bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forty years (1980–2019) of visceral leishmaniasis in Nepal: trends and elimination challenges
Authors: Pandey Kishor , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Shah Yogendra , Acharya Bipin Kumar , Khanal Laxman , Pyakurel Uttam Raj , Kaneko Osamu , Pandey Basu Dev
Published: January 2023

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important re-emerging neglected tropical disease associated with poverty. Despite the elimination initiative started in 2005, VL cases have been expanding into geographic areas in Nepal. The present study aims at exploring the trends of VL from 1980 to 2019.

Methods

This retrospective analysis covers 40 y of VL cases reported by the Epidemiology Diseases Control Division, Nepal. Subgroup analyses for annual incidence were performed by age, sex, seasons, districts and provinces, and VL cases were visualized on in-country maps.

Results

A total of 34 564 cases and 584 deaths of VL were reported during 1980–2019. VL persistently increased until 2006 and was reported from all seven provinces of the country. The highest number of confirmed cases (n=2229) was reported in 2003 and the lowest (n=60) in 1983. VL cases expanded from 12 to 23 endemic districts. The key components of the VL elimination program are early diagnosis; enhanced surveillance; integrated vector management; social mobilization; research and treatment.

Conclusions

Expansion of VL towards the hilly and mountain regions of Nepal has posed challenges to the elimination program. Urgent VL control measures are required to achieve the elimination goals.
National Economic Conditions May Impact the Financial Barriers to Travel for Cancer Operations
Authors: Henry Leonard R. , Li Jun , Arciero Cletus , von Holzen Urs W. , Schwarz Roderich , Jatoi Ismail
Published: January 2023

Background:

Better cancer-related outcomes are associated with physicians and hospitals with higher case volume. This serves as an incentive to refer patients requiring complex cancer operations to large referral centers, which may require increased travel for patients. However, barriers exist for patients to travel for cancer care, some of which may be aggravated or alleviated by factors relating to the health of the national economy. This impact may be reflected in variability of travel distances for cancer operations over time particularly for complex operation such as pancreatectomy and esophagectomy compared with less complex resections such as those for breast cancer or melanoma.

Methods:

We obtained the estimated travel distance for patients undergoing operations for cancer of the pancreas, esophagus, skin (melanoma), and breast from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2017 and correlated them with economic factors obtained from public sources. We then examined the impact of unemployment rates, gas prices, and inflation on travel distances regarding disadvantaged groups. Correlations were measured by the (rank-based, nonparametric) Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and the corresponding P value is obtained by the asymptotic distribution of the coefficient. A P value of 0.05 equates to an absolute correlation value of 0.532. To adjust for multiple tests, a more restrictive P value of 0.01 was also assessed, which equates to correlation coefficients of absolute value greater than 0.661.

Results:

There were 4,222,380 cases in the dataset, of which 1,781,056 remained after exclusion. The economic factors that were associated most strongly with the distance patients traveled for all cancer operation types were the labor force participation rate, personal savings, consumer price index, and changes in gasoline prices. Inflation and rising gasoline prices were often inversely related with travel distance in lower-income and less well-educated regions and African American patients.

Conclusions:

Several macroeconomic factors correlate with the travel distance for operations, suggesting that the economic health of the nation may aggravate or alleviate the financial barriers to travel for cancer operations. Financially disadvantaged groups may be particularly vulnerable to changes in gasoline prices and inflation. Organizations serving these populations may need to increase patient support services during times of economic hardship to avoid the exacerbation of health care disparities.
Design and In Vitro Evaluation of an Artificial Placenta made from Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Omecinski Katelin S. , Frankowski Brian J. , Federspiel William J.
Published: January 2023

For infants born at the border of viability, care practices and morbimortality rates vary widely between centers. Trends show significant improvement, however, with increasing gestational age and weight. For periviable infants, the goal of critical care is to bridge patients to improved outcomes. Current practice involves ventilator therapy, resulting in chronic lung injuries. Research has turned to artificial uterine environments, where infants are submerged in an artificial amniotic fluid bath and provided respiratory assistance via an artificial placenta. We have developed the Preemie-Ox, a hollow fiber membrane bundle that provides pumpless respiratory support via umbilical cord cannulation. Computational fluid dynamics was used to design an oxygenator that could achieve a carbon dioxide removal rate of 12.2 ml/min, an outlet hemoglobin saturation of 100%, and a resistance of less than 71 mmHg/L/min at a blood flow rate of 165 ml/min. A prototype was utilized to evaluate in-vitro gas exchange, resistance, and plasma-free hemoglobin generation. In-vitro gas exchange was 4% higher than predicted results and no quantifiable plasma-free hemoglobin was produced.
An Interesting Case of Severe Hyponatremia
Authors: Persons Jane E. , Stauffer Stephanie
Published: January 2023

In this report, we present an unusual and multifactorial case of severe hyponatremia with important clinical implications. The decedent was a 42-year-old woman who was discovered at her place of residence with altered mental status and profuse watery diarrhea. The scene was significant for numerous empty water bottles. She was transported to the emergency department of a local medical center and rapidly became obtunded. Imaging demonstrated cerebral edema with impending herniation. Serum chemistry was significant for severe hyponatremia (116 mEq/L) with decreased serum osmolality (245 mOsm/kg), suggestive of water overload. Over a brief course of hospitalization, she continued to deteriorate and brain death was pronounced. After brain death, she underwent organ donation. Subsequent autopsy examination demonstrated global cerebral edema with evidence of herniation. Toxicology examination of antemortem blood was positive for methamphetamine (1900 ng/mL) and amphetamine (100 ng/mL). An incidentally identified colon polyp was submitted for microscopic evaluation, which revealed the presence ofCryptosporidium, the likely cause of her diarrheal illness. Death was attributed to severe hyponatremia through the combined effects of excessive water consumption and loss of fluid and electrolytes from cryptosporidiosis, in turn leading to cerebral edema and brain herniation. Acute methamphetamine intoxication was a contributing condition.
Topical Anesthetic for Laceration Repair in Children
Authors: Jordan Faye , Spooner Louise
Published: January 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the introduction of an education program familiarizing staff with the effective and appropriate use of Laceraine application to children’s lacerations requiring repair at The Prince Charles Hospital Children’s Emergency Department (TPCH-CED), Brisbane.

Methods

A retrospective audit was performed using data obtained from the local emergency department information system (EDIS) and a paper chart audit, for all presentations to TPCH-CED during 2015 and 2020 requiring laceration repair.

Results

Of the 20,813 registered patients to TPCH-CED in 2015, 993 (4.8%) required laceration repair, compared with 1756 (5.6%) of the 31,059 registered in 2020 demonstrating that presentations to the CED requiring laceration repair increased, as a proportion of overall presentations, reaching statistical significance across all groups (P < 0.001). The percentage of lacerations requiring repair that had Laceraine applied (either as a single agent or in combination) was 59% in 2015 and 93% in 2020 (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in use of Laceraine only as agent of choice.

Conclusions

There was a significant change in practice with greater use of topical anesthetic (Laceraine) for the management of laceration repair of children, as expected, after the focused education program on its correct use. As emergency departments continue to be overwhelmed with increasing attendances and long patient wait times, a simple small intervention, such as that described, has potential to improve flow through the children's emergency department. Future research should focus on a randomized control trial to determine the contribution of the use of a topical agent, as opposed to injectable local anesthetic and/or full procedural sedation to determine the contribution to the impact of this simple change of practice on patient flow and satisfaction.
Previously Unreported Pseudomembranous Duodenitis: A Case Report With Histopathology
Authors: Mahjoub Fatemeh Elham , Yousefi Azizollah , Mirahmad Maryam , Asili Pooria
Published: January 2023

The pseudomembranous inflammatory process is a process characterized by the formation of a white membrane-like exudate over colonic mucosa and is mainly caused by Clostridium difficile toxin. The stool culture is considered to be the gold standard and is technically challenging and is not performed routinely. There are some reports of duodenitis and proximal jejunitis in horses attributed to Clostridium difficile infection. Hereby, we report a case of pseudomembranous duodenitis in a seven-year-old boy with a complaint of severe abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy revealed patchy ulceration and a white membrane in the duodenum. A biopsy was taken with the impression of a fungal infection. The histological study revealed crater-like ulceration with upward exudation of mucus consistent with the pseudomembranous inflammatory process. To the best of our knowledge, pseudomembranous duodenitis is not reported in the human as yet.
Adherence to the New Zealand Pediatric Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Martin Natalie G. , Roberts Amin J. , Evans Helen M. , Bishop Jonathan , Day Andrew S.
Published: January 2023

Background:

New Zealand (NZ) guidelines for the approach to diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children were developed in 2014.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the application of the guidelines in a group of children diagnosed with IBD in regards to baseline investigations.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study analyzed the application of recommended baseline investigations included in the NZ guidelines in a group of children aged <16 years diagnosed consecutively with IBD at the 2 NZ tertiary pediatric gastroenterology centers.

Results:

Fifty children were included from each center. Seventy-two were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD), 15 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 13 were with IBD unclassified. The children with CD had a mean Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score of 31 and almost half had ileocolonic involvement (47%). The 15 children with UC had a mean PUCAI score of 42, and 13 had pancolonic involvement. All 100 children underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies, and 92% had magnetic resonance enterography at diagnosis. Iron studies, folate, and vitamin B12 were measured in >70 children. Serum zinc, magnesium, and phosphate were infrequently measured. Current anthropometry was recorded in all children but historical growth data were variably recorded. Vaccination status was also inconsistently recorded.

Conclusion:

Most of this group of children diagnosed with IBD in 2 NZ centers underwent key recommended investigations at diagnosis including gastrointestinal endoscopy and small bowel imaging. Other baseline assessments, including measurement of micronutrient levels, were completed variably. Measures to enhance consistent baseline assessments are required.
Consumptive Hypothyroidism due to Hepatic Hemangiomas: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Siano Maria Anna , Ametrano Orsola , Barbato Filomena , Sammarco Elena , Ranucci Giusy , Pietrobattista Andrea , Rossomando Alessia , Mandato Claudia
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Consumptive hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare and potentially overlooked complication of hepatic hemangiomas (HH) overexpressing the enzyme deiodinase, which converts thyroxine (T4) to reverse triiodothyronine (rT3).

Materials and methods:

Here, we report a case series of 3 patients and a systematic review of the literature.

Results:

Hypothyroidism (mean serum TSH 52.03 mIU/L) was detected at a mean age of 4.6 months (range 3–6) in 3 infants with infantile hepatic hemangiomas, treated with thyroxine (mean dose 12 µg/kg/day). All received treatment with propranolol (1–3 mg/kg/day) from the mean age of 4 months. Hormonal treatment was stopped at a mean age of 20 months (range 12–30). Hypothyroidism reoccurred in a patient concurrently with the increase of liver lesions, requiring liver transplantation (LT) at age 39 months.

Literature review retrieved 42 studies (48 patients): HH (n = 43) were isolated in 24 infants and associated with cutaneous hemangiomas in 19. Hemangiomas were only cutaneous in 5.

In the first 43 patients, hypothyroidism was detected at a mean age of 1 month; 21 of 43 patients were prescribed propranolol alone (n = 8) or associated with other medicaments (n = 13); 2 of 43 patients underwent LT. Hormonal treatment consisted of T4 in 35 of 43 patients and T3 in 10.

CH associated with only cutaneous and extrahepatic visceral hemangiomas (n = 5), detected at a mean age of 7 months (TSH mean levels at diagnosis of 150.3 mIU/L). Three of 5 patients received treatment with propranolol ± other medicaments. All 5 patients were treated with T4.

Conclusions:

Periodical thyroid function assessment is necessary in patients with hepatic hemangiomas, particularly when lesions’ size and number increase rapidly.
Complementary Role of 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT and 18F-NaF PET/CT in Detecting Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xu Feng , Liu Frank , Chen Wen
Published: January 2023

We present different findings on 18F-fluciclovine (Axumin) PET/CT and 18F-NaF PET/CT images in a patient with prostate cancer metastasis. 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT scan showed intense uptake in left adrenal gland metastasis, only faint to mild uptake in multiple sclerotic osseous metastasis where 18F-NaF bone PET/CT demonstrated intense uptake at these sites. Both examinations are needed to accurately evaluate visceral and osseous metastasis from prostate cancer.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy of Neurolymphomatosis Monitored by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Li Siqi , Wang Hongrong , Wang Guanyun , Lu Xia , Yang Jigang
Published: January 2023

18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to evaluate possible recurrent B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in a 34-year-old man. The images showed multiple foci of increased activity in the nerve root and peripheral nerve. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of neurolymphomatosis. After receiving chemotherapy, PET/CT showed progressive disease. The patient subsequently received the CD-19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. A follow-up PET/CT acquired 30 days after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy revealed no abnormal FDG activity.
Optimal Donor Allograft Function: The Search for the Lowest Acceptable Donor Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Pediatric Heart Transplantation
Authors: Masotti Elizabeth S. , Morrison John M. , Fierstein Jamie L. , Ashfaq Awais , Carapellucci Jennifer , Khalaf Racha , Laks Jessica A. , Miller Alexandra , Amankwah Ernest K. , Asante-Korang Alfred
Published: January 2023

Background.

The availability of heart donors is limited by organ shortage. Due to concerns of reduced survival, donors with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <50%) have been cautiously used in pediatric heart transplantation. One strategy to expand the donor pool is to re-evaluate whether lower donor LVEF may be acceptable for transplantation.

Methods.

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients <18 y receiving heart transplants from April 2007 to September 2021 using the United Network of Organ Sharing dataset. We excluded retransplants and multiorgan transplants. Cut-point analyses of LVEF was performed and Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare 1-y survival for new cut-points and the standard (LVEF >50%).

Results.

The analytic sample consisted of 5255 patients. Recipients receiving hearts with lower LVEFs were more likely to be on ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Recipients did not differ in waitlist times or transplant status. Cut-point analysis identified LVEF 45% as a potentially new cutoff. One-year survival of recipients of donors with LVEF ≥45% (92.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 91.3%-92.8%) was similar to that of LVEF >50% (92.1%; CI, 91.4%-92.9%). Survival for the LVEF 45%–49% (88.8%; CI, 72.9%-95.7%) cohort was slightly lower than the ≥50% cohort, albeit nonsignificant.

Conclusions.

One-year survival among pediatric heart transplants using a donor heart LVEF threshold of 45% or 40% was similar to a threshold of 50%. However, the finding is based on a small number of patients with LVEF <50%, and future larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings of this study before a lower LVEF threshold is considered.
Transition to chaos and modal structure of magnetized Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Guseva A. , Tobias S. M.
Published: January 2023

Taylor–Couette flow (TCF) is often used as a simplified model for complex rotating flows in the interior of stars and accretion discs. The flow dynamics in these objects is influenced by magnetic fields. For example, quasi-Keplerian flows in Taylor–Couette geometry become unstable to a travelling or standing wave in an external magnetic field if the fluid is conducting; there is an instability even when the flow is hydrodynamically stable. This magnetorotational instability leads to the development of chaotic states and, eventually, turbulence, when the cylinder rotation is sufficiently fast. The transition to turbulence in this flow can be complex, with the coexistence of parameter regions with spatio-temporal chaos and regions with quasi-periodic behaviour, involving one or two additional modulating frequencies. Although the unstable modes of a periodic flow can be identified with Floquet analysis, here we adopt a more flexible equation-free data-driven approach. We analyse the data from the transition to chaos in the magnetized TCF and identify the flow structures related to the modulating frequencies with dynamic mode decomposition; this method is based on approximating nonlinear dynamics with a linear infinite-dimensional Koopman operator. With the use of these structures, one can construct a nonlinear reduced model for the transition.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper (part 1)’.
Occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins in peanuts during
storage
Authors: Choi Jung-Hye , Nah Ju-Young , Lee Mi-Jeong , Lim Su-Bin , Choi Jang Nam , Lee Theresa , Jang Ja Yeong , Kim Jeomsoon
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated the occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi and
mycotoxins in stored peanuts. Two types of peanuts, with and without shell, were
stored for 12 and 6 months, respectively and the kernels from each type of
peanut were collected and analyzed bimonthly. The stored peanuts were mainly
contaminated with Aspergillus, Penicillium,
and Fusarium species along with at least 26 other genera.
Fungal frequency increased exponentially to reach 79.1±20.3% at 12 months
of storage for peanuts with shell, whereas it increased sharply to 100% at 2
months for peanuts without shell. A. pseudoglaucus, A.
chevalieri, and P. citrinum were prevalent in
peanuts with shell, whereas A. flavus, P.
crustosum, and P. polonicum were the most dominant
species in peanuts without shell. Mycotoxin analysis revealed that ochratoxin A
was detected in only one sample without shell (37.31
μg/kg), while aflatoxins were not detected. Fungal
isolates known for mycotoxin production were confirmed to be producing various
levels of mycotoxins in potato dextrose agar medium. Among the tested isolates
(n=129), 59 (45.7%) produced aflatoxins (0.82-1,213.60
μg/kg), ochratoxin A (39.35-237.20
μg/kg), patulin (1.21-803.76 mg/kg), or fumonisins
(0.27-13.70 mg/kg). To our knowledge, this is the first report on mycotoxin
production by A. westerdijkiae, A. niger,
A. welwitschiae, A. tubingensis, and
P. expansum isolates from Korean peanuts. Overall, these
results demonstrate the potential risk of not only aflatoxin and ochratoxin A
but also patulin and fumonisin contamination in stored peanuts.
Analysis of B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine)
and B12 (cobalamins) vitamers in cooked chicken cuts for revision of
the national food composition table
Authors: Gwak Yu-Jeong , Kim Jeong , Chun Jiyeon
Published: January 2023

In this study, vitamers of vitamins B6 (pyridoxine; PN, pyridoxal; PL,
pyridoxamine; PM) and B12 (cobalamins) in cooked or processed chicken
(n=21) were analyzed and the analytical performance parameters were evaluated.
The levels of B6 and B12 vitamers were significantly
different in terms of the breeds, cooking method, and the parts of the chicken
(p⟨0.05). Ogolgye (boiled) (61.48
μg/100 g) and roasted chicken wings (131.94
μg/100 g) showed the highest levels of total vitamin
B6 (PN+PL+PM) among the four breeds of chiken and
the cooked or processed chiken, respectively. For cyanocobalamin, Korean native
chicken (0.40 μg/100 g) and chicken skewers (0.68
μg/100 g) showed the highest levels among the four
breeds of chicken and the cooked or processed chiken, respectively. Analysis of
B6 vitamers using high performance liquid
chromatography-florescence detector (HPLC-FLD) showed a coefficient of variation
(CV) of 0.4-4.6% for repeatability and 4.2-5.9% for reproducibility, showing
good precision. Likewise, vitamin B12 analysis using
immunoaffinity-HPLC-photodiode array detector (PDA) showed a CV of 5.7% for
repeatability and 5.9% for reproducibility. Recoveries of B6 and
B12 vitamers were 94.3-100.2%, showing good accuracy. Unlike many
previous studies that evaluated PN only, this study provides a more accurate
estimation of the total B6 content of cooked or processed chiken,
including the contents of PN, PL, and PM, which can be used to revise the Korean
food composition table.
Quality characteristics of beer made using yeasts isolated from
makgeolli or nuruk
Authors: Choi Jeong Sil , Kwon Ye Seul , Kang Heui Yun , Kang Ji Eun
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to find brewing yeast suitable for beer from the
native. This study was conducted to investigate the brewing properties of beer
made using different yeasts isolated from makgeolli or
nuruk. Five strains (Saccharomyces
cerevisiae N9, N4, YM55, YM53, and YM22) were selected based on the
ability to produce alcohol in maltose-containing media. These were then
fermented in wort (11 °Brix) at different temperatures (15, 20, and
25°C) for approximately 7 days and then subjected to comparative
analysis. The contents of alcohol and soluble solids were within 3.2-4.6
v/v% and 6.5-7.2 °Brix, respectively. S.
cerevisiae YM22 produced more alcohol (4.0%) at 15°C
while N4 produced more alcohol (4.6%) at 25°C. The pH was the
lowest with N4 at 25°C (pH 3.74). Glycerol content was the highest with
N9 at 25°C. Among organic acids, citric acid content was the highest in
all treatments. In conclusion, yeast strains isolated from
makgeolli or nuruk showed potential for
beer making and optimal fermentation temperature varied depending on the yeast
used.
Validation of an analytical method for the quantification of a
marker compound and determination of its biological activities in skate skin
collagen peptides
Authors: Kim Hye-Youn , Lee Gyu-Ok , Shin Jawon , Kim Cho-een , Kang Gun Hee , Kim Sang Ho , Kang Hu Won , Lee Hak-Sung , Kim Jaeyong
Published: January 2023

In this study, we developed and validated a high-performance liquid
chromatography/photodiode array method for the quantification of
glycine-proline-hydroxyproline (GPH) as a marker compound in skate skin collagen
peptides (SCPs). The accurate molecular mass and amino acid sequence of this
marker were determined using a QTOF mass spectrometer. Chromatographic
separations were conducted using a 95:5 isocratic mobile phase of 0.1%
trifluoroacetic acid (A) and acetonitrile/methanol (1:4 v/v, B) at a flow rate
of 0.3 mL/min; the separated compounds were detected at 214 nm using a
Jupiter® 4 μm Proteo 90Å
column. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, limit of detection
(LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. It was found to be
linear in the range of 1.0-50.0 μg/mL, with a good
correlation coefficient (R2=0.9999) and excellent specificity. The
LOD and LOQ were 0.07 and 0.22 μg/mL, respectively. A
recovery study determined the accuracy of the method, with an average recovery
of 103.76%, 100.35% and 103.97% of the marker at 10, 15 and
25 μg/mL, respectively, and a precision study showed a
relative standard deviation of less than 2%. Additionally, the DPPH and
ABTS radical scavenging activities of the SCPs increased in a
concentration-dependent manner, and UV-protective effect was confirmed by human
keratinocyte (HaCaT cell) viability. Our study thus provides the foundation for
developing functional foods or cosmetics using SCPs.
Exponential increase in QTL detection with increased sample size
Authors: Chitre Apurva S. , Polesskaya Oksana , Munro Daniel , Cheng Riyan , Mohammadi Pejman , Holl Katie , Gao Jianjun , Bimschleger Hannah , Martinez Angel Garcia , George Anthony , Gileta Alexander F. , Horvath Aidan , Hughson Alesa , Ishiwari Keita , King Christopher P. , Lamparelli Alexander , Versaggi Cassandra L. , Martin Connor , Pierre Celine L. St. , Tripi Jordan A. , Richards Jerry B. , Wang Tengfei , Chen Hao , Flagel Shelly B. , Meyer Paul , Robinson Terry E. , Solberg Woods Leah C. , Palmer Abraham A.
Published: January 2023

Power analyses are often used to determine the number of animals required for a genome wide association analysis (GWAS). These analyses are typically intended to estimate the sample size needed for at least one locus to exceed a genome-wide significance threshold. A related question that is less commonly considered is the number of significant loci that will be discovered with a given sample size. We used simulations based on a real dataset that consisted of 3,173 male and female adult N/NIH heterogeneous stock (HS) rats to explore the relationship between sample size and the number of significant loci discovered. Our simulations examined the number of loci identified in sub-samples of the full dataset. The sub-sampling analysis was conducted for four traits with low (0.15 ± 0.03), medium (0.31 ± 0.03 and 0.36 ± 0.03) and high (0.46 ± 0.03) SNP-based heritabilities. For each trait, we sub-sampled the data 100 times at different sample sizes (500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500). We observed an exponential increase in the number of significant loci with larger sample sizes. Our results are consistent with similar observations in human GWAS and imply that future rodent GWAS should use sample sizes that are significantly larger than those needed to obtain a single significant result.
SARS-CoV-2 Mproprotease variants of concern display altered viral and host target processing but retain potency towards antivirals
Authors: Chen Sizhu Amelia , Arutyunova Elena , Lu Jimmy , Khan Muhammad Bashir , Rut Wioletta , Zmudzinski Mikolaj , Shahbaz Shima , Iyyathurai Jegan , Moussa Eman , Turner Zoe , Bai Bing , Lamer Tess , Nieman James A. , Vederas John C. , Julien Olivier , Drag Marcin , Elahi Shokrollah , Young Howard S. , Lemieux M. Joanne
Published: January 2023

Main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) is the most promising drug target against coronaviruses due to its essential role in virus replication. With newly emerging variants there is a concern that mutations in Mpromay alter structural and functional properties of protease and subsequently the potency of existing and potential antivirals. We explored the effect of 31 mutations belonging to 5 variants of concern (VOC) on catalytic parameters and substrate specificity, which revealed changes in substrate binding and rate of cleavage of a viral peptide. Crystal structures of 11 Mpromutants provided structural insight into their altered functionality. Additionally, we show Mpromutations influence proteolysis of an immunomodulatory host protein Galectin-8 (Gal-8) and subsequent significant decrease in cytokine secretion, providing evidence for alterations in escape of host-antiviral mechanisms. Accordingly, mutations associated with the highly virulent Delta VOC resulted in significant increase in Gal-8 cleavage. Importantly, IC50s of nirmatrelvir (Pfizer) and our irreversible inhibitor AVI-8053 demonstrated no changes in potency for both drugs for all mutants, suggesting Mprowill remain a high-priority antiviral drug candidate as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
EB1 decoration of microtubule lattice facilitates spindle-kinetochore lateral attachment inPlasmodiummale gametogenesis
Authors: Yang Shuzhen , Cai Mengya , Huang Junjie , Zhang Shengnan , Mo Xiaoli , Jiang Kai , Cui Huiting , Yuan Jing
Published: January 2023

Faithful chromosome segregation of 8 duplicated haploid genomes into 8 daughter male gametes is essential for male gametogenesis and mosquito transmission ofPlasmodium. Plasmodiumevolves the endomitosis for this multinucleated cell division. However, the mechanism underlying the spindle-kinetochore attachment remains elusive. End-binding proteins (EBs) are the conserved microtubule (MT) plus-end binding proteins and play an important role in regulating MT plus-end dynamics. Here we report thatPlasmodiumEB1 is a unique orthologue distinct from the canonical eukaryotic EB1. Bothin vitroandin vivoassays revealed thatPlasmodiumEB1 lost MT plus-end tracking but gained MT-lattice affinity. This MT-binding feature of EB1 is contributed by both the CH domain and the linker region. EB1-deficient parasites produce male gametocytes that develop to the anucleated male gametes, leading to defective mosquito transmission of parasite. EB1 is localized at the nucleoplasm of male gametocytes. Upon gametogenesis, EB1 decorates the full-length of spindle MTs and regulates spindle structure. The kinetochores attach to spindle MTs laterally throughout three rounds of endomitosis and this attachment is EB1-dependent. Consequently, impaired spindle-kinetochore attachment was observed in EB1-deficient parasites. These results indicate that a parasite-specific EB1 with MT-lattice affinity has evolved to fulfill the spindle-kinetochore lateral attachment in male gametogenesis.
Development of a Data-driven Integrative Model of Bacterial Chromosome
Authors: Wasim Abdul , Bera Palash , Mondal Jagannath
Published: January 2023

The chromosome of archetypal bacteriaE. coliis known for a complex topology with 4.6 × 106base pairs (bp) long sequence of nucleotide packed within a micrometer-sized celllular confinement. The inherent organization underlying this chromosome eludes general consensus due to the lack of a high-resolution picture of its conformation. Here we present our development of an integrative model ofE. coliat a 500 bp resolution (https://github.com/JMLab-tifrh/ecoli_finer), which optimally combines a set of multi-resolution genome-wide experimentally measured data within a framework of polymer based architecture. In particular the model is informed with intra-genome contact probability map at 5000 bp resolution derived via Hi-C experiment and RNA-sequencing data at 500 bp resolution. Via dynamical simulations, this data-driven polymer based model generates appropriate conformational ensemble commensurate with chromosome architectures thatE. coliadopts. As a key hallmark, the model chromosome spontaneously self-organizes into a set of non-overlapping macrodomains and suitably locates plectonemic loops near the cell membrane. As novel extensions, it predicts a contact probability map simulated at a higher resolution than precedent experiments and can demonstrate segregation of chromosomes in a partially replicating cell. Finally, the modular nature of the model helps us to devise control simulations to quantify the individual role of key features in hierarchical organization of the bacterial chromosome.
Southern Africa Trust: embarking on a sustainability journey
Authors: Mogotsi Keratiloe , Moyo Bhekinkosi , Urban Angie
Published: January 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes focus on enabling students to view operational model changes critically, as they pertain to:

■ evaluating different management styles and uses of the ADKAR change management model in decision-making moments in times of crisis (such as COVID-19) in non-profit organisations (NPOs);

■ evaluating different ways in which NPOs pivot to sustainability, including the use of social enterprise models and change management;

■ anticipating and managing change in institutional formations through new technologies;

■ articulating trade-offs between grant and non-grant resource mobilisation for African philanthropy; and

■ application of change management theory to organisations’ sustainability journeys.

Case overview/synopsis

In May 2020, working from her home office just over one month into a nationwide lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Masego Madzwamuse, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Southern Africa Trust (the Trust), knew that it could once again be at a crossroads. In 2015, the Trust had found itself in a quandary when its primary donor gave notification of its intention to withdraw its funding. The Trust had responded by making changes to its structure and strategy. Now, with uncertainty rife throughout South Africa, the CEO knew that she had to consider whether the changes that had been implemented over the past five years had prepared the Trust not only to respond to, but also to survive the pandemic and continue its vital work long into the future.

Complexity academic level

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, MBA, Masters in Management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
B2B value co-creation influence on engagement: Twitter analysis at international trade show organizer
Authors: Geldres-Weiss Skania , Küster-Boluda Inés , Vila-López Natalia
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper studies, based on the theory of service-dominant logic, the effect of value co-creation practices (linking and materializing) on engagement dimensions (popularity, commitment and virality). The main objective is to analyze the influence of value co-creation practices on engagement at international trade shows organizer association on Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the usage of Twitter by the Specialty Food Association, which organizes one of the top five foods and beverage international trade show in the United States. To achieve the research objective, the authors have analyzed 1,608 posts on Twitter from the Twitter account @Specialty_Food. A content analysis was performed using Krippendorff's (2004) recommendations, and the data were analyzed using regression analysis with optimal scaling and Kruskal–Wallis Test.

Findings

According to the results, some materializing practices influence popularity, commitment, virality and global engagement on Twitter. While the usage of some linking practices influences respectively commitment and popularity.

Originality

These results provide valuable information for business-to-business (B2B) contexts and answer a research gap reported in previous literature, which affirms that more research is needed about the relationship between service systems and engagement. From a general view, to generate more engagement on social media in B2B contexts, it is recommended to prioritize posts that incorporate live and online events based on collaborative and dynamic human interactions, following by business ideas and business cases.
Analysing public diplomacy on Twitter with the MARPE Diplo methodological framework: the case of the European external action service
Authors: Cotton Anne-Marie , Boulanger Hélène
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The European External Action Service (EEAS) is a relatively new diplomatic service established in 2010. In previous analyses, the authors noted a dominance of security and foreign policy messages emanating from the EEAS, demonstrating the European Union (EU)'s negotiating power. It was clear it had discovered the benefits of public diplomacy, but rather practised traditional diplomacy on public diplomacy specific platforms. The authors aim to pursue the monitoring of the EEAS’ strategy, covering 2019 and 2020, to understand how the use of Twitter supports the evolution of the EU foreign policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Questioning if the EEAS is entering the second phase of its life cycle (launched in 2010, its introduction phase was under Katherine Ashton, 2009–2014, followed by Federica Mogherini, 2014–2019, and Josep Borrell, 2019–2024), the authors carried out a content analysis on 765 tweets. The authors used the MARPE Diplo methodological framework to compare how the EU uses public diplomacy through its EEAS to negotiate its own interests with non-EU parties under the presidency of Federica Mogherini (period 1), during the transition period (period 2) and under the presidency of Joseph Borrell (period 3).

Findings

Based on the comparison with their previous studies, the authors demonstrate that, over the years, the overall discourse of the EEAS is much more oriented towards public diplomacy.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has two limitations. The first refers to the sampling of the participants involved in the citizen science experiment: they belong to a homogeneous age category and similar education level which might have biased their analysis. Second, the authors acknowledge the usual limitations linked to citizen science. However, the authors acknowledge a growing emphasis on the outcomes for society involving citizens and including partnerships between the public and scientists as well as an increased public engagement in policy processes.

Practical implications

The research leads into new insights regarding the European-centred translation of the EEAS messages, compared to the off-centred view of non-European contributors.

Social implications

The citizen science approach allows to integrate the targeted public to apply public diplomacy content analysis.

Originality/value

This case study is based on the principles of citizen science and demonstrates the importance of an off-centred approach in the analysis of the practices of public diplomacy.
“I am not a typical woman. I don’t think I am a role model” – Blokishness, behavioural and leadership styles and role models
Authors: Topić Martina
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper presents a sociological analysis of the advertising industry's leadership styles and role models in England using masculinities in behaviour (“blokishness”) as a concept. The paper particularly focusses on the experiences of the so-called tomboy women who were socialised with boys and embraced masculine behavioural styles and compares their views and styles with women who experienced a more common, feminine socialisation and spent time in girls' peer groups during early socialisation. The paper explores why some women are seen as role models and others are not.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 37 women working in a variety of roles within the advertising industry in England, and from a variety of backgrounds, and views on leadership and role models were analysed with a particular focus on “tomboy” women and their behavioural and leadership styles, which is linked with role models and compared against views of the so-called feminine women. Triple coding and a thematic analysis were used to analyse data and make sense of concepts derived from participants' answers.

Findings

The findings suggest that tomboy women demonstrate masculine leadership and behavioural styles and are less likely to see themselves as role models along with facing disapproval from female employees they manage. On the other hand, feminine women demonstrate feminine leadership styles and are more likely to see themselves and become accepted as role models. Thus, the paper suggests that the perception and experience of role models depend on behavioural and leadership styles, which is different for the so-called tomboy and feminine women. Data suggest this is due to participation in early peer groups during childhood. The paper offers conceptualisation figures to inform future research.

Practical implications

The findings suggest it is not always formal structure that impedes the progress of women, but often informal ones linked to behavioural styles. Therefore, whilst many positive policies have been introduced to improve equality in organisations and society in general, this paper sheds light on how these policies could get undermined by informal issues such as behavioural and leadership styles. Human resource (HR) professionals should further internal policies to prevent situations in which only those “who are like us” can go ahead in their careers by diversifying the workforce and employment and promotions panels.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first paper analysing role models, and leadership styles linked to the position of women in the advertising industry, focussing on blokishness in behaviour and comparing styles of the so-called tomboy and feminine women.
Richard Cantillon and public policy
Authors: Thornton Mark , Brown Chris R.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Richard Cantillon (168?–173?) is known as the first economic theorist and the founder of entrepreneurship theory. Few would describe him as engaged in policy issues, but he did write about policy issues of interest to scholars interested in entrepreneurship and economic development. He has long been classified as a mercantilist of a bygone day, even as many believe he was resolute in not commenting on policy matters at all. His views could be a key to pursuing the policy goals of entrepreneurship scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors look at several topics in Cantillon's Essay on the Nature of Commerce in General (1755), read in its historical/political context, to better understand Cantillon's views. The authors then relate Cantillon's views to recent interventions in the economy.

Findings

The authors found that Cantillon held clearly antimercantilist, or free market, views. The authors also recognize that his views, given his status as the founder of entrepreneurship theory, can contribute to modern economics. As in Cantillon's day, institutional uncertainty has negative economic consequences and often leads to unproductive entrepreneurship, which is only made worse by the increased complexity of the modern economy.

Originality/value

The authors clarify Cantillon's views against modern-day interpretations and offer a clearer understanding of Cantillon's writings in the context of his Essay on the Nature of Commerce in General (1755). The authors also show the importance of the proper role of institutions for productive entrepreneurship—and the danger of unproductive or destructive entrepreneurship when such institutions do not have policies favorable to entrepreneurship.
Biopolymers as green‐based food packaging materials: A focus on modified and unmodified starch‐based films
Authors: Matheus Julia Rabelo Vaz , Dalsasso Raul Remor , Rebelatto Evertan Antonio , Andrade Kátia Suzana , Andrade Lidiane Maria de , Andrade Cristiano José de , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Fai Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante
Published: January 2023

The ideal food packaging materials are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Starch from plant sources, such as tubers, legumes, cereals, and agro‐industrial plant residues, is considered one of the most suitable biopolymers for producing biodegradable films due to its natural abundance and low cost. The chemical modification of starch makes it possible to produce films with better technological properties by changing the functional groups into starch. Using biopolymers extracted from agro‐industrial waste can add value to a raw material that would otherwise be discarded. The recent COVID‐19 pandemic has driven a rise in demand for single‐use plastics, intensifying pressure on this already out‐of‐control issue. This review provides an overview of biopolymers, with a particular focus on starch, to develop sustainable materials for food packaging. This study summarizes the methods and provides a potential approach to starch modification for improving the mechanical and barrier properties of starch‐based films. This review also updates some trends pointed out by the food packaging sector in the last years, considering the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Perspectives to achieve more sustainable food packaging toward a more circular economy are drawn.
The use of serum protein analysis in the diagnosis of fatal envenomation via Crotalus horridus (timber rattlesnake)
Authors: Gallagher Tim , Roberts Stephen , Silva‐Sanchez Cecilia , Sutton Lerah , Laventure Kaitlyn
Published: January 2023

Deaths occurring due to rattlesnake envenomization are extremely rare and must be thoroughly investigated in the same manner as any other type of death. Our research presents the case of an adult white male who suffered a fatal timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) envenomation in northwest Florida in 2018. Blood samples were taken from the decedent's heart and vasculature of the chest and sent for serum proteomic analysis. Serum proteomic analysis was utilized in order to identify proteins from timber rattlesnake (C. horridus) found within the victim's blood. The confirmation of the presence of timber rattlesnake venom within the victim's blood allows the forensic pathologist to determine the cause of death most accurately and likewise, assists with the manner of death determination. Blood samples were separated into two groups: one with the abundant endogenous proteins depleted to facilitate detection of lower abundant proteins and one undepleted. In the depleted sample, a total of 712 proteins were identified, with 47 of the proteins (6.6%) occurring originating from timber rattlesnake (C. horridus). Likewise, a total of 742 proteins were identified in the undepleted sample, with 52 of the proteins (7.0%) occurring in timber rattlesnake (C. horridus). No timber rattlesnake (C. horridus) proteins were found in control human serum.
Country‐level Accounting Enforcement and IPO Underpricing
Authors: Bigus Jochen , Dreyer Florian
Published: January 2023

Using a sample of up to 2,503 initial public offerings (IPOs) in 32 countries from 2011–2017, we predict and find that higher levels of country‐level accounting enforcement are associated with lower levels of IPO underpricing. IPOs in countries with a relatively low accounting enforcement score (second quintile) exhibit a mean underpricing of 19%, whereas the mean underpricing amounts to just 9% in countries with a relatively high score (fourth quintile). The results remain qualitatively the same when we employ a multi‐level model or a difference‐in‐difference design. In countries that substantially strengthened their accounting enforcement in the 2003–2009 period, the level of IPO underpricing decreased significantly. We show that accounting enforcement matters for the cost of going public.