bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of oscillatory growth prepares fungal hyphae for fusion
Authors: Wernet Valentin , Kumpost Vojtech , Mikut Ralf , Hilbert Lennart , Fischer Reinhard
Published: September 2022

Communication is crucial for organismic interactions, from bacteria, to fungi, to humans. Humans may use the visual sense to monitor the environment before starting acoustic interactions. In comparison, fungi lack a visual system, instead, hyphae use a cell-to-cell dialogue based on secreted signaling molecules to orchestrate cell fusion and establish hyphal networks. Hyphae alternate roles as signal-sender and signal-receiver, as can be visualized via the putative signaling protein, Soft, which is recruited in an oscillatory manner to the respective cytoplasmic membrane of interacting hyphae. Here, we show that signal oscillations already occur in single hyphae of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the absence of a potential fusion partner. They occurred in the same phase as growth oscillations. Once two fusion partners came into each other’s vicinity, their oscillation frequencies slowed down (entrainment phase) and transit into anti-phasic synchronization of the two cells’ oscillations with frequencies of 130 +/-20 sec. Single-cell oscillations, transient entrainment, and anti-phasic oscillations were reproduced by a mathematical model where nearby hyphae can absorb and secrete a limited molecular signaling component into a shared extra-cellular space. We show that intracellular Ca2+ concentrations oscillate in two approaching hyphae, and depletion of Ca2+ in the surrounding affected vesicle-driven extension of the hyphal tip, abolished single-cell molecular oscillations and the anti-phasic synchronization of two hyphae. Our results suggest that single hyphae engage in a “monologue” that may be used for exploration of the environment and can dynamically shift their extra-cellular signaling systems into a “dialogue” to initiate hyphal fusion.

Significance statement

Communication at the cellular level often relies on chemical signal exchange. One prominent example is the fusion of fungal hyphae to form complex hyphal networks. As opposed to mating-type dependent cell fusion, cell-fusion events described here occur in genetically identical cells. Relying only on one chemical signaling channel raises the question of how communication is initiated. We discovered that individual hyphae constantly perform signal oscillations, comparable to a cellular “monologue” until they meet another hypha with which they then coordinate signal oscillations in a cell-to-cell dialogue. We also show that signal oscillations are mechanistically interlinked with calcium-dependent growth oscillations. Although the signaling molecule(s) has not been identified yet, it is highly likely linked to the hyphal growth machinery.
Separate roles of LMAN1 and MCFD2 in ER-to-Golgi trafficking of factor V and factor VIII
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liu Zhigang , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2022

Mutations in LMAN1 and MCFD2 cause the combined deficiency of FV and FVIII (F5F8D). LMAN1 and MCFD2 form a protein complex that transport FV and FVIII from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. Although both proteins are required for the cargo receptor function, little is known about specific roles of LMAN1 and MCFD2 in transporting FV/FVIII. We used different LMAN1 and MCFD2 deficient cell lines to investigate the LMAN1/MCFD2-dependent FV/FVIII secretion pathway. LMAN1 deficiency led to more profound decreases in FV/FVIII secretion in HEK293T and HepG2 cells than in HCT116 cells, suggesting regulation of cargo transport by the LMAN1/MCFD2 pathway varies in different cell types. Using these cell lines, we developed functional assays to accurately assess pathogenicity of recently reported potential LMAN1 and MCFD2 missense mutations. LMAN1 with mutations abolishing carbohydrate binding can still partially rescue FV/FVIII secretion, suggesting that N-glycan binding is not absolutely required for FV/FVIII transport. Surprisingly, overexpression of either WT or mutant MCFD2 is sufficient to rescue FV/FVIII secretion defects in LMAN1 deficient cells. These results suggest that cargo binding and transport are carried out by MCFD2 and that LMAN1 primarily serves as a shuttling carrier of MCFD2. Finally, overexpression of both LMAN1 and MCFD2 does not further increase FV/FVIII secretion, suggesting that the amount of the LMAN1-MCFD2 receptor complex is not a rate-limiting factor in ER-Golgi transport of FV/FVIII. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism of F5F8D and intracellular trafficking of FV and FVIII.

Key Points

Efficient ER-to-Golgi transport of FV and FVIII requires the LMAN1-MCFD2 cargo receptor complex.

MCFD2 functions as a primary interacting partner of FV/FVIII cargo and LMAN1 primarily serves as a shuttling carrier of MCFD2.
Retrotransposons hijack alt-EJ DNA repair process for mobilization and eccDNA biogenesis
Authors: Yang Fu , Su Weijia , Chung Oliver W. , Tracy Lauren , Wang Lu , Ramsden Dale A. , Zhang ZZ Zhao
Published: September 2022

Parasitic retrotransposons populate in the genome to rewrite the hosts’ genetic code. How retrotransposons use the host factors to achieve their propagation remains largely unclear. Here we report retrotransposons hijack the alternative end-joining (alt-EJ) DNA repair process to accomplish mobilization cycle. We applied Nanopore sequencing to examine the fates of replicated retrotransposon DNA, and found that only 10% of them achieve integration, while 90% exist as extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). Using eccDNA production as a readout, further genetic screens identified factors from alt-EJ as essential for retrotransposon replication. alt-EJ drives the 2nd-strand synthesis of the retrotransposon DNA via a circularization process, thus is necessitated for eccDNA production and integrations. Our study reveals a conserved function of alt-EJ in promoting selfish element propagation, which potentially causes disease or drives evolution.
Markers of blood-brain barrier disruption increase early and persistently in COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations
Authors: Bonetto V. , Pasetto L. , Lisi I. , Carbonara M. , Zangari R. , Ferrari E. , Punzi V. , Luotti S. , Bottino N. , Biagianti B. , Moglia C. , Fuda G. , Gualtierotti R. , Blasi F. , Canetta C. , Montano N. , Tettamanti M. , Camera G. , Grimoldi M. , Negro G. , Rifino N. , Calvo A. , Brambilla P. , Biroli F. , Bandera A. , Nobili A. , Stocchetti N. , Sessa M. , Zanier E.R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) leads to peripheral and central disorders, frequently with neurological implications. Blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBd) has been hypothesized as a mechanisms in the acute phase. We tested whether markers of BBBd, brain injury and inflammation could help identify a blood signature for disease severity and neurological complications.

Methods

Biomarkers of BBBd (MMP-9, GFAP), neuronal damage (NFL) and inflammation (PPIA, IL-10, TNFα) were measured by SIMOA, AlphaLISA and ELISA, in two COVID-19 patient cohorts with high disease severity (ICU Covid; n=79) and neurological complications (NeuroCovid; n=78), and in two control groups with no COVID-19 history: healthy subjects (n=20) and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; n=51).

Results

Biomarkers of BBBd and neuronal damage were high in COVID-19 patients, with levels similar to or higher than in ALS. NeuroCovid patients had lower levels of PPIA but higher levels of MMP-9 than ICU Covid patients. There was evidence of different temporal dynamics in ICU Covid compared to NeuroCovid patients with PPIA and IL-10 levels highest in ICU Covid patients in the acute phase. In contrast, MMP-9 was higher in the acute phase in NeuroCovid patients, with severity-dependency in the long term. We also found clear severity-dependency of NFL and GFAP.

Conclusions

The overall picture points to an increased risk of neurological complications in patients with high levels of biomarkers of BBBd. Our observations may provide hints for therapeutic approaches mitigating BBBd to reduce the neurological damage in the acute phase and potential dysfunction in the long term.
Crystal structure of the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 inhibitor belumosudil bound to CK2α
Authors: Brear Paul , Hyvönen Marko
Published: September 2022

The small molecule belumosudil was initially identified as a selective inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) and has recently been approved for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease. However, recent studies have shown that many of the phenotypes displayed upon treatment with belumosudil were due to CK2α inhibition. CK2α is in itself a very promising therapeutic target for a range of conditions and has recently been put forward as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Belumosudil presents a promising starting point for the development of future CK2α inhibitors as it provides a safe, potent and orally bioavailable scaffold. Therefore, several of the major hurdles in drug development have already been overcome. Here, the crystal structure of belumosudil bound to the ATP site of CK2α is presented. This crystal structure combined with modelling studies further elucidates how belumosudil could be developed into a selective and potent CK2α or ROCK2 inhibitor.
Diagnosing and quantifying post-COVID-19 fluctuations in the architecture billings indices
Authors: Kim Sooin , Makhmalbaf Atefe , Shahandashti Mohsen
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the post-COVID-19 fluctuations in the building construction demand from various angles at the national, regional, and sectoral levels. Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on the building construction industry, a detailed quantitative analysis of the COVID-19 impact on the building construction demand is still lacking. The current study aims to (1) establish a statistical approach to quantify the COVID-19 impact on the building construction demand; (2) investigate the post-COVID-19 fluctuations in the construction demand of different building services, regional markets, and building sectors using the historical time series of the architecture billings index (ABI); and (3) identify vulnerable market and sector and discuss the post-COVID-19 recovery strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology follows four steps: (1) collecting national, regional, and sectoral ABIs; (2) creating seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models; (3) illustrating cumulative sum control charts to identify significant ABI deviations; and (4) quantifying the post-COVID-19 ABI fluctuations.

Findings

The results show that all the ABIs experienced a statistically significant decrease after COVID-19. The project inquiries index reduced more but recovered faster than billings and design contracts indices. The midwest billings index decreased the most among the regional ABIs and the commercial/industrial billing index dropped the most among the sectoral ABIs.

Originality/value

This study is unique in the way that it utilized the ABI data and the approach using SARIMA models and CUSUM control charts to assess the post-COVID-19 building construction demand represented by ABI fluctuations.
Explanatory power of the tourist destination competitiveness index on the control of the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Dempere Juan , Modugu Kennedy
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This article intends to analyse the explanatory power of the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) and some of its constituent factors on national success metrics in managing the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the outbreak control effectiveness of 132 countries during the first semester of 2020. The authors apply generalized linear regression models and weighted least squares models using 6 COVID-19-related dependent variables, 9 TTCI-related independent variables and 12 control variables.

Findings

The results suggest that countries with superior TTCI values and selected constituent factors have the highest daily averages of coronavirus infections and fatalities per million and the highest speed rates of COVID-19 spread. The authors also find that these countries have the shortest government response time, the lowest daily average of the social restrictions index and the shortest time from the first case reported in China to the first case reported nationally.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' awareness, no previous study exists analysing the statistical relationship between the TTCIB and some of its constituent factors with the selected metrics of national success at managing the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fact represents the primary evidence of this article's unique contribution.
Lesson study on two continents: contextual differences reflected in teachers’ pedagogy, affect and processes
Authors: Collet Vicki Stewart , Nakawa Nagisa
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to better understand how lesson study (LS) impacts the pedagogy and attitudes of teachers in varied sociocultural contexts. The authors investigated responses of teachers in Kenya and the USA who were new to LS.

Design/methodology/approach

Teacher interviews after LS were qualitatively and inductively analyzed with Teacher Education and Development Study: Learning to Teach Mathematics as a conceptual/analytical framework.

Findings

Results varied between Kenyan and US teachers. Kenyan teachers reported increases in content and pedagogical content knowledge. They suggested participating in LS was an enjoyable, productive struggle and emphasized the value of planning for lessons and the role of the outside expert. US teachers described consideration of students' needs, abilities, and learning strategies. They described LS as a positive experience, even though making time for the process was challenging. Procedurally, US teachers valued research and collaboration. Although both the process and responses differed, US and Kenyan teachers' reflections highlight affordances of LS.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a small-scale, comparative case study. Future research could ask similar research questions in other contexts and with greater numbers of participants.

Practical implications

Views of teaching and learning and typical structures for teachers' professional learning vary by context; these factors should be considered when planning and implementing LS.

Originality/value

The study responds to an identified need to learn more about how LS contributes to teachers’ different views of teaching and learning, which are embedded in various sociocultural settings.
Towards a contingency theoretic perspective on technology pre-adoption in supply chain management
Authors: Selensky Stefan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Emerging technologies and the concept of Industry 4.0 are on the rise. Thus, available solutions for SCM get more complex and dynamic. Technology adoption is crucial for organizations competitiveness, but resources are limited. Therefore, this paper aims to gain insights into the successful management of technology pre-adoption in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth polar case studies of technology pre-adoption initiatives in various industries were collected using an interview-based approach. Subsequently, the paper deploys transcript coding on the data to analyze information within and across the cases. Lastly, utilizing contingency theory, supply chain-specific influencing factors and corresponding management practices were identified.

Findings

The research reveals eight contingency dimensions and corresponding variables that influence the design of successful technology pre-adoption in SCM (e.g. complexity and criticality). Moreover, ten response variables were identified, referring to the pre-adoption process or organization. They systemize possible options when conducting technology pre-adoption initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to research by systemizing potential influencing factors and responses of technology pre-adoption through an explorative, empirical study. The paper is limited by its qualitative approach and the number of case studies conducted.

Practical implications

The results provide supply chain managers a guideline for analyzing potential influences on the technology pre-adoption process and propositions how to manage pre-adoption accordingly.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to provide in-depth insights into technology pre-adoption from an organization's perspective considering supply chain-specific contingencies. Also, it introduces a new perspective on technology selection as a management process.
Support to sin: a moderated mediation model of perceived organizational support's effect on unethical pro-organizational behavior among Indian nationals
Authors: Sharma Varun , Mishra Vivek , Uppal Nishant
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The present research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the potential harmful outcomes of perceived organizational support (POS) in instigating unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). Integrating social exchange theory with social identity theory, the present study proposes the indirect effect of one's POS as the mechanism that leads an individual to commit UPB via organizational identification (OI). The authors also expect the role of an individual's moral identity (MI) in moderating the relationship between OI and UPB.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research tests the proposed moderated mediation model by using two survey-based field studies consisting of 316 and 178 responses in study 1 and 2, respectively from working professionals of various organizations in India.

Findings

The current research finds support for the proposed moderated mediation model where the POS leads to UPB through the indirect effects of OI. Also, an individual's MI plays a key role in moderating one's engagement in UPB.

Originality/value

The current research integrates social exchange theory and social identity theory in the UPB literature in a logical and coherent manner. Furthermore, the current research also explains the role of multiple identities in enhancing and attenuating one's engagement in UPB.
Social insecurity and varieties of family resilience strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yuda Tauchid Komara , Munir Misbahul
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study is aimed at developing an understanding of the consequences of the pandemic on families' socioeconomic resilience, and the strategies adopted by the families in overcoming social vulnerabilities amid uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The materials for this study consist of semi-structured interviews with 21 families spread across the South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Families in the study represent four different income levels, namely very high, high, middle and low, and who also work in the informal sector. Each family has at least 1 or more members who fall into the vulnerable category (children, the elderly, people with disabilities unemployed or having potential economic vulnerability).

Findings

Two main findings are outlined. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, many of the families analyzed adopted similar strategies to remain resilient. Among the strategies are classifying the urgency of purchasing consumer goods based on financial capacity rather than needs, leveraging digital economic opportunities as alternative sources of income, utilizing more extensive informal networks and going into debt. Another interesting finding shows that the pandemic, to some extent, has saved poor families from social insecurity. This is supported by evidence showing that social distancing measures during the pandemic have reduced the intensity of sociocultural activities, which require invited community members to contribute financially. The reduction of sociocultural activities in the community has provided more potential savings for the poor.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, informants who provided information about their family conditions represent a major segment of the workforce and tend to be technologically savvy and younger, due to the use of Zoom as a platform for conducting interviews. Therefore, there may be a bias in the results. Another limitation is that since the interviewees were recommended by our social network in the fields, there is a risk of a distorted selection of participants.

Originality/value

This study offers insights that are critical in helping to analyze family patterns in developing countries in mitigating the risks and uncertainties caused by COVID-19. In addition, the literature on social policy and development could benefit from further research on COVID-19 as an alternative driver to identify mechanisms that could bring about change that would result in “security.” Critical questions and limitations of this study are presented at the end of the paper to be responded to as future research agenda.
Impact of monetary and non-monetary social functions on users' knowledge-sharing intentions in online social Q&A communities
Authors: Jia Lin , Lin Chen , Qin Yiran , Pan Xiaowen , Zhou Zhongyun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

With the rapid development of paid online social question and answer (Q&A) communities, monetary social functions have been introduced and have potential benefits for both platforms and users. However, these functions' impact on knowledge contribution remains uncertain. This study proposes a conceptual model based on the stimulus–organism–response framework, according to which monetary and non-monetary social functions can help nurture short-term and long-term relationships among community users, and thereafter improves social identity and knowledge-sharing intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study selects Zhihu, a famous online social Q&A community in China, and conducts an online survey to collect data from its frequent users. A sample of 286 valid questionnaires was collected to test our research model by using a structural equation modeling method. In addition, a bootstrapping approach is used to test the mediation effect.

Findings

Results indicate that monetary social functions help nurture short-term and long-term relationships among community users. However, non-monetary social functions only affect short-term relationships directly. Short-term and long-term relationships both have a positive relationship with social identity and thereafter improve users' knowledge-sharing intentions.

Originality/value

This study focuses on users' knowledge-sharing intentions in Q&A communities from the perspective of social. Specifically, we separated social functions in Q&A platforms into monetary and non-monetary ones and explored their impact on the development of short-term and long-term relationships. Results demonstrate the importance of monetary social functions and explain how monetary and non-monetary social functions affect users' knowledge-sharing intentions in different approaches.
Bean counter to value-adding business partner: the changing role of the accountant and situated rationality in a multinational firm
Authors: Samanthi Dinushika , Gooneratne Tharusha
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the changing role of the accountant amid multiple drivers, responses of accountants and situated rationality in a multinational firm, Max-choice Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts the single-site case study approach under the qualitative methodology and leans on institutional theory, specifically Ter Bogt and Scapens (2019) framework.

Findings

The case study findings reveal that the role of the accountant has undergone change amid local and broader institutions linked to organizational culture/norms, the influence of the parent company, global trends and technological advancements. Based on evolving situated rationalities, the contemporary accountant performs an agile role as a value-adding business partner; data scientist; strategic decision-maker; and a cross-functional team member.

Practical implications

At the practice level, identifying drivers influencing the changing role of accountants enables organizations to shape their accounting functions attuned to evolving needs by implementing appropriate strategies and recruiting competent personnel. In the realm of education, it calls for incorporating areas such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, reporting nonfinancial information and integrated accounting software to the accounting curricular and upskill students based on industry expectations catering to changing roles.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the ongoing debate on the contemporary role of the accountant. Capitalizing on case study data, this research illuminates the influence of multiplicity of institutions, different forms and situated rationality within this changing role and extends the Ter Bogt and Scapens (2019) framework.
Bond rating determinants and modeling: evidence from India
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Vasishth Vibhuti , Agrawal Tarunika Jain
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study attempts to identify fundamental determinants of bond ratings for non-financial and financial firms. Further the study aims to develop a parsimonious bond rating model and compare its efficacy across statistical and range of machine learning methods in the Indian context. The study is motivated by the insufficiency of prior work in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify the critical determinants of non-financial and financial firms using multinomial logistic regression. Various machine learning and statistical methods are employed to identify the optimal bond rating prediction model. The data cover 8,346 bond issues from 2009 to 2019.

Findings

The authors find that industry concentration, sales, operating leverage, operating efficiency, profitability, solvency, strategic ownership, age, firm size and firm value play an important role in rating non-financial firms. Operating efficiency, profitability, strategic ownership and size are also relevant for financial firms besides additional determinants related to the capital adequacy, asset quality, management efficiency, earnings quality and liquidity (CAMEL) approach. The authors find that random forest outperforms logit and other machine learning methods with an accuracy rate of 92 and 91% for non-financial and financial firms.

Practical implications

The study identifies important determinants of bond ratings for both non-financial and financial firms. The study interalia finds that the random forest technique is the most appropriate method for bond ratings predictions in India.

Social implications

Better bond ratings may mitigate corporate defaults.

Originality/value

Unlike prior literature, the study identifies determinants of bond ratings for both non-financial and financial firms. The study also experiments with modern machine learning techniques besides the traditional statistical approach for model building in case of relatively under researched market.
Tailored interviewing to uncover the perspectives of children with multiple disabilities on daily activities: A qualitative analyses of interview methods and interviewer skills
Authors: Steultjens Esther , Lindenschot Marieke , Diepeveen Sanne , Zajec Jana , de Groot Imelda , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Ria , Koene Saskia , Graff Maud
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Uncovering the perspective of children with multiple disabilities is important in health care to enable person‐centred health care. For occupational therapists, uncovering the child perspective on meaningful activities is necessary to set appropriate goals for treatment. It is not always evident that children with multiple disabilities can express themselves in an interview. The interviewer should adapt his communication to the child. In literature, alternative communication is widely studied, but a clear algorithm for deciding what to use to successfully gain insight into the child perspective is missing. This study aims to identify helpful interview techniques and interviewer skills and how they can be used to effectively uncover the perspective of children.

Methods

Videos of nine interviews with children with a mitochondrial disorder, conducted by an occupational therapist, were analysed by five researchers. The interviews were analysed to see how well the interviewee had obtained the child's perspectives followed by observation of communicative abilities of the child and the types of questions the interviewer asked. A qualitative directed content analysis of the semi‐structured interviews followed.

Findings

An interview pattern was observed in the children's communication leading to six successful interviews. Children communicated verbally on four different levels and also used non‐verbal communication. The interviewer used five types of questions, which varied between and within the children. The content analysis resulted in two themes: parental influences and interviewer skills.

Conclusion

Results show the importance of matching the type of questions to the verbal communication level of the child and revealed several interviewer skills and techniques. An overview to guide tailor‐made interviewing is presented. The interviewer has a major role in successful interviewing and thus in enabling the inclusion of the child perspective in research and care.
Understanding the Conceptualization and Operationalization of Trauma‐Informed Care Within and Across Systems: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Authors: BARGEMAN MARIA , ABELSON JULIA , MULVALE GILLIAN , NIEC ANNE , THEUER ANIA , MOLL SANDRA
Published: September 2022

Policy Points

In order to achieve successful operationalization of trauma‐informed care (TIC), TIC policies must include conceptual clarity regarding the definition of both trauma and TIC. Furthermore, TIC requires clear and cohesive policies that address operational factors such as clearly delineated roles of service providers, protocol for positive trauma screens, necessary financial infrastructure, and mechanisms of intersectoral collaboration.

Additionally, policy procedures need to be considered for how TIC is provided at the program and service level as well as what TIC means at the organizational, system, and intersectoral level.

Context

Increased recognition of the epidemiology of trauma and its impact on individuals within and across human service delivery systems has contributed to the development of trauma‐informed care (TIC). How TIC can be conceptualized and implemented, however, remains unclear. This study seeks to review and analyze the TIC literature from within and across systems of care and to generate a conceptual framework regarding TIC.

Methods

Our study followed a critical interpretive synthesis methodology. We searched multiple databases (Campbell Collaboration, Econlit, Health Systems Evidence, Embase, ERIC, HealthSTAR, IPSA, JSTOR, Medline, PsychINFO, Social Sciences Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts and Web of Science),as well as relevant gray literature and information‐rich websites. We used a coding tool, adapted to the TIC literature, for data extraction.

Findings

Electronic database searches yielded 2,439 results and after inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, a purposive sample of 98 information‐rich articles was generated. Conceptual clarity and definitional understanding of TIC is lacking in the literature, which has led to poor operationalization of TIC. Additionally, infrastructural and ideological barriers, such as insufficient funding and service provider “buy‐in,” have hindered TIC implementation. The resulting conceptual framework defines trauma and depicts critical elements of vertical TIC, including the bidirectional relationship between the trauma‐affected individual and the system, and horizontal TIC, which requires intersectoral collaboration, an established referral network, and standardized TIC language.

Conclusions

Successful operationalization of TIC requires policies that address current gaps in systems arrangements, such as the lack of funding structures for TIC, and political factors, such as the role of policy legacies. The emergent conceptual framework acknowledges critical factors affecting operationalization.
Maternal plasma diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols in the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hou Guixue , Gao Ya , Poon Liona C. , Ren Yan , Zeng Chunwei , Wen Bo , Syngelaki Argyro , Lin Liang , Zi Jin , Su Fengxia , Xie Weiwei , Chen Fang , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To define the lipidomic profile in plasma across pregnancy, and identify lipid biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prediction in early pregnancy.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Tertiary referral maternity unit.

Population or Sample

Plasma samples from 100 GDM and 100 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women, divided into a training set (GDM first trimester = 50, GDM second trimester = 40, NGT first trimester = 50, NGT second trimester = 50) and a validation set (GDM first trimester = 45, GDM second trimester = 34, NGT first trimester = 44, NGT second trimester = 40).

Methods

Plasma samples were collected in the first (11+0 to 13+6 weeks), second (19+0 to 24+6 weeks), and third trimesters (30+0 to 34+6 weeks), and tested by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation‐quadrupole‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry; The GDM prediction model was established by the machine‐learning method of random forest.

Main outcome measures

Gestational diabetes mellitus.

Results

In both the GDM and NGT group, lyso‐glycerophospholipids were down‐regulated, whereas ceramides, sphingomyelins, cholesteryl ester, diacylglycerols (DGs) and triacylglycerols (TGs) and glucosylceramide were up‐regulated across the three trimesters of pregnancy. In the training dataset, seven TGs and five DGs demonstrated good performance in the prediction of GDM in the first and second trimesters (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.96 with 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.93–1 and AUC = 0.97 with 95% CI of 0.95–1, respectively), independent of maternal body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. In the validation dataset, the predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.88 and 0.94 at the first and second trimesters, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results have proposed new lipid biomarkers for the first trimester prediction of GDM, independent of ethnicity and BMI.
Bot Out of Hell
Authors: Lorenzo-Arribas Altea , Alba Sandra
Published: September 2022

Last International Women's Day, the Twitter Gender Pay Gap Bot mined government data to sensationally unmask hypocritical employers. Its co-creator Francesca Lawson tells Altea Lorenzo-Arribas and Sandra Alba how it happened, and why data is nothing without visibility
Baseball's Natural Experiment
Authors: Kennedy-Shaffer Lee
Published: September 2022

In his winning entry for our 2022 Statistical Excellence Award for Early Career Writing, Lee Kennedy-Shaffer explains how statistics can help us evaluate rule changes in sport
What does democratic management do in Chinese workplaces? Evidence from matched employer–employee data
Authors: Chen Liwen , Su Zhong‐Xing , Wang Guanghua
Published: September 2022

Democratic management (DM) is an important set of statutory employee participation institutions that goes beyond trade unions in Chinese workplaces; however, its effects on pay and performance are unstudied. Using data from the China Employer–Employee Matched Survey, this study examines how DM is associated with pay and performance levels in China. The study finds that DM is positively associated with workers' hourly wages, fringe benefits, and firms' labour productivity on average, suggesting that it is not merely ‘window‐dressing’ as perceived by conventional wisdom. This study also reveals that workplace transparency mediates the relationship between DM and employees' earnings, while the industrial relations climate mediates the relationship between DM and firms' productivity.
Corporate social responsibility: A review of empirical research using Thomson Reuters Asset4 data
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Jia Jing , Li Zhongtian
Published: September 2022

Thomson Reuters Asset4 (Asset4) is a leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) database often used by practitioners and researchers. This review offers a precise understanding of prior studies using Asset4 and their justification for selecting Asset4, and identifies research opportunities. We review 285 studies using Asset4 data published in quality academic journals, analysing: (1) the usage of Asset4 pillars, categories, data points, and indicators; (2) the justification for using Asset4; and (3) research themes. Our findings provide valuable information for practitioners and researchers who (plan to) use CSR databases, including our guidance on promising avenues for future studies.
Use of tobacco purge in a therapeutic community for the treatment of substance use disorders
Authors: Rumlerová Tereza , Kube Eric , Simonet Nahuel , Friso Fabio , Politi Matteo
Published: September 2022

In the Peruvian Amazon, tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) is considered a master plant and is the main curing tool of local healers. Among its several medicinal uses, we find drinking tobacco juice with the purpose of purging in order to heal on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. This specific practice is part of the addiction treatment protocol developed at Takiwasi Center. The goal of this investigation was to focus on the effects of the tobacco purge as reported by therapists at Takiwasi and to elaborate its relevance within the context of addiction treatment. In order to obtain information on this topic, we performed research fieldwork based on a participant‐observation approach, and retrospective data analysis on information from interviews conducted by psychotherapists with patients. As alleged effects of the tobacco purge, therapists reported that patients experienced feelings of mental clarity with the greatest frequency (n = 80), followed by noteworthy physical effects including discomfort and intoxication (n = 63). An effect on sleep and dreams was also common (n = 36) and many found the experience directly related to addiction treatment and the desire to consume substances (n = 20).
Experiences of Listening to Icaros during Ayahuasca Ceremonies at Centro Takiwasi:An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Graham Owain J. , Saucedo Gary Rojas , Politi Matteo
Published: September 2022

Research on psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy has shown that music affects therapeutic outcomes at a fundamental level. The development of such therapies calls for research on the use of music with consciousness‐altering substances, especially in contexts informed by their traditional use. Informed by ethnographic reports, our project answers this call, investigating the phenomenology of listening toicaros(medicine songs) during ayahuasca ceremonies as reported by addiction rehabilitation patients at Perú’s Centro Takiwasi. We found that icaros were therapeutically significant. They elicited experiences of healing by modulating patients’ emotions and the altered state induced by ayahuasca. They helped patients feel safe while guiding them through difficult memories and emotions, and facilitating experiences of healing and learning about their addictions. Thus, similar therapies must carefully consider how they incorporate music in their protocols. We suggest further research to better understand the synergistic, therapeutic effects of music and altered states of consciousness, especially in cross‐cultural environments.
Organizational leadership: How much does it matter?
Authors: Haile Getinet Astatike
Published: September 2022

I study the influence of leadership on organizational performance and worker wellbeing using data from the 2004 and 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS). Our most conservative estimates from fixed effects regressions on a panel of organizations reveal that virtuous leadership is significantly and positively linked to an upbeat assessment of organizational performance, and an increase in worker wellbeing. Specifically, the estimates reveal that an increase in leadership quality by one standard deviation increases organizational performance and worker job satisfaction by 0.27 and 0.73 standard deviations, respectively, while it leads to a fall in worker job anxiety by 0.13 standard deviations. The results support the hypothesis that good leadership is vital for the success of business, including worker wellbeing, which organizational policymakers ought to heed. There is a dearth of empirical evidence on organizational leadership as an institution and its influence on organizational outcomes, which this article aims to address.
Outcomes of alpha‐blockers as medical expulsive therapy following shockwave lithotripsy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brain Eleanor , Geraghty Robert M. , Tzelves Lazaros , Mourmouris Panagiotis , Chatzikrachtis Nikolaos , Karavitakis Markos , Skolarikos Andreas , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To determine stone‐free rate following shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) with/without alpha‐blockers as well as complication rates (individual and classified using the Clavien–Dindo system).

Materials and Methods

We performed a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials that included more than 20 patients (age > 18 years) and examined the use of alpha‐blockers after SWL. Meta‐analysis was performed using ‘metafor’ in R. We report risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The PROSPERO ID for the trial was: CRD42021248108.

Results

We assessed 158 full‐text articles and included a total of 21 studies in our review. There were 1445 patients receiving alpha‐blockers and 1478 control patients. Those receiving alpha‐blockers were significantly more likely to be stone‐free (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16; P < 0.001). This effect was robust to ‘trim‐and‐fill’ adjustment. In those taking alpha‐blockers there was a significant reduction in Clavien III–V complications and, on trim‐and‐fill adjustment, a significant reduction in Clavien I–II complications. There were also significant reduction in rates of steinstrasse, pain and requirement for auxiliary procedures. There was no significant difference in retreatment rates. These effects were robust to trim‐and‐fill adjustment.

Conclusions

There is a modest increase in stone‐free rates in those receiving alpha‐blockers following SWL, with a reciprocal modest risk reduction for steinstrasse, pain and auxiliary procedures. However, alpha‐blockers do not reduce the risk of requiring retreatment.
Innate immune activation without immune cell infiltration in brains of murine models of Aicardi‐Goutières Syndrome
Authors: Wiley Clayton A. , Steinman Richard A. , Wang Qingde
Published: September 2022

Chronic inflammation is frequently invoked as a mechanism of neurodegeneration and yet inflammatory cell infiltrates are seldom seen in brains of these disorders. Different disciplines utilize different technologies and methodologies to describe what is immunologically defined as the innate immune response (IIR). We examined murine models of the human neurodegenerative disease Aicardi‐Goutières Syndrome, where an IIR is initiated by aberrant RNA metabolism secondary to a mutation in adenosine deaminase acting on RNA gene (ADAR1). We previously showed that these mice demonstrated a deficit in RNA editing that lead to MDA‐5 mediated RNA sensing pathway activation of the IIR with massive interferon stimulated gene transcription and translation. As early as 2 weeks of age, in situ hybridization demonstrated that different central nervous system (CNS) cell lineages expressed very high levels of distinct interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in the absence of interferon and absence of immune cell infiltrates. We have expanded these studies to more completely describe the breadth of ISG expression systemically and in CNS using double label in situ hybridization. Within the CNS aberrant ISG expression was mostly limited to neurons, microglia, ependyma, choroid plexus, and endothelial cells with little expression in oligodendroglia and astrocytes except for STAT1. Wild type controls showed a similar pattern of ISG expression but only in aged mice and at levels minimally detectable by in situ hybridization. Despite months of elevated ISG expression in mutant mice, there was essentially no inflammatory infiltrate, no interferon production and minimal glial reaction. Histomorphological neurodegenerative pathology of ventricular dilatation and deep gray matter mineralization were evident in mutant mice 8–13 months of age but this did not show a spatial relationship to ISG expression. This IIR without immune cell infiltration leads to neurodegeneration through non‐canonical pathways that may accentuate normal aging pathways.
COVID‐19 stressors and symptoms of anxiety and depression in a community sample of children and adolescents
Authors: Watson Kelly H. , Coiro Mary Jo , Ciriegio Abagail E. , Dakkak Angelique , Jones Maile T. , Reisman Jennie , Kujawa Autumn , Compas Bruce E.
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 public health crisis has created abrupt and unparalleled disruptions to the daily lives of children and adolescents across the world, placing them at significant risk for developing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Method

The current study used two data collection periods to determine which types of COVID‐19‐related stressors were associated with the greatest risk of anxiety and depression symptoms in a community sample of children and adolescents in the United States (U.S.) from May–August 2020 (T1) to February–April 2021 (T2). Seventy‐nine youth (ages 10–17; M = 13.41, SD = 2.10; 54.4% female) completed a battery of online standardized questionnaires about COVID‐19 stress and psychiatric symptoms at T1 and 56 of these also participated at T2.

Results

The majority of children and adolescents reported experiencing the COVID‐19‐related stressors in multiple domains including daily routines, interpersonal relationships, education, finances, and health. A substantial proportion of the sample reported clinical levels of depression and anxiety symptoms at both T1 and T2. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that, controlling for T1 anxiety and depression symptoms, T2 interpersonal stressors were significantly associated with elevated depression and anxiety scores at T2.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the salience of social connection for children and adolescents, and may also underscore the risk associated with lockdown restrictions, social distancing, and school closures during the pandemic.