high-quality results among laboratories worldwide. POC testing could improve access to semen evaluations that generate referrals to male infertility specialists for further assessment. Microfluidics can select functional sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation in semen and testicular biopsy samples for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates and live birth rates, have not been shown to be consistently improved with these technologies compared to conventional techniques, although high level evidence research in this area is limited.

POC testing and microfluidics have the potential to be combined with machine learning technologies to improve fertility care. If these technologies are appropriately optimized, they could change how we evaluate and process sperm, and potentially lead to improved ART outcomes.
Adjunct neutralization plating in patella fracture fixation: a technical trick
Authors: D'Ambrosio Matthew , Tang Alex , Menken Luke , Thabet Ahmed M. , Liporace Frank A. , Yoon Richard S.
Published: October 2022

Patella fracture outcomes are positive overall; however, in some cases, traditional fixation methods result in complications, including loss of fixation and irritable hardware requiring removal. We present a technique of plate fixation that we believe has the potential to improve stability and is less offensive in more comminuted fracture patterns. Improved stability should allow unfettered advancement of rehabilitation without concern for loss of fixation. Lower profile fixation offers a potential for diminishing the presence of irritating hardware requiring removal. We present our technique for using plate fixation to augment more complex patella fracture patterns.
Longitudinal assessment of ROPRO as an early indicator of overall survival in oncology clinical trials: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Loureiro H. , Kolben T. M. , Kiermaier A. , Rüttinger D. , Ahmidi N. , Becker T. , Bauer-Mehren A.
Published: October 2022

Background

The gold standard to evaluate treatment efficacy in oncology clinical trials is Overall Survival (OS). Its utility, however, is limited by the need for long trial duration and large sample sizes. Thus methods such as Progression-Free Survival (PFS) are applied to obtain early OS estimates across clinical trial phases, particularly to decide on further development of new molecular entities. Especially for cancer-immunotherapy, these established methods may be less suitable. Therefore, alternative approaches to obtain early OS estimates are required. In this work, we present a first evaluation of a new method, ΔRisk. ΔRisk uses the ROPRO, a state-of-the-art pan-cancer OS prognostic score, or DeepROPRO to predict OS benefit by measuring the patient’s improvement since baseline.

Patients and methods

We modeled the ΔRisk using Joint Models and tested whether a significant ΔRisk decrease correlated with OS improvement. We studied this hypothesis by comparing classical OS analysis against ΔRisk in a retrospective analysis of 12 real-world data emulated clinical trials, and 3 additional recent phase III immunotherapy clinical trials.

Results

Our new ΔRisk method correlated with the final OS readout in 14 out of 15 clinical trials. The ΔRisk, however, identified the treatment benefit up to seven months earlier than the OS log-rank test. Additionally, in two immunotherapy trials where PFS would have failed as an early OS estimate, the ΔRisk correctly predicted the treatment benefit.

Conclusions

We introduced a new method, ΔRisk, and demonstrated its correlation with OS. In retrospective analysis, ΔRisk is able to identify OS benefit earlier than standard methodology, and we show examples of lung cancer trials, where it maintains its predictive relevance whereas PFS does not correlate with OS. ΔRisk may prove useful for early decision support resulting in reduced need of resources. We also show the potential of ΔRisk as a candidate to define surrogate endpoints. To this purpose, more methodological work and further investigation of treatment-specific performance will be done in the future.
Diagnostic Performance of Deep Learning in Infectious Keratitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Ong Zun Zheng , Sadek Youssef , Liu Xiaoxuan , Qureshi Riaz , Liu Su-Hsun , Li Tianjing , Sounderajah Viknesh , Ashrafian Hutan , Ting Daniel S. W. , Said Dalia G. , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Burton Matthew J. , Dua Harminder S. , Ting Darren S. J.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Infectious keratitis (IK) represents the 5thleading cause of blindness worldwide. A delay in diagnosis is often a major factor in progression to irreversible visual impairment and/or blindness from IK. The diagnostic challenge is further compounded by low microbiological culture yield, long turnaround time, poorly differentiated clinical features, and polymicrobial infections. In recent years, deep learning (DL), a subfield of artificial intelligence, has rapidly emerged as a promising tool in assisting automated medical diagnosis, clinical triage and decision making, and improving workflow efficiency in healthcare services. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of using DL in assisting the diagnosis of IK, though the accuracy remains to be elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically examine and compare the performance of various DL models with clinical experts and/or microbiological results (the current “gold standard”) in diagnosing IK, with an aim to inform practice on the clinical applicability and deployment of DL-assisted diagnostic models.

Methods and analysis

This review will consider studies that included application of any DL models to diagnose patients with suspected IK, encompassing bacterial, fungal, protozoal and/or viral origins. We will search various electronic databases, including EMBASE and MEDLINE. There will be no restriction to the language and publication date. Two independent reviewers will assess the titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Extracted data will include details of each primary studies, including title, year of publication, authors, types of DL models used, populations, sample size, decision threshold, and diagnostic performance. We will perform meta-analyses for the included primary studies when there are sufficient similarities in outcome reporting.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this systematic review. We plan to disseminate our findings via presentation/publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Protocol registration

This systematic review protocol will be registered with the PROSPERO after peer review.

STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

- This study will serve as the most up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis specifically evaluating the diagnostic performance of deep learning in infectious keratitis.

- The quality of the study will depend on the quality of the available published literature related to this topic.

- This study will help identify the gaps in the current clinical evidence, which may be related to study design, quality of the research methodologies, setting of reference standard, risk of bias, and outcome reporting.
Timing matters: Sex differences in acute and chronic outcomes following repetitive blast mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Baskin Britahny M. , Logsdon Aric F. , Lee Suhjung Janet , Foresi Brian D. , Peskind Elaine , Banks William A. , Cook David G. , Schindler Abigail G.
Published: October 2022

Background

Repetitive blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by exposure to high explosives is increasingly common among warfighters as well as civilians. While women have been serving in military positions with increased risk of blast exposure since 2016, there are few published reports examining sex as a biological variable in models of blast mTBI, greatly limiting diagnosis and treatment capabilities. As such, here we examined acute and chronic outcomes of repetitive blast trauma in female and male mice in relation to potential behavioral, inflammatory, microbiome, and vascular dysfunction.

Methods

In this study we utilized a well-established blast overpressure model to induce repetitive (3x) blast-mTBI in both female and male mice. Acutely following repetitive exposure, we measured serum and brain cytokine levels, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, fecal microbial abundance, and locomotion and anxiety-like behavior in the open field assay. Chronically, in female and male mice we assessed behavioral correlates of mTBI and PTSD-related symptoms commonly reported by Veterans with a history of blast-mTBI using the elevated zero maze, acoustic startle, and conditioned odorant aversion paradigms.

Results

Repetitive blast exposure resulted in both similar and disparate patterns of acute serum and brain cytokine as well as gut microbiome changes in female and male mice. Acute BBB disruption following repetitive blast exposure was apparent in both sexes. While female and male blast mice both exhibited acute locomotor and anxiety-like deficits in the open field assay, only male mice exhibited chronic adverse behavioral outcomes.

Discussion

Representing a novel survey of potential sex differences following repetitive blast trauma, our results demonstrate unique similar yet divergent patterns of blast-induced dysfunction in female vs. male mice and highlight novel targets for future diagnosis and therapeutic development.
Comparative effectiveness of natalizumab and fingolimod and injectable therapies in patients with pediatric multiple sclerosis: A registry-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Spelman Tim , Simoneau Gabrielle , Hyde Robert , Kuhelj Robert , Alroughani Raed , Ozakbas Serkan , Karabudak Rana , Yamout Bassem , Khoury Samia J. , Terzi Murat , Boz Cavit , Horakova Dana , Havrdova Eva Kubala , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Patti Francesco , Altintas Ayse , Mrabet Saloua , Inshasi Jihad , Butzkueven Helmut
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) typically experience higher levels of inflammation with more frequent relapses and reach irreversible disability at a younger age than adult-onset patients. There have been few randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with POMS, and most available data are based on observational studies of off-label use of DMTs approved for adults. We assessed the effectiveness of natalizumab compared with fingolimod using injectable platform therapies as a reference in pediatric patients in the global MSBase registry.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with POMS who initiated treatment with an injectable DMT, natalizumab, or fingolimod between January 1, 2006, and May 3, 2021 (N=1218). The primary outcome was the time to first relapse from index therapy initiation. Secondary study outcomes included annualized relapse rate; proportions of relapse-free patients at 1, 2, and 5 years post baseline; time to treatment discontinuation; and times to 24-week confirmed disability worsening and confirmed disability improvement.

Results

Patients treated with fingolimod had a significantly lower risk of relapse than patients treated with injectable DMT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.83;P=0.008). After adjustment for prior DMT experience in the unmatched sample, patients treated with natalizumab had a significantly lower risk of relapse than patients treated either with injectable DMT (HR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.07–0.31;P<0.001) or fingolimod (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14–1.00;P=0.049). The adjusted secondary study outcomes were generally consistent with the primary outcome or with previous observations. The findings in the inverse probability treatment weighting–adjusted patient populations were confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses.

Discussion

Our results suggest that natalizumab and fingolimod have broadly equivalent therapeutic efficacies in patients with POMS, consistent with previous studies of natalizumab and fingolimod in adult-onset patients and POMS. However, analyses of relapse outcomes suggest natalizumab is superior to fingolimod in the control of relapses in this population with high rates of new inflammatory activity.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class III evidence that natalizumab may provide better disease control than fingolimod in patients with POMS.
Longitudinal Hierarchical Bayesian models of covariate effects on airway and alveolar nitric oxide
Authors: Weng Jingying , Molshatzki Noa , Marjoram Paul , Gauderman W. James , Gilliland Frank D. , Eckel Sandrah P.
Published: October 2022

Biomarkers such as exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a marker of airway inflammation, have applications in the study of chronic respiratory disease where longitudinal studies of within-participant changes in the biomarker are particularly relevant. A cutting-edge approach to assessing FeNO, called multiple flow FeNO, repeatedly assesses FeNO across a range of expiratory flow rates at a single visit and combines these data with a deterministic model of lower respiratory tract NO to estimate parameters quantifying airway wall and alveolar NO sources. Previous methodological work for multiple flow FeNO has focused on methods for data from a single participant or from cross-sectional studies. Performance of existingad hoctwo-stage methods for longitudinal multiple flow FeNO in cohort or panel studies has not been evaluated. In this paper, we present a novel longitudinal extension to a unified hierarchical Bayesian (L_U_HB) model relating longitudinally assessed multiple flow FeNO to covariates. In several simulation study scenarios, we compare the L_U_HB method to other unified and two-stage frequentist methods. In general, L_U_HB produced unbiased estimates, had good power, and its performance was not sensitive to the magnitude of the association with a covariate and correlations between NO parameters. In an application relating height to longitudinal multiple flow FeNO in schoolchildren without asthma, unified analysis methods estimated positive, statistically significant associations of height with airway and alveolar NO concentrations and negative associations with airway wall diffusivity while estimates from two-stage methods were smaller in magnitude and sometimes non-significant.
The kleisin subunit controls the function of meiotic cohesins by determining the mode of DNA binding and differential regulation by SCC-2 and WAPL-1
Authors: Castellano-Pozo Maikel , Sioutas Georgios , Barroso Consuelo , Lopez-Jimenez Pablo , Jaso-Tamame Angel Luis , Crawley Oliver , Shao Nan , Page Jesus , Martinez-Perez Enrique
Published: October 2022

The cohesin complex plays essential roles in chromosome segregation, 3D genome organisation, and DNA damage repair through its ability to modify DNA topology. In higher eukaryotes, meiotic chromosome function, and therefore fertility, requires cohesin complexes containing meiosis-specific kleisin subunits: REC8 and RAD21L in mammals and REC-8 and COH-3/4 inC. elegans. How these complexes perform the multiple functions of cohesin during meiosis and whether this involves different modes of DNA binding or dynamic association with chromosomes is poorly understood. Combining time-resolved methods of protein removal with live imaging and exploiting the temporospatial organisation of theC. elegansgermline, we show that REC-8 complexes provide sister chromatid cohesion (SCC) and DNA repair, while COH-3/4 complexes control higher-order chromosome structure. High-abundance COH-3/4 complexes associate dynamically with individual chromatids in a manner dependent on cohesin loading (SCC-2) and removal (WAPL-1) factors. In contrast, low-abundance REC-8 complexes associate stably with chromosomes, tethering sister chromatids from S-phase until the meiotic divisions. Our results reveal that kleisin identity determines the function of meiotic cohesin by controlling the mode and regulation of cohesin-DNA association, and are consistent with a model in which SCC and DNA looping are performed by variant cohesin complexes that coexist on chromosomes.
Succession management and corporate sustainability in Ghana: a leadership succession paradox
Authors: Kpinpuo Stephen Debar , Antwi John , Akparep John Yaw
Published: October 2022

Purpose

A core responsibility of organizational leaders in a world of increasing competition for best talents is positioning right persons and plans for sustainable growth and progress of their respective organizations. However, attracting top talents for key positions is meaningless if it is not backed by winning retention or succession strategies. This paper aims to assess succession management techniques in the Nzema East District (NED) of Ghana to determine incumbent reliability on its own succession knowledge, practice and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a cross-organizational investigation, this study used qualitative approaches to explore succession knowledge and practice as they relate to effective management and sustainability of selected NED organizations. In all, 60 purposively selected participants were involved in the study.

Findings

This study revealed not only that most NED organizational leaders have no succession plans but also that some senior management officials of these organizations, much as their subordinates, lack knowledge and practice of the concept altogether. It also emerged that a leadership succession paradox, where management expressed profound interest in succession planning (SP) learning and practice, adopting SP as a strategic tool and in using SP as insurance for sustainability of NED firms, but presides over the contrary, characterized much of NED management activity.

Research limitations/implications

As a case study, this research is limited in terms of generalizability, but its implications are quite limitless.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in an emerging leadership succession paradox where business executives advocate what, in practice and theory, they are themselves opposed to. Contrary to the logic that we practice what we learn, succession management in NED organizations is not only unethical but also paradoxical. This study has not been published and is not being considered for publication anywhere else.
Collateral imposition and financial inclusion: a case study among Islamic banks and MSMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Saifurrahman Adi , Kassim Salina
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The primary objective of this paper is to identify and compare the collateral imposition practices among Islamic banks in Indonesia to serve micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) clients and explore the experiences and perceptions of MSME entrepreneurs pertaining to collateralisation in MSME financing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out by implementing a case study research strategy. The data was gathered primarily through the interview by utilising purposive uncontrolled quota sampling. The interview was conducted using semi-structured interview questions by targeting the two sides of Islamic financial inclusion: the Islamic banking industry (supply-side) and the MSME segment (demand-side).

Findings

This paper implies that the collateral provision is indeed an obligatory requirement for MSME to access regular financing in an Islamic bank, preferably the immovable type that consists of land and property. Subsequently, although the Islamic banks offer non-collateralised financing, their disbursement is still relatively scant and limited. Furthermore, despite the collateral issues, most MSME entrepreneurs positively perceive the bank’s collateralisation practice, indicating their awareness and understanding of the collateral purpose and function to access the financing facility.

Research limitations/implications

This paper merely observed six Islamic bank institutions and 22 MSME units in urban and rural areas in Indonesia using a case study approach. Therefore, the empirical findings and case discussions were limited to those around the corresponding Islamic banks and MSME participants.

Practical implications

By referring to the several disclosed issues associated with the collateral imposition practices, this paper presents several recommendations that might be considered by the policymakers and the Islamic banking industry to enhance the realisation of MSME Islamic financial inclusion from the collateral implementation aspect, and thereby, facilitating more inclusive growth for the MSME industry.

Originality/value

This paper is unique since the paper attempts to analyse and compare the collateral imposition practices and its perception from the two distinct sides of Islamic financial inclusion that were represented by Islamic banks and MSMEs in Indonesia by including different types of Islamic banks and different segments of MSME in their diverse business sector within the urban and rural locations.
Racial/ethnic differences in mobile payment usage: what do we know, and what do we need to know?
Authors: Nam Youngwon , Lee Sunwoo Tessa , Kim Kyoung Tae
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the racial/ethnic differences in mobile payment use and to explore the contributing factors to the differences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) dataset to examine racial/ethnic disparities in mobile payment use. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to confirm racial/ethnic differences, and Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition analyses were performed to identify which factors explain the differences among the groups.

Findings

The authors discovered that Whites use mobile payment less than Blacks, Hispanics and Asians/others. The results revealed that prior experiences with mobile financial services, including transfer, banking and budgeting applications, all play considerable roles in explaining the disparities between Whites and other racial/ethnic groups.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to examine racial/ethnic disparities in mobile payment use with a particular focus on the influence of users' past experience with technology. The results provide insights for researchers, professionals, educators and policymakers into ways to promote future use of mobile payment.
Time to tell a different story? Positive and negative follower perceptions of their leaders' storytelling
Authors: Stark Johannes , Reif Julia A.M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Defying conventional wisdom, leaders' storytelling may have ambiguous and even negative effects on followers. Built upon transformational leadership and leader -member exchange theory, the intention-perception model of storytelling in leadership provides a framework to systematically explain when and why unintended effects of storytelling happen. Despite its theoretical and practical relevance, a quantitative evaluation of the model's main assumptions, and particularly of followers' perceptions of leader storytelling, is still pending.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a scale to assess followers' story perceptions in study 1 (N = 79) and confirmed the scale's structure in study 2, an online cross-sectional field study (N = 60). In study 2, the authors also tested a main assumption of the intention-perception model of storytelling, that is, the relationship between followers' story perceptions and story effects, mediated via followers' affective arousal.

Findings

Data revealed that story effects indeed depend on followers' perception of the story. In particular, the better a leader's story met followers' needs (need-supply fit), the more adequate the input load transported by the story (story load), the more positive followers' appraisal of their leader's story (story appraisal) and the more positive affective reactions and positive effects of storytelling (transformation, leader -member exchange quality, and trust in the leader) followers perceived.

Practical implications

The authors provide practical insights into how leaders may improve their storytelling by tailoring their stories to the expectations and needs of their followers.

Originality/value

Taking a follower-centric perspective on a common leadership practice (i.e. storytelling), the present research provides first support for the intention-perception model of storytelling in leadership.
Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve interpersonal conflicts in Hong Kong universities
Authors: Lau Aaron C.K.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insight into mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve interpersonal conflicts for undergraduate students in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods research approach was utilised to examine university students' understanding of dispute resolution at their respective universities in Hong Kong, and factors that may influence their decision to utilize ADR on campus.

Findings

The tendency for university students in Hong Kong to voice criticisms was low due to: (1) unawareness of proper grievance channels; and (2) fear of potential academic retribution from the institution. This may be the result of inadequate promotion and transparency in the existing higher education dispute resolution framework. Academic staff acknowledged the limitation of the existing closed-door dispute resolution system and the need for an alternative conflict management system which emphasises on restoration of harmony in the university community.

Originality/value

As there is a lack of study focusing on ADR practices in Hong Kong universities, this paper provides insight into the feasibility of integrating ADR into the existing dispute resolution processes in resolving interpersonal conflicts at universities in Hong Kong.
An analysis of students’ satisfaction with distance learning in Moroccan universities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zouiri Lahboub , Kinani Fatima Ezzahra
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In Morocco, universities have opted for online courses as a national effort to contain the coronavirus since the early stage. This article aims to analyze university students’ satisfaction with their distance learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on the statistical analysis of a survey conducted in 2020 at the national level among 800 university students from all disciplines enrolled in open access and regulated access institutions in Morocco. Econometrically, the authors used the ordinal logistic regression model after checking several conditions justifying its use.

Findings

Findings from analysis reveal that students lacking basic computer skills have a negative perception of this new mode of learning. The results also show a certain sensitivity of the students to the way in which the courses are taught. The satisfaction of the learners largely depends on the duration of the courses, the interactivity, and the teaching methods adopted. In designing, developing, and delivering distance education courses, students’ needs should be taken care of.

Originality/value

This article suggests that for public policies, professional training for teachers should equip them with the pedagogical skills so that they can adjust their teaching according to students’ levels. Training in digital tools must also be provided to bridge the digital divide and accelerate positive change and adaptation to this new mode of training. In addition, this article highlights the role of interactivity in increasing adaptation to distance learning.