bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in children and utility of rapid antigen testing as an indicator of culturable virus
Authors: Lohse Zoe M. , Shapiro Jerne J. , Lednicky John A. , Cash Melanie N. , Jun Inyoung , Mavian Carla N. , Tagliamonte Massimiliano S. , Saleem Cyrus , Yang Yang , Nelson Eric J. , Salemi Marco , Ryan Kathleen A. , Morris J. Glenn
Published: June 2022

We screened 65 longitudinally-collected nasal swab samples from 31 children aged 0-16 years who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.1. By day 7 after onset of symptoms 48% of children remained positive by rapid antigen test. In a sample subset we found 100% correlation between antigen test results and virus culture.
Duration of protection after vaccination against yellow fever - systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kling Kerstin , Domingo Cristina , Bogdan Christian , Duffy Steven , Harder Thomas , Howick Jeremy , Kleijnen Jos , McDermott Kevin , Wichmann Ole , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Wolff Robert
Published: June 2022

Background

The duration of protection after a single dose of yellow fever vaccine is a matter of debate. To summarize the current knowledge, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Studies on the duration of protection after 1 and ≥2 vaccine doses were reviewed. Data were stratified by time since vaccination. In our meta-analysis, we used random-effects models.

Results

We identified 36 studies from 20 countries, comprising over 17,000 participants aged 6 months to 85 years. Among healthy adults and children, pooled seroprotection rates after single vaccination dose were close to 100% by 3 months and remained high in adults for 5 to 10 years. In children vaccinated before age 2, the seroprotection rate was 52% within 5 years after primary vaccination. For immunodeficient persons, data indicate relevant waning.

Conclusions

The extent of waning of seroprotection after yellow fever vaccination depends on age at vaccination and immune status.

Systematic Review and meta-analysis of existing studies indicates a relevant waning of seroprotection after a single dose of yellow fever vaccination of different groups including healthy adults, children when vaccinated before the age of 2 years and immunodeficient persons.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported 12-month pneumococcal vaccination series completion rates in Canada: An interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Atkinson Katherine M , Ntacyabukura Blaise , Hawken Steven , Laflamme Lucie , Wilson Kumanan
Published: June 2022

Background

Routine childhood vaccination improves health and prevents morbidity and mortality from vaccination preventable diseases. There are indications that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted vaccination rates globally, but systematic studies on this are still lacking in Canada. This study aims to add knowledge on the effect of the pandemic on pneumococcal vaccination rates of children using self-reported immunization data entered into the CANImmunize digital vaccination tool.

Methodology

An interrupted time series analysis was conducted on aggregated monthly enrollment of children on the platform (2016-2021) and their pneumococcal immunization series completion rates (2016-2020). Predicted trends before and after the onset of the COVID-19 related restriction (March 1, 2020) were compared by means of an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA).

Results

Pandemic restrictions were associated with changes in self-reported pneumococcal immunization rates amongst the users of the CANImmunize platform. The monthly enrollment of children on the platform decreased by – 1177.52 records (95% CI: –1865.47, – 489.57), with a continued decrease of 80.84 records each month. Self-reported pneumococcal immunization series completion rates had an immediate increase of 14.57% (95% CI 4.64, 24.51) followed by a decrease of –3.54% each month.

Conclusion

The onset of the COVID-19 related restrictions impacted enrollment of children in the CANImmunize digital immunization platform, and an overall decrease in self-reported pneumococcal immunization series completion rates. Our findings support that efforts to increase catch-up immunization campaigns so that children who could not get scheduled immunization during the pandemic are not missed.
Episomal editing of synthetic constructs in yeast using CRISPR
Authors: Zhao Yu , Coelho Camila , Lauer Stephanie , Laurent Jon M. , Brosh Ran , Boeke Jef D.
Published: June 2022

Use of synthetic genomics to design and build “big” DNA has revolutionized our ability to answer fundamental biological questions by employing a bottom-up approach. S. cerevisiae, or budding yeast, has become the major platform to assemble large synthetic constructs thanks to its powerful homologous recombination machinery and the availability of well-established molecular biology techniques. However, efficiently and precisely introducing designer variations to episomal assemblies remains challenging. Here, we describe CRISPR Engineering of EPisomes in Yeast, or CREEPY, for rapid engineering of mammalian DNA constructs larger than 100 kb. We demonstrate that editing of circular episomes presents unique challenges compared to modifying native yeast chromosomes with CRISPR. After optimizing CREEPY for episomal editing, we achieve efficient simplex and multiplex editing as demonstrated by engineering a mouse Sox2-harboring episome.
Srsf2P95H/+ co-operates with loss of TET2 to promote myeloid bias and initiate a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia like disease in mice
Authors: Xu Jane Jialu , Chalk Alistair M. , Wall Meaghan , Langdon Wallace Y. , Smeets Monique F. , Walkley Carl R.
Published: June 2022

Recurrent mutations in two pathways - the RNA spliceosome (eg. SRSF2, SF3B1, U2AF1) and epigenetic regulators (eg. DNMT3, TET2) – contribute to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and related myeloid neoplasms. In chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), SRSF2 mutations occur in ∼50% of patients and TET2 mutations in ∼60%, representing two of the most frequent mutations in these cancers. Clonal analysis has indicated that either mutation can arise as the founder lesion, however, our understanding of the basis for the co-operativity of these mutations in the evolution of CMML is limited. Based on human cancer genetics we crossed an inducible Srsf2P95H/+ mutant model with Tet2fl/fl mice to mutate both concomitantly (or individually) in hematopoietic stem cells. At 20-24 weeks post gene mutation, we observed subtle differences in the Srsf2/Tet2 mutants compared to either single mutant. Under conditions of native hematopoiesis with aging, we see a distinct myeloid bias and monocytosis in the Srsf2/Tet2 mutants. A subset of the compound Srsf2/Tet2 mutants display an increased granulocytic and distinctive monocytic proliferation (myelo-monocytic hyperplasia), with increased immature promonocytes and monoblasts (∼10-15% total nucleated cells), and evidence of binucleate promonocytes. Exome analysis of progressed disease demonstrates mutations in genes and pathways similar to those reported in human CMML. Upon transplantation, recipients developed leukocytosis, monocytosis and splenomegaly. This demonstrates we can reproduce Srsf2/Tet2 co-operativity in vivo, yielding a disease with core characteristics of CMML, unlike single Srsf2 or Tet2 mutation. This model represents a significant step toward building high fidelity and genetically tractable models of CMML.

Key points

Srsf2P95H/+ co-operates with Tet2-/- to initiate CMML in a murine model

Srsf2P95H and Tet2 null mutations synergize in the development of monocytosis
In silico optimization of RNA-protein interactions for CRISPR-Cas13-based antimicrobials
Authors: Park Ho-min , Park Yunseol , Berani Urta , Bang Eunkyu , Vankerschaver Joris , Van Messem Arnout , De Neve Wesley , Shim Hyunjin
Published: June 2022

RNA-protein interactions are crucial for diverse biological processes. In prokaryotes, RNA-protein interactions enable adaptive immunity through CRISPR-Cas systems. These defense systems utilize CRISPR RNA (crRNA) templates acquired from past infections to destroy foreign genetic elements through crRNA-mediated nuclease activities of Cas proteins. Thanks to the programmability and specificity of CRISPR-Cas systems, CRISPR-based antimicrobials have the potential to be repurposed as new types of antibiotics. Unlike traditional antibiotics, these CRISPR-based antimicrobials can be designed to target specific bacteria and minimize detrimental effects on the human microbiome during antibacterial therapy. Here, we explore the potential of CRISPR-based antimicrobials by optimizing the RNA-protein interactions of crRNAs and Cas13 proteins. CRISPR-Cas13 systems are unique as they degrade specific foreign RNAs using the crRNA template, which leads to non-specific RNase activities and cell cycle arrest. We show that a high proportion of the Cas13 systems have no colocalized CRISPR arrays, and the lack of direct association between crRNAs and Cas proteins may result in suboptimal RNA-protein interactions in the current tools. Here, we investigate the RNA-protein interactions of the Cas13-based systems by curating the validation dataset of Cas13 protein and CRISPR repeat pairs that are experimentally validated to interact, and the candidate dataset of CRISPR repeats that reside on the same genome as the currently known Cas13 proteins. To find optimal CRISPR-Cas13 interactions, we first validate the 3-D structure prediction of crRNAs based on their experimental structures. Next, we test a number of RNA-protein interaction programs to optimize the in silico docking of crRNAs with the Cas13 proteins. From this optimized pipeline, we find a number of candidate crRNAs that have comparable or better in silico docking with the Cas13 proteins of the current tools. This study fully automatizes the in silico optimization of RNA-protein interactions as an efficient preliminary step for designing effective CRISPR-Cas13-based antimicrobials.
Structure of Anabaena flos-aquae gas vesicles revealed by cryo-ET
Authors: Dutka Przemysław , Metskas Lauren Ann , Hurt Robert C. , Salahshoor Hossein , Wang Ting-Yu , Malounda Dina , Lu George , Chou Tsui-Fen , Shapiro Mikhail G. , Jensen Grant J.
Published: June 2022

Gas vesicles (GVs) are gas-filled protein nanostructures employed by several species of bacteria and archaea as flotation devices to enable access to optimal light and nutrients. The unique physical properties of GVs have led to their use as genetically-encodable contrast agents for ultrasound and MRI. Currently, however, the structure and assembly mechanism of GVs remain unknown. Here we employ cryo-electron tomography to reveal how the GV shell is formed by a helical filament of highly conserved GvpA subunits. This filament changes polarity at the center of the GV cylinder—a site that may act as an elongation center. High-resolution subtomogram averaging reveals a corrugated pattern of the shell arising from polymerization of GvpA into a β-sheet. The accessory protein GvpC forms a helical cage around the GvpA shell, providing structural reinforcement. Together, our results help explain the remarkable mechanical properties of GVs and their ability to adopt different diameters and shapes.
Digital innovation through networking among agro-food SMEs: the role of R&D projects
Authors: Silvestri Raffaele , Ingrao Carlo , Fiore Mariantonietta , Carloni Elisa
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Digitalization is the great global challenge of the twenty-first century including technologies, like, Internet-of-Things, Big Data and block-chain. New digital innovation can play a crucial role for the competitiveness and sustainability of agro-food small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) but in Europe it has been adopted by only 25% of farmers. Joined participation in EU R&D projects can boost SME's digital innovation. The paper aims to analyze how business networking, within a R&D project, affects the digital innovation of agro-food SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates a single longitudinal case study focused on the local development phase of the EU Horizon 2020 project “Eugenius”, which aims to develop a European business network able to provide Earth observation services for natural resources management in agriculture. The focus is on the dyadic relationship between two firms, the winery Tormaresca and the digital innovation provider Planetek.

Findings

Results highlight that the process of commercialization of Planetek's innovative services significantly passes through a multifaceted process of development and adaptation of technology to the specific needs of the user company, allowed by the research project with no expense for both companies during the experimentation phase.

Originality/value

The paper deals with a new underexplored topic thus giving interesting insights into how the R&D project participation affects agro-food SMEs in adopting digital innovations, which are difficult to acquire directly, and how this influences the value creation process and their organizational structure.
The new stage and mission of researching the history of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Li Jiaxiang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is reviewing the discipline development course of the history of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics and recognising the changes of its development and its historic mission in the new stage will be beneficial to the construction of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics from the perspective of doctrinal history.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper from the aspect of discipline formation and development, the history of China’s socialist political economy has experienced two stages: emergence and formation (the first stage) and steady development (the second stage). It has explored new research fields and improved the quality of research levels. However, the role of studying the history of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics has not been fully played regarding satisfying the needs of constructing socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics.

Findings

In this study when the construction of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics entered a new era, the study of the history of socialist political economy also entered a new stage, showing new features in terms of research objectives, principles, scale and methods.

Originality/value

Therefore, the research on the history of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics should be highly emphasised, and the focus on serving the construction of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics should be its historic mission and core task. Also, researchers should pay attention to changing ideas, laying a good foundation, highlighting key points, building platforms and broadening horizons.
Work-to-family conflict, family satisfaction and engagement nexus: insights from millennial managers
Authors: Nwachukwu Chijioke , Chládková Helena , Moses Chinonye Love , Vu Hieu Minh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Millennials’ perception of work, personal and family life is different from other generations. Building on studies on workforce generations, this paper aims to uncover not only the effect of work-to-family conflict (WFC) and family satisfaction (FS) on millennial managers engagement but also the moderating effect of (gender and marital status) in predicting engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a survey to collect data from managers of selected companies in Nigeria. In total, 127 questionnaires were analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling method.

Findings

Results reveal that the relationship between WFC, FS and millennial managers’ engagement is direct and significant. Besides, the effect of WFC on engagement is stronger in men and for married. The effect of FS on engagement is greater for women than men and for married.

Practical implications

This study informs the research community as well as practitioners and affirms the importance of supportive work-to-family life and FS in fostering millennial managers’ engagement with their organisations.

Originality/value

This study is among the initial attempts to evaluate the impact of WFC and FS on engagement among millennial managers, especially in Africa, Nigeria in particular. The results identify millennial managers’ unique perspectives towards engagement and how gender and marital status may enhance engagement. With millennials fast attaining leadership roles, such knowledge is important.
The transformation from manual to smart warehousing: an exploratory study with Swedish retailers
Authors: Kembro Joakim , Norrman Andreas
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibility, and variation in delivery and return options, retailers have turned their attention to warehousing and are making big investments in technology. Currently, technology providers are pushing for smart warehousing, a new and under-researched phenomenon. This study aims to conceptualize the term and examine pathways toward implementing smart warehousing.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey was administered to 50 leading Swedish retailers in varying segments. A two-tailed t-test for equality of means was used to detect significant differences between current and future states.

Findings

The study found that future smart warehouses will be automated, autonomous, digital, and connected, but that retailers will follow different paths along this journey, driven by contextual trends, e.g. sales growth, wider product assortment, shorter lead-time offerings, and integration of brick-and-mortar and online stores. Interestingly, the study revealed that many of the retailers that aim to create smart warehouses in five years are not the retailers with the most developed technology today.

Research limitations/implications

The paper operationalizes smart warehousing in two dimensions: degree of automation and degree of digitalization and connectivity of information platforms. Based on the findings, 16 theoretical propositions are put forth that, based on contextual factors, explain different pathways for retailers to implement smart warehousing.

Practical implications

The empirical insights and theoretical discussions provide practically useful guidance, including outlined trends, for selecting and benchmarking automation and complementary technologies in warehouse operations.

Originality/value

This paper conceptualizes and operationalizes smart warehousing – an original approach. It is also one of the first to investigate the technological transformation in retail warehousing empirically, explaining how and why retailers choose different pathways toward smart warehousing.
Paved with good intentions: role of situational and dispositional influences on employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior
Authors: Chhabra Bindu , Srivastava Shalini
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The rise in the instances of ethical scandals in recent times has brought to light the hitherto ignored phenomenon of unethical proorganizational behavior (UPB) by employees. Drawing upon the social exchange theory, this study aims to examine the role of perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational identification on UPB. The research also investigated the moderating role of core self-evaluation (CSE) and positive reciprocity beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested with three-wave survey data collected from 306 executives from India. Data was analyzed using mediation and moderated mediation analyses on PROCESS v 3.0 macro.

Findings

Results showed that organizational identification mediated the relationship between POS and UPB. Further, CSE and positive reciprocity beliefs were seen to moderate the mediated relationship providing support for the moderated mediation framework.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of clear code of ethics, communication of ethical guidelines and ethical behavior of the managers as some of the ways to reduce the menace of UPB. Further, managers should be more vigilant toward the employees low on CSE and high on positive reciprocity beliefs as they are more prone to engage in UPB given their identification with the organization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mediating role of organizational identification in the relationship between POS and UPB. Further, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has explored the moderating role of CSE and positive reciprocity beliefs in the aforesaid mediation.
Consumer information technology use in the post-pandemic workplace: a post-acceptance adaptation perspective
Authors: Yin Pengzhen , Wang Chuang , Liang Liang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Personally owned mobile information and communication technologies (MICT) have been widely and routinely used for work purposes in the post-pandemic workplace. Drawing on adaptive structuration theory for individuals (ASTI), this study investigates the antecedents (i.e. characteristics of MICT) and outcomes (i.e. employee affective and cognitive well-being) of routine MICT use in the remote work context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically tested via a survey of 430 working professionals who use personal MICT for work purposes in the remote work context.

Findings

Results show that the routine MICT use increases employee affective well-being (i.e. job satisfaction) and mitigates cognitive well-being (i.e. technology overload). The mediation effects of routine MICT use on the relationships between its characteristics (autonomy and timeliness) and employee well-being (i.e. job satisfaction and technology overload) were also found.

Originality/value

Existing research on remote work has widely focused on employee productivity and performance, while attention has rarely been paid to the effects of the technology-driven “new normal” on employee well-being. Grounded in ASTI, this study identifies three MICT characteristics as sources of user adaptive structuration, which impact employees' routine MICT use behavior and further influence employee affective and cognitive well-being. This research can help understand employees' personal MICT use adaptive behavior and improve their well-being.
School middle leaders as instructional leaders: building the knowledge base of instruction-oriented middle leadership
Authors: Tang Jianjing , Bryant Darren A. , Walker Allan David
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore developments over the past 25 years in the knowledge base on instruction-oriented middle leadership in schools. The authors document the trends in the literature since middle leadership began to attract scholarly interest in the late 1990s and explore the shifting structural and content patterns in the knowledge base.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a topographic methodology to analyse both structural elements and major results drawing from 147 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Findings

The authors draw on the review's outcomes to propose a model that frames a core set of middle leaders' instructional leadership practices. They also identify the personal, departmental, organizational and external influences shaping middle leadership practices and identify a lack of research conducted outside Anglo–American societies. This gap in the literature suggests the need for the increased study of middle leadership in different national settings and systems and how these influence the practice and enactment of middle leaders around instruction. There is also a need to employ a greater range of methodologies to understand middle leaders' instructional roles.

Research limitations/implications

The paper lays a foundation for the future development of middle leadership for instruction and highlights signposts to guide future inquiry.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the middle leader knowledge base by focussing on their enactment of instructional leadership.
The intersectional effect of age and gender on the work–life balance of managers
Authors: Thrasher Gregory R. , Wynne Kevin , Baltes Boris , Bramble Reed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Although there is a small body of empirical research on the working lives of managers, both the popular media and the academic literature tend to ignore the distinct ways that role identities such as age and gender intersect to create a complex work–life interface for diverse managers. This gap is especially surprising considering that managerial roles are defined by unique demands and expectations that likely intersect with the differential life course shifts experienced by men and women, which has the potential to create specific challenges across the work and life domains of managers. The current study aims to address this gap through an intersectional examination of the non-linear effects of age and gender on the work–life balance of managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 421 managers, the authors apply statistical tests of the incremental validity of non-linear interaction terms to examine the complex relationship between age, gender and work–life balance.

Findings

Results support a non-linear U-shaped main effect of age on leader work–life balance. This effect is moderated by gender, however, with a non-linear U-shaped effect of age on work–life balance being supported for male managers – with female managers displaying no effect of age on work–life balance.

Practical implications

Based on these findings, the authors highlight the need for increased availability of flexible schedules and employee empowerment for managers as well as general employees.

Originality/value

The current study offers one of the first tests of the intersection of age and gender on the work–family interface of managers.
Programmatic advertising in online retailing: consumer perceptions and future avenues
Authors: Ciuchita Robert , Gummerus Johanna Katariina , Holmlund Maria , Linhart Eva Larissa
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Digital advertising enables retailers to rely on large volumes of data on consumers and even leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to target consumers online with personalised and context-aware advertisements. One recent example of such advertisements is programmatic advertising (PA), which is facilitated by automatic bidding systems. Given that retailers are expected to increase their use of PA in the future, further insights on the pros and cons of PA are required. This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the implications of PA use for retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical overview is conducted that compares PA to traditional advertising, with an empirical investigation into consumer attitudes towards PA (an online survey of 189 consumers using an experimental design) and a research agenda.

Findings

Consumer attitudes towards PA are positively related to attitudes towards the retailer. Further, perceived ad relevance is positively related to attitudes towards PA, which is moderated by (1) consumer perceptions of risks related to sharing their data with retailers online and (2) consumer perceptions of AI's positive potential. Surprisingly, the disclosed use of AI for PA does not significantly influence consumer attitudes towards PA.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on technology-enabled services by empirically demonstrating that ad relevance drives consumer attitudes towards PA. This paper further examines two contingencies: risk beliefs related to data (i.e. the source of PA) and perceptions of AI (i.e. the somewhat nebulous technology associated with PA) as beneficial. A research agenda illuminates central topics to guide future research on PA in retailing.
The impact of perceived organizational politics and political risk on project success through ethical leadership and the psychological contract
Authors: Turi Jamshid Ali , Sarfraz Muddassar
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Political risk devastates social and economic developmental projects. Countries with political stability attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and engage domestic investment corporations. This study aims to investigate the impact of perceived organizational politics and political risk on project success, considering the moderating and mediating roles of ethical leadership and the psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

A multimethod approach was adopted in this work that includes an exploratory content analysis to confirm the latent factors of the variables under study. A measurement scale was developed and tested for perceived organizational politics, political risk, the psychological contract and ethical leadership in the projectized environment. Lastly, cross-sectional data were collected from the senior-level professionals of the projectized organizations and analyzed using SPSS and SMARTPLS techniques.

Findings

The findings indicate that ethical leadership and the psychological contract mitigate political risk. The study recommends that developing countries emphasize well-defined policies and standard operating procedures to streamline the project design and execution processes.

Research limitations/implications

The study claims that ethical leaders can play a vital role in mitigating perceived organizational politics and political risk and maximizing project value through the psychological contract.

Originality/value

Although previous research predicts that ethical leadership has very little effect on project success, this study provides critical theoretical and practical contributions to research on project success regarding leadership expertise and the psychological contract.
How do FDI inflows curvilinearly affect carbon emissions? Threshold effects of energy service availability and cleanliness
Authors: Chen Fuzhong , Jiang Guohai , Dong Kangyin
Published: June 2022

To examine the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and carbon emissions from the perspective of the threshold effects of energy service availability and energy consumption cleanliness, this study employs the panel data of 16 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership member countries for the period 1990–2019. Using panel threshold models, this study finds that energy service availability and energy consumption cleanliness are two significant threshold variables in the process by which FDI inflows affect carbon emissions. Before they reach a certain level, FDI inflows aggravate carbon emissions, but this association becomes negative after reaching the threshold level. Furthermore, this study also indicates that the threshold values are different depending on national conditions. Specifically, countries with favourable technological development or stronger environmental regulations have lower threshold values for the two variables, while countries with a higher degree of industrial added value have higher threshold values. Based on these findings, this study recommends enhancing energy service availability and energy consumption cleanliness and formulating related industrial, technological and legal policies based on different national conditions.
Timerendering: reflections on chronopolitical praxis in Bolivia
Authors: Goodale Mark
Published: June 2022

This article uses reflections on chronopolitical praxis during the period 2006‐19 in Bolivia in order to make a more general contribution to the anthropology of time and temporalities. The article proposes the theoretical concept of ‘timerendering’ in order to examine the ways in which time emerged as a pervasive register that mediated and also deepened political, social, and ethnic conflict in Bolivia. After illustrating the mechanisms through which timerendering in Bolivia gave way to forms of allochronic denial that are described as ‘hypertemporal exclusion’, the article explains how and why the MAS government's timerendering strategies unravelled, which left it susceptible to the right‐wing coup of October/November 2019. The article concludes by narrating the endtimes of the Morales government in Bolivia, before considering what this moment and its afterlives have to say more generally about the anthropology of time as a disciplinary orientation.
Do neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet–lymphocyte ratio have a role in determining mortality in intensive care patients undergoing plasmapheresis? Single‐center experience
Authors: Sadri Sevil , Cavusoglu Gunes , Tunay Burcu
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Plasmapheresis is a frequently used procedure that removes the pathogenic components from circulation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasmapheresis, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2014 and 2021.

Methods

Forty‐nine patients (27 females and 22 males) were included. Demographic characteristics, laboratory values of the day of admittance to the ICU, APACHE II scores, and length of stay were recorded.

Results

The mean age was 52.73 ± 16.93. APACHE II value (p = 0.003; p < 0.01), NLR ratio (p = 0.001; p < 0.01) and PLR ratio (p = 0.001; p < 0.01) of the surviving group were lower than those of the deceased group, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion

As high PLR and NLR levels suggest increased mortality in the ICU population, attention should be paid for increased NLR and PLR when plasmapheresis is decided on in the ICU.
Using haematophagous fly blood meals to study the diversity of blood‐borne pathogens infecting wild mammals
Authors: Mwakasungula Solomon , Rougeron Virginie , Arnathau Céline , Boundenga Larson , Miguel Eve , Boissière Anne , Jiolle Davy , Durand Patrick , Msigwa Alphonce , Mswata Sarah , Olotu Ally , Sterkers Yvon , Roche Benjamin , Killeen Gerard , Cerqueira Frédérique , Bitome‐Essono Paul Yannick , Bretagnolle François , Masanja Honorati , Paupy Christophe , Sumaye Robert , Prugnolle Franck
Published: June 2022

Many emerging infectious diseases originate from wild animals, so there is a profound need for surveillance and monitoring of their pathogens. However, the practical difficulty of sample acquisition from wild animals tends to limit the feasibility and effectiveness of such surveys. Xenosurveillance, using blood‐feeding invertebrates to obtain tissue samples from wild animals and then detect their pathogens, is a promising method to do so. Here, we describe the use of tsetse fly blood meals to determine (directly through molecular diagnostic and indirectly through serology), the diversity of circulating blood‐borne pathogens (including bacteria, viruses and protozoa) in a natural mammalian community of Tanzania. Molecular analyses of captured tsetse flies (182 pools of flies totalizing 1728 flies) revealed that the blood meals obtained came from 18 different vertebrate species including 16 non‐human mammals, representing approximately 25% of the large mammal species present in the study area. Molecular diagnostic demonstrated the presence of different protozoa parasites and bacteria of medical and/or veterinary interest. None of the six virus species searched for by molecular methods were detected but an ELISA test detected antibodies against African swine fever virus among warthogs, indicating that the virus had been circulating in the area. Sampling of blood‐feeding insects represents an efficient and practical approach to tracking a diversity of pathogens from multiple mammalian species, directly through molecular diagnostic or indirectly through serology, which could readily expand and enhance our understanding of the ecology and evolution of infectious agents and their interactions with their hosts in wild animal communities.
Nicotinamide riboside and caffeine partially restore diminished NAD availability but not altered energy metabolism in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ryu Woo‐In , Shen Minqi , Lee Yoon , Healy Ryan A. , Bormann Mariana K. , Cohen Bruce M. , Sonntag Kai‐Christian
Published: June 2022

The redox co‐factor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) declines with age, and NAD deficits are specifically associated with dysfunctional energy metabolism in late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a dietary NAD precursor, has been suggested to ameliorate the aging process or neurodegeneration. We assessed whether NR with or without caffeine, which increases nicotinamide mononucleotide transferase subtype 2 (NMNAT2), an essential enzyme in NAD production, modulates bioenergetic functions in LOAD. In LOAD patients—and young or old control individuals—derived dermal fibroblasts as well as in induced pluripotent stem cell‐differentiated neural progenitors and astrocytes, NR and caffeine cell type‐specifically increased the NAD pool, transiently enhanced mitochondrial respiration or glycolysis and altered the expression of genes in the NAD synthesis or consumption pathways. However, continued treatment led to reversed bioenergetic effects. Importantly, NR and caffeine did not alter the characteristics of a previously documented inherent LOAD‐associated bioenergetic phenotype. Thus, although NR and caffeine can partially restore diminished NAD availability, increasing NAD alone may not be sufficient to boost or restore energy metabolism in brain aging or alter aberrant energy management in LOAD. Nicotinamide riboside might still be of value in combination with other agents in preventive or therapeutic intervention strategies to address the aging process or age‐associated dementia.
Familial risk of postpartum depression
Authors: Rasmussen Marie‐Louise H. , Poulsen Gry J. , Wohlfahrt Jan , Videbech Poul , Melbye Mads
Published: June 2022

Objective

Many psychiatric diseases have a strong familial aggregation, but it is unknown whether postpartum depression (PPD) without prior psychiatric history aggregates in families.

Methods

Based on Danish national registers, we constructed a cohort with information on 848,544 singleton deliveries (1996–2017). Women with an episode of PPD were defined as having used antidepressant medication and/or had a hospital contact for depression within 6 months after delivery. Those with psychiatric history prior to the delivery were excluded. We estimated relative risk (RR) of PPD, comparing women with female relatives with and without PPD history, respectively.

Results

Overall, women with a PPD history in female blood relatives had themselves a higher risk of PPD (RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.34). Having the first‐degree female relative with PPD history was associated with a more than 2.5 times (RR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.79–3.91) increased risk of PPD. However, having the second/third‐degree female relative and/or a female non‐blood relative with PPD history did not increase the woman's own risk of PPD (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.26–1.28, RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.83–1.44).

Conclusion

Postpartum depression aggregates in families with no other psychiatric history, but the findings do not support a strong genetic trait as a major cause. Other possible mechanisms are shared environment and/or health‐seeking behavior in close relationships.
GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of acute myelitis patients can assist in the identification of glucocorticoid sensitivity and are correlated with glucocorticoid therapeutic effect
Authors: Tang Bolin , Han Jun , Wang Fen , Li Xiang , Zhao Chaoyang
Published: June 2022

Acute myelitis (AM) is a rare neuro‐immune spinal cord disease. This study sought to explore the transcription level of glucocorticoid (GC) receptors α and β (GR‐α/GR‐β) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their correlation with GC efficacy and sensitivity in AM patients. AM patients were grouped into the GC‐sensitive group (N = 80) and GC‐refractory group (N = 67). The GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels in PBMCs were detected. The differentiating value of GR‐α, GR‐β, and GR‐α + GR‐β on GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients was assessed. The independent correlation between GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels and GC sensitivity in AM patients,t and the correlation between GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels and spinal function after GC treatment were analyzed. GR‐α mRNA level in PBMCs of GC‐refractory patients was lower than that of GC‐sensitive patients, while GR‐β mRNA level was higher than that of GC‐sensitive patients. GR‐α + GR‐β mRNA had a high diagnostic value for GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients (area under the ROC curve = 0.881, sensitivity = 79.1%, specificity = 85.0%). GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels were independently correlated with GC sensitivity. GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels were correlated with the spinal function of AM patients after GC treatment. Overall, GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA levels in PBMCs of AM patients can assist in the identification of GC sensitivity and are correlated with GC efficacy.
Action guidance for addressing pollution from inhalational anaesthetics
Authors: Devlin‐Hegedus J. A. , McGain F. , Harris R. D. , Sherman J. D.
Published: June 2022

Climate change is a real and accelerating existential danger. Urgent action is required to halt its progression, and everyone can contribute. Pollution mitigation represents an important opportunity for much needed leadership from the health community, addressing a threat that will directly and seriously impact the health and well‐being of current and future generations. Inhalational anaesthetics are a significant contributor to healthcare‐related greenhouse gas emissions and minimising their climate impact represents a meaningful and achievable intervention. A challenge exists in translating well‐established knowledge about inhalational anaesthetic pollution into practical action. CODA is a medical education and health promotion charity that aims to deliver climate action‐oriented recommendations, supported by useful resources and success stories. The CODA‐hosted platform is designed to maximise engagement of the global healthcare community and draws upon diverse experiences to develop global solutions and accelerate action. The action guidance for addressing pollution from inhalational anaesthetics is the subject of this article. These are practical, evidence‐based actions that can be undertaken to reduce the impact of pollution from inhalational anaesthetics, without compromising patient care and include: removal of desflurane from drug formularies; decommissioning central nitrous oxide piping; avoidance of nitrous oxide use; minimising fresh gas flows during anaesthesia; and prioritising total intravenous anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia when clinically safe to do so. Guidance on how to educate, implement, measure and review progress on these mitigation actions is provided, along with means to share successes and contribute to the essential, global transition towards environmentally sustainable anaesthesia.
Cloxacillin‐induced acute vanishing bile duct syndrome: A case study and literature review
Authors: Faragalla Kyrillos , Lau Helena , Wang Hanlin L. , Liu Jimin
Published: June 2022

Ductopenia is often regarded as a chronic process where ≥50% of portal tracts lack bile ducts, which is also known as vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS). One aetiology is drug‐induced liver injury. Cloxacillin, an antistaphylococcal penicillin, typically causes “bland” cholestasis. We present the first case of cloxacillin‐induced acute ductopenia or VBDS and a review of published cloxacillin‐induced liver injuries. A 66‐year‐old woman with no prior liver disease, but known penicillin allergy, was treated for postcarotid angioplasty staphylococcal infection with 6 weeks of cloxacillin. She presented with a 2‐week history of weakness and jaundice. Laboratory work‐up showed elevated liver enzymes with a cholestatic pattern, hyperbilirubinemia and eosinophilia. She required ICU transfer for hypotension and was started empirically on prednisone. Liver biopsy revealed severe centrilobular cholestasis, mild necroinflammation and ductopenia with epithelial injury, but no ductular reaction. Two months later she was discharged on hydrocortisone and ursodiol with persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. She was considered for liver transplantation but died of liver failure 4 months later. Four additional articles were found with histopathologic descriptions of cloxacillin‐related liver injury. These included portal inflammation, cholestasis and mild necroinflammation. Clinical features were reported in two cases; both had mild symptoms with cholestatic liver enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia. Both patients recovered completely within 10‐60 days. Cloxacillin‐induced cholestasis can be secondary to acute ductopenia, which can result in worse clinical outcomes than previously described “bland” cholestasis. Liver biopsy is recommended to identify cases with acute VBDS.
Novel serratiopeptidase exhibits different affinities to the substrates and inhibitors
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Sara Ali , Valizadeh Vahideh , Rouhani Maryam , Mirkazemi Sedigheh , Azizi Masoumeh , Norouzian Dariush , Ahangari Cohan Reza
Published: June 2022

The clinical application of serratiopeptidase as an anti‐biofilm and anti‐inflammatory agent is restricted due to the enzyme sensitivity to the environmental conditions. In our previous study, six enzyme variants were designed by introducing different mutations and truncations that exhibited higher thermal stability. In the present study, the interaction pattern and affinity of variants to substrates and inhibitors were studied using molecular docking and in vitro studies. CABS‐dock and Swiss‐dock servers were used for substrate (Bradykinin and Substance‐P) and inhibitor (Lisinopril and EDTA) docking, respectively. The interactions were analyzed using LigPlot, UCSF Chimera, and visual molecular dynamics packages. Free energy calculations were performed using PRODIGY. Finally, the native enzyme and the best variant in terms of interaction pattern and binding score were selected for in‐vitro affinity analysis toward Bradykinin and EDTA using HPLC and casein hydrolysis test, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that T344 [8‐339ss] variant showed a different pattern for both substrates and inhibitors in the way that none of the native active site residues were involved in the receptor binding. As revealed by in vitro studies, T344 [8‐339ss] displayed the highest number of hydrogen bond formation in docking with Bradykinin and remarkable decrement in the binding affinity for EDTA. This was the first report on the design of novel serratiopeptidase with higher activity to Bradykinin and improved resistance to EDTA as an inhibitor.
Design, synthesis, antibacterial activity evaluation and molecular docking study of pleuromutilin derivatives bearing amide side chains
Authors: Zhang Zhuo‐Qi , Liu Jie , Zhang Guang‐Yu , Li Bo , Li Kang , Jin Zhen , Bai Xu , Tang You‐Zhi
Published: June 2022

A seize of pleuromutilin derivatives containing amide side chains were designed and synthesized as potential antibiotics against Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among all target compounds (compounds 11–30), compound 25 was found to have the strongest antibacterial activity against MRSA (minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.5 μg/ml). The result of the time‐kill curves indicated that compound 25 could repress the growth of MRSA in vitro obviously (−3.72 log10CFU/ml reduction). Furthermore, molecular docking studies demonstrated that compound 25 was localized in the binding pocket of 50S ribosomal subunit (ΔGb = −8.99 kcal/mol). Besides, compound 25 displayed low cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells. The results suggested that compound 25 might be further developed into a novel antimicrobial agent against MRSA.