bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping genetic variants for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay regulation across human tissues
Authors: Sun Bo , Chen Liang
Published: October 2022

Background

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was originally conceived as an mRNA surveillance mechanism to prevent the production of potentially deleterious truncated proteins. Recent research shows NMD is an important post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism selectively targeting many non-aberrant mRNAs. However, how natural genetic variants affect NMD and modulate gene expressions remains elusive.

Results

Here we elucidate NMD regulation of individual genes across human tissues through genetical genomics. Genetic variants corresponding to NMD regulation are identified based on the GTEx data through unique and robust transcript expression modelling. We identify genetic variants that influence the percentage of NMD-targeted transcripts (pNMD-QTLs), as well as genetic variants regulating the decay efficiency of NMD-targeted transcripts (dNMD-QTLs). Many such variants are missed in traditional expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping. NMD-QTLs show strong tissue specificity especially in the brain. They are more likely to colocalize with disease single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Compared to eQTLs, NMD-QTLs are more likely to be located within gene bodies and exons, especially the penultimate exons from the 3’ end. Furthermore, NMD-QTLs are more likely to be found in the binding sites of miRNAs and RNA binding proteins (RBPs).

Conclusions

We reveal the genome-wide landscape of genetic variants associated with NMD regulation across human tissues. Our analysis results indicate important roles of NMD in the brain. The preferential genomic positions of NMD-QTLs suggest key attributes for NMD regulation. Furthermore, the colocalization with disease-associated SNPs and post-transcriptional regulatory elements implicate regulatory roles of NMD-QTLs in disease manifestation and their interactions with other post-transcriptional regulators.
Distinct Neutralizing Antibody Escape of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BA.4.6, BF.7 and BA.2.75.2
Authors: Qu Panke , Evans John P. , Faraone Julia , Zheng Yi-Min , Carlin Claire , Anghelina Mirela , Stevens Patrick , Fernandez Soledad , Jones Daniel , Lozanski Gerard , Panchal Ashish , Saif Linda J. , Oltz Eugene M. , Xu Kai , Gumina Richard J. , Liu Shan-Lu
Published: October 2022

Continued evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of several new Omicron subvariants, including BQ.1, BQ. 1.1, BA.4.6, BF.7 and BA.2.75.2. Here we examine the neutralization resistance of these subvariants, as well as their ancestral BA.4/5, BA.2.75 and D614G variants, against sera from 3-dose vaccinated health care workers, hospitalized BA.1-wave patients, and BA.5-wave patients. We found enhanced neutralization resistance in all new subvariants, especially the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants driven by a key N460K mutation, and to a lesser extent, R346T and K444T mutations, as well as the BA.2.75.2 subvariant driven largely by its F486S mutation. The BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants also exhibited enhanced fusogenicity and S processing dictated by the N460K mutation. Interestingly, the BA.2.75.2 subvariant saw an enhancement by the F486S mutation and a reduction by the D1199N mutation to its fusogenicity and S processing, resulting in minimal overall change. Molecular modelling revealed the mechanisms of receptor-binding and non-receptor binding monoclonal antibody-mediated immune evasion by R346T, K444T, F486S and D1199N mutations. Altogether, these findings shed light on the concerning evolution of newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants.
SARS-CoV-2 infected cells sprout actin-rich filopodia that facilitate viral invasion
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Zhongyi , Zhao Weisong , Yang Hui , Tang Daijiao , Zhao Shuangshuang , Zhang Qian , Liu Huisheng , Li Haoyu , Li Bo , Lappalainen Pekka , Cui Zongqiang , Jiu Yaming
Published: October 2022

Emerging COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a great threat to human health and economics. Although SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanism has been explored, little is known about how SARS-CoV-2 regulates the host cell remodeling to facilitate virus invasion process. Here we unveil that SARS-CoV-2 boosts and repurposes filopodia for entry to the target cells. Using SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle (VLP), real-time live-cell imaging and simulation of active gel model, we reveal that VLP-induced Cdc42 activation leads to the formation of filopodia, which reinforce the viral entry to host cells. By single-particle tracking and sparse deconvolution algorithm, we uncover that VLP particles utilize filopodia to reach the entry site in two patterns, ‘surfing’ and ‘grabbing’, which are more efficient and faster than entry via flat plasma membrane regions. Furthermore, the entry process via filopodia is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton and actin-associated proteins fascin, formin, and Arp2/3. Importantly, either inhibition the actin cross-linking protein fascin or the active level of Cdc42 could significantly hinders both the VLP and the authentic SARS-CoV-2 entry. Together, our results highlight that the spatial-temporal regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by SARS-CoV-2 infection makes filopodia as a ‘highway’ for virus entry, which emerges as an antiviral target.

Significance Statement

Revealing the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 invasion is of great significance to explain its high pathogenic and rapid transmission in the world. We discovered a previously unknown route of SARS-CoV-2 entry. SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles boost cellular filopodia formation by activating Cdc42. Using state-of-art-technology, we spatial-temporally described how virus utilize filopodia to enter the target cell in two modes: ‘surfing’ and ‘grabbing’. Filopodia can directly transport the virus to endocytic hot spots to avoid the virus from disorderly searching on the plasma membrane. Our study complements current knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 that filopodia and its components not only play an important role in virus release and cell-cell transmission, but also in the entry process, and provides several potential therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2.

Highlights

SARS-CoV-2 VLP infection promotes filopodia formation by activating Cdc42

SARS-CoV-2 VLP utilizes filopodia to enter target cell via two modes, ‘surfing’ and ‘grabbing’

Filopodia disruption compromises the invasion of both VLP and authentic SARS-CoV-2
Language-Informed Basecalling Architecture for Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing
Authors: Sneddon Alexandra , Shirokikh Nikolay , Eyras Eduardo
Published: October 2022

Algorithms developed for basecalling Nanopore signals have primarily focused on DNA to date and utilise the raw signal as the only input. However, it is known that messenger RNA (mRNA), which dominates Nanopore direct RNA (dRNA) sequencing libraries, contains specific nucleotide patterns that are implicitly encoded in the Nanopore signals since RNA is always sequenced from the 3’ to 5’ direction. In this study we present an approach to exploit the sequence biases in mRNA as an additional input to dRNA basecalling. We developed a probabilistic model of mRNA language and propose a modified CTC beam search decoding algorithm to conditionally incorporate the language model during basecalling. Our findings demonstrate that inclusion of mRNA language is able to guide CTC beam search decoding towards the more probable nucleotide sequence. We also propose a time efficient approach to decoding variable length nanopore signals. This work provides the first demonstration of the potential for biological language to inform Nanopore basecalling. Code is available at:https://github.com/comprna/radian.
Immunity induced by vaccination with recombinant influenza B virus neuraminidase protein breaks viral transmission chains in guinea pigs in an exposure intensity-dependent manner
Authors: McMahon Meagan , Tan Jessica , O’Dell George , Roubidoux Ericka Kirkpatrick , Strohmeier Shirin , Krammer Florian
Published: October 2022

Mucosal vaccines and vaccines that block pathogen transmission are under-appreciated in vaccine development. However, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has shown that blocking viral transmission is an important attribute of efficient vaccines. Here, we investigated if recombinant influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) vaccines delivered at a mucosal site could protect from onward transmission of influenza B viruses in the guinea pig model. We tested four different scenarios in which sequential transmission was investigated in chains of four guinea pigs. The variables tested included a low and a high viral inoculum (104vs 105plaque forming units) in the initial donor guinea pig and variation of exposure/cohousing time (1 day vs 6 days). In three out of four scenarios – low inoculum-long exposure, low inoculum-short exposure and high inoculum-short exposure – transmission chains were efficiently blocked. Based on this data we believe an intranasal recombinant NA vaccine could be used to efficiently curtail influenza virus spread in the human population during influenza epidemics.

Importance

Vaccines that can slow respiratory virus transmission in the population are urgently needed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus. Here we describe how a recombinant neuraminidase-based influenza virus vaccines reduces transmission in vaccinated guinea pigs in an exposure-intensity based manner.
Altered infective competence of the human gut microbiome in COVID-19
Authors: de Nies Laura , Galata Valentina , Martin-Gallausiaux Camille , Despotovic Milena , Busi Susheel Bhanu , Snoeck Chantal J. , Delacour Lea , Budagavi Deepthi Poornima , Laczny Cédric Christian , Habier Janine , Lupu Paula-Cristina , Halder Rashi , Fritz Joëlle V. , Marques Taina , Sandt Estelle , O’Sullivan Marc Paul , Ghosh Soumyabrata , Satagopam Venkata ,   CON-VINCE Consortium, Krüger Rejko , Fagherazzi Guy , Ollert Markus , Hefeng Feng Q. , May Patrick , Wilmes Paul
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Infections with SARS-CoV-2 have a pronounced impact on the gastrointestinal tract and its resident microbiome. Clear differences between severe cases of infection and healthy individuals have been reported, including the loss of commensal taxa. We aimed to understand if microbiome alterations including functional shifts are unique to severe cases or a common effect of COVID-19.

Design:

We used high-resolution systematic multi-omic analyses to profile the gut microbiome in asymptomatic-to-moderate COVID-19 individuals compared to a control group.

Results:

We found a striking increase in the overall abundance and expression of both virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes in COVID-19. Importantly, these genes are encoded and expressed by commensal taxa from families such as Acidaminococcaceae and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, which we found to be enriched in COVID-19 positive individuals. We also found an enrichment in the expression of a betaherpesvirus and rotavirus C genes in COVID-19 positive individuals compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Our analyses identified an altered and increased infective competence of the gut microbiome in COVID-19 patients.
ImprovedKCNQ2gene missense variant interpretation with artificial intelligence
Authors: Saez-Matia Alba , Muguruza-Montero Arantza , M-Alicante Sara , Núñez Eider , Ramis Rafael , Ballesteros Óscar R. , Ibarluzea Markel G , Fons Carmen , Leonardo Aritz , Bergara Aitor , Villarroel Alvaro
Published: October 2022

Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have revolutionized rare disease diagnosis, resulting in an increasing volume of available genomic data. Despite this wealth of information and improved procedures to combine data from various sources, identifying the pathogenic causal variants and distinguishing between severe and benign variants remains a key challenge. Mutations in the Kv7.2 voltage-gated potassium channel gene (KCNQ2) have been linked to different subtypes of epilepsies, such as benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) and epileptic encephalopathy (EE). To date, there is a wide variety of genome-wide computational tools aiming at predicting the pathogenicity of variants. However, previous reports suggest that these genome-wide tools have limited applicability to theKCNQ2gene related diseases due to overestimation of deleterious mutations and failure to correctly identify benign variants, being, therefore, of limited use in clinical practice. In this work, we found that combining readily available features, such as AlphaFold structural information, Missense Tolerance Ratio (MTR) and other commonly used protein descriptors, provides foundations to build reliable gene-specific machine learning ensemble models. Here, we present a transferable methodology able to accurately predict the pathogenicity ofKCNQ2missense variants with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity scores above 90%.
aRgus: multilevel visualization of non-synonymous single nucleotide variants & advanced pathogenicity score modeling for genetic vulnerability assessment
Authors: Schröter Julian , Dattner Tal , Hüllein Jennifer , Jayme Alejandra , Heuveline Vincent , Hoffmann Georg F. , Kölker Stefan , Lenz Dominic , Opladen Thomas , Popp Bernt , Schaaf Christian P. , Staufner Christian , Syrbe Steffen , Uhrig Sebastian , Hübschmann Daniel , Brennenstuhl Heiko
Published: October 2022

The widespread use of high-throughput sequencing techniques is leading to a rapidly increasing number of disease-associated variants of unknown significance and candidate genes. Integration of knowledge concerning their genetic, protein as well as functional and conservational aspects is necessary for an exhaustive assessment of their relevance and for prioritization of further clinical and functional studies investigating their role in human disease. In order to collect the necessary information, a multitude of different databases has to be accessed and data extraction from the original sources commonly is not user-friendly and requires advanced bioinformatics skills. This leads to a decreased data accessibility for a relevant number of potential users such as clinicians, geneticist, and clinical researchers. Here, we present aRgus (https://argus.urz.uni-heidelberg.de/), a standalone webtool for simple extraction and intuitive visualization of multi-layered gene, protein, variant, and variant effect prediction data. aRgus provides interactive exploitation of these data within seconds for any known gene of the human genome. In contrast to existing online platforms for compilation of variant data, aRgus complements visualization of chromosomal exon-intron structure and protein domain annotation with ClinVar and gnomAD variant distributions as well as position-specific variant effect prediction score modeling. aRgus thereby enables timely assessment of protein regions vulnerable to variation with single amino acid resolution and provides numerous applications in variant and protein domain interpretation as well as in the design ofin vitroexperiments.
Auditor industry expertise and external audit prices: empirical evidence from Amman Stock Exchange-listed companies
Authors: Alharasis Esraa Esam , Alidarous Manal , Jamaani Fouad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between auditor industry specialization (IS) and audit fees.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize 2,100 firm-year data of Jordanian companies from 2005 to 2018. Two conflicting theoretical approaches of IS were employed: the product differentiation approach, as assessed by market share (MS); and the shared efficiency approach, as evaluated by portfolio share (PS).

Findings

Results of the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression support product differentiation (shared efficiency) and show that employing experts' auditors exerts a very substantial and favorable direct impact on audit fees (negative).

Originality/value

This research contributes new empirical data to the auditing literature by examining if IS does influence Jordanian businesses' audit fees. The findings offer useful data for Jordanian officials to examine the auditing industry's difficulties while refining regulations and revising auditor pricing. Additionally, the results offer advice to Jordan's regulatory bodies who oversee the auditing industry. Arguably, results from Jordan may be extrapolated to other Middle Eastern nations.
The purposeful use of Kolb’s learning styles in online learning design
Authors: Cohen Jay Andrew
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The intent of this paper is in readdressing Kolb’s work on learning styles and its relevance to the learning design process in online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Not a research paper – viewpoint. No research has been conducted as such.

Findings

This paper introduces a number of learning design interventions aligned to Kolb’s learning styles inventory (LSI).

Practical implications

This paper is designed to assist practitioners (Learning Designers) design learning environments in consideration of Kolb’s LSI.

Originality/value

This is a viewpoint paper that revisits Kolb’s LSI.
Incarceration, menstruation and COVID-19: a viewpoint of the exacerbated inequalities and health disparities in South African correctional facilities
Authors: Moodley Janice Kathleen , Parry Bianca Rochelle , Van Hout Marie Claire
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) of incarcerated women remains relatively low on the agenda of public health interventions globally, widening the inequitable access of incarcerated women to safe and readily available menstrual health products (MHP). The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted on the MHM gains made in various development sectors in the global North and South, through its amplification of vulnerability for already at-risk populations. This is especially significant to developing countries such as South Africa where the incarcerated female population are an often-forgotten minority.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint highlights the ignominious silence of research and policy attention within the South African carceral context in addressing MHM. The ethical and political implications of such silences are unpacked by reviewing international and local literature that confront issues of inequality and equitable access to MHP and MHM resources within incarcerated contexts.

Findings

Structural inequalities in various contexts around the world have exacerbated COVID-19 and MHM. Within the prison context in South Africa, women face multiple layers of discrimination and punishment that draw attention to the historical discourses of correctional facilities as a site of surveillance and discipline.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges that while this viewpoint is essential in rising awareness about gaps in literature, it is not empirical in nature.

Practical implications

The authors believe that this viewpoint is essential in raising critical awareness on MHM in carceral facilities in South Africa. The authors hope to use this publication as the theoretical argument to pursue empirical research on MHM within carceral facilities in South Africa. The authors hope that this publication would provide the context for international and local funders, to assist in the empirical research, which aims to roll out sustainable MHP to incarcerated women in South Africa.

Social implications

The authors believe that this viewpoint is the starting point in accelerating the roll out of sustainable MHP to incarcerated females in South Africa. These are females who are on the periphery of society that are in need of practical interventions. Publishing this viewpoint would provide the team with the credibility to apply for international and national funding to roll out sustainable solutions.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the gaps in literature and nodes for social and human rights activism highlighted within this viewpoint establish the need for further participatory research, human rights advocacy and informed civic engagement to ensure the voices of these women and their basic human rights are upheld.
Coming out ahead while losing a partner: the Thoroughbred industry stays on course
Authors: Fudge Kamal Darcy , Nistor Cristina , Sinha Charu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In many industries, firms collaborate as business partners, which helps them achieve superior outcomes and ensure survival in a crisis. Business relationships help companies access limited resources, share information and build trust within the community. This paper aims to highlight the strategies that firms can use to adapt to the loss of a business partner.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers qualitative examples from what happens when a business partner disappears in the Thoroughbred horse industry. The authors draw attention to several types of partner loss due to firm bankruptcy, owner death and strategic restructuring.

Findings

This paper proposes a framework of strategies for surviving the loss of business partners. Specifically, surviving partners may respond by strategic distancing, relationship self-repair or reconfiguration through asset purchases or mimicry by minimizing exit risks.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be used by strategists and managers to determine a course of action when faced with the loss of a business partner. Managers can quickly respond to a partner’s exit with the appropriate action to distance their business or stabilize alternate relationships.

Originality/value

The novel framework, informed by examples from the Thoroughbred horse industry, conceptualizes an important theoretical and practical problem. This paper proposes strategies for how businesses react and adapt to survive after losing a business partner.
The singular touchstone: the enduring relevance of The Evolution of Management Thought
Authors: Muldoon Jeff , Novicevic Milorad M. , Deal Nicholous M. , Buckley Michael
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what qualities contributed to the durability of The Evolution of Management Thought (EMT) as a classic that provided scholars a grand narrative of management history for half a century. Specifically, this paper aspires to reveal how the EMT has overcome the boundedness of time over the past 50 years by being both timeless (signaling continuity/permanence) and historical (signaling change/contingency).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze both the metaphorical (i.e. universal) and the historical (i.e. particular) meanings that the EMT authors have communicated over eight editions of the classic.

Findings

The authors found that Wren and Bedeian have managed to balance temporality and referentiality in the EMT by writing it as the “practical past” of management. The authors also found that the authors ensured the ongoing renewal of their classic by innovating it as an everlasting contemporary text.

Originality/value

This paper provides an original analysis of the EMT explaining why it is a “classic” of management history. The analysis presented in this paper reveals why this timeless work has been a singular touchstone that exemplifies the history of management discipline.
A child and adult psychiatrist discussion on the development of a youth mental health service
Authors: Hunn Lucy , Clarke Tim , Bhaduri Amit , Maxwell Sarah , Wilson Jon
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Young people can often “fall through the gaps” between Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health services (AMHS). This discursive viewpoint study aims to reflect a conversation among the authors on how CAMHS and AMHS psychiatry came together to develop and embed a UK community “Youth Mental Health Service”.

Design/methodology/approach

This reflective viewpoint study explores the perspectives of three of the lead CAMHS and AMHS psychiatrists from the implementation phase of a community youth mental health service. It explores, in a discursive way, these individuals’ views on some of the key facilitators and barriers in the development of the service that aimed to “bridge the gap” for young people.

Findings

These clinicians’ reflections recognise the importance of strong clinical leadership in enabling a youth/young adult model of mental health to be implemented. They also recognise how culture internal and external to a service has a key role to play in the success and sustainment of implementing an innovative model. This study describes a merging of CAMHS and AMHS psychiatry to meet the needs of young people in the most developmentally appropriate way.

Originality/value

This reflective study highlights the need for services and systems to think creatively about how they can allow flexibility for CAMHS and AMHS psychiatrists to learn and plan together, as well as gain experiences across the age ranges, to facilitate collaborative working that is developmentally appropriate and meets the needs of young people in a way that is accessible to them.
Constructions of childlessness and ageing: legitimising dependency on unpaid care?
Authors: Hall Alex , Spiers Gemma , Hanratty Barbara
Published: October 2022

Purpose

A narrative has developed in recent years to link ageing without children to support needs in later life. Social care has long been viewed as a private, familial responsibility, whilst health care is a societal, public good. Childlessness is framed negatively in terms of increased demands on care services and wider family networks. As governments tackle the issue of how to fund and deliver an equitable and sustainable long-term care sector, this paper aims to argue that it is more critical than ever to evaluate views of childlessness in the context of ageing.

Design/methodology/approach

Policy-oriented commentary paper.

Findings

If the focus on childlessness and ageing is through a lens of a potential care deficit, this continues to frame ageing without children as a risk and does little to challenge increasing reliance on unpaid care. Research and policy need to explore how to make access to social care more equitable and reduce expectations of unpaid care. They also need to increasingly emphasise exploration of aspects of later life beyond the issue of care, for example, by more of a focus on communities, what matters to people to age well and lives that extend beyond traditional views of nuclear families.

Originality/value

This paper uses the UK as a contextual example to argue that the research and policy communities have a role to play in evaluating their constructions of childlessness and ageing and questioning whether they do little more than legitimise government’s unwillingness to take responsibility for social care.
Digital divide, globalization and income inequality in sub-Saharan African countries: analysing cross-country heterogeneity
Authors: Ndoya Hermann , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the impact of digital divide (DD) on income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa over the period 2004–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

In applying a finite mixture model (FMM) to a sample of 35 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, this study posits that DD affects income inequality differently.

Findings

The findings show that the effect of DD on income inequality varies across two distinct groups of countries, which differ according to their level of globalization. In addition, the study shows that most globalized countries are more inclined to be in the group where the effect of DD on income inequality is negative. The results are consistent with several robustness checks, including alternative measures of income inequality and additional control variables.

Originality/value

This study complements that extant literature by assessing linkages among the DD, globalization and income inequality in sub-Saharan African countries contingent on cross-country heterogeneity.
Stakeholder engagement during COVID-19: evidence from corporate use of Twitter
Authors: Momin Mahmood Ahmed , Chong Sabrina , van Staden Chris , Ma Lin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how New Zealand companies use Twitter to communicate and engage effectively with stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a conceptual framework for effective stakeholder engagement by using social media to analyse the themes and emotion of company tweets during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. The engagement of stakeholders with these tweets is also examined. This study argues that companies use selected themes and emotive language to connect with their stakeholders.

Findings

The findings show that selective themes and emotions are useful in company COVID-19 tweets to engage with the stakeholders. COVID-19 tweets contained significantly more emotion than non-COVID tweets, with emotions that can convey empathy being the most common. By presenting themselves as real, personable and empathetic towards others through emotive language, companies can engage in more meaningful and ethical way with their stakeholders.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for managing company communications by providing empirical evidence that both the themes and emotion expressed in the messages are important for effective stakeholder engagement in social media.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework for effective stakeholder engagement using social media is novel and can be used to evaluate and investigate stakeholder engagement during a global crisis.
Effects of manipulated food availability and seasonality on innate immune function in a passerine
Authors: Driessen Merijn M. G. , Versteegh Maaike A. , Gerritsma Yoran H. , Tieleman B. Irene , Pen Ido R. , Verhulst Simon
Published: October 2022

The innate immune system is essential for survival, yet many immune traits are highly variable between and within individuals. In recent years, attention has shifted to the role of environmental factors in modulating this variation. A key environmental factor is food availability, which plays a major role in shaping life histories, and may affect resource allocation to immune function through its effect on nutritional state.

We developed a technique to permanently increase foraging costs in seed‐eating birds, and leveraged this technique to study the effects of food availability on the innate immune system over a 3‐year period in 230 zebra finches housed in outdoor aviaries. The immune components we studied were haptoglobin, ovotransferrin, nitric oxide, natural antibodies through agglutination, complement‐mediated lysis, and killing capacity of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, covering a broad spectrum of the innate immune system. We explored the effects of food availability in conjunction with other potentially important variables: season, age, sex and manipulated natal brood size.

Increased foraging costs affected multiple components of the immune system, albeit in a variable way. Nitric oxide and agglutination levels were lower under harsh foraging conditions, while Escherichia coli killing capacity was increased. Agglutination levels also varied seasonally, but only at low foraging costs. C. albicans killing capacity was lower in winter, and even more so for animals in harsh foraging conditions that were raised in large broods. Effects of food availability on ovotransferrin were also seasonal, and only apparent in males. Haptoglobin levels were independent of foraging costs and season.

Males had higher levels of immune function than females for three of the measured immune traits. Innate immune function was independent of age and manipulated natal brood size.

Our finding that food availability affects innate immune function suggests that fitness effects of food availability may at least partially be mediated by effects on the immune system. However, food availability effects on innate immunity varied in direction between traits, illustrating the complexity of the immune system and precluding conclusions on the level of disease resistance.
Chinese expert consensus on the multidisciplinary management of pneumonitis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor
Authors: Wang Wenxian , Wang Qian , Xu Chunwei , Li Ziming , Song Zhengbo , Zhang Yongchang , Cai Xiuyu , Zhang Shirong , Lian Bin , Li Wen , Liu Anwen , Zhan Ping , Liu Hongbing , Lv Tangfeng , Miao Liyun , Min Lingfeng , Chen Yu , Yuan Jingping , Wang Feng , Jiang Zhansheng , Lin Gen , Pu Xingxiang , Rao Chuangzhou , Lv Dongqing , Yu Zongyang , Li Xiaoyan , Tang Chuanhao , Zhou Chengzhi , Xie Congying , Zhang Junping , Guo Hui , Chu Qian , Meng Rui , Wu Jingxun , Zhang Rui , Wang Liping , Zhu Youcai , Hu Xiao , Xie Yanru , Lin Xinqing , Cai Jing , Lan Fen , Feng Huijing , Wang Lin , Yao Wang , Shi Xuefei , Huang Jianhui , Chen Huafei , Zhang Yinbin , Sun Pingli , Wan Bing , Pang Fei , Xu Zanmei , Wang Kai , Xia Yuanli , Ye Mingxiang , Wang Dong , Wei Qing , Feng Shuitu , Zhou Jianya , Zhang Jiexia , Lv Donglai , Gao Wenbin , Kang Jing , Yu Genhua , Liang Xianbin , Yu Chengtao , Shi Lin , Yang Nong , Wu Lin , Hong Zhuan , Hong Wei , Fang Meiyu , Zhang Yiping , Lu Yuanzhi , Wang Guansong , Ma Shenglin , Si Lu , Fang Wenfeng , Song Yong
Published: October 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have successfully treated a number of different types of cancer, which is of great significance for cancer treatment. With the widespread use of ICIs in clinical practice, the increasing checkpoint inhibitor pneumonia (CIP) will be a challenge to clinicians. To guide the diagnosis and treatment of CIP, we conducted in‐depth discussions based on the latest evidence, forming a consensus among Chinese experts on the multidisciplinary management of CIP.
Educational intervention for the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding in adolescent mothers: A feasibility study
Authors: Ulloa Sabogal Iliana Milena , Domínguez Nariño Claudia Consuelo , Díaz Leidy Johanna Rueda
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the nursing intervention Breastfeeding Counseling (5244) in first‐time adolescent mothers and its effect on the knowledge and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life.

Methods

Randomized, controlled feasibility study with 166 first‐time mothers between 14 and 19 years of age, from 20 to 30 weeks of gestation, assigned to an experimental group (nursing intervention: breastfeeding counseling) or a control group (usual education plus nursing intervention not related to breastfeeding). The rate of abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding and the level of knowledge about breastfeeding were evaluated.

Findings

The inclusion was 91.7% (166/181), dropout during the intervention was 39.75% (n = 66), and loss in the follow‐up was 8.43% (n = 14). Compliance with the intervention protocol was 100%. The pregnant women and family members were satisfied with the intervention and perceived the health benefits for the mothers and their children. Outcome measures in the experimental group did not reveal a significant effect on breastfeeding abandonment rates at 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum, but they did manage to improve and maintain the level of knowledge about breastfeeding.

Conclusions

It was found that it is feasible to implement the nursing intervention: “Breastfeeding counseling” in prenatal classes, achieving an increase in the level of knowledge about breastfeeding in adolescent mothers, but without a reduction in the rate of abandonment of breastfeeding. Nursing professionals need to know and address barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in adolescents.

Implications for nursing practice

The nursing intervention “Breastfeeding counseling (5244)” and the outcome “Knowledge: Breastfeeding (1800)” supported the processes of education and knowledge assessment on breastfeeding in pregnant adolescents, which should be instituted in perinatal nursing care.
Regional ventilation in spontaneously breathing COVID‐19 patients during postural maneuvers assessed by electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Zitzmann Amelie , Pulletz Sven , Gonzales‐Rios Pablo , Frenkel Paul , Teschendorf Peter , Kremeier Peter , Löser Benjamin , Krukewitt Lisa , Reuter Daniel A. , Böhm Stephan H. , Müller‐Graf Fabian
Published: October 2022

Background

Gravity‐dependent positioning therapy is an established concept in the treatment of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and improves oxygenation in spontaneously breathing patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. In patients with coronavirus disease 2019, this therapy seems to be less effective. Electrical impedance tomography as a point‐of‐care functional imaging modality for visualizing regional ventilation can possibly help identify patients who might benefit from positioning therapy and guide those maneuvers in real‐time. Therefore, in this prospective observational study, we aimed to discover typical patterns in response to positioning maneuvers.

Methods

Distribution of ventilation in 10 healthy volunteers and in 12 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 was measured in supine, left, and right lateral positions using electrical impedance tomography.

Results

In this study, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 showed a variety of ventilation patterns, which were not predictable, whereas all but one healthy volunteer showed a typical and expected gravity‐dependent distribution of ventilation with the body positions.

Conclusion

Distribution of ventilation and response to lateral positioning is variable and thus unpredictable in spontaneously breathing patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Electrical impedance tomography might add useful information on the immediate reaction to postural maneuvers and should be elucidated further in clinical studies. Therefore, we suggest a customized individualized positioning therapy guided by electrical impedance tomography.
Vestibular suppressants for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sharif Sameer , Khoujah Danya , Greer Alisha , Naples James G. , Upadhye Suneel , Edlow Jonathan A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of acute dizziness. Medication use for its treatment remains common despite guideline recommendations against their use.

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vestibular suppressants in patients with BPPV compared to placebo, no treatment, or canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until March 25, 2022. for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antihistamines, phenothiazines, anticholinergics, and/or benzodiazepines to placebo, no treatment, or a CRM.

Results

Five RCTs, enrolling 296 patients, were included in the quantitative analysis. We found that vestibular suppressants may have no effect on symptom resolution at the point of longest follow‐up (14–31 days in four studies) when evaluated as a continuous outcome (standardized mean difference –0.03 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.53 to 0.47). Conversely, CRMs may improve symptom resolution at the point of longest follow‐up as a dichotomous outcome when compared to vestibular suppressants (relative risk [RR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.78). Vestibular suppressants had an uncertain effect on symptom resolution within 24 h (mean difference [MD] 5 points, 95% CI −16.92 to 26.94), repeat emergency department (ED)/clinic visits (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.15), patient satisfaction (MD 0 points, 95% CI −1.02 to 1.02), and quality of life (MD −1.2 points, 95% CI −2.96 to 0.56). Vestibular suppressants had an uncertain effect on adverse events.

Conclusions

In patients with BPPV, vestibular suppressants may have no effect on symptom resolution at the point of longest follow‐up; however, there is evidence toward the superiority of CRM over these medications. Vestibular suppressants have an uncertain effect on symptom resolution within 24 h, repeat ED/clinic visits, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and adverse events. These data suggest that a CRM, and not vestibular suppressants, should be the primary treatment for BPPV.
Surplus Optimization in Defined Benefit Pensions Using the Regime‐Switching Model: Occupational Pension Plans in South Korea*
Authors: Jung Hyeonjong , Lee Dong‐Hwa , Cheong Do Young
Published: October 2022

We assume a hypothetical defined benefit (DB) pension plan that reflects the characteristics of the occupational pension in South Korea and propose a surplus optimization strategy using a regime‐switching model. Using conditional surplus at risk, we construct an optimized portfolio that limits extreme tail risks. Furthermore, we identify the surplus risk and return conditional on global macroeconomic status using a hidden Markov model. The main results are that (i) the DB pension portfolio should move from principal‐protected products to diverse capital market products, and (ii) the DB pension portfolio using the regime‐switching model outperforms an unconditional static portfolio.
Other ways to examine the finances behind the birth of Classical Greece
Authors: Wood Jonathan R.
Published: October 2022

Although the birth of Classical Greece is often attributed to the constitutional reforms of Cleisthenes (508/507 BCE), the achievement of an economically minded government under the Peisistratid tyrant Hippias (527–510 BCE) potentially paved the way by advancing Athenian silver for exportation in international trade. It is proposed here that new silver technology, which initiated the transition from acquiring silver from ‘dry’ silver ores to silver‐bearing lead ores, was introduced to Greece during the time of the Peisistratids (561–510 BCE). Massive exploitation of silver‐bearing lead ores at Laurion in Attica, which later financed the construction of a war navy, appears evident in the lead pollution records of Greenland ice, lead isotopic analyses of sixth‐century BCE Attic silver coins and late Iron Age Levantine hacksilver, and is reflected in the numbers of lead votive figurines at sanctuaries in Sparta. Against the backdrop of the threat of war with Persia and an imminent Spartan invasion which resulted in the overthrow of Hippias (510 BCE), it is considered that a political transition occurred because Greece was both geologically and politically disposed to adopt this labour‐intensive silver technology which helped to initiate, fund and protect the radical social experiment that became known as Classical Greece.
Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol consumption in a high school in northern Guinea
Authors: Baldé Mamadou S. A. , Diallo Mamadou L.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol use in a high school in the Middle Guinea region in West Africa.

Methods

An analytical cross‐sectional study involving 342 high school students was conducted in November 2019 at the Mali centre high school. A questionnaire adapted from the standardised questionnaire validated by the World Health Organization as part of the Global Student Health Surveys was used for data collection. Students were asked about their alcohol use in the 30 days preceding the survey. Using logistic regression, we performed a multivariate analysis that controlled for independent variables to identify factors associated with alcohol use.

Results

The age range was 14–27 years. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 12.28% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80, 16.10). Note that 89.80% of the sample studied did not know of any harmful effects of alcohol on health. In a multivariate analysis, we showed that alcohol use was associated with tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio 24.82, 95% CI 20.73, 26.30) and having close friends who also consume alcohol (adjusted odds ratio 4.16, 95% CI 3.63, 6.37).

Discussion and Conclusion

The substantial prevalence of alcohol use, the high proportion of ignorance of the harmful effects of alcohol, and the reasons for the initial motivation for alcohol use found in this study should attract the attention of stakeholders. An action plan based on the two factors associated found could fight alcohol use at Mali centre high school.
Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue and echocardiographic parameters in patients with silent enemy subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Evsen Ali , Demir Muhammed , Günlü Serhat
Published: October 2022

Background

To evaluate epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) which is known to be closely associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, age, smoking) and which is a more specific marker of visceral adiposity than waist circumference using echocardiographic examination in subclinical hypothyroidism which is one of the most common endocrine system diseases in the community but is mostly missed due to its asymptomatic nature.

Materials and methods

: The study included 60 individuals aged 18–65 years, comprising 30 patients with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism and 30 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects that had a normal thyroid hormone profile. 2D transthoracic echocardiography was utilized for measuring EAT thickness and other basic echocardiographic parameters.

Results

No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and other diameters and measurements obtained by 2D transthoracic echocardiography. EAT thickness was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p < .001).

Conclusion

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is increased in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Clinically atypical abdominal manifestation of the lipoma localized in the right atrium: “Invagination hypothesis” revisited
Authors: Piran Misagh , Nolting Julia Kathinka , Körperich Hermann , Zabel Reinhard , Scholtz Smita , Friedrichs Kai Peter , Hakim‐Meibodi Kavous , Danebrock Raihanatou Ina , Burchert Wolfgang , Paluszkiewicz Lech
Published: October 2022

Cardiac lipomas are the second most common cardiac tumors. They are usually asymptomatic and diagnosed as incidental findings. We describe a 71‐year‐old patient with a tumor in the right atrium. In echocardiography and MRI scan, the diagnosis of a cardiac lipoma was suspected. Moreover, MRI demonstrated continuity of pericardial fat and the tumor in the right atrium by infolding of the atrial wall and epicardial adipose tissue in the space between the atrial walls, which might be a hint for the Waterstone groove hypothesis. An operative resection was performed which confirmed the suspected diagnosis.
The assessment of fetal cardiac output in maternal hypothyroidism under levothyroxine treatment
Authors: Tugrul Ersak Duygu , Oluklu Deniz , Uyan Hendem Derya , Turgut Ezgi , Göncü Ayhan Şule , Kara Özgür , Şahin Dilek
Published: October 2022

Objective

In this study, we investigated whether maternal hypothyroidism has a role in the cardiac output (CO) of the fetus or not.

Methods

Pregnant women between 33 and 37 gestational weeks known to have hypothyroidism and using levothyroxine were accepted as the case group. Gestational age‐matched healthy euthyroid pregnant women constituted the control group. Fetal echocardiography was performed. Diameters and the velocity waveform of the pulmonary artery (PA) and aortic valves were measured. Velocity time integral (VTI) was also measured from the ventricular outflow tract. CO was calculated using VTI × π (Aortic Valve or Pulmonary Valve diameter/2) 2 × heart rate formula.

Results

The aortic and PA annulus were measured larger in the control group. (p = .003, p = .005, respectively). Furthermore, the right and left CO of the case group were lower than the control group. Whereas the mean combined CO (ml/min) of the case group was 674.8 ± 146.2, it was 827.8 ± 167.9 in the control group (p < .001). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between thyroid‐stimulating hormone and aortic VTI (r:−.480; p:.006).

Conclusion

The findings of our study suggest that the CO of the fetus may be affected by maternal hypothyroidism