bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sputum Production and Salivary Microbiome in COVID-19 Patients Reveals Oral-Lung Axis
Authors: Lu Korina Yun-Fan , Alqaderi Hend , Hasan Saadoun Bin , Alhazmi Hesham , Alghounaim Mohammad , Devarajan Sriraman , Freire Marcelo , Altabtbaei Khaled
Published: March 2024

Objective

SARS-CoV-2 is a severe respiratory disease that primarily targets the lungs and was the leading cause of death worldwide during the pandemic. Investigating the intricate interplay between the oral microbiome and inflammatory cytokines during the acute phase of infection is crucial for understanding host immune responses. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the oral microbiome and cytokines in COVID-19 patients, specifically examining those with and without sputum production.

Methods

Saliva and blood samples from 50 COVID-19 patients were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to analyze the oral microbiome. Additionally, 65 saliva and serum cytokines were assessed using Luminex multiplex analysis. The Mann-Whitney test compared cytokine levels between individuals with and without sputum production.

Results

Our study revealed significant differences in the membership (Jaccard dissimilarity: p=0.016) and abundance (PhILR dissimilarity: p=0.048; metagenomeSeq) of salivary microbial communities between COVID-19 patients with and without sputum production. Seven bacterial genera, including Prevotella, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Atopobium, Filifactor, Leptotrichia, and Selenomonas, were present in statistically higher proportions of patients with sputum production (p<0.05, Fisher’s exact test). Eight bacterial genera, including Prevotella, Megasphaera, Stomatobaculum, Leptotrichia, Veillonella, Actinomyces, Atopobium, and Corynebacteria were significantly more abundant in the sputum-producing group, while Lachnoacaerobaculum was notably more prevalent in the non-sputum-producing group (p<0.05, ANCOM-BC).We observed a significant positive correlation between salivary IFN-gamma (Interferon-gamma) and Eotaxin2/CCL24 (chemokine ligand 24) with sputum production. Conversely, negative correlations were noted in serum MCP3/CCL7 (monocyte-chemotactic protein 3/Chemokine ligand 7), MIG/CXCL9 (Monokine induced by gamma/Chemokine ligand 9), IL1 beta (interleukin 1 beta), and SCF (stem cell factor) with sputum production (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney test).

Conclusion

Substantial distinctions in salivary microbial communities were evident between COVID-19 patients with and without sputum production, emphasizing the notable impact of sputum production on the oral microbiome and cytokine levels during the acute phase of infection.
5’-untranslated region sequences enhance plasmid-based protein production inSulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Kuschmierz Laura , Wagner Alexander , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Bräsen Christopher , Siebers Bettina
Published: March 2024

Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermoacidophilic archaeon of the phylum Thermoproteota (former Crenarchaeota), is a widely used model organism for gene deletion studies and recombinant protein production. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of thesaci_2122promoter (Para), providing low basal activity and high pentose-dependent induction. However, available expression vectors lack a 5’-terminal untranslated region (5’-UTR), which is a typical element in bacterial expression vectors, usually significantly enhancing protein production in bacteria. To establishS. acidocaldariusas a production strain in biotechnology in the long-term, it is intrinsically relevant to optimize its tools and capacities to increase production efficiencies. Here we show that protein production is increased by the integration ofS. acidocaldarius5’-UTRs into Paraexpression plasmids. Using the esterase Saci_1116 as a reporter protein, we observed a fourfold increase in soluble and active protein yield upon insertion of thesaci_1322(alba) 5’-UTR. Screening of four additional 5’-UTRs from other highly abundant proteins (thα,slaA,slaB, saci_0330) revealed a consistent enhancement in target protein production. Additionally, site-directed mutagenesis of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) motif within thealba5’-UTR revealed its significance for protein synthesis. Ultimately, thealba5’-UTR optimized expression vector demonstrated successful applicability in expressing various proteins, exemplified by its utilization for archaeal glycosyltransferases. Our results demonstrate that the integration of SD-motif containing 5’-UTRs significantly boosted plasmid-based protein production inS. acidocaldarius. This advancement in recombinant expression not only broadens the utility ofS. acidocaldariusas an archaeal expression platform but also marks a significant step toward potential biotechnological applications.
T7 RNA polymerase-independent expression of reporter genes from a T7 promoter-driven SARS-CoV-2 replicon-encoding DNA in human cells
Authors: Friedhoff Ronja , Elfayres Ghada , Mérindol Natacha , Desgagné-Penix Isabel , Berthoux Lionel
Published: March 2024

Replicons, derived from RNA viruses, are genetic constructs retaining essential viral enzyme genes while lacking key structural protein genes. Upon introduction into cells, the genes carried by the replicon RNA are expressed, and the RNA self-replicates, yet viral particle production does not take place. Typically, RNA replicons are transcribed in vitro and are then electroporated in cells. However, it would be advantageous for the replicon to be generated in cells following DNA transfection instead of RNA. In this study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA encoding a SARS-CoV-2 replicon under control of a T7 promoter was transfected into HEK293T cells engineered to functionally express the T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP). Upon transfection of the BAC DNA, we observed low, but reproducible expression of reporter proteins GFP and luciferase carried by this replicon. Expression of the reporter proteins required linearization of the BAC DNA prior to transfection. Surprisingly, however, expression occurred independently of T7 RNAP. Gene expression was also insensitive to remdesivir treatment, suggesting that it did not involve self-replication of replicon RNA. Similar results were obtained in highly SARS-CoV-2 infection-permissive Calu-3 cells. Strikingly, prior expression of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein boosted expression from transfected SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicon but not from the replicon BAC DNA. In conclusion, transfection of a large DNA encoding a coronaviral replicon led to reproducible replicon gene expression through an unidentified mechanism. These findings highlight a novel pathway toward replicon gene expression from transfected replicon cDNA, offering valuable insights for the development of methods for DNA-based RNA replicon applications.
Compartment-Specific Antibody Correlates of Protection to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Macaques
Authors: Tong Xin , Wang Qixin , Jung Wonyeong , Chicz Taras M. , Blanc Ross , Parker Lily J. , Barouch Dan H. , McNamara Ryan P.
Published: March 2024

Antibodies represent a primary mediator of protection against respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Serum neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are often considered a primary correlate of protection. However, detailed antibody profiles including characterization of antibody functions in different anatomic compartments are not well understood. Here we show that antibody correlates of protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge are different in systemic versus mucosal compartments in rhesus macaques. In serum, neutralizing antibodies were the strongest correlate of protection and were linked to Spike-specific binding antibodies and other extra-neutralizing antibody functions that create a larger protective network. In contrast, in bronchiolar lavage (BAL), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) proved the strongest correlate of protection rather than NAbs. Within BAL, ADCP was linked to mucosal Spike-specific IgG, IgA/secretory IgA, and Fcγ-receptor binding antibodies. Our results support a model in which antibodies with different functions mediate protection at different anatomic sites. The correlation of ADCP and other Fc functional antibody responses with protection in BAL suggests that these antibody responses may be critical for protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron challenge in mucosa.
Phosphatidic acid is an endogenous negative regulator of PIEZO2 channels and mechanical sensitivity
Authors: Gabrielle Matthew , Yudin Yevgen , Wang Yujue , Su Xiaoyang , Rohacs Tibor
Published: March 2024

Mechanosensitive PIEZO2 ion channels play roles in touch, proprioception, and inflammatory pain. Currently, there are no small molecule inhibitors that selectively inhibit PIEZO2 over PIEZO1. The TMEM120A protein was shown to inhibit PIEZO2 while leaving PIEZO1 unaffected. Here we find that TMEM120A expression elevates cellular levels of phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), aligning with its structural resemblance to lipid-modifying enzymes. Intracellular application of phosphatidic acid or LPA inhibited PIEZO2, but not PIEZO1 activity. Extended extracellular exposure to the non-hydrolyzable phosphatidic acid and LPA analogue carbocyclic phosphatidic acid (ccPA) also inhibited PIEZO2. Optogenetic activation of phospholipase D (PLD), a signaling enzyme that generates phosphatidic acid, inhibited PIEZO2, but not PIEZO1. Conversely, inhibiting PLD led to increased PIEZO2 activity and increased mechanical sensitivity in mice in behavioral experiments. These findings unveil lipid regulators that selectively target PIEZO2 over PIEZO1, and identify the PLD pathway as a regulator of PIEZO2 activity.
The antifungal activity of cymoxanil is associated with proton pump inhibition and disruption of plasma membrane potential
Authors: Mendes Filipa , Meyer Hadar , Amaral Leslie , Castro Bruno B. , Schuldiner Maya , Sousa Maria João , Chaves Susana R.
Published: March 2024

Worldwide use of agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, is necessary to increase agricultural production to feed the ever-growing population. However, despite widespread use, the biochemical mode of action of many agrochemicals and their potential deleterious effects on the environment are poorly characterized. Cymoxanil (CYM) is a fungicide used to combat downy mildew diseases in grapevine cultures and late blight diseases in tomato and potato cultures caused by the oomycetesPlasmopara viticolaandPhytophthora infestans, respectively. Previous reports indicate that CYM affects growth, DNA and RNA synthesis inPhytophthoraand inhibits cell growth, biomass production and respiration rate in the well-characterized fungal modelSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We therefore used this model to further dissect mechanisms underlying the toxicological effects of CYM. We found that CYM induced genome-wide alterations, particularly in membrane transporter systems. These alterations were associated with perturbations in lipid-raft organization and inhibition of Pma1p, leading to a decrease in plasma membrane potential and intracellular acidification. Altogether, these findings identify the plasma membrane as one of the targets of CYM and proposes a mode of action underlying its antifungal activity.
Giardia intestinalisreshapes mucosal immunity toward a Type 2 response that attenuates inflammatory bowel-like diseases
Authors: Sardinha-Silva Aline , Gazzinelli-Guimaraes Pedro H. , Ajakaye Oluwaremilekun G. , Ferreira Tiago R. , Alves-Ferreira Eliza V.C. , Tjhin Erick T. , Gregg Beth , Fink Marc Y. , Coelho Camila H. , Singer Steven M. , Grigg Michael E.
Published: March 2024

Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that co-infection withGiardia intestinalisdecreases the severity of diarrhea. Here, we show thatGiardiais highly prevalent in the stools of asymptomatic school-aged children. It orchestrates a Th2 mucosal immune response, characterized by increased antigen-specific Th2 cells, IL-25, Type 2-associated cytokines, and goblet cell hyperplasia.Giardiainfection expanded IL-10-producing Th2 and GATA3+Treg cells that promoted chronic carriage, parasite transmission, and conferred protection againstToxoplasma gondii-induced lethal ileitis and DSS-driven colitis by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines, decreasing Th1/Th17 cell frequency, and preventing collateral tissue damage. Protection was dependent on STAT6 signaling, asGiardia-infected STAT6-/-mice no longer regulated intestinal bystander inflammation. Our findings demonstrate thatGiardiainfection reshapes mucosal immunity toward a Type 2 response, which confers a mutualistic protection against inflammatory disease processes and identifies a critical role for protists in regulating mucosal defenses.
Comparison of Synergy Extrapolation and Static Optimization for Estimating Multiple Unmeasured Muscle Activations during Walking
Authors: Di Ao , Benjamin J. Fregly
Published: March 2024

Background

Calibrated electromyography (EMG)-driven musculoskeletal models can provide great insight into internal quantities (e.g., muscle forces) that are difficult or impossible to measure experimentally. However, the need for EMG data from all involved muscles presents a significant barrier to the widespread application of EMG-driven modeling methods. Synergy extrapolation (SynX) is a computational method that can estimate a single missing EMG signal with reasonable accuracy during the EMG-driven model calibration process, yet its performance in estimating a larger number of missing EMG signals remains unclear.

Methods

This study assessed the accuracy with which SynX can use eight measured EMG signals to estimate muscle activations and forces associated with eight missing EMG signals in the same leg during walking while simultaneously performing EMG-driven model calibration. Experimental gait data collected from two individuals post-stroke, including 16 channels of EMG data per leg, were used to calibrate an EMG-driven musculoskeletal model, providing “gold standard” muscle activations and forces for evaluation purposes. SynX was then used to predict the muscle activations and forces associated with the eight missing EMG signals while simultaneously calibrating EMG-driven model parameter values. Due to its widespread use, static optimization (SO) was also utilized to estimate the same muscle activations and forces. Estimation accuracy for SynX and SO was evaluated using root mean square errors (RMSE) to quantify amplitude errors and correlation coefficientrvalues to quantify shape similarity, each calculated with respect to “gold standard” muscle activations and forces.

Results

On average, SynX produced significantly more accurate amplitude and shape estimates for unmeasured muscle activations (RMSE 0.08 vs. 0.15,rvalue 0.55 vs. 0.12) and forces (RMSE 101.3 N vs. 174.4 N,rvalue 0.53 vs. 0.07) compared to SO. SynX yielded calibrated Hill-type muscle-tendon model parameter values for all muscles and activation dynamics model parameter values for measured muscles that were similar to “gold standard” calibrated model parameter values.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SynX could make it possible to calibrate EMG-driven musculoskeletal models for all important lower-extremity muscles with as few as eight carefully chosen EMG signals and eventually contribute to the design of personalized rehabilitation and surgical interventions for mobility impairments.
The telencephalon is a neuronal substrate for systemic inflammatory responses in teleosts via polyamine metabolism
Authors: Mani Amir , Haddad Farah , Barreda Daniel R. , Salinas Irene
Published: March 2024

Systemic inflammation elicits sickness behaviors and fever by engaging a complex neuronal circuitry that begins in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Ectotherms such as teleost fish display sickness behaviors in response to infection or inflammation, seeking warmer temperatures to enhance survival via behavioral fever responses. To date, the hypothalamus is the only brain region implicated in sickness behaviors and behavioral fever in teleosts. Yet, the complexity of neurobehavioral manifestations underlying sickness responses in teleosts suggests engagement of higher processing areas of the brain. Using twoin vivomodels of systemic inflammation in rainbow trout, we find canonical pyrogenic cytokine responses in the hypothalamus whereas in the telencephalonil-1bandtnfaexpression is decoupled fromil-6expression. Polyamine metabolism changes, characterized by accumulation of putrescine and decreases in spermine and spermidine, are recorded in the telencephalon but not hypothalamus upon systemic injection of bacteria. While systemic inflammation causes canonical behavioral fever in trout, blockade of bacterial polyamine metabolism prior to injection abrogates behavioral fever, polyamine responses and telencephalic but not hypothalamic cytokine responses. Combined, our work identifies the telencephalon as a neuronal substrate for brain responses to systemic inflammation in teleosts and uncovers the role of polyamines as critical chemical mediators in sickness behaviors.

Significance Statement

Systemic inflammation induces neuroimmune responses in the brain resulting in sickness behaviors and fever. In endotherms, sickness behaviors and fever are initiated in the hypothalamus but also engage a complex neuronal circuitry in higher areas of the brain. In ectotherms, only the hypothalamus has been linked to sickness behaviors and behavioral fever. Here we demonstrate that the telencephalon, a critical region of the teleost brain responsible for higher order processing, mounts pyrogenic cytokine responses to systemic inflammation in teleosts that are different from those of the hypothalamus. We identify polyamine metabolism as a core response of the teleost telencephalon to systemic inflammation and report that bacterial polyamines are triggers of behavioral fever in rainbow trout. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized role for the telencephalon and polyamine metabolism in sickness behaviors and behavioral fever in teleosts with implications in fish health and fish conservation.
Evaluation of Bayesian Point-Based System on the Variant Classification of Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Genes
Authors: Eldomery Mohammad K. , Maciaszek Jamie L. , Cain Taylor , Loyola Victor Pastor , Mothi Suraj Sarvode , Wheeler David A. , Tang Li , Wang Lu , Klco Jeffery M. , Blackburn Patrick R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To assess the differences in variant classifications using the ACMG/AMP 2015 guidelines and the Bayesian point-based classification system (here referred to as the point system) in 115 hereditary cancer predisposition genes and explore the utility of the point system in variant sub-tiering.

Methods

Germline variant classifications for 721 pediatric patients from an in-house panel were retrospectively evaluated using the two scoring systems.

Results

2376 unique variants were identified. The point system exhibited a lower rate of unique variants of uncertain significance (VUS) of ∼15% compared to ∼36% using the ACMG/AMP 2015 guidelines (p-value < 0.001). This reduction is attributed to the classification of variants as likely benign with one benign supporting evidence (∼12%) or one benign strong evidence (∼4%) using the point system. In addition, the point system resolves conflicting criteria/evidence not recognized by the ACMG/AMP 2015 guidelines (∼5%). Sub-tiering unique VUS calls by the point system indicates ∼11.5% were VUS-Low (0-1 points), while the remaining ∼3.5% were VUS-Mid (2-3 points) and VUS-High (4-5 points).

Conclusion

The point system reduces the VUS rate and facilitates sub-tiering. Future large-scale studies are warranted to explore the impact of the point system on improving VUS reporting and/or VUS clinical management.
Development and Evaluation of Deep Learning Models for Cardiotocography Interpretation
Authors: Chiou Nicole , Young-Lin Nichole , Kelly Christopher , Cattiau Julie , Tiyasirichokchai Tiya , Diack Abdoulaye , Koyejo Sanmi , Heller Katherine , Asiedu Mercy
Published: March 2024

The inherent variability in the visual interpretation of cardiotocograms (CTGs) by obstetric clinical experts, both intra- and inter-observer, presents a substantial challenge in obstetric care. In response, we investigate automated CTG interpretation as a potential solution to enhance the early detection of fetal hypoxia during labor, which has the potential to reduce unnecessary operative interventions and improve overall maternal and neonatal care. This study employs deep learning techniques to reduce the subjectivity associated with visual CTG interpretation. Our results demonstrate that using objective umbilical cord blood pH outcome measurements, rather than clinician-defined Apgar scores, yields more consistent and robust model performance. Additionally, through a series of ablation studies, we explore the impact of temporal distribution shifts on the performance of these deep learning models. We examine tradeoffs between performance and fairness, specifically evaluating performance across demographic and clinical subgroups. Finally, we discuss the practical implications of our findings for the real-world deployment of such systems, emphasizing their potential utility in medical settings with limited resources.
Systematic description of hadron’s response to nonlocal QCD probes: Froissart-Gribov projections in analysis of deeply virtual Compton scattering
Authors: Semenov-Tian-Shansky Kirill M. , Sznajder Paweł
Published: March 2024

We revisit the application of the Froissart-Gribov (FG) projections in the analysis of amplitudes for deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS), providing essential information on generalized parton distributions (GPDs). The pivotal role of these projections in a systematic description of a hadron’s response to the stringlike QCD probes characterized by different values of angular momentum J is emphasised. For the first time, we establish a relationship between the FG projections and GPDs for spin-½ targets, and we investigate these quantities in various GPD models. Finally, we provide the first numerical estimates for the FG projections based on the DVCS amplitudes directly extracted from experimental data. We argue the method of the FG projections deserves a broad application in the DVCS phenomenology.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heavy quark structure functions from unifying the color dipole picture and double asymptotic scaling approaches
Authors: Boroun G. R.
Published: March 2024

We present an analysis of the heavy quark structure functions from the kt factorization scheme, using unifying the color dipole picture and double asymptotic scaling approaches at small x. The gluon distribution is obtained from the Golec-Biernat-Wüsthoff and Bartels, Golec-Biernat and Kowalski models. The main elements are based on the color dipole picture and the generalized double asymptotic scaling approach for usual parton distribution functions. The comparisons with the HERA data are made and predictions for the proposed LHeC and FCC-he colliders are also provided in a wide range of the transverse separation r. In particular, the ratio Rh=FLh/F2h,h=c,b,t is well described by the dipole models and is sensitive to the collider energies from HERA until FCC-he. We derive correlated bounds on the ratio F2c/F2 and F2b/F2 and compared them with the BGK and impact-parameter dependent saturation models. The uncertainties are due to the renormalization and factorization scales at large and low r values. The Sudakov form factor into the heavy quark structure functions is incorporated and the results are considered, which are dependent on the hard scale in a wide range of the transverse separation r.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Who is responsible for fixing the food system? A framing analysis of media reactions to the UK's National Food Strategy
Authors: Tak Mehroosh , Blair Kirsty , Marques João Gabriel Oliveira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

High levels of child obesity alongside rising stunting and the absence of a coherent food policy have deemed UK’s food system to be broken. The National Food Strategy (NFS) was debated intensely in media, with discussions on how and who should fix the food system.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods approach, the authors conduct framing analysis on traditional media and sentiment analysis of twitter reactions to the NFS to identify frames used to shape food system policy interventions.

Findings

The study finds evidence that the media coverage of the NFS often utilised the tropes of “culture wars” shaping the debate of who is responsible to fix the food system – the government, the public or the industry. NFS recommendations were portrayed as issues of free choice to shift the debate away from government action correcting for market failure. In contrast, the industry was showcased as equipped to intervene on its own accord. Dietary recommendations made by the NFS were depicted as hurting the poor, painting a picture of helplessness and loss of control, while their voices were omitted and not represented in traditional media.

Social implications

British media’s alignment with free market economic thinking has implications for food systems reform, as it deters the government from acting and relies on the invisible hand of the market to fix the system. Media firms should move beyond tropes of culture wars to discuss interventions that reform the structural causes of the UK’s broken food systems.

Originality/value

As traditional media coverage struggles to capture the diversity of public perception; the authors supplement framing analysis with sentiment analysis of Twitter data. To the best of our knowledge, no such media (and social media) analysis of the NFS has been conducted. The paper is also original as it extends our understanding of how media alignment with free market economic thinking has implications for food systems reform, as it deters the government from acting and relies on the invisible hand of the market to fix the system.
Investigation into the interface bond between polyurethane concrete and steel plate
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Xu Wenyuan , Yu Tianlai , Wang Yifan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Polyurethane concrete (PUC), as a new type of steel bridge deck paving material, the bond-slip pattern at the interface with the steel plate is not yet clear. In this study, the mechanical properties of the PUC and steel plate interface under the coupled action of temperature, normal force and tangential force were explored through shear tests and numerical simulations. An analytical model for bond-slip at the PUC/steel plate interface and a predictive model for the shear strength of the PUC/steel plate interface were developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The new shear test device designed in this paper overcomes the defect that the traditional oblique shear test cannot test the interface shear performance under the condition of fixed normal force. The universal testing machine (UTM) test machine was used to adjust the test temperature conditions. Combined with the results of the bond-slip test, the finite element simulation of the interface is completed by using the COHENSIVE unit to analyze the local stress distribution characteristics of the interface. The use of variance-based uncertainty analysis guaranteed the validity of the simulation.

Findings

The shear strength (τf) at the PUC-plate interface was negatively correlated with temperature while it was positively correlated with normal stress. The effect of temperature on the shear properties was more significant than that of normal stress. The slip corresponding to the maximum shear (D1) positively correlates with both temperature and normal stress. The interfacial shear ductility improves with increasing temperature.

Originality/value

Based on the PUC bond-slip measured curves, the relationship between bond stress and slip at different stages was analyzed, and the bond-slip analytical model at different stages was established; the model was defined by key parameters such as elastic ultimate shear stress τ0, peak stress τf and interface fracture energy Gf.
The application of machine learning to study fraud in the accounting literature
Authors: Ramzan Sana , Lokanan Mark
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to objectively synthesize the volume of accounting literature on financial statement fraud (FSF) using a systematic literature review research method (SLRRM). This paper analyzes the vast FSF literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria filter articles that are present in the accounting fraud domain and are published in peer-reviewed quality journals based on Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) journal ranking. Lastly, a reverse search, analyzing the articles' abstracts, further narrows the search to 88 peer-reviewed articles. After examining these 88 articles, the results imply that the current literature is shifting from traditional statistical approaches towards computational methods, specifically machine learning (ML), for predicting and detecting FSF. This evolution of the literature is influenced by the impact of micro and macro variables on FSF and the inadequacy of audit procedures to detect red flags of fraud. The findings also concluded that A* peer-reviewed journals accepted articles that showed a complete picture of performance measures of computational techniques in their results. Therefore, this paper contributes to the literature by providing insights to researchers about why ML articles on fraud do not make it to top accounting journals and which computational techniques are the best algorithms for predicting and detecting FSF.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper chronicles the cluster of narratives surrounding the inadequacy of current accounting and auditing practices in preventing and detecting Financial Statement Fraud. The primary objective of this study is to objectively synthesize the volume of accounting literature on financial statement fraud. More specifically, this study will conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the evolution of financial statement fraud research and the emergence of new computational techniques to detect fraud in the accounting and finance literature.

Findings

The storyline of this study illustrates how the literature has evolved from conventional fraud detection mechanisms to computational techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The findings also concluded that A* peer-reviewed journals accepted articles that showed a complete picture of performance measures of computational techniques in their results. Therefore, this paper contributes to the literature by providing insights to researchers about why ML articles on fraud do not make it to top accounting journals and which computational techniques are the best algorithms for predicting and detecting FSF.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing insights to researchers about why the evolution of accounting fraud literature from traditional statistical methods to machine learning algorithms in fraud detection and prediction.
Datafication of audiovisual archives: from practice mapping to a thinking model
Authors: Yang Yuchen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Recent archiving and curatorial practices took advantage of the advancement in digital technologies, creating immersive and interactive experiences to emphasize the plurality of memory materials, encourage personalized sense-making and extract, manage and share the ever-growing surrounding knowledge. Audiovisual (AV) content, with its growing importance and popularity, is less explored on that end than texts and images. This paper examines the trend of datafication in AV archives and answers the critical question, “What to extract from AV materials and why?”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study roots in a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of digital methods and curatorial practices in AV archives. The thinking model for mapping AV archive data to purposes is based on pre-existing models for understanding multimedia content and metadata standards.

Findings

The thinking model connects AV content descriptors (data perspective) and purposes (curatorial perspective) and provides a theoretical map of how information extracted from AV archives should be fused and embedded for memory institutions. The model is constructed by looking into the three broad dimensions of audiovisual content – archival, affective and aesthetic, social and historical.

Originality/value

This paper contributes uniquely to the intersection of computational archives, audiovisual content and public sense-making experiences. It provides updates and insights to work towards datafied AV archives and cope with the increasing needs in the sense-making end using AV archives.
Smart contract challenges and drawbacks for SME digital resilience
Authors: Zirar Araz , Jabbar Abdul , Njoya Eric , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the key challenges and drawbacks of smart contracts (SCs) and how they impact digital resilience within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Whilst this type of technology is seen as a step forward in terms of traceability, transparency and immutability to increase digital resilience, we argue that it should be approached with trepidation.

Design/methodology/approach

In developing this paper, the authors conduct a systematic literature search using the Scopus database. Through this, we identified 931 relevant articles, of which 30 were used as the focus of this article. Thematic analysis was used as the analytical approach to develop themes and meaning from the data.

Findings

In this paper, there is an emphasis on the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with SC implementation, as well as identifying appropriate strategies for mitigating any negative impact. In our findings, we puts forward three key themes, namely legality, security and human error, which we argue are key smart contract challenges that impact SME digital resilience.

Originality/value

In this paper, we propose the notion of “centralised control in decentralised solutions”. This comes from the research highlighting SC weaknesses in digital resilience for SMEs. We argue that there is a need for standards, regulations and legislation to address these issues, advocating, ironically, a centralised approach to decentralised technology.
Time is target for gen Z: increased time online during the pandemic and cyber victimization
Authors: Rosen Lisa H. , Rubin Linda J. , Dali Savannah , Llanes Daisie M. , Lopez Ahissa , Romines Ashton E. , Saunders Samantha A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered daily life for Gen Z. The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions of the pandemic’s effects on their children’s peer relationships. As children sought peer connection during the pandemic, technology usage soared. The second purpose of the current study was to assess how greater time on social media affected adjustment among Gen Z and whether this effect was mediated by experiences of cyber victimization.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 250 U.S. parent-child dyads participated in the study. Parents reported on their children’s social media use and described how they believed the pandemic affected their children’s peer relationships. Child participants were transitioning to middle school and reported on cyber victimization and adjustment.

Findings

Thematic analysis of parental reflections revealed three themes: children spent more time online since the onset of the pandemic, there were negative implications of increased time online and there were positive and protective implications of being online. Analysis also indicated significant indirect effects of social media use on internalizing and externalizing problems through victimization.

Originality/value

Parents reported Gen Z continues to use electronic forms of communication and social media at high rates even after pandemic-related restrictions eased with some suggesting that their children prefer digital over face-to-face communication because they have become accustomed to this way of connecting and may find it easier than in-person interaction. Current findings highlight concerns about this increased time online as social media use negatively affected adjustment via cyber victimization.
Bowen disease with sebaceous differentiation arising from clonal seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Takayama Eriko , Takai Toshihiro , Fujimoto Masakazu , Yoshioka Akiko
Published: March 2024

We present a rare case of clonal seborrheic keratosis (SK) with focal Bowen disease (BD) (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) accompanied by sebaceous differentiation. An 89‐year‐old woman presented with a pale reddish‐brown plaque on the left buttock. Histopathological examination of the excisional specimen revealed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and intraepidermal epithelioma. In some areas of the tumor, we observed proliferation of basaloid keratinocytes within the intraepidermal nests and pseudohorn cysts. This area was diagnosed as clonal SK. However, in other areas, the tumor cells within the intraepidermal nests showed nuclear pleomorphism, abnormal mitoses, dyskeratotic cells, and clumping cells, consistent with BD with a nested/clonal pattern (clonal BD). The SK and BD areas were contiguous with the transitional zone. Some nests within the BD area contained vacuolated cells with bubbly cytoplasm and scalloped nuclei, suggestive of sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, we made the diagnosis of clonal BD with sebaceous differentiation arising from clonal SK. All areas contained intraepidermal nests, which revealed that the lesions were not the result of accidental collision, but that the neoplastic cells in the intraepidermal nests of the SK transformed into BD and underwent sebaceous differentiation.
Taking the Road Less Travelled: How Corpus‐Assisted Discourse Studies Can Enrich Qualitative Explorations of Large Textual Datasets
Authors: Gillings Mathew , Learmonth Mark , Mautner Gerlinde
Published: March 2024

How might interpretivist qualitative researchers tackle large data sets consisting of millions or even billions of words? Corpus‐assisted discourse studies (CADS) is the approach we explore here. Specifically designed for the analysis of voluminous textual data, it offers a recognized empirical approach for making sense of such data. But it does so within an epistemology that understands language to be central in shaping our understanding of the world around us, so that CADS can assist researchers in revealing the social dynamics of the text – including the ideology and power that is latent in many such corpora. Bringing together the training of applied linguists and a management scholar, we discuss the background to CADS and its differences from text‐mining approaches such as topic modelling, which have been more widely used in management studies to date. Focusing on the needs of people who are new to the approach, we then offer a worked example to show CADS’ potential in exploring a management‐related corpus. Our paper concludes with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and its potential for future discursively orientated management research – especially in the context of the rise of ‘big data’.
Exceptionally long‐lasting response to dabrafenib plus trametinib treatment in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation with high expression of PD‐L1: A case report
Authors: Inoue Takako , Kunimasa Kei , Tamiya Motohiro , Kawamura Takahisa , Minami Toshiyuki , Nishino Kazumi
Published: March 2024

We present a patient with lung adenocarcinoma showing high PD‐L1 expression and BRAF V600E mutation, who achieved a remarkable long‐term response to the combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib (DT treatment) after disease progression on immunotherapy. This case may provide an opportunity for clinicians to consider the order of administration of immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy for BRAF V600E‐positive lung cancer.
Price support policy and market price dynamics: The case of Indian wheat
Authors: Tripathi Ashutosh K.
Published: March 2024

The study investigates the effect of price support policies on market price distribution and its dynamics in the Indian wheat market. The analysis uses a quantile autoregression model that provides a flexible representation of price dynamics and the 2001–2020 monthly wholesale market price data. The analysis is conducted conditional on the net stock level held in the previous period. The results reveal that the net purchase by the government prevented very low market prices for wheat but resulted in price spikes. It has a price‐enhancing effect as well. The associated moments of price distribution show that public stockholding reduced variation in market price distribution. However, the government's release of stock did not prevent price rises. Findings show that dynamic adjustments tend to be qualitatively different across regimes. Government intervention in the grain market reduced stability through dynamic adjustments in wheat market prices. The results have policy implications for India and other countries in Southeast Asia in the context of the WTO's negotiations on public stockholdings and using public stockholdings as an instrument in addressing price volatility and food shortages.
House dust mite SCIT reduces asthma risk and significantly improves long‐term rhinitis and asthma control—A RWE study
Authors: Jutel Marek , Klimek Ludger , Richter Hartmut , Brüggenjürgen Bernd , Vogelberg Christian
Published: March 2024

Background

The German Therapy Allergen Ordinance (TAO) triggered an ongoing upheaval in the market for house dust mite (HDM) allergen immunotherapy (AIT) products. Three HDM subcutaneous AIT (SCIT) products hold approval in Germany and therefore will be available after the scheduled completion of the TAO procedure in 2026. In general, data from clinical trials on the long‐term effectiveness of HDM AIT are rare. We evaluated real‐world data (RWD) in a retrospective, observational cohort study based on a longitudinal claims database including 60% of all German statutory healthcare prescriptions to show the long‐term effectiveness of one of these products in daily life. Aim of this analysis was to provide a per product analysis on effectiveness of mite AIT as it is demanded by international guidelines on AIT.

Methods

Subjects between 5 and 70 years receiving their first (index) prescription of SCIT with a native HDM product (SCIT group) between 2009 and 2013 were included. The exactly 3:1 matched control group received prescriptions for only symptomatic AR medication (non‐AIT group); the evaluation period for up to 6 years of follow‐up ended in February 2017. Study endpoints were the progression of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, asthma occurrence and time to the onset of asthma after at least 2 treatment years.

Results

In total, 892 subjects (608 adults and 284 children/adolescents) were included in the SCIT group and 2676 subjects (1824 adults and 852 children/adolescents) in the non‐AIT group. During the follow‐up period after at least 2 years of SCIT, the number of prescriptions in the SCIT group was reduced by 62.8% (p < .0001) for AR medication and by 42.4% for asthma medication (p = .0003). New‐onset asthma risk was significantly reduced in the SCIT vs non‐AIT group by 27.0% (p = .0212). The asthma‐preventive effect of SCIT occurred 15 months after start of the treatment. In the SCIT group, the time to onset of asthma was prolonged compared to the non‐AIT group (p = .0010).

Conclusion

In this first product based RWD analysis on SCIT with a native HDM product, patients aged 5 to 70 years benefited from AIT in the long term in terms of reduced progression of AR and asthma after at least 2 years of treatment. The effects seemed to last for up to 6 years after treatment termination. A significantly reduced risk of asthma onset was observed, starting after 15 months of treatment.
Equity and fairness in the location of public facilities
Authors: Giovanniello Monica Anna , Tonin Simone
Published: March 2024

We analyze the problem of fairly locating two facilities providing a public good in two spatial models: a city line and a network. Each facility is characterized not only by its location but also by its quality. We introduce new notions of envy‐freeness and fairness that can be applied to spatial settings. We show that the tax scheme adopted to finance the public good has a key role in determining the existence of a spatially fair configuration of facilities.
Understanding the biofilm development of Acinetobacter baumannii and novel strategies to combat infection
Authors: Naseef Pathoor Naji , Viswanathan Akshaya , Wadhwa Gulshan , Ganesh Pitchaipillai Sankar
Published: March 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a Gram‐negative, nonmotile, and aerobic bacillus emerged as a superbug, due to increasing the possibility of infection and accelerating rates of antimicrobial agents. It is recognized as a nosocomial pathogen due to its ability to form biofilms. These biofilms serve as a defensive barrier, increase antibiotic resistance, and make treatment more difficult. As a result, the current situation necessitates the rapid emergence of novel therapeutic approaches to ensure successful treatment outcomes. This review explores the intricate relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii, emphasizing the role of key virulence factors and quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms that will lead to infections and facilitate insight into developing innovative method to control A. baumannii infections. Furthermore, the review article looks into promising approaches for preventing biofilm formation on medically important surfaces and potential therapeutic methods for eliminating preformed biofilms, which can address biofilm‐associated A. baumannii infections. Modern advances in emerging therapeutic options such as antimicrobial peptide (AMPs), nanoparticles (NPs), bacteriophage therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and other biofilm inhibitors can assist readers understand the current landscape and future prospects for effectively treating A. baumannii biofilm infections.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with impaired quality of life on biologic therapy benefit from the support of an IBD nurse specialist: Results of a randomised controlled trial in Germany (IBDBIO‐ASSIST study)
Authors: Bokemeyer Bernd , Plachta‐Danielzik Sandra , Steiner Isa Maria , Pohlschneider Daniela , Urzica Eugen , Hartmann Petra , Zemke Jennifer , Tappe Ulrich , Schreiber Stefan , Steinkat Nadine , Langbrandtner Jana , Hüppe Angelika , Stargardt Tom
Published: March 2024

Background

IBDBIO‐ASSIST was a randomised controlled trial assessing the efficacy of care provided by IBD nurse specialists in Germany in improving health‐related quality of life (QoL) in IBD patients on biologic therapy.

Aim

To evaluate patient‐related outcomes and economic consequences associated with integrating IBD nurses into usual care.

Methods

We randomly assigned 1086 patients with IBD on biologic therapy to a control group (CG) receiving usual care or an intervention group (IG) receiving additional care from an IBD nurse specialist. The primary outcome was disease‐specific QoL (sIBDQ) assessed at 6, 12 and 18 months.

Results

At baseline, patients in both groups were highly satisfied with their treatment situation and had relatively high sIBDQ values (range: 1–7; CG: 5.12; IG: 4.92). In the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis of the overall sample, there was no significant difference in sIBDQ between groups at the assessment time points. However, a per‐protocol analysis of patients with impaired QoL at baseline (EQ‐VAS < 75 [median]), showed improvement in sIBDQ over 6 months that became significant at month 12 and remained significant through month 18 (baseline: IG 4.24; CG 4.31; 18 months: IG 5.02; CG 4.76; p = 0.017).

Conclusion

High baseline satisfaction of IBD patients with treatment and the relatively high baseline sIBDQ values may have contributed to the lack of significant difference in sIBDQ scores for the overall sample. However, patients with impaired QoL derived significant benefit from additional care provided by an IBD nurse specialist, leading to meaningful improvements in sIBDQ over the long term.