bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise in vivo functional analysis of DNA variants with base editing using ACEofBASEs target prediction
Authors: Cornean Alex , Gierten Jakob , Welz Bettina , Mateo Juan L. , Thumberger Thomas , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: July 2021

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are prevalent genetic factors shaping individual trait profiles and disease susceptibility. The recent development and optimizations of base editors, rubber and pencil genome editing tools now promise to enable direct functional assessment of SNVs in model organisms. However, the lack of bioinformatic tools aiding target prediction limits the application of base editing in vivo. Here, we provide a framework for adenine and cytosine base editing in medaka (Oryzias latipes) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), ideal for scalable validation studies. We developed an online base editing tool ACEofBASEs (a careful evaluation of base-edits), to facilitate decision-making by streamlining sgRNA design and performing off-target evaluation. We used state-of-the-art adenine (ABE) and cytosine base editors (CBE) in medaka and zebrafish to edit eye pigmentation genes and transgenic GFP function with high efficiencies. Base editing in the genes encoding troponin T and the potassium channel ERG faithfully recreated known cardiac phenotypes. We finally validated missense mutations in novel candidate genes of congenital heart disease (CHD) dapk3, ube2b, usp44, and ptpn11 and present the resulting heart specific phenotypes. This base editing framework applies to a wide range of SNV-susceptible traits accessible in fish, facilitating straight-forward candidate validation and prioritization for detailed mechanistic downstream studies.
A SUMO-dependent regulatory switch connects the piRNA pathway to the heterochromatin machinery in Drosophila
Authors: Andreev Veselin I. , Yu Changwei , Wang Juncheng , Schnabl Jakob , Tirian Laszlo , Gehre Maja , Handler Dominik , Duchek Peter , Novatchkova Maria , Baumgartner Lisa , Meixner Katharina , Sienski Grzegorz , Patel Dinshaw J. , Brennecke Julius
Published: July 2021

Nuclear Argonaute proteins, guided by small RNAs, mediate sequence-specific heterochromatin formation. The molecular principles that link Argonaute-small RNA complexes to cellular heterochromatin effectors upon binding to nascent target RNAs are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which the PIWI interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway connects to the heterochromatin machinery in Drosophila. Piwi-mediated stabilization of the corepressor complex SFiNX on chromatin leads to SUMOylation of its subunit Panoramix. SUMOylation, together with an amphipathic LxxLL motif in Panoramix’s intrinsically disordered repressor domain, are necessary and sufficient to recruit small ovary (Sov), a multi-zinc finger protein essential for general heterochromatin formation and viability. Structure-guided mutations that abrogate the Panoramix–Sov interaction or that prevent SUMOylation of Panoramix uncouple Sov from the piRNA pathway, resulting in viable but sterile flies in which Piwi-targeted transposons are derepressed. Thus, by coupling recruitment of a corepressor to nascent transcripts with its SUMOylation, Piwi engages the heterochromatin machinery specifically at transposon loci.
The case against zoning
Authors: Block Walter , Huddell Sarah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the case against land use zoning.

Design/methodology/approach

We approach this analysis from the perspective of economics, health and geography.

Findings

The findings of this paper suggest that the case against zoning is overwhelming.

Research limitations/implications

This result applies only to public zoning, not the private variety thereof.

Practical implications

Public zoning should be repealed.

Originality/value

This paper approaches this from three perspectives: economics, health and geography; this has not been done before.
India-based versus UK-based SME owners’ perspectives on inter-firm collaboration
Authors: Unhale Manish , Slowak André
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to inquire about pre-requisites and benefits of collaboration in the UK and India, testing for significance of country context.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data set includes 118 UK-based and 175 India-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper applies a grounded theory research design, given that to date, no sufficient SME sector-specific, quantitative frameworks have been published.

Findings

India-based SMEs are more inclined towards frequent collaboration. Soft variables such as perceived trustworthiness or past commitment, appear to be significant when explaining whether or not SMEs in India enter into a collaboration. Operations-driven motives play the most significant role for them, whereas for UK-based SMEs, product design-related collaboration motives are of more importance.

Research limitations/implications

The developed cross-country and country-specific collaboration variables will facilitate SME studies under a consistent and complete framework.

Practical implications

Business associations and SME owners in the UK can use the research to gain an Indian perspective and vice versa. This study concludes a stylised framework for SME owners and managers to classify collaboration patterns in a country.

Originality/value

While previous research established concepts and practices of SME collaboration, this is the first paper that quantitatively addresses the attitudes and experiences that SME owners hold when initialising inter-firm collaboration.
The moderating role of cultural similarity in developing commitment in the industrial importer-supplier relationship
Authors: Andaleeb Syed Saad , Saleh Md. Abu , Ali Md. Yunus
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether and how cultural (dis) similarity between business entities enhances or impairs the development of commitment in the trust building process in industrial importer-foreign supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on theoretical lenses of transaction cost economics, resource-based view and dynamic capability view, this study investigates how cultural (dis)similarity moderates the effects of opportunism, transaction-specific investment (TSI), the relative advantage of importing and communication on commitment, leading to building trust in business relationships. Using structural equation modeling and moderated regression analysis, the study tested several predicted effects using a sample of 154 industrial importers drawn from a developing country in Asia.

Findings

A key finding of the study suggests that supplier opportunism comes into play and is negatively associated with industrial importer commitment as cultural dissimilarity increases. For culturally similar countries, opportunism does not affect commitment. Conversely, TSI has a positive effect on commitment for culturally similar countries; for dissimilar countries, TSI has no effect. The study also corroborates several additional hypotheses prevalent in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data, single country rather than multi-country perspectives and data from the importer’s side rather than from both importer and exporter may affect generalizability. Future research ought to address these issues to provide further insights.

Originality/value

The paper enriches the literature and extends the nomological network for international business theory by introducing the moderating effect of business cultural similarity in building commitment. Managerial perspectives are also gleaned from the findings.
Post-epidemic factors influencing customer's booking intent for a hotel or leisure spot: an empirical study
Authors: Srivastava Praveen Ranjan , Sengupta Kinshuk , Kumar Ajay , Biswas Baidyanath , Ishizaka Alessio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The new coronavirus is a highly infectious disease with mutating variants leading to pervasive risk around geographies and public health system. The economy has been suffering due to the strategic lockdown adopted by the local administrative bodies, and in most of the countries, it is further leading to a major wave of unemployment with millions of job and business losses affecting the hotels, travel and tourism industry widely. To attain a sustainable business in the post-pandemic situations, the industry now must think of information system approaches to convince tourists to feel safe with the most hygienic hospitality and services to be offered in any property. The key aspect of the study is to provide the impact of new-age AI-driven technology solutions that will dominate the future direction of the modernized hospitality industry promising robust health-safety measures in a hotel, and further help create sustainable business and leisure travel facilities to cope with post-epidemic scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The study emphasizes to provide a robust technology-oriented framework based on a mixed research method that would help hotels to adopt and implement new-age AI-driven solution within the hotel premise to serve customers with at most hygiene, contactless service and thereafter, aiming for faster recovery of businesses and regaining customer trust to fuel booking intent in the post-epidemic scenario.

Findings

The paper provides a technology-focused solution that would impact hotel industries' post-pandemic scenario. The study contributes to helping boost the tourism industry using information management solutions such as biosensors, robotic room services and contactless hosting. The findings show the adoption of robots/RPA solutions and Biosensors by the industry will be a disruptive paradigm shift.

Originality/value

The study expands the scope of research in information technology and management with a focus on the hospitality industry while contributing to new factors impacting customer buying behavior in the industry.
Determinants of sovereign debt ratings in clusters of European countries – effects of the crisis
Authors: Proença Catarina , Neves Maria , Dias José Carlos , Martins Pedro
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the determinants of the sovereign debt ratings provided by the 3 main rating agencies for 32 European countries. It verifies the clusters of countries existing for each of the agencies, considering regional bias, and then analyzes whether the determinants were different before and after the global financial crisis. It also aims to explain how the determinants are taken into account for rich and developing countries, using a sample for the period between 2001 and 2008 and the period between 2009 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

To this purpose, this paper performs panel data estimation using an ordered Probit approach.

Findings

This method shows that for developing countries after the crisis, the relevant explanatory variables are the unemployment rate and the presence in the Eurozone. For rich countries, the inflation rate is pivotal after the crisis period.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to use a clustering methodology within sovereign debt rating literature, grouping the countries into cohesive clusters according to their sovereign debt ratings along with the proposed time frame. Moreover, it explains, which countries belong to strong or weak groups, according to the rating agencies under discussion; and, in these groups, it identifies the sovereign rating determinants.
The future of maternity wear: Generation Z's expectations of dressing for pregnancy
Authors: Weigle Elizabeth Anne , McAndrews Laura
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Generation Z's physical expectations of being pregnant and their outlook for maternity wear shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

Females in this cohort (n = 207) participated in an online survey that included questions about perceptions of pregnancy, physical self-concept and forecasted shopping behaviors.

Findings

Results indicated that this group is concerned with physical changes of pregnancy and expect to treat each area of the body in a different way. Women's expected physical concerns of pregnancy predict how much they anticipate accentuating their pregnant body. Gen Z anticipates wearing loose maternity garments and they envision a thoughtful, in-store shopping experience for styles that are equally fashionable and comfortable, such as dresses.

Research limitations/implications

This study should be extended to future generational cohorts like Generation Alpha, along with Gen Z outside of the United States and women in the United States who are non-white. Further studies should take a longitudinal approach to gauge changes in this cohort's expectations as they progress through pregnancy.

Practical implications

This paper provides maternity wear retail brands and designers a foundation for product development and marketing geared toward this large cohort.

Originality/value

The study is the first to inquire about Gen Z's outlook on pregnancy, specifically their envisioned changes to each body area and the role of maternity garments to fulfill needs and concerns.
Enhancing Islamic financial literacy through community-based workshops: a transtheoretical model
Authors: Dewi Miranti Kartika , Ferdian Ilham Reza
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose a comprehensive education model to enhance Islamic financial literacy to elevate the prominence of Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conceptualized a framework of Islamic finance education using Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model (TTM) of change aided by a review of the essential literature on Islamic financial literacy. The study also includes critical reflection based on the real firsthand experiences of delivering 16 voluntary non-formal community-based Islamic finance workshops for Indonesian diaspora in the UK and the Republic of Ireland from December 2014 to July 2016.

Findings

This study provides an inclusive conceptualization of an Islamic finance education approach to creating awareness in communities of applying Islamic financial principles in daily life. It also elaborates stage-appropriate strategies that cover the pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance stages that vary by upon individuals based on their readiness to adopt Islamic finance principles.

Research limitations/implications

This study is not merely based on a conceptual examination of literature but also incorporates critical reflection on a series of community-based Islamic finance workshops conducted by the authors. It therefore offers the potential to present an under-researched model used to enhance Islamic finance literacy as one of the pillars in supporting the development of the Islamic economic and financial sector.

Practical implications

This study provides guidelines and various practical ideas that scholars and any concerned parties can use to offer community-based Islamic finance educational activities aimed at supporting the future organic growth of Islamic finance.

Originality/value

The study expands the use of Prochaska and DiClemente’s TTM (which has been widely cited in health-related behavioral research) and brings a unique theoretical lens, notably within the Islamic finance literature. The use of the TTM was established in psychology and health-related behavioral science, particularly in relation to elucidating how people cease unhealthy behaviors (e.g. alcohol and smoking addictions) and how they develop healthy behaviors. This paper brings the TTM into another context on how to stimulate individuals, particularly Muslims, to shift from “riba addiction” and develop sharia-compliant financial behaviors.
Guernsey as an investment funds domicile: benefits and regulations
Authors: Alexander By Annette , Andersen Christopher , Boyce Andrew , Carey Tom , Crosland David , Lane Tony , Morgan Ben
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To explain the benefits and the regulations pertaining to Guernsey as a domicile for investment funds.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Explains the benefits of Guernsey as a fund domicile, the regulatory regime, and the types of fund vehicles used in Guernsey, registered and authorized.

Findings

Guernsey is one of the world’s largest offshore finance centers, with a thriving funds industry. The benefits of Guernsey as a fund domicile are substantial, including a proportionate, flexible and competitive funds regulatory regime, a stable political and legal structure, and a wealth of first-class fund service providers.

Originality/Value

Expert guidance from experienced investment-fund lawyers.
Flexural behavior of fire damaged self-compacting concrete beams strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping
Authors: Mathews Mervin Ealiyas , N Anand , A Diana Andrushia , Kiran Tattukolla , Al-Jabri Khalifa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Building elements that are damaged by fire are often strengthened by fiber wrapping techniques. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an advanced building material that is widely used in construction due to its ability to flow and pass through congested reinforcement and fill the required areas easily without compaction. The aim of the research work is to examine the flexural behavior of SCC subjected to elevated temperature. This research work examines the effect of natural air cooling (AC) and water cooling (WC) on flexural behavior of M20, M30, M40 and M50 grade fire-affected retro-fitted SCC. The results of the investigation will enable the designers to choose the appropriate repair technique for improving the service life of structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the flexural behavior of fire exposed reinforced SCC beams retrofitted with laminates of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Beam specimens were cast with M20, M30, M40 and M50 grades of SCC and heated to 925ºC using an electrical furnace for 60 min duration following ISO 834 standard fire curve. The heated SCC beams were cooled by either natural air or water spraying.

Findings

The reduction in the ultimate load carrying capacity of heated beams was about 42% and 55% for M50 grade specimens that were cooled by air and water, respectively, in comparison with the reference specimens. The increase in the ultimate load was 54%, 38% and 27% for the specimens retrofitted with CFRP, BFRP and GFRP, respectively, compared with the fire-affected specimens cooled by natural air. Water-cooled specimens had shown higher level of damage than the air-cooled specimens. The specimens wrapped with carbon fiber could able to improve the flexural strength than basalt and glass fiber wrapping.

Originality/value

SCC, being a high performance concrete, is essential to evaluate the performance under fire conditions. This research work provides the flexural behavior and physical characteristics of SCC subjected to elevated temperature as per ISO rate of heating. In addition attempt has been made to enhance the flexural strength of fire-exposed SCC with wrapping using different fibers. The experimental data will enable the engineers to choose the appropriate material for retrofitting.
Orchestration capability: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Shi Qingyue , Shen Lei
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As inter-company cooperation and competition grow, orchestration capability plays an increasingly important role. This paper aims to present an overview of orchestration capability in the business and management field, identify the current state and explore future research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review is based on 132 papers collected from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection data (1997–March 2021). HistCite was used to analyze the year of publication, leading scholars, influential articles, key journals, top countries and institutions. Research streams were identified from analysis of co-citation, bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence by HistCite and VOSviewer.

Findings

This paper finds that Hitt MA is the most prolific scholar, and theStrategic Management Journalis the most dominating publication among the orchestration capability publications. The USA and Texas A&M University are the most influential countries and institutions, respectively. Three major clusters are identified based on citation mapping, bibliographic coupling analysis of documents and keywords co-occurrence analysis: dynamic capability and resource-based view, resource orchestration and network orchestration. Based on the three clusters, the authors analyze how resource orchestration and network orchestration research develops over time and summarize the evolutionary path of orchestration capability literature.

Research limitations/implications

This article builds on data from WoS Core Collection, and some new but important articles may not be analyzed, since bibliometrics consider high citation as an indicator to select influential articles.

Practical implications

With the rapid development of the digital economy, the frequent interactions between companies pose many challenges for businesses. Enterprises can take orchestration actions effectively and efficiently from various perspectives and continuously improve their orchestration capabilities in collaboration with partners to achieve and sustain competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper provides a systematic review of orchestration capability using bibliometric analysis, which has not been employed in previous studies. Besides, this article presents a broad understanding of how scholars have researched the subject over the years.
Calculation of energy and magnetic susceptibility of Fe atomic system during dislocation motion in magnetic field
Authors: Kraiev Maksym , Voronkov Eugene , Kraieva Violeta
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to calculate the change in the total energy of a small fragment of an idealized lattice of iron (in its pure form and with impurity atoms) containing an edge dislocation during its elementary motion at one interatomic spacing, both under the influence of a constant magnetic field and without it. The introduction of a magnetic field into the system is aimed at checking the adequacy of the description of the phenomenon of magnetoplasticity by changing the total energy of the atomic system.

Design/methodology/approach

The design procedure is based on a quantum-mechanical description of the switching process of the covalent bond of atoms in the dislocation core. The authors used the method of density functional theory in the Kohn-Shem version, implemented in the GAUSSIAN 09 software package. Using the perturbation theory, the authors modeled the impact of an external constant magnetic field on the energy of a system of lattice atoms.

Findings

The simulation results confirmed the effect of an external constant magnetic field on the switching energy of the covalent bond of atoms in the dislocation core, and also a change in the magnetic susceptibility of a system of atoms with a dislocation. This complements the description of the magnetoplastic effect during the deformation of metals.

Originality/value

The authors created quantum-mechanical models of the dislocation motion in the Fe crystal lattice: without impurities, with a substitutional atom Cr and with an interstitial atom C. The models take into account the influence of an external constant magnetic field.
Breaking the cycle of failure in combating corruption in Asian countries
Authors: Quah Jon S.T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the five mistakes made by political leaders in Asian countries in combating corruption. These mistakes constitute the cycle of failure which must be broken for Asian countries to succeed in fighting corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-corruption measures adopted by various Asian countries.

Findings

The cycle of failure in combating corruption in Asian countries arises from their governments’ reliance on corrupt political leaders and the police, and multiple anti-corruption agencies as attack dogs or paper tigers.

Originality/value

This paper would be of interest to those policymakers, anti-corruption practitioners, and scholars, who are concerned with enhancing the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies in their countries by breaking the cycle of failure.
The process of Learn to Play Therapy with parent–child dyads with children who have autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Davidson Donna , Stagnitti Karen
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Learn to Play Therapy aims to build children's ability to spontaneously initiate pretend play. The purpose of this study was to explore evidence for this therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder by investigating the changes in a child's pretend play and key techniques used in the process of therapy.

Methods

Six children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (mean age = 3.8 years; SD = 1.2 years) were engaged in therapy sessions with a parent. Four therapy session videos for each child were selected across four time points from 15 videos of each child, representing 6 months of therapy. Retrospective video analysis was used to investigate the changes in the child's ability by coding six play skills and enjoyment of play. Key techniques in the process of Learn to Play Therapy were analysed by frequency of occurrence during sessions.

Results

There was a significant increase in the child's pretend play ability for play scripts (p = .042), sequences of play actions (p = .043), object substitution (p = .043), doll/teddy play (p = .028), social interaction (p = .043) and enjoyment (p = .026). There was a mirroring of the therapist, parent and child for all key techniques, with parents showing increased frequency rates after Time 1. Repetition with variation decreased by Time 4. Challenging the child showed higher rates in Times 2 and 4. Focussed attention remained stable, and the child's talk during play had the highest total frequency.

Conclusion

Learn to Play Therapy is an effective therapy in building pretend play ability in children with autism, with parents increasing their involvement in using the key techniques after Time 1. The results inform therapists on how the key techniques were used within the therapy sessions to increase the child's pretend play ability.
The residential environment impact scale: Benefits and barriers to implementation in the Australian residential aged care facility context
Authors: du Toit Sanetta H. J. , Fitch Sarah Jane , Jessup Glenda Madeleine , Low Lee Fay
Published: July 2021

The organisational, physical and social environment within residential aged care settings greatly influence its residents' sense of autonomy, choice and control and their ability to engage in meaningful occupations. Identifying to what extent these environmental contexts are supportive and well‐coordinated could assist with promoting meaningful engagement of residents. The Residential Environment Impact Scale (REIS) was developed to measure the impact of the physical and social environment on residents. This study examined the benefits and barriers to implementing the REIS in four Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and factors to consider during implementation.

Method

A multisite sequential mixed‐methods study was conducted. Research participants included occupational therapists conducting the REIS and leadership staff examining the REIS reports in four facilities. Data consisted of formal observations of the REIS assessment process, an online survey of all participants and two research consensus groups. Qualitative findings were generated from field notes, open‐ended survey questions and group discussions. Close‐ended survey questions provided quantitative data.

Findings

The REIS was considered a useful audit tool, generating a holistic overview of the RACF. It highlighted the quality of person‐centred care and the potential role of occupational therapists to promote opportunities for meaningful occupational engagement. Barriers included administration time, personal characteristics of residents and limited resources to action recommendations.

Conclusion

The REIS has potential to be an audit tool for a whole‐environment approach to facility assessment of residents' sense of autonomy, occupational choice and meaningful engagement. As such, it provides occupational therapists with scope to support RACFs meeting national quality standards.
Crosstalk between AdipoR1/AdipoR2 and Nrf2/HO‐1 signal pathways activated by β‐caryophyllene suppressed the compound 48/80 induced pseudo‐allergic reactions
Authors: Pathak Manash Pratim , Patowary Pompy , Das Aparoop , Goyary Danswrang , Karmakar Sanjeev , Bhutia Yangchen D , Roy Probin Kumar , Das Sanghita , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh
Published: July 2021

Mast cell activation is initiated by two signalling pathways: immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐dependent and IgE‐independent pathway. It is reported that the IgE‐independent type or pseudo‐allergy pathway gets activated by G‐protein‐dependent activation of the mast cell. Recently, adiponectin (APN) receptors, AdipoR1, and AdipoR2 have been identified as G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). Interestingly, APN replenishment is reported to activate the Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling axis. However, no study has been performed interlinking the role of APN and the Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling axis in pseudo‐allergic reaction. In the present study, we evaluated the anti‐pseudo‐allergic effects of β‐caryophyllene, an FDA‐approved food additive, in activating AdipoR1/AdipoR2 and Nrf2/HO‐1 axis signalling pathway. Compound 48/80 (C48/80)‐induced systemic and cutaneous anaphylaxis‐like shock in BALB/c mice was performed to assess the efficacy of β‐caryophyllene (BCP). To assess the effect of BCP in anaphylactic hypotension, mean arterial pressure was measured in Wistar rats. Inhibitory properties of BCP in mast cell degranulation were estimated in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). ELISA was performed to estimate interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), IL‐1β, IgE, ovalbumin (OVA)‐IgE and APN and western blotting for protein expression of Nrf2/HO‐1 and AdipoR1‐AdipoR2. BCP dose‐dependently inhibited systemic and cutaneous anaphylaxis‐like shock induced by C48/80. BCP dose‐dependently inhibited the mast cell degranulation followed by inhibition of histamine release. Also BCP dose‐dependently activated the Nrf2/HO‐1 and AdipoR1‐AdipoR2 signalling axis pathway. Moreover, BCP reversed the drop in blood pressure when the haemodynamic parameters were accessed. Our findings suggest that BCP is a potent AdipoR1/AdipoR2‐Nrf2/HO‐1 axis pathway agonist that may suppress the IgE‐independent pathway towards allergic response to secretagogues.
How Context Matters: The Significance of Political Homogeneity and Language for Political Efficacy
Authors: Karv Thomas , Lindell Marina , Rapeli Lauri
Published: July 2021

The extent of political efficacy within a community reflects the general state of affairs within that community, with higher levels of political efficacy presumably related to other kinds of socially preferable attitudes. High levels of political efficacy could further be regarded as a glue that keeps a political community together and should be even more important within minority communities. As political efficacy differs across minority communities, it indicates that individual levels of political efficacy is not only an individual trait but something also affected by the local contextual features. To explore the relationship between varying local contexts and political efficacy within a minority population, we use data from Barometern 2019 (N = 3,913), which is a survey measuring the opinions and attitudes of the Swedish‐speaking population in Finland, i.e., the Swedish‐speaking Finns. This study, thus, analyses the role of contextual‐ and individual‐level determinants (e.g., age, education and gender) as well as linguistic identity (Swedish and bilingual) and political interest on both internal (subjective sense of political understanding) and external (political responsiveness) political efficacy. We find that context matters for political efficacy within a minority context but that the effects differ between the internal and external types of political efficacy. The findings presented will contribute to increasing our knowledge about political efficacy within a minority context.
Use of behavioral health care in Medicaid managed care carve‐out versus carve‐in arrangements
Authors: Charlesworth Christina J. , Zhu Jane M. , Horvitz‐Lennon Marcela , McConnell K. John
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate differences in access to behavioral health services for Medicaid enrollees covered by a Medicaid entity that integrated the financing of behavioral and physical health care (“carve‐in group”) versus a Medicaid entity that separated this financing (“carve‐out group”).

Data Sources/Study Setting

Medicaid claims data from two Medicaid entities in the Portland, Oregon tri‐county area in 2016.

Study Design

In this cross‐sectional study, we compared differences across enrollees in the carve‐in versus carve‐out group, using a machine learning approach to incorporate a large set of covariates and minimize potential selection bias. Our primary outcomes included behavioral health visits for a variety of different provider types. Secondary outcomes included inpatient, emergency department, and primary care visits.

Data Collection

We used Medicaid claims, including adults with at least 9 months of enrollment.

Principal Findings

The study population included 45,786 adults with mental health conditions. Relative to the carve‐out group, individuals in the carve‐in group were more likely to access outpatient behavioral health (2.39 percentage points, p < 0.0001, with a baseline rate of approximately 73%). The carve‐in group was also more likely to access primary care physicians, psychologists, and social workers and less likely to access psychiatrists and behavioral health specialists. Access to outpatient behavioral health visits was more likely in the carve‐in arrangement among individuals with mild or moderate mental health conditions (compared to individuals with severe mental illness) and among black enrollees (compared to white enrollees).

Conclusions

Financial integration of physical and behavioral health in Medicaid managed care was associated with greater access to behavioral health services, particularly for individuals with mild or moderate mental health conditions and for black enrollees. Recent changes to incentivize financial integration should be monitored to assess differential impacts by illness severity, race and ethnicity, provider types, and other factors.
A few drinks behind—Alcohol price and income elasticities in Europe: A microeconometric note
Authors: Rousselière Samira , Petit Gaëlle , Coisnon Thomas , Musson Anne , Rousselière Damien
Published: July 2021

We provide new cross‐country evidence on alcohol price and income elasticities based on microdata on individual behaviour. Our approach is original as previous research mainly estimates determinants of consumption with macroeconomic data. We use the latest available wave of the European Social Survey, 2014, merged with the Annual Database of National Beverage Consumption. We estimate a generalised Heckman model on the individual and national determinants of alcohol consumption with standard errors bootstrapped at the country level. We were able to identify direct and indirect effects of price and income, including their specific impacts on drinkers and abstainers.
Epidemiology of Takayasu arteritis in Shanghai: A hospital‐based study and systematic review
Authors: Sun Ying , Yin Meng‐meng , Ma Li‐li , Dai Xiao‐min , Lv Liang‐jing , Chen Xiao‐xiang , Ye Shuang , Li Ting , Chen Jie , Zhao Dong‐bao , Kong Rui‐na , Wei Qiang‐hua , Yang Guang‐hui , Gong Su‐gang , Yang Cheng‐de , Liu Hong‐lei , Xue Yu , Tang Jian‐ping , Feng Run , Peng Ai , Qin Ling , Liu Hua , Su Xiao , Huang Hui‐ping , Guan Jian‐long , Luo Dan , Dai Sheng‐Ming , Zhao Fu‐tao , Zhu Zhen‐Hang , Zhang Xiao‐yan , Han Jie , Wang Jia‐yi , Xiao Chun‐yuan , Xu Hu‐ji , Wu Xin , He Dong‐yi , Mao Jian‐chun , Zhu Zhu‐jing , Xue Luan , Li Ben , Lin Jiang , Zou Jian‐zhou , Sun Xiao‐ning , Ding Jing , Dong Zhi‐hui , Wang Xiang‐fei , Jun‐Ying  , Jiang Lin‐di
Published: July 2021

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare large vessel vasculitis, and epidemiological data on TAK are lacking in China. Thus, we designed this study to estimate the TAK prevalence and incidence in residential Shanghai, China.

Methods

Data on diagnosed TAK cases aged over 16 years were retrieved from 22 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai through hospital electronic medical record systems between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 to estimate the prevalence and incidence. A systematic literature review based on searches in PubMed, Ovid‐Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed to summarize TAK distribution across the world.

Results

In total 102 TAK patients, with 64% female, were identified. The point prevalence (2015‐2017) was 7.01 (95% CI 5.65‐8.37) cases per million, and the mean annual incidence was 2.33 (1.97‐3.21) cases per million. The average age of TAK patients was 44 ± 16 years, with the highest prevalence (11.59 [9.23‐19.50] cases per million) and incidence (3.55 [0.72 3.74] cases per million) in the 16 to 34 years population. Seventeen reports were included in the system review, showing that the epidemiology of TAK varied greatly across the world. The incidence and prevalence were both relatively higher in Asian countries, with the prevalence ranging 3.3‐40 cases per million and annual incidence ranging 0.34‐2.4 cases per million.

Conclusions

The prevalence and incidence of TAK in Shanghai was at moderate to high levels among the previous reports. The disease burden varied globally among racial populations.
A case of omalizumab as a successful treatment for telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans
Authors: Mortimore Alexandra Maria , Barsoum Ramez , Lambie Duncan , McMeniman Erin
Published: July 2021

Treatment for telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) is often challenging due to lack of an established first‐line therapy and as such is primarily focused on symptomatic relief. Omalizumab shows promise as a potential therapy for mast cell disorders; however, its efficacy in TMEP is yet to be established. This case describes a 72‐year‐old woman with chronic refractory TMEP achieving symptomatic remission within 4 months of commencing omalizumab therapy.
Sudden cardiac death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is best predicted by a combination of electrocardiogram risk‐score and HCMRisk‐Kids score
Authors: Östman‐Smith Ingegerd , Sjöberg Gunnar , Alenius Dahlqvist Jenny , Larsson Per , Fernlund Eva
Published: July 2021

Aim

To compare risk algorithms (HCMRisk‐Kids, ECG Risk‐score) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without syndrome association (ns‐HCM) and with Noonan‐like syndromes (RAS‐HCM).

Methods

A national paediatric HCM cohort (n = 151), presenting <19 years of age, mean follow‐up 13.3 years, from all Swedish centres of Paediatric Cardiology (presenting 1972–2015), with 41 RAS‐HCM patients (61% males), and 110 ns‐HCM patients (68% familial; 65% males). The end‐point was a composite of sudden cardiac death and resuscitated cardiac arrest (SCD/CA). Risk‐factors were studied with Cox‐hazard regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (C‐statistic).

Results

There were 33 SCD/CA, 27/110 in ns‐HCM and 6/41 in RAS‐HCM (p = 0.27). In ns‐HCM HCMRisk‐Kids ≥6% at diagnosis had C‐statistic of 0.69 for predicting SCD/CA during first 5 years of follow‐up and positive predictive value (PPV) of 22%. After 7 years of age (HCMRisk‐Kids7plus), C‐statistic was 0.76. ECG Risk‐score ≥6 at diagnosis had C‐statistic 0.87 and PPV of 31%. Independent risk factors for SCD/CA were HCMRisk‐Kids7plus score (p = 0.005) and ECG risk‐score (p < 0.001), whereas early beta‐blocker dose (p = 0.001) and myectomy (p = 0.004) reduced risk. The sum of HCMRisk‐Kids7yplus and ECG Risk‐score7yplus ≥14 best predicted SCD/CA within 5 years in ns‐HCM with C‐statistic of 0.90 [0.83–0.96], sensitivity 100% and PPV 38%.

Conclusion

Combining the ECG Risk‐score with HCMRisk‐Kids improves risk stratification in ns‐HCM and shows promise in RAS‐HCM.
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Enhance Financial Performance? Evidence from Australia
Authors: Nguyen Van Ha , Agbola Frank W. , Choi Bobae
Published: July 2021

Despite the heightened interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in recent years, the question of whether CSR affects a firm's financial performance remains unresolved. Using a sample of Australian publicly listed firms over the period 2009–2015, we find that CSR enhances financial performance. The positive relationship is more pronounced in mining firms than it is in non‐mining firms. However, the financial benefit of CSR is negatively moderated by the level of industry competition. These empirical findings remain robust after controlling for sample selection bias and endogeneity and employing alternative variable measures and estimation methods. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of industry characteristics in explaining the effects of CSR on financial performance.
A circulating subset of BRAFV600E‐positive cells in infants with high‐risk Langerhans cell histiocytosis treated with BRAF inhibitors
Authors: Poch Rita , Le Louet Solenne , Hélias‐Rodzewicz Zofia , Hachem Nawa , Plat Geneviève , Barkaoui Mohamed‐Aziz , Lapillonne Hélène , Delhommeau François , Emile Jean‐François , Donadieu Jean , Héritier Sébastien
Published: July 2021

BRAF inhibitors are an effective treatment for BRAFV600E‐mutated, risk‐organ‐positive Langerhans cell histiocytosis (RO+ LCH). However, cell‐free BRAFV600E DNA often persists during therapy and recurrence frequently occurs after therapy discontinuation. To identify a pathological reservoir of BRAFV600E‐mutated cells, we studied peripheral blood cells obtained from six infants with RO+ multisystem (MS) LCH that received targeted therapy. After cell sorting, the BRAFV600E mutation was detected in monocytes (n = 5), B lymphocytes (n = 3), T lymphocytes (n = 2), and myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (n = 2 each). This biomarker may offer an interesting tool for monitoring the effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches for weaning children with RO+ LCH from targeted therapy.
Antibiotic–cell‐penetrating peptide conjugates targeting challenging drug‐resistant and intracellular pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Zeiders Samantha M. , Chmielewski Jean
Published: July 2021

The failure to treat everyday bacterial infections is a current threat as pathogens are finding new ways to thwart antibiotics through mechanisms of resistance and intracellular refuge, thus rendering current antibiotic strategies ineffective. Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are providing a means to improve antibiotics that are already approved for use. Through coadministration and conjugation of antibiotics with CPPs, improved accumulation and selectivity with alternative and/or additional modes of action against infections have been observed. Herein, we review the recent progress of this antibiotic–cell‐penetrating peptide strategy in combatting sensitive and drug‐resistant pathogens. We take a closer look into the specific antibiotics that have been enhanced, and in some cases repurposed as broad‐spectrum drugs. Through the addition and conjugation of cell‐penetrating peptides to antibiotics, increased permeation across mammalian and/or bacterial membranes and a broader range in bacterial selectivity have been achieved.
Whole genome sequencing identifies rare germline variants enriched in cancer related genes in first degree relatives of familial pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Tan Ming , Brusgaard Klaus , Gerdes Anne‐Marie , Mortensen Michael Bau , Detlefsen Sönke , Schaffalitzky de Muckadell Ove B. , Joergensen Maiken Thyregod
Published: July 2021

First‐degree relatives (FDRs) of familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients have increased risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Investigating and understanding the genetic basis for PDAC susceptibility in FPC predisposed families may contribute toward future risk‐assessment and management of high‐risk individuals. Using a Danish cohort of 27 FPC families, we performed whole‐genome sequencing of 61 FDRs of FPC patients focusing on rare genetic variants that may contribute to familial aggregation of PDAC. Statistical analysis was performed using the gnomAD database as external controls. Through analysis of heterozygous premature truncating variants (PTV), we identified cancer‐related genes and cancer‐driver genes harboring multiple germline mutations. Association analysis detected 20 significant genes with false discovery rate, q < 0.05 including: PALD1, LRP1B, COL4A2, CYLC2, ZFYVE9, BRD3, AHDC1, etc. Functional annotation showed that the significant genes were enriched by gene clusters encoding for extracellular matrix and associated proteins. PTV genes were over‐represented by functions related to transport of small molecules, innate immune system, ion channel transport, and stimuli‐sensing channels. In conclusion, FDRs of FPC patients carry rare germline variants related to cancer pathogenesis that may contribute to increased susceptibility to PDAC. The identified variants may potentially be useful for risk prediction of high‐risk individuals in predisposed families.
Effects of human footprint and biophysical factors on the body‐size structure of fished marine species
Authors: Bosch Nestor E. , Monk Jacquomo , Goetze Jordan , Wilson Shaun , Babcock Russell C. , Barrett Neville , Clough Jock , Currey‐Randall Leanne M. , Fairclough David V. , Fisher Rebecca , Gibbons Brooke A. , Harasti David , Harvey Euan S. , Heupel Michelle R. , Hicks Jamie L. , Holmes Thomas H. , Huveneers Charlie , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Jordan Alan , Knott Nathan A. , Malcolm Hamish A. , McLean Dianne , Meekan Mark , Newman Stephen J. , Radford Ben , Rees Matthew J. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Speed Conrad W. , Travers Michael J. , Wakefield Corey B. , Wernberg Thomas , Langlois Tim J.
Published: July 2021

Marine fisheries in coastal ecosystems in many areas of the world have historically removed large‐bodied individuals, potentially impairing ecosystem functioning and the long‐term sustainability of fish populations. Reporting on size‐based indicators that link to food‐web structure can contribute to ecosystem‐based management, but the application of these indicators over large (cross‐ecosystem) geographical scales has been limited to either fisheries‐dependent catch data or diver‐based methods restricted to shallow waters (<20 m) that can misrepresent the abundance of large‐bodied fished species. We obtained data on the body‐size structure of 82 recreationally or commercially targeted marine demersal teleosts from 2904 deployments of baited remote underwater stereo‐video (stereo‐BRUV). Sampling was at up to 50 m depth and covered approximately 10,000 km of the continental shelf of Australia. Seascape relief, water depth, and human gravity (i.e., a proxy of human impacts) were the strongest predictors of the probability of occurrence of large fishes and the abundance of fishes above the minimum legal size of capture. No‐take marine reserves had a positive effect on the abundance of fishes above legal size, although the effect varied across species groups. In contrast, sublegal fishes were best predicted by gradients in sea surface temperature (mean and variance). In areas of low human impact, large fishes were about three times more likely to be encountered and fishes of legal size were approximately five times more abundant. For conspicuous species groups with contrasting habitat, environmental, and biogeographic affinities, abundance of legal‐size fishes typically declined as human impact increased. Our large‐scale quantitative analyses highlight the combined importance of seascape complexity, regions with low human footprint, and no‐take marine reserves in protecting large‐bodied fishes across a broad range of species and ecosystem configurations.