bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential N-terminal processing of beta and gamma actin in vivo
Authors: Chen Li , Tang Hsin-Yao , Kashina Anna
Published: December 2021

Actin is one of the most essential and abundant intracellular proteins, playing an essential physiological role as the major constituent of the actin cytoskeleton. Two cytoplasmic actins, beta- and gamma-actin, are encoded by different genes, but their amino acid sequences differ only by four conservative substitutions at the N-terminus, making it very difficult to dissect their individual regulation in vivo. The majority of actins are N-terminally acetylated, following the removal of N-terminal Met. Here, we analyzed beta and gamma cytoplasmic actin N-termini in vivo and found that beta actin, unlike gamma actin, specifically undergoes sequential removal of N-terminal amino acid Asp residues. This processing affects ∼1-3% of beta actin in different cell types. We identified candidate enzymes capable of mediating this type of processing, and used CRISPR/Cas-9 to delete them, individually or together, in mammalian cell lines. This deletion abolishes most of the beta actin N-terminal processing and results in changes in F-actin levels, cell spreading, filopodia formation, and cell migration, suggesting that the beta actin processing mediated by these enzymes is physiologically important to beta actin function. We propose that selective N-terminal processing of beta actin by sequential removal of Asp contributes to differentiating the functions of non-muscle actin isoforms in vivo.
Direct Imaging and Identification of Proteoforms up to 70 kDa from Human Tissue
Authors: Su Pei , McGee John P. , Durbin Kenneth R. , Hollas Michael A. R. , Yang Manxi , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Allen Jamie L. , Drown Bryon S. , Butun Fatma Ayaloglu , Greer Joseph B. , Early Bryan P. , Fellers Ryan T. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Laskin Julia , Camarillo Jeannie M. , Kafader Jared O. , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: December 2021

Imaging of proteoforms in human tissues is hindered by low molecular specificity and limited proteome coverage. Here, we introduce proteoform imaging mass spectrometry (PiMS), which increases the size limit for proteoform detection and identification by 4-fold compared to reported methods, and reveals tissue localization of proteoforms at <80 μm spatial resolution. PiMS advances proteoform imaging by combining ambient nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) with ion detection using individual ion mass spectrometry (I2MS). We demonstrate the first proteoform imaging of human kidney, identifying 169 of 400 proteoforms <70 kDa using top-down mass spectrometry and database lookup from the human proteoform atlas, including dozens of key enzymes in primary metabolism. PiMS images reveal distinct spatial localizations of proteoforms to both anatomical structures and cellular neighborhoods in the vasculature, medulla, and cortex regions of the human kidney. The benefits of PiMS are poised to increase proteome coverage for label-free protein imaging of tissues.

Teaser

Nano-DESI combined with individual ion mass spectrometry generates images of proteoforms up to 70 kDa.
Combining accountability forms: transparency and “intelligent” accountability in a public service organization
Authors: O'Regan Brianna , King Robyn , Smith David
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to consider the challenges, a public sector organization faces combining both transparency and “intelligent” forms of accountability (cf. Roberts, 2009).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a case study of StatePol, a police service in an Australian state.

Findings

The data analysis revealed three themes. First, prior to 2013, transparency forms of accountability dominated, emphasizing crime statistics with the effect of reinforcing internal partitions and inhibiting collective action. Second, post-2013, a greater emphasis was placed on “intelligent” accountability with conversations around process and collective accountability at the operational level. Crime statistics were used less for operational-level accountability and more for attention-directing. Third, changing the emphasis from transparency to its combined use with “intelligent” accountability required strong leadership, clearly communicated strategy and middle-level managers with appropriate skills.

Originality/value

The authors identify a number of important factors in combining transparency and “intelligent” forms of accountability. The authors note the difficulties that fragmentation between forms of accountability and the somewhat amorphous nature of the accountability concept itself can cause. In doing so, the authors provide empirical evidence of the challenges changing from an emphasis on transparency, to combined use with an “intelligent” form of accountability.
Understanding the China miracle from the paradigm of realm economics
Authors: Chen Xiaodong
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The core of the micro–macro paradigm of mainstream Western economics is the assumption that a rational economic man with complete freedom of economic behaviors living in a fully competitive, free-market economy pursues maximum personal benefits. The purpose of this paper is to show the reasons for failure of mainstream Western economics explaining the “mystery of China’s economic growth” and the necessity of understanding the mystery from the paradigm of realm economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of socialism with Chinese characteristics led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the local governments that play a crucial role in the reform and opening-up has the realm attribute. It is necessary to develop a new paradigm for realm economic analysis and promote the creation of new economic globalization and international political and economic order.

Findings

According to the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, “Since the New China was founded 70 years ago, our Party has led our people to create the rarely-seen miracle of rapid economic development and miracle of long-term social stability”. The authors find that it is effective and necessary to explain the miracle of China’s economic growth from the paradigm of realm economics.

Originality/value

As proven by practice, the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the governance system of China are guided by Marxism, rooted in China with a deep Chinese cultural foundation, and sincerely supported by the people.
Solving the dilemma in supplier selection by the group of weight vector with kernel
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Liu Tao , Yuan Wenfeng , Yang Yingjie
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the dilemma in the process of major selection decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the group of weight vector with kernel has been defined. Then, the weighted comprehensive clustering coefficient vector was calculated based on the group of weight vector with kernel. Under the action of weighted comprehensive clustering coefficient vector, the information including in other components around component k and supporting object i to be classified into the k-th category has been gathered to component k. At last, a novel two-stage decision model based on the group of weight vector with kernel and the weighted comprehensive clustering coefficient vector is put forward to solve the dilemma in grey clustering evaluation. Then the overall evaluation conclusion can be consistent with the clustering result according to the rule of maximum value.

Findings

A new way to solve the dilemma in the process of major selection decision-making has been found. People can obtain a consistent result with two-stage decision model at the case of dilemma. That is, the conclusion of the overall evaluation is consistent with the clustering result according to the rule of maximum value.

Practical implications

Several functional groups of weight vector with kernel have been put forward. The proposed model can solve the clustering dilemma effectively and produce consistent results. A practical application of decision problem to solve the dilemma in supplier evaluation and selection of a key component of large commercial aircraft C919 have been completed by the novel two-stage decision model.

Originality/value

The two-stage decision model, the group of weight vector with kernel and the weighted comprehensive clustering coefficient vector were presented in this paper firstly. People can solve the dilemma in grey clustering evaluation effectively by the novel two-stage decision model based on the group of weight vector with kernel and the weighted comprehensive clustering coefficient vector.
Do “inferior” jobs always suffer from a wage penalty? Evidence from temporary workers in Cambodia and Pakistan
Authors: Nguyen-Huu Thanh-Tam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the wage gap between temporary and permanent workers in Pakistan and Cambodia.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantile regression estimator is likely to be the most relevant to the sample.

Findings

The estimates indicate the presence of a temporary employment wage penalty in Pakistan and contrarily a wage premium in Cambodia. Moreover, quantile regression estimates show that wage differentials could greatly vary across the wage distribution. The wage gap is wider at the bottom of the wage distribution in Pakistan, suggesting a sticky floor effect that the penalty of being in temporary jobs could be more severe for disadvantaged workers. By contrast, a glass ceilings effect is found in Cambodia, indicating that the wage premium is small at the bottom and becomes high at the top of the pay ladder.

Originality/value

Despite the rise of temporary jobs in the past several decades, the empirical evidence on wage differentials between temporary and permanent workers is extremely limited in developing Asian countries. This paper is the first research work that systematically examines the temporary-permanent wage gap in selected Asian countries, based on their National Labor Force Survey data.
Investigating the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 on perishable food supply chains: an empirical study using PLS-SEM
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Ponce Pablo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

At the end of 2019, the first case of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan city of China. The disease was declared a pandemic without imagining the magnitude of damage currently caused in all branches of the economy. One of the most affected sectors was food and mostly perishable food (PF), which are more susceptible to environmental conditions. Thus, the research examines the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on Ecuador's perishable food supply chains (PFSCs) during the pandemic. It contributes to new results on the special issue (SI) PFSC response to event risk and uncertainty, such as those that generated the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used are from primary information sources, which were collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 298 companies belonging to the sector, and later the information was processed through partial least squares structural equation model. The convergent validity, discriminate and robustness tests provide arguments for the suitability of the model. Therefore, the findings are reliable and valid for the adequate measures to improve the PFSC due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Findings

The results show that the perception of personal risk (PPR) produced by COVID-19 has caused the companies of the PFSC to adopt preventive policies (PO) to avoid contagion and guarantee the operation of the companies. In addition, the PPR has been responsible for the alterations in the demand and price (DP) of PF. Next, PO and DP have a significant effect on PFSC, which shows the evidence favouring the malfunction of PFSC operations due to anti-contagion PO, the mismatch of DP. On the contrary, circular economy practices contribute to the excellent performance of the PFSC. Finally, the research suggests some policy implications to consider in improving the PFSC.

Originality/value

This study is the first to be carried out in Ecuador's country on the PFSC; its contribution is unprecedented and makes it a road-map to be considered to guarantee the correct functioning of the PFSCs, and it will provide policymakers with valid elements to design efficient PFSCs that better respond to unforeseen events and uncertainties. Future research will focus on analysing the management of PF consumption in Ecuador during the pandemic.
The socio-demographic profile of Spanish adult undergraduates: university-level compensatory policies vs life-course (dis)advantages
Authors: Alfageme Alfredo , Seguí-Cosme Salvador , Monteagudo-Cáceres Yazmín
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To uncover age inequalities in participation in higher education (HE) in Spain, the socio-demographic profile of Spanish adult undergraduates is compared to that of the general population of the same age group (25–54). Specific attention is devoted to differentials between face-to-face and distance adult students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is mainly based on a comparative analysis of quantitative data generated by an online survey conducted by the authors among students over the age of 25 enrolled in Spanish public universities. Concurrent secondary sources have been considered as well.

Findings

Employment and family obligations appear as powerful conditioners of adults' access to HE, their choice of study mode (face-to-face or distance) and their area of study. The possession of previous HE qualifications also appears as an important factor differentiating adult undergraduates from the general population.

Research limitations/implications

The online survey is intended to reveal the main socio-demographic barriers to adult access to HE in Spain, rather than to draw a statistically representative profile of the target universe. The standard methodological recommendations have been followed to control the expected low response rate for the online questionnaire.

Practical implications

The study points to the need to deeply articulate current university-level compensatory mechanisms with macro-level age-sensitive social policies.

Social implications

Life course policies aimed at reducing age educational inequalities are advanced.

Originality/value

The social conditioners of adult participation in HE are addressed through a conceptual framework combining the life-course perspective with the prevalent research approach, centred on the notions of lifelong learning and non-traditional learners' unequal access.
Augmented reality interactive technology and interfaces: a construal-level theory perspective
Authors: Chiang Lan-Lung (Luke) , Huang Tseng-Lung , Chung Henry F.L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In modern e-commerce and omnichannel management, consumers can utilize visual information delivered by augmented reality interactive technology (ARIT) to relate to products and view them worn on themselves. Accordingly, ARIT is increasingly common in online retail environments because this dynamicproduct imagery decreases the gap between online and offline shopping. On the basis of construal-level theory (CLT), this study not only examines the system characteristics that impact the perceived ease of use and usefulness of ARIT but also explores how these system characteristics can successfully affect online consumers to adopt ARIT in retail settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, ARIT is applied mainly in an online clothes fitting context. By conducting a task-based laboratory study, 344 valid samples were collected. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was employed for further analysis.

Findings

Navigation structure, graphic style and information content were identified as the three system characteristics that affect perceived ease of use and usefulness of ARIT. Of the three characteristics, information content has the greatest impact on perceived ease of use and usefulness of ARIT. The study also found that navigation structure, graphic style and information content all shape ARIT system characteristics, and this explains and predicts the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use effect better than any original single system characteristic.

Originality/value

Interactive marketing research indicates that the influence of immediately visualizing consumer–product matching effects creates excitement, arouses emotions and triggers curiosity to explore additional product purchase experiences. This study contributes to the present body of knowledge of the concept of ARIT systems. This is a pioneer research that uses CLT to act as a crucial psychological mechanism that dominates online fitting and apparel appraisal for consumers using ARIT. This study serves as a reference for designing and employing multisensory ARIT applications in interactive marketing to drive online sales.
Does one size fit all? A configurational approach to board effectiveness in limiting the excess cash
Authors: Brogi Marina , Gallucci Carmen , Santulli Rosalia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study, by focusing on a context dominated by firms with a concentrated ownership, in which type-II agency problems (principal-principal conflicts) may occur, aims to depict which board configurations may be effective in protecting minority shareholders by mitigating the risk of controlling shareholders' expropriation via cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a configurational approach and empirically conducts a fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis on a sample of 268 Italian listed companies.

Findings

The analysis depicts three combinations of board configurations and ownership structures that can be considered effective, namely Active Independent Control, Female Active Control and Double Internal Control.

Originality/value

The study revisits the topic of the risk of expropriation via cash holdings in a type-II agency problem framework and delineates the meaning of board effectiveness in a mature context ruled by family firms, like Italy. Furthermore, by drawing on a configurational approach, it overcomes the causality relationship between each board characteristic and cash holdings policies and reasons from a “bundle” perspective.
Organizational aspects of cybersecurity in German family firms – Do opportunities or risks predominate?
Authors: Ulrich Patrick Sven , Timmermann Alice , Frank Vanessa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The starting point for the considerations the authors make in this paper are the special features of family businesses in the area of management discussed in the literature. It has been established here that family businesses sometimes choose different organizational setups than nonfamily businesses. This has not yet been investigated for cybersecurity. In the context of cybersecurity, there has been little theoretical or empirical work addressing the question of whether the qualitative characteristics of family businesses have an impact on the understanding of cybersecurity and the organization of cyber risk defense in the companies. Based on theoretically founded hypotheses, a quantitative empirical study was conducted in German companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a quantitative-empirical survey of 184 companies, the results of which were analyzed using statistical-empirical methods.

Findings

The article asked – based on the subjective perception of cybersecurity and cyber risks – to what extent family businesses are sensitized to the topic and what conclusions they draw from it. An interesting tension emerges: family businesses see their employees more as a security risk, but do less than nonfamily businesses in terms of both training and organizational establishment. Whether this is due to a lack of technical or managerial expertise, or whether family businesses simply think they can prevent cybersecurity with less formal methods such as trust, is open to conjecture, but cannot be demonstrated with the research approach taken here. Qualitative follow-up studies are needed here.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first quantitative survey on cybersecurity with a specific focus on family businesses. It shows tension between awareness, especially of risks emanating from employees, and organizational routines that have not been implemented or established.
Kant, casuistry and casuistical questions
Authors: Schuessler Rudolf
Published: December 2021

Interest in the role of casuistry and casuistical questions in Kant's Doctrine of Virtue (DV), i.e. the second part of the Metaphysics of Morals, has grown in recent years. My own position is formulated in Schuessler (2012, in German), the main thesis of which will be retained here in an updated form and with some shifts of emphasis. I hold that the casuistical questions concerning perfect duties in the DV are not intended to represent casuistry in Kant's sense. Casuistry and casuistical questions are neither equivalent in the DV nor do they serve the same purposes.
Embodying the psychological attitude: types of consciousness in the transformation of culture
Authors: Hunziker Mark , Dunlap Peter T.
Published: December 2021

It is time to reclaim C.G. Jung’s vision of psychology as the foundational science upon which all sciences and institutions would be based, and as the discipline, theory, and practice necessary for fostering humanity’s overall psychocultural development. Jung identified eight distinct ‘types’ of consciousness through which humankind engages its emerging psychological attitude. Jung’s view of psychological development as hingeing on the differentiation of function‐attitudes provides the means for understanding not only ourselves and each other, but our society as well. This paper offers an example of such an analysis by focusing on the current conflict within American political culture. The goal is as lofty as it is necessary: the operationalization of Jung’s vision of psychology as the powerful influencer of human cultural evolution that it has the potential to be. The immediate goal is to instigate the first step toward this vision of Jung’s ‘complex psychology’ by stimulating conversations among Jungians about how they can foster that vision, leading them towards taking up roles as ‘citizen therapists’, actively involved in their communities in cultivating greater empathy and the withdrawal of projections in the interest of furthering ‘collective consciousness’.
Flow cytometric immunophenotyping in a liquid‐based cytology sample of pleural fluid: Connecting the dots
Authors: Bhardwaj Neha , Gupta Nalini , Gupta Parikshaa , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: December 2021

Primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an uncommon non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that is rarely described in cytology samples. The present study highlights the importance of flowcytometric immunophenotyping and immunocytochemistry in an effusion sample of an uncommon case of PMBCL.
Right ventricular functional assessment by 2D multi‐plane echocardiography prior to left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Bowen Daniel J. , Yalcin Yunus C. , Strachinaru Mihai , McGhie Jackie S. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Soliman Osama I. , Caliskan Kadir
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Right ventricular (RV) failure post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A novel RV multi‐plane imaging method using two‐dimensional echocardiography and electronic plane rotation (MPE) was used to quantify RV function prior to LVAD implantation and to identify potential added value in this patient population.

Methods

In twenty‐five end‐stage heart failure patients (age 58.9 ± 6.8 years, 76% male), systolic function of four different RV walls (lateral, anterior, inferior and inferior coronal) were evaluated from one focussed apical view using MPE.

Results

Feasibility of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (RV‐S') measurements were high (84–100%), with lower TAPSE values measured in the inferior (14.2 ± 4.6 mm) and inferior coronal (12.3 ± 5.0 mm) walls compared to the lateral (16.3 ± 4.5 mm) and anterior walls (16.0 ± 4.5 mm). RV wall longitudinal strain (RV‐LS) measurement was most feasible in the lateral wall (80%; mean: –12.1 ± 4.2%). TAPSE and RV‐LS values were significantly reduced in patients compared to matched healthy individuals (p = <0.001). Seven (28%) patients who developed moderate to severe RV failure (RVF) early post‐implant (≤30 days) had lower pre‐implant values across all multi‐plane parameters compared to those without significant post‐implant RVF, notably four‐wall averaged TAPSE (11.1 ± 3.4 mm vs 15.9 ± 4.0 mm; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

2D MPE was highly feasible for RV wall quantification pre‐LVAD surgery, detecting differences in regional wall function. This novel method comprehensively quantifies RV wall function and could complement current pre‐LVAD screening protocols.
Housing wealth shocks, home equity withdrawal, and the claiming of Social Security retirement benefits
Authors: Huang Naqun , Li Jing , Ross Amanda
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the impact of changes in house prices on when eligible individuals start receiving Social Security benefits. If house prices appreciate, financially constrained households may draw upon the additional home equity and delay receipt of Social Security. To address concerns that house price changes are correlated with unobserved local demand shocks, we use a control function approach and two different instrumental variables. We find that individuals delay Social Security claiming when house prices increase during the housing boom period. We also find that the total home loan amount increases, indicating households are drawing upon their home equity.
Role of non‐enzymatic chemical reactions in 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria
Authors: Jones Dylan E. , Romenskaia Irina , Kosma Dylan K. , Ryan Robert O.
Published: December 2021

3‐Methylglutaconic (3MGC) aciduria occurs in numerous inborn errors associated with compromised mitochondrial energy metabolism. In these disorders, 3MGC CoA is produced de novo from acetyl CoA in three steps with the final reaction catalysed by 3MGC CoA hydratase (AUH). In in vitro assays, whereas recombinant AUH dehydrated 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA to 3MGC CoA, free CoA was also produced. Although HMG CoA is known to undergo non‐enzymatic intramolecular cyclisation, forming HMG anhydride and free CoA, the amount of free CoA generated increased when AUH was present. To test the hypothesis that the AUH‐dependent increase in CoA production is caused by intramolecular cyclisation of 3MGC CoA, gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis of organic acids was performed. In the absence of AUH, HMG CoA was converted to HMG acid while, in the presence of AUH, 3MGC acid was also detected. To determine which 3MGC acid diastereomer was formed, immunoblot assays were conducted with 3MGCylated BSA. In competition experiments, when α‐3MGC IgG was preincubated with trans‐3MGC acid or cis‐3MGC acid, the cis diastereomer inhibited antibody binding to 3MGCylated BSA. When an AUH assay product mix served as competitor, α‐3MGC IgG binding to 3MGCylated BSA was also inhibited, indicating cis‐3MGC acid is produced in incubations of AUH and HMG CoA. Thus, non‐enzymatic isomerisation of trans‐3MGC CoA drives AUH‐dependent HMG CoA dehydration and explains the occurrence of cis‐3MGC acid in urine of subjects with 3MGC aciduria. Furthermore, the ability of cis‐3MGC anhydride to non‐enzymatically acylate protein substrates may have deleterious pathophysiological consequences.
Environmental filters of freshwater fish community assembly along elevation and latitudinal gradients
Authors: Kirk Mark A. , Rahel Frank J. , Laughlin Daniel C.
Published: December 2021

Aim

The aim was to identify drivers of historical freshwater fish community assembly by testing for interactions between functional traits and two climatic gradients, namely elevation and latitude. Many studies conclude that environmental filtering is the dominant process of community‐wide trait convergence at high elevations and high latitudes, but a full understanding of which specific filters cause trait convergence is lacking.

Location

Great Plains–Rocky Mountains, USA.

Time period

1960–2018.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater fish.

Methods

Using 2,539 stream fish community surveys documenting the native distributions of 51 species, we evaluated trait–environment relationships (trade‐offs) and trait–dispersion relationships (standardized effect sizes from null models) along elevation and latitudinal gradients in four functional trait categories. We tested whether elevation and latitude exhibited similar trait–environment and trait–dispersion relationships using four functional trait categories (life history, habitat, trophic and locomotion). We predicted that elevation and latitude would have similar relationships owing to shared environmental filters of cold stress and dispersal constraints.

Results

Life history was the only trait category to display evidence of increased environmental filtering along both gradients, with trait dispersion more constrained at high elevations and high latitudes. Trade‐offs revealed that periodic strategies (high fecundity, low juvenile survivorship) decreased with elevation and increased with latitude, whereas equilibrium strategies (low fecundity, high juvenile survivorship) declined along both gradients. Despite the observation of predictable trade‐offs for habitat, trophic and locomotion trait strategies, there was little evidence for environmental filtering of these traits at high elevations and high latitudes.

Main conclusions

Elevation and latitude appear to be environmental filters of freshwater fish community assembly when mediated through life‐history strategies, which is likely to be attributable to thermal constraints on growth and reproduction. Our results support the role of environmental filtering in trait convergence patterns along climatic gradients, and we identify cold stress as one specific filter of community assembly.
The lived experience of a novel disruptive therapy in a group of men and boys with haemophilia A with inhibitors: Emi & Me
Authors: Fletcher Simon , Jenner Kathryn , Holland Michael , Khair Kate
Published: December 2021

Background

People with haemophilia A and inhibitors (PwHi) suffer more orthopaedic complications, bleeding and pain than those without inhibitors. The advent of emicizumab as a prophylactic treatment has led to a reduction in bleed frequency and a significant improvement in overall quality of life. No research to date has examined the nature of this improvement on treated individuals and their families.

Aims

The Emi & Me study aims to capture the real‐life experience of using emicizumab for PwHi and their families.

Methods

Participants were recruited through treatment centres, social media and by word of mouth. Each participant and a family member, if available, took part in a semistructured qualitative interview. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. All elements of the study were reviewed by local statutory authorities and informed consent was sought from all participants.

Results

Fifteen PwHi, mean age 27.2 years (range 8–63 years), most with a family member, participated in a single qualitative interview online (n = 13), by telephone (n = 1) or in person (n = 1). Mean time on emicizumab was 2.26 years (range 1–5 years). Six major themes emerged: bleeds; pain; treatment burden; control; freedom (for both PwHi and family members) and missed potential. Emicizumab prophylaxis has delivered significant improvements in the lives of the participants. Despite these improvements, some participants felt that their pre‐existing physical disabilities and the lack of physiotherapy provision had prevented them achieving similar improvements in their functional ability.

Conclusion

This study shows that in reducing bleeds, pain and treatment burden, emicizumab had given PwHi greater control over their condition, allowing a sense of freedom they had not experienced with factor VIII or bypassing agent prophylaxis. However, for emicizumab to be truly effective, there is a need to ensure the continued availability and accessibility of robust multidisciplinary support services. Without this, it is unlikely that PwHi will realize the life‐changing potential offered either by emicizumab or any other novel treatment approach.

Patient or Public Contribution

A patient participant (who did not wish to be included as an author of the paper) was involved in the design of the study protocol and interview guide.
Posttraumatic stress disorders and influencing factors during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study of frontline nurses
Authors: Bani Issa Wegdan , Al Nusair Hussam , AlTamimi Abdulrahman , Rababa Mohammad , Saqan Roba , Hijazi Heba , Al‐Marzouqi Amina , Abdul Rahman Hanif , Naing Lin
Published: December 2021

Aims

To assess the extent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and severity, factors motivating work continuation, and factors influencing PTSD development among frontline nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has an emotional toll on nurses. Exposure to traumatic events associated with the pandemic places frontline nurses at risk for developing PTSD.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Frontline nurses (n = 370) who cared for COVID‐19 patients in three governmental hospitals in the United Arab Emirates were recruited from November 2020 to January 2021. The self‐reported Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) was used to assess PTSD. The motivational factors for work continuation explored were: work‐related factors (e.g., availability of personal protective equipment and management recognition), family support, and obligation to care. We used correlation and multiple regression analyses to investigate factors that influenced PDS score, including sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, exercising status, and general health status), work factors (e.g., hospital type [COVID vs non‐COVID], prior work experience, and encountering deaths), and factors motivating work continuation. The reporting of this study was consistent with STROBE guidelines.

Results

In total, 36.2% participants had a probable PTSD diagnosis (PDS score ≥28) with most reporting unwanted memories. Family support (95.9%) and management recognition (90.8%) were the most frequently reported motivating factors. Factors significantly associated with higher PDS score were smoking, lack of management recognition, not exercising, and encountering COVID‐19 deaths; the correlation and regression coefficients (b) were significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions and implications for nursing/health policy

Policy makers must expand healthcare policies to address frontline nurses’ mental health as a priority during the pandemic. Nurse leaders must be involved in health policy development to protect nurses in anticipation of and during global health emergencies.
Endophytically colonized Citrus limon seedlings by Beauveria bassiana hampered development, reproduction and progeny fitness of Diaphorina citri
Authors: Ramos Aguila Luis Carlos , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Sánchez Moreano Jessica Paola , Ashraf Hafiza Javaria , Zhou Chenghua , Li Xiaofang , Wang Liande
Published: December 2021

In response to mitigating the negative impacts of synthetic insecticides in controlling Diaphorina citri, the main vector of Huanglongbing, we assessed the effects of endophytically colonized Citrus limon seedlings by Beauveria bassiana BB‐16 on the population fitness of D. citri using the age‐stage two‐sex life‐table theory. The mean fecundity (F) and reproductive rate (R0) of the F1 generation of D. citri reared on endophytically colonized plants (F = 121.7; R0 = 30.43) were significantly lower than the endophyte‐free plants (F = 438; R0 = 197.1). In addition, the values of finite rate of increase (λ) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) on endophytically colonized plants (λ = 1.0927 day−1; r = 0.0887 day−1), were significantly lower than the endophytes free plants (λ = 1.1528 day−1; r = 0.1422 day−1). Moreover, the pre‐adult survival rate (sa) on endophytically colonized plants (sa = 37.5%) was significantly lower than the endophyte‐free plants (sa = 75%). Our results demonstrate that B. bassiana BB‐16 established as endophyte in C. limon under controlled conditions, reduced the population fitness of D. citri progeny and highlight the potential of integrating this entomopathogenic fungus as endophyte for sustainable management of D. citri and other citrus pests in citrus orchards.
Muscarinic signaling regulates voltage‐gated potassium channel KCNQ2 phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens via protein kinase C for aversive learning
Authors: Faruk Md. Omar , Tsuboi Daisuke , Yamahashi Yukie , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Lin You‐Hsin , Ahammad Rijwan Uddin , Hossen Emran , Amano Mutsuki , Nishioka Tomoki , Tzingounis Anastasios V , Yamada Kiyofumi , Nagai Taku , Kaibuchi Kozo
Published: December 2021

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays critical roles in emotional behaviors, including aversive learning. Aversive stimuli such as an electric foot shock increase acetylcholine (ACh) in the NAc, and muscarinic signaling appears to increase neuronal excitability and aversive learning. Muscarinic signaling inhibits the voltage‐dependent potassium KCNQ current which regulates neuronal excitability, but the regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Phosphorylation of KCNQ2 at threonine 217 (T217) and its inhibitory effect on channel activity were predicted. However, whether and how muscarinic signaling phosphorylates KCNQ2 in vivo remains unclear. Here, we found that PKC directly phosphorylated KCNQ2 at T217 in vitro. Carbachol and a muscarinic M1 receptor (M1R) agonist facilitated KCNQ2 phosphorylation at T217 in NAc/striatum slices in a PKC‐dependent manner. Systemic administration of the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil, which is commonly used to treat dementia, and electric foot shock to mice induced the phosphorylation of KCNQ2 at T217 in the NAc, whereas phosphorylation was suppressed by an M1R antagonist. Conditional deletion of Kcnq2 in the NAc enhanced electric foot shock induced aversive learning. Our findings indicate that muscarinic signaling induces the phosphorylation of KCNQ2 at T217 via PKC activation for aversive learning.

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p‐Coumaric acid alleviates cisplatin‐induced ovarian toxicity in rats
Authors: Ayazoglu Demir Elif , Mentese Ahmet , Kucuk Hatice , Turkmen Alemdar Nihal , Demir Selim
Published: December 2021

Objective

The therapeutic value of cisplatin (CDDP) as an anticancer drug is limited by its ovo‐otoxicity. The effect of natural phenolic acids in the prevention of many diseases related to oxidative stress has been reported. Here, the ability of p‐coumaric (pCA) acid, a member of phenolic acids, to protect rat ovary tissue against CDDP‐induced oxidative stress was investigated.

Methods

The study was carried out in five main groups containing six rats in each group: control, pCA (4 mg/kg), CDDP, CDDP plus pCA (2 mg/kg), and CDDP plus pCA (4 mg/kg). The levels of ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), catalase (CAT), 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), caspase‐3, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining method was employed for the histopathological examination.

Results

In the CDDP group, it is determined that statistically significant decreasing in the levels of TAS and CAT, and increasing in the levels of MDA, TOS, OSI, 8‐OHdG, caspase‐3, and TNF‐α compared with control group (p < 0.05). pCA administration statistically significantly restored this damage in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Although vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, follicular degeneration, and leukocyte infiltration were significantly higher in the CDDP group than in the control group, pCA administrations statistically significantly restored these damages (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The data presented here indicate that pCA protects ovarian tissues of rats against CDDP‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. It may be worthy to consider the usefulness of pCA as adjuvant therapy in cancer management.
Imaging features, therapies, and outcomes of fibrosing inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx: A systematic review
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Suh Chong Hyun , Bergmark Regan W , Jo Vickie Y , Miyawaki Edison K , Schoenfeld Jonathan D , Uppaluri Ravindra , Guenette Jeffrey P
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Fibrosing inflammatory pseudotumor (FIP) of the nasopharynx is a rare nonneoplastic inflammatory lesion that is frequently mistaken for malignancy or infection. It is often misdiagnosed by radiologists as nasopharyngeal carcinoma or lymphoma, resulting in multiple biopsies and delays in diagnosis. The purpose is to understand trends in clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes of nasopharyngeal FIP.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were queried for articles related to FIP of the nasopharynx. Articles that described cases of FIP involving the nasopharynx were selected. Studies that described inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx associated with known distinct pathologic entities were excluded.

Results

A total of 19 articles describing 37 patients were included. MRI findings were reported in 32 patients. All cases demonstrated avid gadolinium enhancement. T2‐weighted imaging characteristics were described or displayed for 21 patients: 95% demonstrated hypointensity compared to surrounding mucosa. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT findings were reported for 6 patients, all demonstrating mild FDG avidity.

Conclusions

Nasopharyngeal FIP is a histological diagnosis of exclusion that presents with facial pain and, often, cranial neuropathies. Relatively low T2‐weighted MRI signal should inform the interpreting neuroradiologist to include FIP as a differential consideration for both the ordering provider and pathologist. Corticosteroid therapy is the most frequently employed therapy and results in partial or complete response in most patients. Radiation therapy and anti‐inflammatory medications have also been reported to have potential therapeutic roles.
Raising justice‐minded youth: Parental ethnic‐racial and political socialization and Black youth's critical consciousness
Authors: Bañales Josefina , Hope Elan C. , Rowley Stephanie J. , Cryer‐Coupet Qiana R.
Published: December 2021

This research explored the co‐occurrence of youth and parent reports of cultural pride and alertness to racial discrimination messages—forms of parental ethnic‐racial socialization—and youth reports of family sociopolitical discussions and parent civic modeling—forms of parental political socialization—among 591 Black parents and adolescents. We examined whether these messages related to youth critical consciousness, or youth's awareness that marginalized groups face social injustice and agency to challenge unjust social issues. Structural equation modeling indicated that youth‐ and parent‐reported parental ethnic‐racial and political socialization co‐occurred among families, with the exception of youth‐ and parent‐reported alertness to discrimination and parent civic modeling. Youth and parent reports of alertness to discrimination socialization were positively associated with critical reflection. Youth reports of cultural pride socialization, family sociopolitical discussions, and parent civic modeling were positively associated with critical agency. Study findings may inform programs that support Black families’ socialization around race and politics.
Impact of Teachers' Language Expression and Message Valence when Conveying Classroom‐Compliance Instructions1
Authors: Ohtani Kazuhiro , Yamamura Asayo
Published: December 2021

This study examines how the types of language expression and message valence used by teachers to convey classroom‐compliance instructions affect elementary‐school children's psychological reactance and their intention to follow instructions. Altogether, 178 elementary‐school children (54% girls) participated in a mixed‐design experiment. Participants read four self‐developed cartoons, where a hypothetical teacher conveyed classroom‐compliance instructions through four expressions, and responded to questions measuring psychological reactance and the intention to follow instructions based on the cartoons. The results showed that psychological reactance was relatively significant in the high‐controlling language condition. In the low‐controlling language condition, the approach evoked less psychological reactance and enhanced the intention to follow instructions, whereas avoidance did so in the high‐controlling language condition. Our findings offer suggestions on how teachers can improve classroom management by altering their messages in accordance with the motivation characteristics of their students.
Dispersion of daily physical activity behaviors in school‐age children: A novel approach to measure patterns of physical activity
Authors: Klamm Melissa M. , Duck Angela A. , Welsch Michael A. , Yan Yonghua , Torres Elisa R. , Wade Breanna , Stewart Mary W. , Clayton Jill , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are (1) to examine patterns of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior; (2) to describe development of a method to quantify movement dispersion; and (3) to determine the relationship between variables of movement (i.e., volume, intensity, and dispersion), volume of sedentary behavior, and estimated cardiorespiratory capacity in school‐aged children.

Design and Methods

A secondary analysis of an existing data set with raw accelerometer data identified PA patterns of movement dispersion in school‐aged children. Bar graphs visually depicted each participant's daily vector magnitude counts. The research team developed a dispersion variable—movement dispersion—and formula to provide a new quantification of daily PA patterns.Totalmovement dispersion represents both intensity and distribution of movement, whereaspuremovement dispersion refers to the distribution of movement during the wear time, independent of intensity. Kendall's tau examined the relationship between several variables: body mass index percentile, average minutes of sedentary behavior, average minutes of light PA, average minutes of moderate‐vigorous PA (MVPA), derived VO2max, total movement dispersion, and pure movement dispersion.

Results

Three participants' activity graphs were presented as examples: (1) active, (2) inactive, and (3) mixed. The more active participant had the highest values for pure and total movement dispersion. The inactive participant had much lower pure and total movement dispersion values compared to the active participant. The mixed participant had high average minutes of MVPA yet lower pure and total movement dispersion values. Total movement dispersion had a significant correlation with average minutes of light PA (r = .406,p = .016) and average minutes of MVPA (r = .686,p < .001). Pure movement dispersion was significantly correlated with average minutes of light PA (r = .448,p = .008) and average minutes of MVPA (r = .599,p < .001). Average minutes of sedentary behavior (SB) were not significantly correlated with total (r = .041,p = .806) or pure movement dispersion (r = .165,p = .326).

Practice Implications

Movement dispersion may provide another tool to advance knowledge of PA, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. Raw accelerometer data, such as that gathered at the elementary school in this study, offer opportunities to identify school‐aged children at risk for obesity, SB, and lack of PA.