bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Outcomes Audit for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP) After 2-stage Palate Repair
Authors: Kurimori Érika Tiemi , Garib Daniela , Graziadei Silvia Maria , Sathler Renata , Dalben Gisele da Silva , Lauris Rita de Cassia Moura Carvalho , Souza-Brosco Telma Vidoto , Nobrega Eudes Soares de Sá , Alonso Nivaldo , Tonello Cristiano , Ozawa Terumi Okada
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To assess the impact of 1 and 2-stage palatoplasty protocol on the dental arch relationships in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in a single center.

Methods:

Our study consisted of 349 individuals divided into 2 groups according to the palatoplasty protocol. Two-stage group comprised 169 subjects with UCLP (mean age: 6.9 y, 110 male and 59 female) who underwent lip, nasal ala, and anterior palate repair with vomer flap from 3 to 6 months (first surgery stage). Soft palate repair occurred from 12 to 18 months (second surgery stage). The one-stage group comprised 180 subjects with UCLP (mean age: 7.2 y, 108 male and 72 female) who underwent 1-stage palatoplasty. Dental models were evaluated by 3 experienced orthodontists applying Goslon Yardstick and the 5-year-old index (FYOI). The influence of the palatoplasty technique and surgeon factor on the interarch relationship was evaluated. The weighted Kappa was used to assess intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements for comparisons of dental arch relationships. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the χ2 test (P<0.05).

Results:

The intraexaminer reliability was very good (0.81 to 0.98) and interexaminer reliability varied from satisfactory to very good (0.56 to 0.83). The mean occlusal index of the 2-stage and 1-stage groups was 2.77 and 3.03, respectively. The variability of the mean index between surgeons varied from 2.38 to 3.2 in the 2-stage group and 2.91 to 3.2 in the 1-stage group.There were significant differences in the frequency of Goslon 5 index (P=0.002) between groups, with the 2-stage group presenting less cases (1.18%) than the group 1-stage (11.11%).

Conclusion:

The interarch relationship was similar for both palate repair protocols. Two-stage palatoplasty showed a decreased prevalence of Goslon index 5.
The Relationship Between Small Peritoneal Flap Defects and Postoperative Seroma in TAPP Repair of Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Zarbaliyev Elbrus , Turhan Nihan , Dündar Faruk , Sevmiş Murat , Çelik Sebahattain , Çağlikülekçi Mehmet
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Total abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) is one of the most frequently used surgical treatment methods in the treatment of inguinal hernia (IH). One of the most common early postoperative complications after hernia repair is seroma/hematoma. In this study, we aimed to study the role of unclosed peritoneal flap defects on the development of postoperative seroma.

Material and Methods:

The study was performed retrospectively in 2 university hospitals. All patients over the age of 18 years who underwent laparoscopic TAPP surgery in Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital General Surgery Clinic and Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine General Surgery Clinic between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, were included. Patients were divided into those with peritoneal defects (group 1) and those without (group 2). Whether there was a peritoneal defect or not was compiled from video recordings. In addition, risk factors affecting the development of seroma were determined.

Results:

A total of 250 patients, 16 (6.4%) women and 234 (93.6%) men, were included in the study. There were bilateral hernias in 35 (14%) patients, and a total of 320 hernias were analyzed in the study. It was determined that an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) III score increased the risk of seroma 15.97 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 4.94 to 51.56), direct hernia type increased risk 7.1 fold (P<0.03, 95% CI, 1.204 to 42.422), hernia descending into scrotum increased risk 22.48 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 6.66 to 75.84) and closure of the peritoneal flap completely without leaving any defect increased the risk of seroma 8.67 fold (P<0.001, 95% CI, 3.254 to 23.115).

Conclusions:

The presence or leaving of small-diameter defects on the peritoneal flap may reduce seroma development without increasing the risk of complications. Prospective randomized studies are required to reach definitive conclusions.
Peter Damian Richardson. 22 August 1935—21 April 2020
Authors: Launder FRS Brian
Published: August 2023

Peter Richardson, over a remarkably diverse career, made outstanding contributions to biomedical engineering in the performance of artificial lungs and in the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombi. Despite difficult teenage years, he read mechanical engineering at Imperial College, London, continuing thereafter to complete a PhD on heat transfer from rotating discs. He obtained a post-doctoral position in a similar field at Brown University that led to an academic appointment there that lasted throughout his career. Following his first sabbatical leave, he became deeply interested in physiological flows. This led to an intensive and productive period of research with Pierre Galletti in advancing the development of the artificial lung. When it became evident that artificial lungs, like their natural counterpart, suffered similar problems of depositions on artery walls and thrombi, he re-directed his research to diagnosing and alleviating these problems, collaborating in this research for over 30 years with Gustav Born FRS. At Brown, besides his research, he is affectionately remembered for his roles in chairing at senior levels often challenging committee meetings.
Acquiring bifidobacteria species from formula-fed and breast-fed newborns: identifying, quantifying and creating an antibiogram
Authors: Kammara Rajagopal , Nellikka Anagha
Published: August 2023

After examining the

Bifidobacterium

spp. population in faeces samples from breast-fed and formula-fed infants, an antibiogram was created. The prevalence of

Bifidobacterium

spp. in faeces was determined using common bacterial growth media, including Man Rogos Sharpe (MRS), Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), Luria Bertani (LB) broth and Bifidobacteria agar. According to the findings, formula-fed babies had a low population of

Bifidobacterium

spp. in their stools while breast-fed babies had a high population. By using phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and xfp (xylose/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase) genes, and RFLP mapping of

Bifidobacterium

isolates, it was possible to identify a new and unique

Bifidobacterium

species. The intensity of the reddish brown colour produced during the F6PPK (fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase) assay is an accurate indicator of the proportion of various bifidobacteria present. Bifidobacteria agar media produced the greatest amounts of bifidobacteria diversity and recovery. Small (SCV) and Big colony variations (BCV) were formed during growth on different media. The various antibiotic MIC values changed depending on the use of different media, growth circumstances, bile salt treatment and low pH. The findings of this study demonstrate that test conditions also impact the diversity of microbiological conditions that distinguish between resistant and susceptible bacteria.
A modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (mKB) method for accurately testing tigecycline susceptibility: a nation-wide multicenter comparative study
Authors: Yin Dandan , Guo Yan , Han Renru , Yang Yang , Zhu Demei , Hu Fupin
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Tigecycline is one of the important antibiotics available for treating infection caused by multiple-drug resistant pathogens. However, the conventional AST methods which are commonly used in clinical microbiology laboratories usually lead to false intermediate or resistant results in testing tigecycline susceptibility, and further mislead clinical antimicrobial therapies.

Hypothesis. The modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (mKB) method was performed based on the traditional standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (sKB) method.

Aim. To evaluate a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (mKB) method for tigecycline susceptibility testing, for the purpose of providing accurate tigecycline susceptibility results in clinical practice.

Methodology. A total of 4271 nonduplicate clinical strains were isolated from 37 hospitals across China to perform the mKB method, standard Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion (sKB) method, comparing with the reference broth microdilution (BMD) according to the CLSI. Parameters of categorical agreement (CA), minor errors (mE), major errors (ME), and very major errors (VME) were used in this methodological evaluation research.

Results. BMD testing showed that 91.3–98.9 % of the

A. baumannii

, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, E. cloacae, S. marcescens, and C. freundii strains were susceptible, while 0–3.1% strains were resistant to tigecycline. When testing

A. baumannii

, mKB demonstrated higher CA than sKB (90.6 % vs 44.8 %) compared to reference BMD. The mE (9.0 % vs 45.2 %), ME (0.5 % vs 10.6 %) and VME (both 0 %) all satisfied the acceptability criteria. mKB also showed higher CA (87.2 % vs 52.0 %) than sKB in comparison with BMD when testing

Enterobacterales

(mainly K. pneumonia). The ME (0.45 % vs 8.1 %) and VME (both 0 %) but not mE (12.4 % vs 40.4 %) met the acceptability criteria.

Conclusion. The mKB method can test bacterial susceptibility to tigecycline more accurately than sKB. For the tigecycline-intermediate or -resistant strains by sKB method, BMD or mKB method should be used to verify the results and report reliable tigecycline susceptibility results.
Minimal impact on the resistome of children in Botswana after azithromycin treatment for acute severe diarrhoeal disease
Authors: Guitor Allison K. , Katyukhina Anna , Mokomane Margaret , Lechiile Kwana , Goldfarb David M. , Wright Gerard D. , McArthur Andrew G , Pernica Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2023

Mass distribution of azithromycin has been recommended to reduce under-five mortality rates in certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, antibiotic treatment of children with bacterial gastroenteritis holds promise for the prevention of mortality and the optimization of linear growth. However, mass administration and imprudent prescription of antibiotics can select for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut microbiota of children. The long-term implications of this selection are unknown and worrisome.

Our previous randomized controlled trial of children hospitalized with severe acute diarrhoeal disease in Botswana evaluated the efficacy of a test-and-treat strategy. Participants randomized to the intervention group who were found to have enterotoxigenic or enteropathogenicE. coli, Shigella,orCampylobacterdetectable by a rapid qualitative multiplex PCR assay at admission were treated with azithromycin and those randomized to the control group received supportive treatment (usual care). Stool samples were collected at baseline and at 60 days. In this current study, DNA from 136 stool samples was enriched and sequenced to detect changes in the resistome, otherwise known as the collection of antibiotic resistance genes.

At baseline, the gut microbiota of these children contained a diverse complement of azithromycin resistance genes that increased in prevalence in both treatment groups by 60 days. Certain 23S rRNA methyltransferases were associated with other resistance genes and mobile genetic elements, highlighting the potential for the transfer of macrolide resistance in the gut microbiome. There were other minor changes in non-azithromycin resistance genes; however, the trends were not specific to the antibiotic-treated children. In conclusion, a three-day azithromycin treatment for diarrhoea for young children in Botswana did not increase the prevalence of azithromycin-specific antibiotic resistance genes at 60 days. The gut microbiota of these children appeared primed for macrolide resistance, and repeated exposures may further select resistant bacteria.
Shared genetic etiology between chronic diseases and heart failure risk: the dual role of leukocyte telomere length
Authors: Wong Jason Y.Y. , Blechter Batel , Liu Zhonghua , Shi Jianxin , Roger Véronique L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Genetic susceptibility to various chronic diseases has been shown to influence heart failure (HF) risk. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these associations, particularly the role of phenotypic leukocyte telomere length (LTL), is unknown. We investigated the shared genetic etiology between chronic diseases, various traits, and HF risk, and whether LTL mediates or modifies these relationships.

Methods

We conducted prospective cohort analyses on 404,883 European participants from the UK Biobank, including 9,989 incident HF cases. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate associations between HF risk and 24 polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for various diseases or traits previously generated in the UK Biobank using a Bayesian approach. We assessed multiplicative interactions between the PRSs and LTL previously measured in the UK Biobank using quantitative PCR. Mediation analyses were conducted to estimate the proportion of the total effect of PRSs acting indirectly through LTL, an integrative marker of biological aging.

Results

We identified 9 PRSs associated with HF risk, including those for various cardiovascular diseases or traits, rheumatoid arthritis (P=1.3E-04), and asthma (P=1.8E-08). Additionally, longer LTL was strongly associated with decreased HF risk (P-trend=1.7E-08). Notably, the asthma PRS had a super-multiplicative interaction with LTL (P-interaction=2.8E-03). However, LTL mediated only 1.13% (P<0.001) of the total effect of the asthma PRS on HF risk.

Conclusions

Our findings shed light onto the shared genetic etiology between HF risk, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other traits. Longer LTL strengthened the genetic effect of asthma on HF, supporting their utility in risk stratification analyses.
ANTI-CITRULLINATED ALBUMIN ANTIBODIES AS BIOMARKER FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Paturi Vishnupriya R. , Uppuluri Ramakrishna R. , Gao Lina , Roberts Charles T. , Nagalla Srinivasa R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Citrullinated human serum albumin has been previously reported in serum and synovial fluid from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and antibodies to citrullinated human serum albumin (ACA) have been identified in RA serum. We developed a point-of-care (POC) test for ACA and evaluated its sensitivity and specificity in healthy subjects and subjects with clinically diagnosed RA and other rheumatic conditions and autoimmune disease.

Methods

The POC test is a lateral-flow immunoassay using antihuman IgA/G/M and anti-human serum albumin antibodies for detection of citrullinated serum albumin-ACA complexes. This test was used to determine serum or plasma ACA levels in a South Asian study population comprised of healthy controls (n=484) and subjects with clinically diagnosed RA (n=354) or other rheumatic (n=103) and autoimmune diseases (n=60), and compared to the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated cyclic peptide antibodies (ACPA).

Results

Sensitivity of ACA for RA was 0.520 and specificity was 0.994. ACA prevalence in other rheumatoid disease was similar to that of ACPA and less than that of RF. ACA was detected in 12% of RA samples that were negative for ACPA. The combined sensitivity of ACA+ACPA was 0.664 and the combined specificity was 0.845.

Conclusion

The ACA POC test exhibits robust sensitivity and specificity for RA diagnosis in serum or plasma and, in conjunction with ACPA, can enable rapid and efficient differential diagnosis of RA with increased sensitivity and comparable specificity.
Noninvasive molecular subtyping of pediatric low-grade glioma with self-supervised transfer learning
Authors: Tak Divyanshu , Ye Zezhong , Zapaishchykova Anna , Zha Yining , Boyd Aidan , Vajapeyam Sridhar , Chopra Rishi , Hayat Hasaan , Prabhu Sanjay , Liu Kevin X. , Elhalawani Hesham , Nabavizadeh Ali , Familiar Ariana , Resnick Adam , Mueller Sabine , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Bandopadhayay Pratiti , Ligon Keith , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Poussaint Tina , Kann Benjamin H.
Published: August 2023

Key Results

An innovative training approach combining self-supervision and transfer learning (“TransferX”) is developed to boost model performance in a low data setting;

TransferX enables the development of a scan-to-prediction pipeline for pediatric LGG mutational status (BRAF V600E, fusion, or wildtype) with ≥75% accuracy on internal and external validation;

An evaluation metric, “COMDist”, is introduced to increase interpretability and quantify the accuracy of the model’s attention around the tumor.

Purpose

To develop and externally validate a scan-to-prediction deep-learning pipeline for noninvasive, MRI-based BRAF mutational status classification for pLGG.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of two pLGG datasets with linked genomic and diagnostic T2-weighted MRI of patients: BCH (development dataset, n=214 [60 (28%) BRAF fusion, 50 (23%) BRAF V600E, 104 (49%) wild-type), and Child Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) (external validation, n=112 [60 (53%) BRAF-Fusion, 17 (15%) BRAF-V600E, 35 (32%) wild-type]). We developed a deep learning pipeline to classify BRAF mutational status (V600E vs. fusion vs. wild-type) via a two-stage process: 1) 3D tumor segmentation and extraction of axial tumor images, and 2) slice-wise, deep learning-based classification of mutational status. We investigated knowledge-transfer and self-supervised approaches to prevent model overfitting with a primary endpoint of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). To enhance model interpretability, we developed a novel metric, COMDist, that quantifies the accuracy of model attention around the tumor.

Results

A combination of transfer learning from a pretrained medical imaging-specific network and self-supervised label cross-training (TransferX) coupled with consensus logic yielded the highest macro-average AUC (0.82 [95% CI: 0.70-0.90]) and accuracy (77%) on internal validation, with an AUC improvement of +17.7% and a COMDist improvement of +6.4% versus training from scratch. On external validation, the TransferX model yielded AUC (0.73 [95% CI 0.68-0.88]) and accuracy (75%).

Conclusion

Transfer learning and self-supervised cross-training improved classification performance and generalizability for noninvasive pLGG mutational status prediction in a limited data scenario.
CD4+T cell senescence is associated with reduced reactogenicity in severe/critical COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chang Chun , Liang Zhaoyuan , Hu Tingting , Yin Zhongnan , Liang Ying , Zhang Ting , Ding Yanling , Li Xianlong , Gai Xiaoyan , Yang Xiaoxue , Li Xin , Dong Xixuan , Ren Jiaqi , Rao Yafei , Wang Jun , Yang Jianling , Xue Lixiang , Sun Yongchang
Published: August 2023

Background

Aging is a critical risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients and may affect vaccine efficacy. However, whether the senescence of T cells impact the progression to severe COVID-19 in the elderly individuals remains unclear.

Methods

By using flow cytometry, we analyzed the frequency of senescent T cells (Tsens) in the peripheral blood from 100 elderly patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and compared the difference between mild/moderate and severe/critical illness. We also assessed correlations between the percentage of Tsens and the quantity and quality of spike-specific antibodies by ELISA, neutralizing antibody test kit and Elispot assay respectively, cytokine production profile of COVID-19 reactive T cells as well as plasma soluble factors by cytometric bead array (CBA).

Results

We found a significant elevated level of CD4+Tsens in severe/critical disease compared to mild/moderate illness and patients with a higher level of CD4+Tsens (>19.78%) showed a decreased survival rate as compared to those with a lower level (<19.78%), especially in the breakthrough infection. The percentage of CD4+Tsens was negatively correlated with spike-specific antibody titers, neutralization ability and COVID-19 reactive IL-2+CD4+T cells. Additionally, IL-2 producing T cells and plasma levels of IL-2 were positively correlated with antibody levels.

Conclusion

Our data illustrated that the percentage of CD4+Tsens in the peripheral blood could act as an efficient biomarker for the capacity of spike-specific antibody production and the prognosis of severe COVID-19, especially in the breakthrough infection. Therefore, restoration of the immune response of CD4+Tsens is one of the key factors to prevent severe illness and improve vaccine efficacy in older adults.
Impact of an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm on Diabetic Retinopathy Grading by Ophthalmology Residents
Authors: Paul Samantha K. , Kim Christian U. , Shieh David , Zhou Xiao Yi , Pan Ian , Mehra Ankur. A , Sobol Warren M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine whether AI significantly affects the performance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading by ophthalmology residents. Secondary objectives included evaluation of AI’s effects on intergrader variability, self-reported confidence, and decision making.

Methods

Four ophthalmology residents at a single academic medical center across all years of training (PGY-2 to PGY-4) analyzed 265 retinal fundus photographs for diabetic retinopathy from a publicly available dataset without and with the assistance of an AI algorithm, separated by a 3-week washout period

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference without versus with AI in five-class grading, as measured by QWK, with differences ranging from +0.010-0.017, p=0.09-0.32. No significant difference without and with AI was observed for binary classification of referable DR, except for the specificity of the PGY-3 resident (71.8% to 80%, p=0.019). Intergrader agreement among residents significantly increased with AI (FK +0.072, p=0.0003). Self-reported confidence also significantly increased for 3 out of 4 residents.

Conclusion

The use of an AI algorithm did not significantly affect the DR grading performance of ophthalmology residents but did increase intergrader agreement and self-reported confidence. Introducing AI into the ophthalmology residency curriculum may be beneficial as the technology becomes more prevalent.

Summary Statement

A cross-sectional study that evaluated the performance of ophthalmology residents grading diabetic retinopathy fundus photographs with and without the assistance of an artificial intelligence algorithm.
Presence ofAedes aegyptiin a high-altitude area in Bolivia
Authors: Ríos César , Rosas Ninoska , Delgadillo-Iglesias Maria de los Ángeles , Solis-Soto Maria Teresa
Published: August 2023

Aedes aegyptiis currently widespread in Bolivia. Although these mosquitoes commonly inhabit tropical and subtropical areas at low altitudes, recent studies found them up to 2,500 meters above sea levels (m.a.s.l.). The study’s objective was to identify the presence of theAe. aegyptimosquito in urban areas with altitudes around 2,900 m.a.s.l. in Sucre, Bolivia. For this, ovitraps were installed at 12 points, and a morphological and taxonomic analysis was performed. The presence of mature and immature forms was confirmed in 3 of the 12 sampling points. Entomological indexes reported: House=13.64, Breteau= 27.27, dry containers= 43.55, containers with water =56.45.

Reproductive populations ofAe. aegyptiwas confirmed to more than 2,900 m.a.s.l. in an urban area with a high migratory flow area. It increases the risk for autochthonous cases of Dengue Disease in the short term. Prevention and control strategies must be intensified to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
Disease modification upon brief exposure to tofacitinib during chronic epilepsy
Authors: Hoffman Olivia R. , Koehler Jennifer L. , Espina Jose Ezekiel Clemente , Patterson Anna M. , Gohar Emily S. , Coleman Emanuel , Schoenike Barry A. , Espinosa-Garcia Claudia , Paredes Felipe , Varvel Nicholas H. , Dingledine Raymond J. , Maguire Jamie L. , Roopra Avtar S.
Published: August 2023

All current drug treatments for epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting over 50 million people(1, 2) merely treat symptoms, and a third of patients do not respond to medication. There are no disease modifying treatments that may be administered briefly to patients to enduringly eliminate spontaneous seizures and reverse cognitive deficits(3, 4). Applying network approaches to rodent models and human temporal lobectomy samples at both whole tissue and single-nuclei resolutions, we observe the well-characterized pattern of rapid induction and subsequent quenching exhibited of the JAK/STAT pathway within days of epileptogenic insult. This is followed by a resurgent activation weeks to months later with the onset of spontaneous seizures. Targeting the first wave of activation after epileptic insult does not prevent disease. However, brief inhibition of the second wave with CP690550 (Tofacitinib) (5, 6) enduringly suppresses seizures, rescues deficits in spatial memory, and alleviates epilepsy-associated histopathological alterations. Seizure suppression lasts for at least 2 months after the final dose. Using discovery-based transcriptomic analysis across models of epilepsy and validation of putative mechanisms with human data, we demonstrate a powerful approach to identifying disease modifying targets; this may be useful for other neurological disorders. With this approach, we find that reignition of inflammatory JAK/STAT3 signaling in chronic epilepsy opens a window for disease modification with the FDA-approved, orally available drug CP690550.
Inhibitory subpopulations in preBötzinger Complex play distinct roles in modulating inspiratory rhythm and pattern
Authors: Chang Zheng , Skach Jordan , Kam Kaiwen
Published: August 2023

Inhibitory neurons embedded within mammalian neural circuits shape breathing, walking, chewing, and other rhythmic motor behaviors. At the core of the neural circuit controlling breathing is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a nucleus in the ventrolateral medulla necessary for generation of inspiratory rhythm. In the preBötC, a recurrently connected network of glutamatergic Dbx1-derived (Dbx1+) neurons generates rhythmic inspiratory drive. Functionally and anatomically intercalated among preBötC Dbx1+neurons are GABAergic (GAD1/2+) and glycinergic (GlyT2+) neurons, whose roles in breathing remain unclear. To elucidate the inhibitory microcircuits within preBötC, we first characterized the spatial distribution of molecularly-defined preBötC inhibitory subpopulations in double reporter mice expressing either the red fluorescent protein tdTomato or EGFP in GlyT2+, GAD1+, or GAD2+neurons. We found that, in neonatal mice, the majority of preBötC inhibitory neurons expressed a combination of GlyT2 and GAD2 while a much smaller subpopulation also expressed GAD1. To determine the functional role of these subpopulations, we used holographic photostimulation, a patterned illumination technique with high spatiotemporal resolution, in rhythmically active medullary slices from neonatal Dbx1tdTomato;GlyT2EGFPand Dbx1tdTomato;GAD1EGFPdouble reporter mice. Stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GlyT2+neurons during endogenous rhythm prolonged the interburst interval in a phase-dependent manner and increased the latency to burst initiation when bursts were evoked by stimulation of Dbx1+neurons. In contrast, stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GAD1+neurons did not affect interburst interval or latency to burst initiation. Instead, photoactivation of GAD1+neurons during the inspiratory burst prolonged endogenous and evoked burst duration and decreased evoked burst amplitude. We conclude that the majority of preBötC inhibitory neurons express both GlyT2 and GAD2 and modulate breathing rhythm by delaying burst initiation while a smaller GAD1+subpopulation shapes inspiratory patterning by altering burst duration and amplitude.
Infant gut bacteriophage strain persistence during the first three years of life
Authors: Lou Yue Clare , Chen LinXing , Borges Adair L. , West-Roberts Jacob , Firek Brian A. , Morowitz Michael J. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: August 2023

Bacteriophages are key components of gut microbiomes, yet the phage colonization process in the infant gut remains uncertain. Here, we established a large phage sequence database and used strain-resolved analyses to investigate phage succession in infants throughout the first three years of life. Analysis of 819 fecal metagenomes collected from 28 full-term and 24 preterm infants and their mothers revealed that early-life phageome richness increased over time and reached adult-like complexity by age three. Approximately 9% of early phage colonizers, mostly maternally transmitted and infectingBacteroides, persisted for three years and were more prevalent in full-term than in preterm infants. Although rare, phages with stop codon reassignment were more likely to persist than non-recoded phages and generally displayed an increase in in-frame re-assigned stop codons over three years. Overall, maternal seeding, stop codon reassignment, host CRISPR-Cas locus prevalence, and diverse phage populations contribute to stable viral colonization.
Cathodic protection of carbon steel in thin layers of seawater
Authors: Génin Clément , Jeannin Marc , Grolleau Anne-Marie , Refait Philippe
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate cathodic protection (CP) efficiency in the tidal zone and its associated processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Specific features of CP in the tidal zone, that is, persistence of a thin seawater film and insufficient cathodic potential due to ohmic drop, were addressed. In this preliminary study, carbon steel electrodes were polarized at two cathodic potentials (correct or insufficient protection) while immersed in 1 mm or 5 mm thick natural seawater layers. After CP interruption, the protective ability of the layers covering the steel electrodes was studied using various electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The layers were characterized by XRD.

Findings

The protective ability of calcareous deposits was increased in thin seawater films. Insufficient CP could promote protective aragonite/corrosion products layer.

Originality/value

The combined effects of thin seawater film and applied potential were never addressed, and the conclusions drawn from this preliminary study give new insight on the efficiency of CP in the tidal zone.
Predicting the effect of bra pad specifications on breast deformation during jumping using a finite element method
Authors: Liu Shiyuan , Sun Guangwu , Zuo Hongfen , Chen Xiaona , Shang Shanshan , Hu Hongyan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict the effect of bra pad specifications on breast deformation during jumping using a finite element (FE) method. Breast deformation is a key concern for women during exercise and can be effectively controlled with sports bras. In most studies, the deformation of breasts when wearing a sports bra is measured using motion capture devices to judge their effectiveness. However, the operation of such devices is highly complex and time-consuming. Computer-aided technology is an efficient way to simulate these experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the breast model was obtained using three-dimensional (3D) scanning. Assembling models were obtained for FE analysis using reverse engineering and computer-aided design (CAD) software. The breast deformation results were obtained by completing pre-processing, solving and post-processing in the FE simulation software. To extend the application of these models, pads of different sizes and thicknesses within the bra were constructed to simulate the effect of pads on breast deformation.

Findings

The calculated root mean square errors were <1%, which indicated good agreement between the FE and experimental data in all the models. Nipple deformation was always the largest in most models. The smallest deformation occurred at the superior position of breasts in all models. In addition, larger pads were not effective in reducing breast deformation; however, thicker pads were.

Originality/value

The method developed in this study provides an effective way to predict breast deformation in multiple positions and is convenient for designing compression bras.
Measuring female discrimination through language: a novel indicator and its effect on production efficiency in Italy
Authors: Agovino Massimiliano , Bevilacqua Michele , Cerciello Massimiliano
Published: August 2023

Purpose

While the economic literature mostly tackled discrimination looking at labour costs, this work focuses on its relation to labour productivity, arguing that discrimination may worsen the performance of female employees. In this view, it represents a source of allocative inefficiency, which contributes to reducing output.

Design/methodology/approach

Female discrimination is both a social and an economic problem. In social terms, consolidated gender stereotypes impose constraints on women’s behaviour, worsening their overall well-being. In economic terms, women face generally worse labour market conditions. Using long-run Italian data spanning from 1861 to 2009, the authors propose a novel measure of female discrimination based on the observed frequency of discriminating epithets. Following social capital theory, the authors distinguish between structural and voluntary discrimination, and use Data Envelopment Analysis for time series data to assess the extent of inefficiency that each component of discrimination induces in the production process.

Findings

The results draw the trajectory of female discrimination in Italy and provide evidence in favour of the idea that female discrimination reduces productive efficiency. In particular, the structural component of female discrimination, although less sizeable than the voluntary component, plays a major role, especially in recent years, where more stringent beauty standards fuel looks-based discrimination.

Originality/value

The contribution of this work is twofold. First, based on contributions from social sciences different from economics, it proposes a novel theoretical framework that explores the effect of discriminatory language on labour productivity. Second, it introduces a novel and direct measure of female discrimination at the country level, based on the bidirectional link between language and culture. The indicator is easily understood by policymakers and may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-discrimination policies.
Governance, cooperation and coordination in large inter-organisational project networks: a viable system perspective
Authors: Tannir Mohamad , Mills Grant , Krystallis Ilias , Kalra Jas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to further the understanding of multi-level analysis in inter-organisational relationships by investigating the interplay of governance, cooperation and coordination in inter-organisational projects (IOPs) on sub-system and project levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the Viable Systems Model as a framework to analyse inter-organisational project governance, cooperation and coordination by adopting a multiple-case study.

Findings

The findings illustrate how governance and coordination mechanisms exhibit a filter-down effect on lower sub-systems while cooperation influence is confined within each sub-system. While remarking the importance of specific sub-systems on the overall project performance, the interplay of governance, cooperation and coordination across sub-systems appears to be complex, with governance influencing cooperation and coordination, whereas cooperation and coordination influence each other with an incremental effect.

Originality/value

This study defines two propositions that explain how multiple levels of analysis (project and sub-systems) can support the governance of large inter-organisational projects. The authors elaborate theory on the interplay of inter-organisational project governance, cooperation and coordination.
The relationship between visitors’ motivations and satisfaction about a Brazilian sacred complex
Authors: Brogni Jaqueline de Souza , Tricárico Luciano Torres , Limberger Pablo Flores , Fiuza Thamires Foletto
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the motivation and satisfaction of visitors, both tourists and residents, of a sacred urban complex located in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive research uses quantitative and survey methods to collect the data. The sample of this study consists of 400 visitors, comprising tourists and residents who were in Vale das Graças, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between August and September 2019. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of this study showed people who visit the site for reasons of religious belief, cultural pleasure and mental relaxation feel satisfied and emotionally touched by the religious atmosphere. It was also perceived that all dimensions of satisfaction significantly influenced the motivation to visit the Vale da Graça; that is, tourists and residents tend to feel more motivated to visit the Sacred Complex when they are satisfied with the contact with faith provoked by the visit.

Originality/value

This research provides theoretical and managerial contributions. Initially, this study contributes to research related to urban religious tourism and the perception of residents and tourists (visitors) in relation to a sacred complex. In general, this research on the subject investigated only the tourist's perspective. In addition, this study also brings management contributions for the destination administrators by understanding the behaviour of visitors to religious tourist sites located in the urban area of municipalities and giving their opinions on the satisfaction and motivation of aspects related to religious contact to visit such sites, thus helping in the management process of the attraction and surroundings.
Assessment of stakeholders' perspectives on infill buildings in the historical settings of an eastern India state – Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Rabi Narayan , Mohanta Ashaprava
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The infill design approach for heritage settings is a challenging task, and it draws the attention of design professionals and residents. The extant literature has advocated for a contextual design approach for new buildings in heritage sites. However, the degree of contextualism for a new building in heritage sites is subjective, and it varies between exact replication and contrast scales. This study aims to evaluate an appropriate design approach for historic precincts of Odisha, an eastern state of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Two prime eastern heritage sites (Puri and Ekamra Kshetra) are selected as cases in this study. This research methodology involves identifying key architectural elements from both sites and a questionnaire (prepared by design experts) based on interviewing 400 residents and 36 design professionals on their aesthetic preferences for the different architectural styles and elements. The questionnaire was prepared by the design experts based on the identified architectural styles and elements of both sites. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis are used to measure the significance of design approaches and elements.

Findings

This study's outcome confirms that most of the respondents (design professionals and residents) prefer the replication design approach with traditional architectural elements of Odisha. Also, documentation of the chronological development of architectural styles and elements of heritage sites of Odisha is done in this research.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a few limitations: first, the land use characters (mixed, residential, commercial, etc.) of buildings in the heritage precinct are not considered in this research; second, this research has not included the financial aspect of infill design and last, the impact of respondents' socioeconomic factors on their aesthetic perceptions is not considered in this research.

Practical implications

The development authorities can use the outcomes of this research to implement a design strategy for infill buildings in the historical sites of Odisha.

Social implications

This research article has documented traditional architectural elements of two prime heritage sites of India.

Originality/value

To date, no quantitative research has been done on infill design approaches in any Indian heritage precincts. This is the first quantitative research on the perception of stakeholders and users on the infill design in historical settings of Eastern India. This research has identified key architectural styles, elements and materials of the heritage sites.
Online or offline environment for co-creating food products – final purchasers' preferences vs their readiness to cooperate with offerors
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of the article is identifying the hierarchy of products that final purchasers are ready to co-create with offerors and defining the place that food products occupy in this hierarchy in the context of the preferred environment for cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

Striving to fill the cognitive and research gap identified during the analysis of the world literature was the basis for the survey, which included 1,196 representatives of adult final purchasers in Poland. The primary data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the following methods: average grade analysis, comparative analysis, exploratory factor analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis (KW) test.

Findings

This study found that the respondents would like to co-create food products which ranked third among the analyzed groups of products with offerors. Most respondents preferred the parallel use of the online and offline environments as places of cooperation with offerors. Among the total of respondents and the respondents who preferred the internet as an environment for cooperation, a group of people willing to participate in the creation of food products was identified. In both cases, these groups were characterized by the fact that their members were not ready to co-create other groups of products at the same time. Food products were one of the two groups of products for which the preferred environment for cooperation turned out to be a statistically significant feature differentiating the responses regarding what products the respondents would like to co-create with offerors.

Originality/value

The scope and the approach proposed in this article testify to its originality. So far, the preferences of final purchasers regarding (1) product groups, including food, that they would like to co-create with offerors and (2) the environment for cooperation with offerors have not been studied. Ipso facto, the significance of this environment for preferences related to products that purchasers would be ready to co-create has not been investigated. Conclusions drawn on the basis of the results of the research constitute a valuable contribution to the theory of marketing and the theory of behavior, related especially to the joint creation of food products. The results are characterized by high application value, making it easier for offerors to take actions better suited to the preferences of active final purchasers.
A life cycle view on unicorn start-ups: drivers of long-term high-growth
Authors: Kabbara Diala , Hagen Birgit
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the exogenous and endogenous drivers of the high-growth of Unicorn start-ups along their life cycle, with a particular focus on Unicorns in the fintech industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs an explorative longitudinal analysis with a matched-pair of two cases of Unicorns start-ups with similar antecedent features to understand holistically drivers over the longer term.

Findings

High-growth patterns over the longer term are the result of a combined industry- and company-life cycle perspective. Drivers and growth patterns vary significantly according to the time of entry in the industry and its development status. The findings are systematised within a set of propositions to be tested in future research.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations lie in empirical evidence, as the analysis is limited to one-matched-pair. The revealed Unicorns' drivers for long-term growth might encourage future research to further investigate these drivers on a larger scale.

Practical implications

The study offers practical recommendations for start-ups with high-growth ambitions and advice to policy makers regarding the development of tailor-made support programs.

Originality/value

The study significantly extends extant work on growth and high-growth by examining endogenous and exogenous triggers over time and by linking the Unicorn-life cycle to the industry life cycle, an approach which has, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, not yet been applied.
Hands up for homework: exploring inter-sessional activities in coaching
Authors: Passmore Jonathan , Day Claudia , Wang Qing
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The use of “homework”, activities outside of the classroom or session, is widely applied in a range of disciplines including teaching, therapy and training. The argument advanced by advocates is that it provides an opportunity to consolidate knowledge learnt in the classroom and develop mastery in an applied environment. However, the use of homework has not been widely discussed or researched within business coaching, which is a form of personal development. This exploratory study aims to examine whether homework, as a coaching intervention, may enhance the clients' learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from eight early career coaches and eight coaching clients. Not all clients were related to the coaches. Each client had experienced a minimum of three coaching sessions. Interviews were recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. The study explored the use of (1) client-led, (2) coach-led and (3) collaboratively developed homework during the engagements.

Findings

The findings indicated that homework is widely used and was perceived to have mixed effects. The positioning of the homework by the coach, including the terminology used to describe the activity, and the type of work can affect the level of engagement and thus the perceived value generated.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the nature of “homework” in coaching. More work is needed to better inform the use of “homework” in coaching practice, including the type of work and how this is agreed with different types of clients, for example, should homework be coach, collaborative or client led?