bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway Is a Key Mediator of Carfilzomib-induced Nephrotoxicity: Preventive Role of Eplerenone
Authors: Efentakis Panagiotis , Lamprou Sofia , Makridakis Manousos , Barla Ioanna , Nikolaou Panagiota-Efstathia , Christodoulou Andriana , Dimitriou Costantinos , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Theochari Irene , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Gakiopoulou Harikleia , Tasouli Androniki , Vlahou Antonia , Gikas Evangelos , Thomaidis Nikolaos , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Terpos Evangelos , Andreadou Ioanna
Published: October 2022

Carfilzomib is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor indicated for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Carfilzomib toxicity includes renal adverse effects (RAEs) of obscure pathobiology. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity developed by Carfilzomib. In a first experimental series, we used our previously established in vivo mouse models of Carfilzomib cardiotoxicity, that incorporated 2 and 4 doses of Carfilzomib, to identify whether Carfilzomib affects renal pathways. Hematology and biochemical analyses were performed, while kidneys underwent histological and molecular analyses. In a second and third experimental series, the 4 doses protocol was repeated for 24 hours urine collection and proteomic/metabolomic analyses. To test an experimental intervention, primary murine collecting duct tubular epithelial cells were treated with Carfilzomib and/or Eplerenone and Metformin. Finally, Eplerenone was orally co-administered with Carfilzomib daily (165 mg/kg) in the 4 doses protocol. We additionally used material from 7 patients to validate our findings and patients underwent biochemical analysis and assessment of renal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) axis activation. In vivo screening showed that Carfilzomib-induced renal histological deficits and increased serum creatinine, urea, NGAL levels, and proteinuria only in the 4 doses protocol. Carfilzomib decreased diuresis, altered renal metabolism, and activated MR axis. This was consistent with the cytotoxicity found in primary murine collecting duct tubular epithelial cells, whereas Carfilzomib + Eplerenone co-administration abrogated Carfilzomib-related nephrotoxic effects in vitro and in vivo. Renal SGK-1, a marker of MR activation, increased in patients with Carfilzomib-related RAEs. Conclusively, Carfilzomib-induced renal MR/SGK-1 activation orchestrates RAEs and water retention both in vivo and in the clinical setting. MR blockade emerges as a potential therapeutic approach against Carfilzomib-related nephrotoxicity.
Hospital-Wide Intervention in Billing and Coding to Capture Complexity of Care at an Academic Referral Center
Authors: DeCicco Danielle , Krupica Troy M. , Pellegrino Ronald , Dimachkie Ziad O.
Published: October 2022

Goal:

Downcoding at nonprofit healthcare institutions can account for significant revenue losses that, in turn, can affect the amount and quality of care they provide. Using the inpatient medical note to assess the complexity of care, we wanted to quantify the visit coding distribution at the largest tertiary care center in West Virginia and to improve the documentation and coding if found to be below national benchmarks.

Methods:

We measured the number of encounters and associated documentation of level 1, 2, and 3 visits among hospitalists. We compared our data to national benchmark data. We then implemented a multifaceted, multidisciplinary intervention to improve documentation and coding.

Principal Findings:

We found a significant average increase of level 3 admission history and physical visits of 76% (p < .0001) and 112% (p < .001) for subsequent encounters compared with baseline preintervention visit types. With team-based coding interventions in place, documentation accurately now reflects the complexity of care delivered. Based on Medicare reimbursement rates, this new accuracy has led to an increase in revenue of $233, 988.79 per 10,000 encounters.

Applications to Practice:

Provider knowledge of medical billing and coding guidelines is essential. In particular, large academic institutions typically operate on small margins, so even simple adjustments and quality improvement efforts in billing and coding can help immensely by accurately representing the amount and quality of medical services. An institution can markedly improve revenues by coding notes to reflect the true complexity of care that is delivered.
Multi-phenotype analysis for enhanced classification of 11 herpes simplex virus 1 strains
Authors: Dweikat Sarah N. , Renner Daniel W. , Bowen Christopher D. , Szpara Moriah L.
Published: October 2022

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is best known for causing oral lesions and mild clinical symptoms, but it can produce a significant range of disease severities and rates of reactivation. To better understand this phenotypic variation, we characterized 11 HSV1 strains that were isolated from individuals with diverse infection outcomes. We provide new data on genomic and in vitro plaque phenotype analysis for these isolates and compare these data to previously reported quantitation of the disease phenotype of each strain in a murine animal model. We show that integration of these three types of data permitted clustering of these HSV1 strains into four groups that were not distinguishable by any single dataset alone, highlighting the benefits of combinatorial multi-parameter phenotyping. Two strains (group 1) produced a partially or largely syncytial plaque phenotype and attenuated disease phenotypes in mice. Three strains of intermediate plaque size, causing severe disease in mice, were genetically clustered to a second group (group 2). Six strains with the smallest average plaque sizes were separated into two subgroups (groups 3 and 4) based on their different genetic clustering and disease severity in mice. Comparative genomics and network graph analysis suggested a separation of HSV1 isolates with attenuated vs. virulent phenotypes. These observations imply that virulence phenotypes of these strains may be traceable to genetic variation within the HSV1 population.
Evaluation of affinity-purification coupled to mass spectrometry approaches for capture of short linear motif-based interactions
Authors: Kassa Eszter , Jamshidi Sara , Mihalič Filip , Simonetti Leandro , Kliche Johanna , Jemth Per , Bergström Lind Sara , Ivarsson Ylva
Published: October 2022

Low affinity and transient protein-protein interactions, such as short linear motif (SLiM)-based interactions, require dedicated experimental tools for discovery and validation. Here, we evaluated and compared biotinylated peptide pulldown and protein interaction screen on peptide matrix (PRISMA) coupled to mass-spectrometry (MS) using a set of peptides containing interaction motifs. Eight different peptide sequences that engage in interactions with three distinct protein domains (KEAP1 Kelch, MDM2 SWIB, and TSG101 UEV) with a wide range of affinities were tested. We found that peptide pulldown can be an effective approach for SLiM validation, however, parameters such as protein abundance and competitive interactions can prevent the capture of known interactors. The use of tandem peptide repeats improved the capture and preservation of some interactions. When testing PRISMA, it failed to provide comparable results for a model peptide that successfully pulled down a known interactor using biotinylated peptide pulldown. Overall, in our hands, we find that albeit more laborious, biotin-peptide pulldown was more successful in terms of validation of known interactions. Our results highlight that the tested affinity-capture MS-based methods for validation of SLiM-based interactions from cell lysates are suboptimal, and we identified parameters for consideration for method development.
The N-terminal executioner domains of NLR immune receptors are functionally conserved across major plant lineages
Authors: Chia Khong-Sam , Kourelis Jiorgos , Vickers Martin , Sakai Toshiyuki , Kamoun Sophien , Carella Philip
Published: October 2022

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are a prominent class of intracellular immune receptors that are present across diverse plant lineages. However, our understanding of plant NLR structure and function is limited to the evolutionarily young flowering plant clade (angiosperms). Here, we describe an extended spectrum of NLR diversity across major plant lineages and demonstrate functional conservation of N-terminal ‘executioner’ domains that trigger immune responses. We show that broadly distributed CC (coiled-coil) and TIR (toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domains retain executioner function through trans-lineage activation of immune-related cell death in the model angiospermNicotiana benthamiana. Further examination of a CC subfamily specific to non-flowering lineages uncovered an essential N-terminal MAEPL motif with functional similarity to resistosome-forming CC-NLRs. Ectopic activation of the MAEPL-type CC in the divergent liverwortMarchantia polymorphaled to profound growth inhibition, defense gene activation, and signatures of cell death resembling CC activity in flowering plants. Moreover, comparative macroevolutionary transcriptomics inMarchantiaandNicotianaidentified conserved CC responsive genes, providing further insight into the core aspects of CC function shared between flowering and non-flowering plants. Our findings highlight the need to understand NLR structure and function across the full spectrum of plant diversity.
Raw milk kefir: microbiota, bioactive peptides, and immune modulation
Authors: Baars Ton , van Esch Betty , van Ooijen Luuk , Zhang Zuomin , Dekker Pieter , Boeren Sjef , Diks Mara , Garssen Johan , Hettinga Kasper , Kort Remco
Published: October 2022

This study aims to characterize the microbial and peptidomic composition of raw milk kefir, and to address the potential anti-allergic effects of raw milk kefir using validated research models for food allergy. Raw milk kefir was produced after incubation with a defined freeze-dried starter culture. Kefir was sampled during fermentation at seven-time intervals. For comparison, kefir was also prepared from boiled milk (100 °C; 5 sec). Peptide compositions were determined for the raw and heated milk, plus kefir end products made from these milks. In a murine food allergy model, the two kefir end products were investigated on their allergy modulating effects. In both kefirs, we identified amplicon sequence variants identical to those in the starter, matching the bacteriaLactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Leuconostocand the yeastDebaromyces. In raw milk kefir, additional sequence variants ofLactococcus lactisand the yeastsPichiaandGalactomycescould be identified, which were absent in heated milk kefir. Analysis of peptide compositions in kefirs indicated that the number and intensity of peptides drastically increased after fermentation. Heating of milk negatively affected the diversity of the peptide composition in kefir. Only raw milk kefir suppressed the acute allergic skin response to the food allergen ovalbumin in sensitised mice. These effects coincided with differences in the T-cell compartment, with lower percentages of activated Th1 cells and IFNg production after treatment with kefir made from heated milk. The results of this study indicate specific properties of raw milk kefir that may contribute to its additional health benefits.
Genetic diagnosis for adult patients at a genetic clinic
Authors: Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Anthanont Pimjai , Khetkham Thanitchet , Puttamanee Sukita , Ittiwut Chupong
Published: October 2022

Clinical utility of genetic testing has rapidly increased in the past decade to identify the definitive diagnosis, etiology, and specific management. The majority of patients receiving testing are children. There are several barriers for genetic tests in adult patients; barriers may arise from either patients or clinicians. Our study aims to realize the detection rate and the benefits of genetic tests in adults. We conducted a prospective study of 10 adult patients who were referred to a genetic clinic. Exome sequencing (ES) was pursued in all cases, and chromosomal microarray (CMA) was performed for six cases. Our result is impressive; six cases (60%) received likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants. Four definitive diagnosis cases had known pathogenic variants inKCNJ2,TGFBR1,SCN1A, andFBN1, whereas another two cases revealed novel likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants inGNB1andDNAH9.Our study demonstrates the success in genetic diagnosis in adult patients: four cases with definitive, two cases with possible, and one case with partial diagnosis. The advantage of diagnosis is beyond obtaining the diagnosis itself, but also relieving any doubt for the patient regarding any previous questionable diagnosis, guide for management, and recurrence risk in their children or family members. Therefore, this supports the value of genetic testing in adult patients.
Synchrotron Mössbauer source: trade-off between intensity and linewidth
Authors: Yaroslavtsev Sergey , Chumakov Aleksandr I.
Published: October 2022

A synchrotron Mössbauer source (SMS) enables conventional (energy-domain) Mössbauer spectroscopy at synchrotron radiation facilities. In comparison with radioactive sources, SMS provides a beam of several micrometres in size, permitting studies of extremely small samples. The SMS linewidth can be narrowed at the expense of its intensity by varying the angular position and temperature of the key element of the SMS – an iron borate 57FeBO3 crystal. Here, in order to optimize the SMS performance, the angular and temperature dependencies of the SMS parameters have been studied and the optimal angular position and temperature of the crystal have been determined for highest intensity at specified source width. The results show that, when accepting broadening of the source width up to ∼6 natural widths, the intensity of the SMS at the European Synchrotron reaches more than 105 γ-quanta s−1. In the opposite extreme, the width of the source approaches the natural width with intensity decreasing to about 103 γ-quanta s−1. These changes of intensity up to two orders of magnitude take place over a temperature range of about 0.5°C. For all temperature and angular conditions, the instrumental function of the source was derived; we also analyzed the modification of its shape when passing from the `low-width' to `high-intensity' extremes of SMS operation. Finally, we estimated the influence of the temperature instability and mosaicity of the iron borate crystal on the SMS performance.
Stability of Bragg reflectors under megahertz heat load at XFELs
Authors: Bahns Immo , Rauer Patrick , Rossbach Jörg , Sinn Harald
Published: October 2022

Modern X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources can deliver photon pulses with millijoule pulse energies and megahertz repetition rate. As shown by the simulations in this work, for particular cases the dynamical heat load effects for Bragg reflectors could cause problems at these facilities. These problems would be underestimated if only quasi-static thermoelastic simulations are considered. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity the quasi-static approach is a common choice for estimating heat load effects. To emphasize the relevance of dynamical thermoelastic effects, the response to the partial absorption of an X-ray pulse, as provided by a saturated X-ray free-electron laser oscillator (XFELO) in a single crystal diamond with a thickness of 100 µm and lateral dimensions in the millimetre range, is discussed in this work. The outcome of the dynamic thermoelastic simulations indicates a clear dominance regarding the strain value reached, which is present for consecutive X-ray matter interactions with megahertz repetition rate.
Speckle contrast of interfering fluorescence X-rays
Authors: Trost Fabian , Ayyer Kartik , Oberthuer Dominik , Yefanov Oleksandr , Bajt Saša , Caleman Carl , Weimer Agnes , Feld Artur , Weller Horst , Boutet Sébastien , Koglin Jason , Timneanu Nicusor , von Zanthier Joachim , Röhlsberger Ralf , Chapman Henry N.
Published: October 2022

With the development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), producing pulses of femtosecond durations comparable with the coherence times of X-ray fluorescence, it has become possible to observe intensity–intensity correlations due to the interference of emission from independent atoms. This has been used to compare durations of X-ray pulses and to measure the size of a focusedX-ray beam, for example. Here it is shown that it is also possible to observe the interference of fluorescence photons through the measurement of the speckle contrast of angle-resolved fluorescence patterns. Speckle contrast is often used as a measure of the degree of coherence of the incident beam or the fluctuations of the illuminated sample as determined from X-ray diffraction patterns formed by elastic scattering, rather than from fluorescence patterns as addressed here. Commonly used approaches to estimate speckle contrast were found to suffer when applied to XFEL-generated fluorescence patterns due to low photon counts and a significant variation of the excitation pulse energy from shot to shot. A new method to reliably estimate speckle contrast under such conditions, using a weighting scheme, is introduced. The method is demonstrated by comparing the speckle contrast of fluorescence observed with pulses of 3 fs to 15 fs duration.
Polyelectrolyte coating of cryo-EM grids improves lateral distribution and prevents aggregation of macromolecules
Authors: Hrebík Dominik , Gondová Mária , Valentová Lucie , Füzik Tibor , Přidal Antonín , Nováček Jiří , Plevka Pavel
Published: October 2022

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is one of the primary methods used to determine the structures of macromolecules and their complexes. With the increased availability of cryo-electron microscopes, the preparation of high-quality samples has become a bottleneck in the cryo-EM structure-determination pipeline. Macromolecules can be damaged during the purification or preparation of vitrified samples for cryo-EM, making them prone to binding to the grid support, to aggregation or to the adoption of preferential orientations at the air–water interface. Here, it is shown that coating cryo-EM grids with a negatively charged polyelectrolyte, such as single-stranded DNA, before applying the sample reduces the aggregation of macromolecules and improves their distribution. The single-stranded DNA-coated grids enabled the determination of high-resolution structures from samples that aggregated on conventional grids. The polyelectrolyte coating reduces the diffusion of macromolecules and thus may limit the negative effects of the contact of macromolecules with the grid support and blotting paper, as well as of the shear forces on macromolecules during grid blotting. Coating grids with polyelectrolytes can readily be employed in any laboratory dealing with cryo-EM sample preparation, since it is fast, simple, inexpensive and does not require specialized equipment.
Measuring the impact of surface ozone on rice production in China: a normalized profit function approach
Authors: Ge Yang , Yang Yongbing , Yi Fujin , Hu Hao , Xiong XiaoBai
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of surface ozone pollution on rice profit, output and variable inputs in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates the rice profit function using county-level rice production data and ozone monitoring data in 2014 and 2015 to capture the impact of ozone pollution on rice profit. Then, it uses dual approach to identify the impacts of ozone on the supply of rice and the demand for variable inputs. The ozone concentration data are obtained from 1,412 monitoring stations established by the National Environmental Monitoring Centre of China.

Findings

The results show that surface ozone would significantly reduce rice profits; a 1% increase in (the daily average ozone concentration from 9 am to 4 pm) leads to a 0.1% decrease in profits. In addition, ozone has a negative impact on the levels of inputs and the supply of rice, and the elasticities of rice output, fertilizer input and labour input with respect to are −0.87, −0.86 and −0.78%, respectively. These results suggest that ozone pollution affects rice production via two channels: the direct damage on rice growth and the indirect negative impact of reducing variable inputs.

Originality/value

This study estimates the impacts of surface ozone pollution on rice profit and output, and quantifies its influence on variable inputs in China, which provides a better understanding of farmers' adaptation behaviour.
Can SMEs' quality management promote supply chain financing performance? An explanation based on signalling theory
Authors: Lu Qiang , Yang Yudong , Yu Miao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how the quality management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) impacts their supply chain financing performance (SCFP). This study also investigates the mediating roles of organisational dependence between quality management and the SCFP of SMEs, as well as the moderating role of environmental dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were administered to 248 financial managers responsible for supply chain finance (SCF) in SMEs in China. Data analysis techniques used include necessary condition analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Research findings show that, in SCF, the quality management of SMEs positively predicts their SCFP through the mediation of the organisational dependence of the focal enterprises in the supply chain network. Environmental dynamics are also found to moderate the relationship between quality management and SCFP through the organisational dependence of capital providers.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the relationships between SMEs' quality management and their SCFP. Also, this study provides a new theoretical lens through which to study SCF by introducing signalling theory.
Evaluation of a coach door under a frontal impact
Authors: Lopes Rogério , Barros Francisco , Melo Francisco Q. de , Ramos Nuno V. , Cunha Rafael , Maia Ricardo , Rodrigues Rui , Parente M.P.L. , Moreira P.M.G.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The vehicle´s body front pillar should absorb most of the striker kinetic energy, while only a fraction of that is absorbed by the door structure. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned issue. In this test the striker is a virtual entity. Six uniaxial strain gauges are installed throughout the door. Additionally, contactless 3D digital image correlation (DIC) allows to assess the major door panel’s continuous deformation and strain fields.

Design/methodology/approach

A coach is a large and heavy long-distance passenger transport vehicle. Their structural certification, classifies coaches as M3 Class III vehicles. New coach structures’ designs need analyses of each sub-system for critical pre-validation of the entire structure, aiming driver and passenger carrier safety. Also, a thorough examination due to increased travel speed is needed.

Findings

Experimental pseudo-dynamic (PSD) results were compared and validated using finite element method (FEM) with two pieces of distinct FEM software (Abaqus® and PamCrash®). The time dependent solution was carried out by explicit techniques. Results by FEM and PSD test showed good agreement, evidencing the reliability of the tools selected. Results by PamCrash® were closer to the experimental data.

Practical implications

R-29 is truck-only regulation, however can be adapted to coaches in case of a frontal collision. The present work focuses on the impact behavior of the passenger front door subsystem.

Originality/value

As a first validation the entire structure, the behavior of a vehicle door, under in-plane impacts was studied. The corresponding deformation energy absorbed by the frontal passenger coach door under virtual impacts of a swinging striker was assessed using a PSD approach.
Earnings management and corporate efficiency pre- and post-IFRS: evidence from Taiwanese listed electronics corporations
Authors: Wang Wei-Kang , Lu Wen-Min , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Siao Wun-Ya
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships among International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption, earnings management, and corporate efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors employ the epsilon-based measure (EBM) of the data envelopment analysis to measure the corporate performance of the Taiwanese electronics industry from 2011 to 2014. Second, the authors regress the IFRS adoption and earnings management on corporate efficiency.

Findings

The findings show that the corporate efficiency deteriorated after IFRS adoption. Although the regression analysis shows that the relationship between earnings management and corporate efficiency is significantly positive, the authors find that IFRS adoption is effective in unveiling earnings management. Moreover, IFRS adoption moderates the impact earnings management and corporate efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides reference for decision-makers in the application of accounting principles and in the understanding of the IFRS impact adoption.

Practical implications

IFRS adoption can either facilitate or limit the earnings management that would affect corporate efficiency significantly and help the electronics industry as well as investors to know the changes in accounting principles and their effects on corporate efficiency.

Originality/value

The authors use the EBM of efficiency model to measure corporate efficiency and employ the modified Jones model to measure earnings management.
The business models of NFTs and fan tokens and how they build trust
Authors: Zarifis Alex , Cheng Xusen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The sale of NFTs and the interest in them has “exploded” recently. While there is a lot of information on them, it is not clear what final form they will take. There are several reasons to be uneasy, such as the prevalence of scams, but there are also reasons for optimism and confidence in NFTs. First, they solve the problem of how to own digital assets. Additionally, some of the more reliable and proven cryptoasset exchanges are offering them. However, this innovation will have difficulties reaching a wider audience until more clarity is achieved on two main issues. Therefore, this study aims to clarify what the NFT business models are, and how do they build trust.

Design/methodology/approach

This research attempts to identify the NFT business models with case study analysis in three stages. The first stage is a focus group, followed by 16 short case vignettes and finally four longer case studies.

Findings

The findings show that there are four NFT business models: (1) NFT creator; (2) NFT marketplace, selling creators’ NFTs; (3) company offering their own NFT (fan token) and (4) computer game with NFT sales.

Originality/value

This research brings the literature on business models and NFTs together to offer clarity on the proven NFT business models.
Creation of shared value in cooperatives: informal institutions’ perspective of small-sized banana growers from Colombia
Authors: Maestre Matos Marcela , Lombana-Coy Jahir , Mesías Francisco J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify informal institutions for bottom-of-the-pyramid (BoP) business models in the agricultural sector through the case study of banana growers’ cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of six banana cooperatives from Colombia was conducted. The research followed a mixed design, using both qualitative and quantitative data and the application of structural equations.

Findings

This study shows that social capital, networking and alliances are essential in BoP businesses.

Originality/value

Authors defined a model of informal institutional factors for the generation of economic and social value in inclusive business, using the new institutional theory and the conceptual development of BoP in agri-business.
Effects of online brand community rituals on customer citizenship behavior: exploring the sequential mediation mechanism
Authors: Yang Shuang , Tang Jiarong , Cai Jian , Guo Gongxing
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Few extant studies have focused on digital rituals and investigated the relationship between them and customer citizenship behavior in the context of online brand communities (OBCs). This study aims to examine the sequential mediation mechanism of emotional energy and spiritual brand identification under interaction ritual theory and identifies membership prototypicality as the moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

An online investigation of 515 OBC users was conducted to gather data, and structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results revealed that OBC rituals were positively related to customer citizenship behavior. Emotional energy and spiritual brand identification could play mediating roles in the relationship between OBC rituals and customer citizenship behavior. Furthermore, there existed a sequential mediation mechanism with emotional energy as the first mediator and spiritual brand identification as the second. The effect of OBC rituals on emotional energy was more significant for peripheral members than prototypical members.

Practical implications

Managers of OBCs should conduct various ritualistic strategies to stimulate users to perform customer citizenship behaviors. Discrete ritualized activities should be intended for members of different prototypicalities.

Originality/value

This study provides a profound insight on how OBC rituals foster customer citizenship behavior and is among the first to explore such a relationship. It also investigates the sequential mediation mechanism, thus broadening the research on the influencing processes of OBC rituals on customer citizenship behavior.
Adaptation of autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgian school settings
Authors: Zirakashvili Medea , Gabunia Maia , Mebonia Nana , Mikiashvili Tamar , Lomidze Giorgi , Bishop Somer , Leventhal Bennett , Kim Young Shin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Even though 95% of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), live in low- and middle-income countries, there is a dearth of studies from these countries, including the Republic of Georgia. Several ASD screening tools are available, but few are validated for use in Georgian or other smaller countries. This study aims to adapt and validate the autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgia.

Design/methodology/approach

The ASSQ was administered for all third-grade students in 402 schools in the five main Georgian cities, n = 27,336. Prior to use, the 27-item ASSQ was translated, back-translated and adapted for use in Georgia. A total of 16,556 students (approximately 61%) were assessed by a parent and/or teacher. Optimal cutoff scores were estimated. Randomly chosen children who screened positive (n = 173) and negative (n = 127) were offered comprehensive assessment using standardized diagnostic procedures.

Findings

Data from 15,510 parents- and 13,517 teachers-administered ASSQ revealed statistically significant differences in median and cutoff scores between parents and teachers: 7 versus 4 and 9 versus 6, respectively. Cutoff score = 14, on either parent or teacher ASSQ, had sensitivity of 0.94, indicating that it can be used in school settings.

Originality/value

The Georgian adaptation of the ASSQ creates opportunity for further ASD research, while also providing a valid screening tool for clinicians. Data from Georgia will add to the growing understanding of the broader ASD phenotype.
Epidemiological survey of patients with psoriatic arthritis in the Japanese Society for Psoriasis Research from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Kamiya Koji , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: October 2022

The Japanese Society for Psoriasis Research (JSPR) conducted annual epidemiological surveys of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to analyze a recent epidemiological survey of enrolled PsA patients in the JSPR from 2017 to 2020. A total of 1641 patients (1032 men [62.9%] and 609 women [37.1%]) were enrolled from 131 medical institutions. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 51.4 ± 13.6 years and those at the onset of skin lesions and joint symptoms were 39.2 ± 15.8 and 47.9 ± 14.0 years, respectively. According to the Moll and Wright criteria, distal, oligoarticular, polyarticular, arthritis mutilans, and axial or spondyloarthritis types were 27.2%, 29.9%, 18.6%, 0.4%, and 6.6%, respectively. Approximately 56.3% of the patients had past history and comorbidities, such as hypertension (35.9%), dyslipidemia (20.7%), diabetes mellitus (19.2%), hyperuricemia (13.5%), cardiovascular disease (4.1%), and cerebrovascular disease (3.9%). Regarding systemic therapy, 55.9% and 45.5% of the patients were treated with oral medications and biologics, respectively. The most common oral medication was methotrexate (39.1%), followed by apremilast (27.4%). Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were also used in many patients (40.3%). Among the biologics, the most common was adalimumab (30.1%), followed by secukinumab (20.9%) and ixekizumab (17.0%). This survey shows the recent perspective of PsA in the Japanese society, which will lead to a better understanding of this disease, including patient characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment trends.
Factors related to the diagnosis of lung cancer by transbronchial biopsy with endobronchial ultrasonography and a guide sheath
Authors: Kurihara Yuki , Tashiro Hiroki , Takahashi Koichiro , Tajiri Ryo , Kuwahara Yuki , Kajiwara Kokoro , Komiya Natsuko , Ogusu Shinsuke , Nakashima Chiho , Nakamura Tomomi , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka‐Aragane Naoko
Published: October 2022

Background

Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) with endobronchial ultrasonography and a guide sheath (EBUS‐GS) is an effective examination tool for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Factors related to making the diagnosis are still not fully understood.

Methods

A total of 367 patients who underwent EBUS‐GS and were diagnosed with lung cancer in Saga University Hospital were investigated retrospectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between 244 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer and 123 patients who were not diagnosed by TBB with EBUS‐GS but were diagnosed by other examinations.

Results

Size of target lesion, rate of patients with target lesion size ≥20 mm, presence of the bronchus sign, and detection by EBUS imaging were significantly associated with making the diagnosis (all p < 0.01). In patients whose lesion was detected by EBUS imaging, patients with positive findings within the lesion were significantly more often diagnosed by TBB with EBUS‐GS than those with positive findings adjacent to the lesion (p < 0.01). The odds ratio (OR) of patients whose lesion was detected by EBUS imaging (OR [95% confidence interval] 14.5 [8.0–26.4]) tended to be higher compared to the ORs of size of lesion ≥20 mm (3.9 [2.2–6.8]) and the bronchus sign (7.5 [4.6–12.2]).

Conclusion

Targeted lesion diameter ≥20 mm, bronchus sign, and detection by EBUS imaging, especially within the lesion, are important factors for the diagnosis of lung cancer by TBB with EBUS‐GS.
Evaluation of real‐world outcomes associated with use of a prescription digital therapeutic to treat substance use disorders
Authors: Xiong Xiaorui , Braun Stephen , Stitzer Maxine , Luderer Hilary , Shafai Gigi , Hare Brendan , Stevenson Michael , Maricich Yuri
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Digital therapeutics can expand the reach and fidelity of behavioral treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). This analysis evaluated real‐world engagement and clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with SUD who were prescribed reSET®, an FDA‐authorized prescription digital therapeutic (PDT).

Methods

Patients were prescribed a 12‐week PDT comprising 61 therapy lessons (31 “core” and 30 “keep learning” lessons) and contingency management rewards (positive reinforcement message or monetary gift cards) based on lesson completion and negative urine drug screens. Engagement (defined as any activity in the PDT), retention (any activity in Weeks 9–12), and substance use data were collected automatically by the PDT and analyzed descriptively. Associations between early lesson completion and end‐of‐treatment outcomes were assessed.

Results

Six hundred and fifty‐eight patients filled their prescription. Evaluated were 602 patients who were exposed to therapeutic content by completing at least one lesson (median age 37 years, 33% female, 41% male, 26% unreported sex). Median lessons completed was 33 (out of 61 possible), and 52% of patients completed all core modules. Retention in treatment during the last 4 weeks of treatment was 74%, and 62% were abstinent (missing data considered positive). [Correction added on 13 December 2022, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the treatment percentage values were revised from 74.6% to 74%.]

Discussion and Conclusions

Patients with SUD exhibited robust engagement with a PDT, high rates of retention through 12 weeks, and substantial rates of abstinence at end of treatment when the therapeutic was used in a real‐world setting. PDT's hold promise as a new way to access effective SUD treatment.

Scientific Significance

This study is the first to report real‐world PDT engagement and clinical outcomes data from a large, geographically diverse population of patients with SUDs.
How genetic defects in piRNA trimming contribute to male infertility
Authors: Mann Jeffrey M. , Wei Chao , Chen Chen
Published: October 2022

In germ cells, small non‐coding PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) work to silence harmful transposons to maintain genomic stability and regulate gene expression to ensure fertility. However, these piRNAs must undergo a series of steps during biogenesis to be properly loaded onto PIWI proteins and reach the correct nucleotide length. This review is focused on what we are learning about a crucial step in this process, piRNA trimming, in which pre‐piRNAs are shortened to final lengths of 21–35 nucleotides. Recently, the 3′–5′ exonuclease trimmer has been identified in various models as PNLDC1/PARN‐1. Mutations of the piRNA trimmers in vivo lead to increased transposon expression, elevated levels of untrimmed pre‐piRNAs, decreased piRNA stability, and male infertility. Here, we will discuss the role of piRNA trimmers in piRNA biogenesis and function, describe consequences of piRNA trimmer mutations using mammalian models and human patients, and examine future avenues of piRNA trimming‐related study for clinical advancements for male infertility.
Electrocardiogram of a patient with mushroom poisoning‐induced myocarditis
Authors: Qin Zuoan , Luo Li , Ge Liangqing
Published: October 2022

A patient presented to our hospital with myocarditis caused by mushroom poisoning. The early ECG changes in this patient were very similar to the ECG of hyperacute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction or hyperkalemia, but further tests eliminated these options. The patient was fully treated by timely hemodialysis treatment, confirming the diagnosis of mushroom poisoning‐induced myocarditis. Although not specific to mushroom poisoning myocarditis, our experience shows that the observed ECG changes. Our findings have the potential to help diagnose and manage this potentially fatal disease in the future.
Role of percutaneous pulmonary artery cannulation in extracorporeal life support for acute cardiac failure: A single‐center case series
Authors: Huang Chun‐Cheng , Wang Chih‐Hsien , Chou Heng‐Wen , Chi Nai‐Hsin , Yu Hsi‐Yu , Chen Yih‐Sharng
Published: October 2022

Background

Pulmonary artery (PA) cannulation is an effective extracorporeal life support (ECLS) management for left ventricular (LV) decompression or right ventricular (RV) support. This case series explores the results of PA cannulation during ECLS for acute cardiac failure.

Methods

Patients receiving percutaneous PA cannulation between January 2017 and December 2020 in a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients receiving PA cannulation by a surgical cutdown method were excluded. Based on the hemodynamic needs of the patients, percutaneous PA cannulation was applied with ECLS for LV unloading and/or RV support. The primary endpoint was the successful weaning from circulatory support. The secondary endpoints included 30‐day or in‐hospital mortality, significant periprocedural complications, and successful hospital discharge without major complications.

Results

Fifteen patients (13 men, age range 11.2–70.8 years) presented acute heart failure and were initially managed by conventional ECLS mode. Percutaneous PA cannulation was performed for LV unloading in 13 patients (86.67%) and isolated RV circulatory support in two patients (13.33%). Weaning from circulatory support was achieved in 11 patients (73.33%). No significant periprocedural complication, including bleeding, infection, or vascular event requiring surgical exploration, was reported. The 30‐day or in‐hospital mortality rate was 33.33%. Eight cases (53.33%) were successfully discharged without major complications, including permanent stroke or the need for long‐term hemodialysis.

Conclusions

PA cannulation, especially percutaneously performed, was effective and safe for LV unloading and/or RV support during ECLS. Further investigation is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of our approach and management in a larger patient population.
Collecting duct renin regulates potassium homeostasis in mice
Authors: Xu Chuanming , Chen Yanting , Ramkumar Nirupama , Zou Chang‐Jiang , Sigmund Curt D. , Yang Tianxin
Published: October 2022

Aim

The kaliuretic action of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is well established as highlighted by hyperkalemia side effect of RAAS inhibitors but such action is usually ascribed to systemic RAAS. The present study addresses the involvement of intrarenal RAAS in K+ homeostasis with emphasis on locally generated renin within the collecting duct (CD).

Methods

Wild‐type (Floxed) and CD‐specific deletion of renin (CD renin KO) mice were treated for 7 days with a high K+ (HK) diet to investigate the role of CD renin in kaliuresis regulation and further define the underlying mechanism with emphasis on analysis of intrarenal aldosterone biosynthesis.

Results

In floxed mice, renin levels were elevated in the renal medulla and urine following a 1‐week HK diet, indicating activation of the intrarenal renin. CD renin KO mice had blunted HK‐induced intrarenal renin response and developed impaired kaliuresis and elevated plasma K+ level (4.45 ± 0.14 vs. 3.89 ± 0.04 mM, p < 0.01). In parallel, HK‐induced intrarenal aldosterone and CYP11B2 expression along with expression of renal outer medullary K+ channel (ROMK), calcium‐activated potassium channel subunit alpha‐1 (α‐BK), α‐Na+‐K+‐ATPase, and epithelial sodium channel (β‐ENaC and cleaved‐γ‐ENaC) expression were all significantly blunted in CD renin KO mice in contrast to the unaltered responses of plasma aldosterone and adrenal CYP11B2.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results support a kaliuretic action of CD renin during HK intake.
Fostering study crafting to increase engagement and reduce exhaustion among higher education students: A randomized controlled trial of the STUDYCoach online intervention
Authors: Körner Lorena Sarah , Mülder Lina Marie , Bruno Luca , Janneck Monique , Dettmers Jan , Rigotti Thomas
Published: October 2022

The study demands–resources framework states that study demands increase exhaustion and study resources increase engagement. Study crafting describes a student's proactive adaption to demands and resources. To date, no intervention in the higher education context has aimed to foster study crafting. Accordingly, this study developed and evaluated the STUDYCoach online intervention, which aimed to increase engagement and reduce exhaustion by promoting study crafting. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a waiting‐list control group. All participants (N = 209) completed a questionnaire before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention and at a 20‐week follow‐up (T3). Participants in the intervention group (n = 149) used the STUDYCoach over three consecutive weeks. Results showed that overall study crafting, decreasing hindering demands, and engagement significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. All effects remained stable at follow‐up. Notably, exhaustion decreased significantly in the intervention group from T1 to T3 and T2 to T3. Study crafting mediated the intervention's effect on engagement and exhaustion. Our study extends the study demands–resources framework and the literature on job crafting by confirming that study crafting interventions can be effective in higher education.
Identifying Brain Hierarchical Structures Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Using a Regularized Regression Method with Tree Predictors
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Bingkai , Liu Chin-Fu , Faria Andreia V. , Miller Michael I. , Caffo Brian S. , Luo Xi
Published: October 2022

Brain segmentation at different levels is generally represented as hierarchical trees. Brain regional atrophy at specific levels was found to be marginally associated with Alzheimer's disease outcomes. In this study, we propose an ℓ1-type regularization for predictors that follow a hierarchical tree structure. Considering a tree as a directed acyclic graph, we interpret the model parameters from a path analysis perspective. Under this concept, the proposed penalty regulates the total effect of each predictor on the outcome. With regularity conditions, it is shown that under the proposed regularization, the estimator of the model coefficient is consistent in ℓ2-norm and the model selection is also consistent. When applied to a brain sMRI dataset acquired from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), the proposed approach identifies brain regions where atrophy in these regions demonstrates the declination in memory. With regularization on the total effects, the findings suggest that the impact of atrophy on memory deficits is localized from small brain regions, but at various levels of brain segmentation. Data used in preparation of this paper were obtained from the ADNI database.
The decoupling between labour compensation and productivity in high‐income countries: Why is the nexus broken?
Authors: Paternesi Meloni Walter , Stirati Antonella
Published: October 2022

During the last decades, mature economies have tended to experience a divergence between labour compensation and productivity growth. Interpretations of this trend are still under debate. Our article aims at contributing to a sound, evidence‐based understanding. We estimate the magnitude of this decoupling for a panel of 22 high‐income economies (1970–2018) and empirically assess the role of a variety of factors. After providing evidence that casts doubt on the impact of technical change, we adopt a ‘political economy’ standpoint and focus on the structural effects on real compensation growth of several macroeconomic and institutional dimensions. Our findings indicate that labour market slack and the weakening of pro‐labour institutions have acted as important wage‐squeezing factors. A negative effect is also found for trade openness and international capital mobility, while most financialization variables are not significant. The robustness of our results is supported by a range of tests and specifications.