bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The eSAH Score: A Simple Practical Predictive Model for SAH Mortality & Outcomes
Authors: Sharma Rohan , Mandl Daniel , Foettinger Fabian , Salman Saif , Godasi Raja , Wei Yujia , Tawk Rabih , Freeman W David
Published: September 2023

Background

We developed a simple quantifiable scoring system that predicts aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) mortality, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and modified Rankin Scale outcomes using readily available SAH admission clinical data with a new radiographic quantitative volumetric SAH method.

Methods

We analyzed 277 patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) admitted at our Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) at Mayo Clinic Florida between 2012 and 2022. We developed a mathematical model that measures aSAH basal cisternal subarachnoid hemorrhage volume (SAHV) using a derivation of the ABC/2 ellipsoid formula, where A = width/thickness, B = length, C = vertical extension) on non-contrast CT (NCCT), which we previously demonstrated comparable to pixel based manual segmentation on NCCT scans. Data was analyzed using t-test, chi-square, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve, and area under curve analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with stepwise elimination of variables not contributing to the model (0.05 significance level for entry into the model) was used to develop an enhanced SAH (eSAH) scoring system.

Results

Using regression and logistic regression, we found that age, GCS score and SAHV were significantly associated with final discharge outcome, prediction on in-hospital DCI, and in-hospital mortality. A weighted eSAH score was developed using these factors that ranged between ‘0-5’ and was strongly predictive of outcome (AUC=0.88), DCI (AUC=0.75) and in-hospital mortality (AUC=0.87).

Conclusions

A volumetrically-enhanced SAH (eSAH) score is a simple quantitative model based on SAH volumetrics, GCS and age and appears to predict mortality and outcomes in SAH patients. A larger cohort validation study is planned.
Efficacy of cardioneurablation for vasodepressor vasovagal syncope
Authors: Chen Zhenhuan , Li Ying , Liu Yuan , Shen Guowang , Xiong Ganwei , Wu Bo , Liu Yanfeng , Huang Xiantao , Li Hongyan , Zhou Haiwen , Xu Zhicheng , Zhang Gulao , Tao Yu , Zhang Fanzhi , Lai Hengli
Published: September 2023

Objective

Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is effective for cardiac inhibitory and mixed vasovagal syncope (VVS) but not vasodepressor VVS. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic benefits of CNA in vasodepressor VVS.

Methods

VVS patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Holter monitoring was performed before, during, and 3 months after CNA. Changes in heart rate and Wenckebach point of atrioventricular conduction before and after ablation were compared.

Results

Thirty-five patients were enrolled, 18 men and 17 women. Mean age was 47.48 ± 16.49 years. Median duration of syncope was 24.0 months (range, 2.5–66.0). Median number of syncope episodes before treatment was two (range, 2–4). The time domain indexes of heart rate variability, mean heart rate, maximum heart rate, and minimum heart rate were significantly higher 3 months after CNA. Mean follow-up was 11 ± 4.67 months. Recurrent syncope occurred in two patients with vasodepressor VVS, one of them with presyncope symptoms in vasodepressor type; and one patient occurred with mixed VVS, without presyncope symptoms. No serious complications occurred. CNA is safe and effective in the treatment of vasodepressor VVS.

Conclusions

CNA is effective for treating vasodepressor VVS. Our study provides a theoretical basis for individualization of treatment in patients with vasodepressor VVS.
Blood-based transcriptomic biomarkers are predictive of neurodegeneration rather than Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shvetcov Artur , Thomson Shannon , Spathos Jessica , Cho Ann-Na , Wilkins Heather M. , Andrews Shea J. , Delerue Fabien , Couttas Timothy A. , Issar Jasmeen Kaur , Isik Finula , Kaur Simran , Drummond Eleanor , Dobson-Stone Carol , Duffy Shantel L. , Rogers Natasha M. , Catchpoole Daniel , Gold Wendy A. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Brown David A. , Finney Caitlin A.
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing global health crisis, affecting millions and incurring substantial economic costs. However, clinical diagnosis remains challenging, with misdiagnoses and underdiagnoses prevalent. There is an increased focus on putative, blood-based biomarkers that may be useful for the diagnosis, as well as early detection, of AD. In the present study, we used an unbiased combination of machine learning and functional network analyses to identify blood gene biomarker candidates in AD. Using supervised machine learning, we also determine whether these candidates were indeed unique to AD or whether they were indicative of other neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our analyses showed that genes involved in spliceosome assembly, RNA binding, transcription, protein synthesis, mitoribosomes, and NADH dehydrogenase were the best performing genes for identifying AD patients relative to cognitively healthy controls. This transcriptomic signature, however, was not unique to AD and subsequent machine learning showed that this signature could also predict PD and ALS relative to controls without neurodegenerative disease. Combined, our results suggest that mRNA from whole blood can indeed be used to screen for patients with neurodegeneration but may be less effective at diagnosing the specific neurodegenerative disease.
Drug-induced liver injury associated with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
Authors: Shi Alan , Nguyen Harold , Kuo C. Benson , Beringer Paul M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) have been established in prospective clinical trials. Liver function test elevations were observed in a greater proportion of patients receiving ETI compared with placebo; however, the relatively small number of patients and short duration of study preclude detection of rare but clinically significant associations with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). To address this gap, we assessed the real-world risk of DILI associated with ETI through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

Disproportionality analyses were conducted on FAERS data from the fourth quarter of 2019 through the third quarter of 2022. Comparative patient demographics, onset time and outcomes for ETI-DILI were also obtained.

Results

452 reports of DILI associated with ETI were found, representing 2.1% of all adverse event reports for ETI. All disproportionality measures were significant for ETI-DILI at p < 0.05; the reporting odds ratio (ROR) was comparable to that of drugs classified by FDA as “Most-DILI concern”. The most notable demographic finding was a male majority for ETI-DILI compared to a female majority for non ETI-DILI. Median ETI-DILI onset time was 50.5 days, and hospitalization was the second most common complication.

Conclusion

Using FAERS data, ETI was found to be disproportionality associated with DILI. Future research is needed to investigate the hepatotoxic mechanisms and assess potential mitigation strategies for ETI-induced hepatotoxicity.

Article Highlights

Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database, ETI and DILI were found to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) for all disproportionality measures (PRR, ROR, IC, EGBM, Yates’ chi-squared).

The ROR for ETI-DILI is greater than that of many “Most-DILI concern” drugs in the FDA DILIRank dataset but is not within the top 20 drugs associated with DILI.

Patient reports for ETI-DILI were predominately male, in contrast to patient reports for other drugs and DILI.

“Hospitalization” was the second most common patient outcome for ETI-DILI after “other serious outcomes”.

Most patients had onset times within 3 months of initiation, several patients had an onset time greater than 1 year.

Onset times indicate that liver function test monitoring should be initiated earlier than 3 months and potentially extend beyond 1 year in some patients.
A systematic review of genome-wide association studies on bladder cancer
Authors: Ahmad Aliyu Adamu , Muhammad Umar , Ibrahim Buhari , Kwairanga Suleiman Hamidu , Garkuwa Usman Adamu , Jabril Murtala Muhammad , Ahmad Umar
Published: September 2023

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common cancer of the urinary tract worldwide with over 550,000 new cases each year, bladder cancer has drawn relatively limited research attention and healthcare interventions despite the escalating incidence and mortality rates, particularly in Africa. Historically, the clinical handling of bladder cancer remained largely unchanged for many years. However, novel research initiatives have heralded a fresh epoch in its diagnosis and treatment, fueled by detailed probing of molecular changes.

Aim

This study aimed to identify genetic susceptibility loci associated with bladder cancer by systematically reviewing previous Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).

Methods

In line with this objective, comprehensive literature searches were conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant genetic databases, focusing on bladder cancer GWAS studies from 2000 through to November 2022. This systematic review adhered to the robust PRISMA standards. To evaluate the credibility of the studies under scrutiny, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed, further assessing any potential bias risk.

Results

The investigation identified chromosome 18q12.3 as the most vulnerable to bladder cancer, revealing four polymorphisms at this locus: rs7238033, rs10775480, rs11082469, and rs17674580. Furthermore, chromosome 5p15.3 emerged as the second most susceptible, with three noted polymorphisms: rs2736098 and two instances of rs401681.

Conclusion

Despite these findings, our understanding of genetic predisposition to bladder cancer remains rudimentary, with the majority of substantial data deriving from GWAS. No additional genetic association evidence emerged from this systematic review. Given the relatively minor influence of our current knowledge of genetic susceptibility to bladder cancer on public health, a call for larger cohort studies is necessary. These expanded studies can potentially unveil a broader range of significant polymorphisms across the genome, thereby enhancing our understanding and approach to bladder cancer.
Capturing recentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection by tuberculin skin testvs. interferon-gamma release assay
Authors: Gutierrez Jesús , Nsereko Mary , Malone LaShaunda L. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Kisingo Hussein , Boom W. Henry , Bark Charles M. , Stein Catherine M.
Published: September 2023

Reductions in tuberculosis (TB) incidence and mortality require identification of individuals at high risk of developing active disease, such as those with recentMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection. Current tests used for Mtb infection cannot distinguish recent from remote infection. Using a longitudinal, prospective household contact (HHC) study in Kampala, Uganda, we diagnosed new Mtb infection using both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) to determine if these tests differentiated or added value as measures of recentMtbinfection. We identified 13 HHCs who only converted the IGRA (QFT-only converters), 39 HHCs who only converted the TST (TST-only converters), and 24 HHCs who converted both tests (QFT/TST converters). Univariate analysis revealed that TST-only converters were older than the other groups. This result was confirmed by our logistic regression model where increased odds of TST-only conversion was associated with age (p=0.02), in addition to crowdedness (p=0.025). The odds of QFT conversion increased with a higher epidemiologic risk score (p=0.038), which suggests it is a better measure of Mtb exposure and infection. QFT/TST converters had higher QFT quantitative values at conversion than QFT-only converters and a bigger change in TST quantitative values at conversion than TST-only converters. Collectively, these data indicate that TST conversion alone likely overestimates Mtb infection. Its correlation to older age suggests boosting of BCG responses and/or longer environmental mycobacterial exposure. This result also suggests that QFT/TST conversion may be associated with a more robust immune response, which should be considered when planning vaccine studies.
Data-Driven Strain Design Towards Mitigating Biomanufacturing Stresses
Authors: Phaneuf PV , Kim SH , Rychel K , Rode C , Beulig F , Palsson BO , Yang L
Published: September 2023

Microbial strains used in large-scale biomanufacturing of melatonin often experience stresses like reactive oxygen species (ROS), SOS response, and acid stress, which can reduce productivity. This study leveraged a data-driven workflow to identify mutations that could improve robustness to these stresses for an industrially important melatonin production strain. This work integrated more than 7000 E. coli adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) mutations to statistically associate mutated genes to 2 ROS tolerance ALE conditions from 72 available conditions. oxyR, fur, iscR, and ygfZ were significantly associated and hypothesized to contribute to fitness in ROS stress. Across these genes, 259 total mutations were inspected and 10 were chosen for reintroduction based on mutation clustering and transcriptional signals as evidence of fitness impact. Strains engineered with mutations in oxyR, fur, iscR, and ygfZ exhibited increased tolerance to H2O2 and acid stress, and reduced SOS response suggesting improved genetic stability. Additionally, new evidence was generated towards understand the function of ygfZ, a gene of relatively uncertain function. This meta-analysis approach utilized interoperable multi-omics datasets to identify targeted mutations conferring industrially-relevant phenotypes, describing an approach for data-driven strain engineering to optimize microbial cell factories.

Visual Abstract
Utilization of Eco-friendly Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids for Gluten Extraction: Investigating the Influence of Side Chains and Anions
Authors: Chen Wen-Hao , Hsiao Yu-Cheng
Published: September 2023

Gluten is a well-known food allergen globally, capable of triggering immune responses in both celiac and non-celiac gluten-sensitive individuals. Gluten comprises two major proteins: glutenin and gliadin. Gliadin, in particular, possesses a unique hydrophobic amino acid sequence. The Food and Drug Administration asserts that the toxicity of gliadin cannot be eliminated through fermentation and hydrolysis processes. A common approach to addressing gluten allergies is to adopt a gluten-free diet. However, the hydrophobic nature of gluten makes its detection challenging. Analysts often resort to using organic solvents or employing multiple procedures to denature gluten for extraction. It’s worth noting that while organic solvents can rapidly extract gluten from a sample, they may also alter antibodies, leading to erroneous bio-test results.

Ionic liquid (IL) is a highly adaptable green chemical compound consisting of organic salts. We modified imidazolium, a cationic structure, with various carbon side chain lengths (C=0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12), and combined it with organic and inorganic anions (e.g., OMs-, Cl-, F-, NO¬3-, HSO4-, and H2PO4-). We used different IL-to-water ratios to assess gluten solubility. We measured the solubility of gliadin in various imidazolium ILs and conducted kinetic studies on the dissolution of gliadin in 1% [C5DMIM][OMs]aq. Additionally, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to evaluate the structural changes in gliadin and its interaction with antibodies after treatment with 1% [C5DMIM][OMs]aq. An XTT assay was conducted to assess the cytotoxicity of [C5DMIM][OMs]aq on N2a cells.

Our research findings indicate that 1% [C5DMIM][OMs]aq demonstrated excellent gluten solubility, dissolving more than 3000 ppm of gluten within 5 minutes. Importantly, [C5DMIM][OMs]aq did not disrupt the gluten structure, did not impede antibody binding to gluten, and exhibited no cell toxicity. This report highlights [C5DMIM][OMs] as a promising extraction solution for gluten detection.
Noise Propagation in Transcriptional Genetic Cascades
Authors: Marmolejo JD , Pedraza JM
Published: September 2023

Cellular processes are inherently stochastic, leading to fluctuations in protein concentration quantifiable as noise in gene expression. Precise description of noise propagation in gene networks is essential for designing noise-tolerant gene circuits and understanding signal reliability in biological networks, but current models for noise propagation are primarily system-specific or limited to short gene cascades. Here we present an analytical expression for noise propagation in gene expression that works for long cascades and incorporates global noise. Since modelling all aspect of noise can be prohibitively complicated, in many situations only intrinsic or global noise is considered, but general criteria for when each type is dominant are still lacking. As an example of the possible use of our analytical expression, we examine the role different aspects of the network have on the balance between intrinsic and global noises and their propagation. We show that the type of cascade, cascade length, sensitivity, and basal transcription rates have an effect beyond simple protein abundance. This has practical implications for designing synthetic gene networks in prokaryotes and improving our knowledge on noise propagation in gene networks, and could shed light on how evolution may shape circuit sizes to balance signal fidelity and metabolic cost.
General Transcription Factor fromE. coliwith a Distinct Mechanism of Action
Authors: Vasilyev Nikita , Liu Mengjie MJ , Epshtein Vitaly , Shamovsky Ilya , Nudler Evgeny
Published: September 2023

Gene expression inE. coliis controlled by well-established mechanisms that activate or repress transcription. Here, we identify CedA as an unconventional transcription factor specifically associated with the RNA polymerase (RNAP) σ70holoenzyme. Structural and biochemical analysis of CedA bound to RNAP reveal that it bridges distant domains of β and σ70subunits to stabilize an open-promoter complex. Remarkably, CedA does so without contacting DNA. We further show thatcedAis strongly induced in response to amino acid starvation, oxidative stress, and aminoglycosides. CedA provides a basal level of tolerance to these clinically relevant antibiotics, as well as to rifampicin and peroxide. Finally, we show that CedA modulates transcription of hundreds of bacterial genes, which explains its pleotropic effect on cell physiology and pathogenesis.

One sentence summary

An integrated structure-function approach uncovers CedA as a general transcription initiation factor inE. coliand elucidates its multifaceted role and unique mechanism.
Bacterial purine metabolism modulatesC. elegansdevelopment and stress tolerance via DAF-16 translocation
Authors: Feng Min , Gao Baizhen , Garcia L. Rene , Sun Qing
Published: September 2023

Purine homeostasis is crucial for cellular function and is a conserved metabolic network from prokaryotes to humans. While extensively studied in microorganisms like yeast and bacteria, the impact of perturbed dietary purine levels on animal development and balanced growth remains poorly understood. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this deficiency, we utilizedCaenorhabditis elegansas the metazoan model. Through a high-throughput screening of anE. colimutant library Keio collection, we identified 34E. colimutants that delayC. elegansdevelopment. Among these mutants, we found thatE. coli purEgene is an essential genetic component that promotes host development in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we observed increased nuclear accumulation of the FoxO transcription factor DAF-16 when fedE. coli purE-mutants, suggesting the role of DAF-16 in response to nutrient, especially purine deficiency. RNA-seq analysis and phenotype assays revealed that worms fed theE. coli purEmutant exhibited elevated lifespan, thermotolerance, and pathogen resistance. These findings collectively suggest that perturbations in bacterial purine metabolism likely serve as a cue to promote development and activate the defense response in the nematodeC. elegansthrough DAF-16 nuclear translocation.
Tetrakis(μ-acetato-κ2
O:O′)bis[(tetrahydrofuran-κO)chromium(II)]
Authors: Heiser Christian , Merzweiler Kurt
Published: September 2023

The title compound, [Cr2(C2H3O2)4(C4H8O)2] or [Cr2(OAc)4(THF)2] (OAc is acetate, THF is tetrahydrofuran), was obtained by recrystallization of anhydrous chromium(II) acetate [Cr2(OAc)4] from hot tetrahydrofuran. The centrosymmetric complex forms monoclinic crystals, space group C2/c, and consists of two CrII atoms bridged by four acetate ligands. Additionally, each CrII atom is coordinated by a terminal THF ligand, which leads to a square-pyramidal coordination.
The Amara Raja Group (A): Building HRM Capabilities
Authors: Varkkey Biju , Shaik Farheen Fathima
Published: September 2023

The first company under the Amara Raja Group was established in 1984, i.e. Amara Raja Electronics Limited (AREL) followed by Amara Raja Batteries Limited (ARBL). Its founder leveraged the presence of his family in Renigunta, a rural village in South India, and chose to start the industry there to create employment opportunities. Preference is given to local population in all ARG enterprises. Despite its strong people orientation, the HR department/function at ARG got strengthened only after Jaikrishna strived to make it central to business. The department's evolution has been demarcated in three phases. The first and second phase saw few initiatives, and during the third phase the HR department was structured according to the Dave Ulrich Strategic HR Model. While this structure had been successful until now, certain sections in ARG still doubted its sustainability.
Encouraging SMEs performance through entrepreneurial intentions, competencies, and leadership: serial mediation model
Authors: Khan Mukaram Ali , Rathore Kashif , Zubair Syed Sohaib , Mukaram Aamna Tariq , Selem Kareem M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial leadership (EL), competencies (ECs) and intentions (EIs) on enterprise performance (EP) via entrepreneurial resilience (ER) and risk-taking propensity (RTP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 403 early-stage small and medium enterprise (SME) owners in Pakistan at two-time intervals and were analyzed using AMOS 22.

Findings

All predictors (i.e. EIs, EL and ECs) positively affected EP and ER, except for EL and ER. Furthermore, RTP and ER were serially mediated in linking EIs and ECs with EP but could not establish a link between EL and EP.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reveal that the Pakistani government and business owners must focus on SMEs’ sustained development and prioritize ECs.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in nature, as understanding EIs, EL and ECs in a holistic framework has never been tested before in relation to EP.
Mobile advertising research: a comprehensive domain mapping analysis of 22 years (2001 – 2022)
Authors: Gera Mudit , Batra Dharminder Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the scholarly contributions to mobile advertising by analyzing the publishing trend from 2001 to 2022 from the documents indexed in the Scopus database.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 348 documents were selected for analysis published between 2001 and 2022. The garnered data was examined using a bibliometric domain mapping analysis technique using computer-aided software R and VOSviewer and manually exploring the articles.

Findings

The results of this study discover the most prolific authors in the mobile advertising domain and other seminal works carried out by productive researchers in the field of mobile advertising. The journals in which most instrumental research studies have been published are also identified. Moreover, the co-citation, bibliometric coupling and co-occurrence analysis of literature are also carried out to draw themes concerning mobile advertising research that have been identified and categorized.

Research limitations/implications

This research analyzed a singular, exclusive database, “Scopus,” which limited the sectoral scope of publications. Since the present research uses bibliometric analysis, these studies cannot conduct sentiment analysis of the chosen studies.

Practical implications

Marketing professionals looking after technological advancements may use this study to understand the broad scope of mobile advertising applicability across diverse domains and discuss the trade-offs that may address significant bottlenecks in mobile advertising applications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the latest attempts in recent times to understand the research work in mobile advertising using a bibliometric domain analysis approach.
Research note: conceptualizing agentic luxury in luxury services
Authors: Holmqvist Jonas , Wirtz Jochen , Issandou Amandine
Published: September 2023

Purpose

What role do consumers play in constructing their own luxury experiences? Challenging the dominant product-focus in luxury conceptualizations, this research note conceptualizes agentic luxury in the context of luxury services. Drawing on extant luxury research, the purpose of this article is to develop how consumers may take on more active roles in enacting their own luxury services experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This research note is conceptual but builds on managerial insights from the luxury service sector to conceptualize the concept of agentic luxury.

Findings

Our research note develops a conceptual definition of agentic luxury and provides seven research propositions for its impact on luxury service encounters. These propositions detail how consumers engage in constructing their luxury experience; the roles of consumers and luxury service providers in the experience; and boundary conditions of agentic luxury. The authors further develop the role of customer-as-designer and highlight similarities and differences for agentic luxury between luxury goods and services.

Practical implications

The authors combine the recognized specificities of the largely goods-dominated luxury sector with service research to show how luxury service providers can engage customers for more complete and engaging luxury service experiences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research note is the first to conceptualize agentic luxury. The authors show how agentic luxury fills a gap in the current literature, and our propositions advance the relevance of agentic luxury for luxury service research.
Conversational assistants in academic libraries: enhancing reference services through Bing Chat
Authors: Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the integration of Bing Chat, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered conversational assistant, into academic libraries and its potential impact on reference services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes existing literature to investigate the integration of Bing Chat in academic libraries. This research focuses on its features, capabilities and implications for enhancing user experiences and addressing information needs.

Findings

The findings highlight that Bing Chat’s conversational interface facilitates more dynamic and context-aware reference interactions, fostering user empowerment and personalized learning pathways. The integration of Bing Chat with existing library resources enhances resource discovery, navigational assistance and engagement with visual content. However, challenges related to accuracy, privacy and algorithmic bias require careful consideration.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by providing an in-depth exploration of Bing Chat’s integration into academic libraries, emphasizing its transformative potential for reference services. This study addresses ethical and social dimensions associated with AI-driven tools in library environments, offering insights into ensuring fairness, privacy and user trust.
Do CEO risk-reducing incentives affect operating leverage? Evidence from CEO inside debt holdings
Authors: Bhabra Gurmeet Singh , Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between CEOs' inside debt holdings (pension benefits and deferred compensation) and the operating leverage of the firms they manage, with the aim to examine whether CEO incentives play a role in corporate risk-taking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate the relation between CEO inside debt holdings (CIDH) (pension benefits and deferred compensation) and the operating leverage (DOL) of the firms they manage. Using a sample of 11,145 US firm-year observations over the period 2006–2017, the authors find a strong negative association between CIDH and DOL. Additional analyses reveal that the relationship between CIDH and DOL is more pronounced in firms with heightened agency issues, powerful CEOs and for CEOs with stronger professional networks. The results are robust to various sensitivity and endogeneity tests.

Findings

The authors find strong evidence confirming the expected negative association between CEO inside debt and DOL suggesting that firms with higher inside debt tend to maintain lower levels of operating leverage. These findings continue to hold with the alternative measure for the inside debt and operating leverage, and across a range of tests designed to rule out the possibility that the primary findings are in any way driven by potential endogeneity. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the presence of manager-shareholder agency conflicts can strengthen the inside debt–DOL relationship suggesting the strong role of inside debt in reducing firm risk.

Research limitations/implications

Findings in this paper have implications for design of compensation structures so that corporate boards can establish incentives as a tool for risk management. A limitation of this study is that it is focused on one market, i.e. US listed companies, so the findings may not be applicable on a global scale.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that links firm-level management of operating leverage through design of CEO inside debt incentives (two obvious choices for risk-reduction at the CEOs’ disposal include reducing financial risk through reduction of firm leverage and reducing operating risk through reduction of operating leverage). While use of firm leverage as an instrument of choice has been explored in the past, use of operating leverage to achieve risk reduction when CEO possess high inside holding, has received very little attention.
Banati foundation: using marketing to empower girls at risk and diminish the stigma associated with homelessness
Authors: Abdou Yasmin , Ferwiz Mariam , Osama Carol , Aljifri Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Research methodology

To write this case, several research methods were used. Most importantly, field interviews were conducted with employees at Banati foundation. The interviews were held with three different employees at different points in time, including the marketing manager, the executive manager and the head teacher working with the girls at the foundation. These interviews helped provide details regarding the foundation’s culture which is hard to get from secondary sources. In addition to this, one of the researchers was a volunteer at the foundation for 6 months before starting this research and so had strong background knowledge on the workings of the entity. Finally, secondary sources were used to provide accurate historical information and numerical statistics. These sources included the foundation’s website and annual reports as well as newspaper interviews with the Banati’s Chairperson.

Case overview/synopsis

This case poses the marketing dilemma faced by Banati Foundation, a non-profit organization (NPO) based in Egypt. Banati has offered child protection services to girls at risk since its establishment in 2009. In particular, the case focuses on the foundation’s strategy and operations in 2020. Since its inception, the foundation has been led by the main founder, Dr Hanna Abulghar. Under her leadership, the foundation flourished and won several international awards. The foundation became a home, a school and a support system to the girls who were once homeless. Yet even though Banati succeeded in improving the lives of many girls at risk, the foundation still sought ways to sustain its funds and to empower the girls to thrive after they left the foundation. As the key person responsible for setting the foundation’s direction and strategy, Dr Hanna faced marketing challenges that include overcoming social stigma, diversifying the donor base and increasing fundraising.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for undergraduate and Master’s students who already have an understanding of the basic marketing principles such as the marketing mix (4Ps)/market segmentation and have taken an introductory marketing course previously. Furthermore, the case presents an opportunity to apply marketing concepts such as segmentation, targeting, positioning and promotion within the context of social and NPO marketing. It is ideal for students studying social marketing, NPO marketing strategy, cause marketing, fundraising techniques and social inclusion.
Factors associated with generalized pustular psoriasis progression among patients with psoriasis vulgaris in Japan: Results from a claims database study
Authors: Hayama Koremasa , Iwasaki Ryoko , Tian Yahui , Fujita Hideki
Published: September 2023

Of those patients diagnosed with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in Japan, approximately 30% have a prior psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) diagnosis. Therefore, understanding factors associated with a GPP diagnosis is essential for early diagnosis of GPP in patients with PsV. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify associated factors for GPP diagnosis in patients with PsV. Eligible patients with two confirmed diagnoses of PsV with/without a confirmed GPP diagnosis (International Classification of Disease 10th revision codes L40.0 and L40.1, respectively) were identified from the Japanese Medical Data Center database (JMDC) (July 1, 2005–January 31, 2019). Weighted logistic regression was used to identify associated factors (based on recorded comorbidities) between the PsV only and PsV with GPP cohorts. Odds ratios (ORs) of ≥1.5, associated with a high probability of a GPP diagnosis, were reported for factors with ≥5 patients/cohort. The time from event to GPP diagnosis was evaluated. The highest associated factor for GPP diagnosis was psoriatic arthritis (OR 20.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.06–23.92, P < 0.0001), which also had the shortest time from event to GPP diagnosis (median 119 days). Other comorbidities associated with GPP diagnosis were other psoriasis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis. Treatments associated with GPP diagnosis included systemic corticosteroids (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.98–2.43, P < 0.0001; median time from treatment initiation to GPP diagnosis 180 days). Other associated treatments (other immunosuppressants, interleukin [IL]‐17 or IL‐23 inhibitors, and phototherapy) had a delay of ≥1 year from treatment initiation to GPP diagnosis. Back pain, headache, and fever were also identified as associated with a GPP diagnosis. Patients with PsV requiring systemic therapies are more likely to receive a GPP diagnosis than those not requiring systemic treatment. These data will help identify patients with PsV at high risk of developing GPP and potentially support early GPP diagnosis.
Microbial degradation of plant toxins
Authors: Rogowska‐van der Molen Magda A. , Berasategui‐Lopez Aileen , Coolen Silvia , Jansen Robert S. , Welte Cornelia U.
Published: September 2023

Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although they have many functions, a subclass of toxic secondary metabolites mainly serve plants as deterring agents against herbivores, insects, or pathogens. Microorganisms present in divergent ecological niches, such as soil, water, or insect and rumen gut systems have been found capable of detoxifying these metabolites. As a result of detoxification, microbes gain growth nutrients and benefit their herbivory host via detoxifying symbiosis. Here, we review current knowledge on microbial degradation of toxic alkaloids, glucosinolates, terpenes, and polyphenols with an emphasis on the genes and enzymes involved in breakdown pathways. We highlight that the insect‐associated microbes might find application in biotechnology and become targets for an alternative microbial pest control strategy.
Owner‐occupancy fraud and mortgage performance
Authors: Elul Ronel , Payne Aaron , Tilson Sebastian
Published: September 2023

We identify occupancy fraud—borrowers who misrepresent their occupancy status as owner‐occupants rather than investors—in residential mortgage originations. Unlike previous work, we show that fraud was prevalent in originations not just during the housing bubble but also persists through more recent times. We also demonstrate that fraud is broad‐based and appears in government‐sponsored enterprise and bank portfolio loans, not just in private securitization; these fraudulent borrowers make up one third of the effective investor population. Occupancy frauds obtain credit at lower interest rates, suggesting a motivation for undertaking fraud. These fraudulent borrowers perform substantially worse than similar declared investors, defaulting at a 75% higher rate. We also provide evidence consistent with fraudulent borrowers’ defaults being more “strategic,” suggesting that this population poses a risk in the face of declining house prices.
Molecular mechanism underlying epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Kewei , Ma Chenhui , Gu Baohong , Wang Bofang , Ma Huanhuan , Deng Xiaobo , Chen Hao
Published: September 2023

Esophageal cancer (EC) occupies the seventh spot of the most prevalent malignancy cancer ailments worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer‐related death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is also the most predominant histological subtype of EC, and cisplatin (DDP) is commonly used as a first‐line chemotherapeutic drug for the late advanced stages of the disease. However, the emergence of drug resistance during clinical treatment possesses a significant challenge to the therapeutic success and patient outcomes. Collectively, the epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a process in which transcription factors are induced to regulate the expression of epithelial and stromal markers to promote the differentiation of epithelial cells into stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between EMT and chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, with concrete evidence of reciprocal reinforcement. Therefore, in this review, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ESCC, shed light on the mechanisms driving DDP resistance, and provide insights into the intricate interplay between EMT and ESCC. We have aimed to provide some new hypotheses and perspectives that may address‐inform future therapeutic strategies for ESCC treatment.
Altered functional connectivity of the nucleus tractus solitarii in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery: an rs‐fMRI study
Authors: Wu Ming‐sheng , Chen Zheng‐wei , Chen Xiao , Wang Gao‐xiang , Xu Chun‐sheng , Zhu Yong‐fu , Xie Ming‐ran
Published: September 2023

Background

To explore the altered functional connectivity (FC) of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI), and the association between abnormal FC and clinical scale scores.

Methods

A total of 22 patients with chronic cough after lung surgery and 22 healthy controls were included. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ‐MC), and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) scores were assessed, and rs‐fMRI data were collected. The FC analysis was performed using the NTS as the seed point, and FC values with all voxels in the whole brain were calculated. A two‐sample t‐test was used to compare FC differences between the two groups. The FC values of brain regions with differences were extracted and correlated with clinical scale scores.

Results

In comparison to healthy controls, FC values in the NTS and anterior cingulate cortex(ACC) were reduced in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery (GRF correction, p‐voxel < 0.005, p‐cluster < 0.05) which were positively correlated with LCQ‐MC scores (r = 0.534, p = 0.011), but with VAS (r = −0.500, p = 0.018), HAMA (r = −0.713, p < 0.001) scores were negatively correlated.

Conclusions

Reduced FC of the NTS with ACC may be associated with cough hypersensitivity and may contribute to anxiety in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery.
A multicenter, open‐label, phase II trial of pemetrexed plus bevacizumab in elderly patients with previously untreated advanced or recurrent nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yabuki Yohei , Hanibuchi Masaki , Takeuchi Eiji , Haku Takashi , Kanematsu Takanori , Nishimura Naoki , Toyoda Yuko , Mitsuhashi Atsushi , Otsuka Kenji , Sato Seidai , Goto Hisatsugu , Yoneda Hiroto , Ogino Hirokazu , Nokihara Hiroshi , Tsutomu Shinohara , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: September 2023

Background

Although the incidence of lung cancer in elderly individuals has been increasing in recent years, the number of clinical trials designed specifically for elderly patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still limited. To fulfill this unmet medical need, we conducted a phase II study to elucidate the efficacy of pemetrexed (PEM) plus bevacizumab (Bev) combination chemotherapy in elderly patients with nonsquamous NSCLC.

Methods

A total of 29 elderly patients (≥75 years old) with nonsquamous NSCLC were enrolled in this multicenter, open‐label, phase II study, and 27 patients were finally analyzed. PEM at 500 mg/m2 on day 1 plus Bev at 15 mg/kg on day 1 were administered triweekly. The primary endpoint was the investigator‐assessed objective response rate.

Results

The median age at initiating chemotherapy was 80 years old. Almost all patients (92.6%) had adenocarcinoma histology. The median number of cycles administered was 6, and the objective response rate was 40.7%. The median progression‐free survival, overall survival and 1‐year survival were 8.8 months, 27.2 months and 79%, respectively. The treatment was well‐tolerated, and no treatment‐related death was observed.

Conclusion

Combination chemotherapy with PEM plus Bev in elderly patients with previously untreated advanced non‐squamous NSCLC exhibited favorable antitumor activity and tolerability, suggesting that a combination of PEM plus Bev might be a promising treatment option for this population.
Presidential Cues and the Nationalization of Congressional Rhetoric, 1973–2016
Authors: Noble Benjamin S.
Published: September 2023

Presidents occupy a unique role as both the head of the executive branch and a de facto party leader. They nationalize politics and polarize lawmaking. Members of Congress know this, and they leverage the president's symbolic power to heighten political conflict. I argue that lawmakers, particularly those in the nonpresidential party, invoke the president to nationalize legislative debate and polarize constituent opinion. Using the text of House and Senate floor speeches between 1973 and 2016 and a within‐member panel design, I find that legislators reference the president more frequently in the out‐party and increasingly so as a district's media environment becomes more nationalized. Presidential references are also moderated by constituency partisanship. I support the behavioral implications with a vignette experiment: when a Republican Senator invokes President Biden in a policy speech, Republican respondents increase approval of that Senator and oppose political compromise. This research highlights the institutional consequences of nationalization and negative partisanship.
Simple roads to failure, complex paths to success: An evaluation of conditions explaining perceived fit of an organizational occupational health intervention
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Tafvelin Susanne , Nielsen Karina , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Miech Edward J. , Hasson Henna , Edwards Kasper , Abildgaard Johan Simonsen , Sørensen Ole Henning
Published: September 2023

Organizational occupational health interventions (OOHIs) that are perceived by employees as relevant for their workplace are more likely to be implemented successfully, yet little is known about the conditions that produce such perceptions. This study identifies the conditions that create a perception among employees that an intervention fits their organization as well as the conditions that result in low levels of perceived fit. We used two‐wave data from 40 Danish preschools that underwent a quasi‐experimental OOHI. Perceived fit was assessed through employee ratings at follow‐up, while survey responses from implementation team members at five time points were used to assess four context and 14 process factors. The results of a coincidence analysis showed that high levels of perceived fit were achieved through two paths. Each path consisted of a lack of co‐occurring changes together with either very high levels of managerial support (path_1) or a combination of implementation team role clarity, staff involvement, and team learning (path_2). In contrast, low levels of perceived fit were brought about by single factors: limited leader support, low degree of role clarity, or concurrent organizational changes. The findings reveal the complexity involved in implementing OOHIs and offer insights into reasons they may fail.