bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCR-based diagnosis of respiratory virus in postsurgical septic patients: A preliminary study before SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Heredia-Rodríguez María , Balbás-Álvarez Sara , Lorenzo-López Mario , Gómez-Pequera Estefanía , Jorge-Monjas Pablo , Rojo-Rello Silvia , Sánchez-De Prada Laura , Sanz-Muñoz Ivan , Eiros José María , Martínez-Paz Pedro , Gonzalo-Benito Hugo , Tamayo-Velasco Álvaro , Martín-Fernández Marta , Sánchez-Conde Pilar , Tamayo Eduardo , Gómez-Sánchez Esther
Published: August 2022

Respiratory viruses are part of the normal microbiota of the respiratory tract, which sometimes cause infection with/without respiratory insufficiency and the need for hospital or ICU admission. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses in nontransplanted postoperative septic patients as well as lymphocyte count influence in their presence and its relationship to mortality. 223 nontransplanted postsurgical septic patients were recruited on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid prior to the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Patients were split into 2 groups according to the presence/absence of respiratory viruses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors related to positive respiratory virus PCR test. Respiratory viruses were isolated in 28.7% of patients. 28-day mortality was not significantly different between virus-positive and virus-negative groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lymphocyte count ≤ 928/µl is independently associated with a positive PCR result [OR 3.76, 95% CI (1.71–8.26), P = .001] adjusted by platelet count over 128,500/µL [OR 4.27, 95% CI (1.92–9.50) P < .001] and the presence of hypertension [OR 2.69, 95% CI (1.13–6.36) P = .025] as confounding variables. Respiratory viruses’ detection by using PCR in respiratory samples of nontransplanted postoperative septic patients is frequent. These preliminary results revealed that the presence of lymphopenia on sepsis diagnosis is independently associated to a positive virus result, which is not related to a higher 28-day mortality.
Usefulness of bispectral index and patient state index during sevoflurane anesthesia in children: A prospective observational study
Authors: Jang Young-Eun , Kim Eun-Hee , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Hee-Soo
Published: August 2022

Cortical electroencephalography-based devices are used to monitor the depth of anesthesia. In this study, we evaluated the values of bispectral index (BIS) and patient state index (PSI) during sevoflurane anesthesia in children. The ability/accuracy of BIS and PSI to predict the maintenance and recovery state of anesthesia was evaluated based on prediction probability (Pk) values and the secondary outcomes were agreement and correlation of 2 monitors.

Fifty children (3–12 years old) were enrolled and the patients received sevoflurane anesthesia with remifentanil followed by propofol administration. Before the induction of anesthesia, BIS and PSI sensors were simultaneously placed on the forehead, and data were collected until the end of anesthesia. Maintenance state was defined as the period following intubation until the cessation of sevoflurane, while recovery state was defined as the period following the cessation of sevoflurane until awake. Pk, agreement or correlation of BIS and PSI in different anesthesia state were calculated.

Anesthesia reduced mean BIS and PSI values. Pk of BIS (95% confidential interval [CI]: 0.78–0.91) and PSI (95% CI: 0.82–0.91) for anesthesia were 0.85 and 0.87, respectively. Agreement was 0.79 for recovery state and 0.73 for maintenance state. Pk values were comparable for BIS and PSI.

Agreement between BIS and PSI measurements in the same state was relatively good. Therefore, these monitors are appropriate for monitoring for different state of anesthesia in pediatric population.
Outcomes of evisceration or enucleation by resident trainees in patients with recalcitrant endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis
Authors: Tianthong Wannaporn , Aryasit Orapan
Published: August 2022

To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of evisceration or enucleation with primary implantation, performed by ophthalmology resident trainees, in regards to patients with recalcitrant endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis. We also compared the surgical outcomes and complications between resident trainees and experienced staff. In this retrospective analysis, the clinical records of all patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis who underwent enucleation or evisceration with primary implantation over a 13-year period were reviewed. The factors predicting implant exposure or extrusion in regards to patients who underwent eye removal by trainees were identified using multivariate analysis. The percentages of successful prosthesis fittings and complications were also reported. Sixty-six patient records, median age of 46.8 years, who underwent eye removal by resident trainees were reviewed. Thirty-six (55%) out of 66 patients were diagnosed with panophthalmitis. Four patients (6%) had implant exposure, and 4 patients (6%) had implant extrusion. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (P = .02, adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 33.75) and not receiving intravitreal antimicrobial drugs before the eye removal procedure (P = .02, aOR = 30.11) were associated with implant exposure or extrusion. Patients with panophthalmitis who underwent evisceration had a higher rate of implant exposure or extrusion than those who underwent enucleation (P = .03, aOR 38.38). At the last visit, 65 patients had a successful prosthesis fitting. Furthermore, there were similar rates of complications and successful prosthesis fittings between experienced staff and resident trainees. This study suggests that evisceration or enucleation with primary implant placement in patients with recalcitrant endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis can be performed by resident trainees with acceptable surgical outcomes and a low rate of serious complications.
Patient background and prognosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in fibrosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Nishizawa Tomotaka , Ohta Hiroki , Tsukahara Yuta , Nakamura Tomohiko , Sato Shintaro , Kawabe Rie , Oba Tomohiro , Akasaka Keiichi , Amano Masako , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Sasaki Hiroki , Matsushima Hidekazu
Published: August 2022

Several previous reports have shown interstitial lung disease (ILD) to be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). However, there is a lack of clarity regarding patient background and the prognostic factors in CPA associated with ILD (CPA-ILD). Therefore, we assessed these points to obtain valuable information for clinical practice.

We retrospectively surveyed and collected data from 459 patients who had serum examination for anti-Aspergillus antibody. Of these patients, we extracted and investigated CPA-ILD patients.

We ultimately analyzed 32 CPA-ILD patients. Patient background factors more frequently showed the patients to be older (mean: 74.9 years), male (75.0%), and to have a smoking history (71.9%). Median survival time from the diagnosis of ILD was 76.0 months, whereas that from the diagnosis of CPA-ILD was 25.5 months. No significant differences in survival were found in regard to each ILD pattern and the presence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A higher level of C-reactive protein was a significant predictor of mortality by Cox regression analysis.

CPA complicating ILD is associated with poor prognosis. ILD patients with older age, male sex, and smoking history should be aware of the potential for the development of CPA in ILD. If such patients have elevated markers of inflammation, prompt induction of antifungal treatment may improve their prognosis. Clinicians should be aware of which complications of CPA may lead to a poor prognosis for any ILD not just those limited to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or usual interstitial pneumonia pattern.
Does protracted chemotherapy have an influence on the clinical outcomes in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer?
Authors: Lee Juhun , Hong Dae Gy
Published: August 2022

In epithelial ovarian cancer, first-line adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary, and patients sometimes require protraction; however, there are only a few recent studies to show its influence. In this study, we investigated whether the protraction of the total period of first-line chemotherapy has a negative influence on the survival outcomes.

Of the 101 patients we recruited from February 2011 to February 2021, 70 (69.3%) and 31 (30.7%) were classified into the not protracted and protracted groups, respectively. They underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer. Protraction was defined as the overall duration of the first-line chemotherapy being more than 20 days longer than intended. Number of patients who underwent additional treatments such as bevacizumab or poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase inhibitors or pembrolizumab was compared between both groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used for survival outcomes.

There was no significant difference for additional treatments. The progression-free survival (PFS) in the total follow-up period in the protracted group was significantly shorter than that in the not protracted group (P = .037); however, the difference in the overall survival between the 2 groups was not significant (P = .223). For the PFS, the hazard ratio of protraction was 1.646 in the univariate analysis (95% confidence interval, 1.020–2.658; P = .041).

Excessive protraction of chemotherapy over 20 days or more can result in significantly shorter PFS within 5 years. A better therapeutic strategy is required for patients requiring protracted first-line chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Predictors of flare in rheumatoid arthritis patients with persistent clinical remission/low disease activity: Data from the TARAC cohort
Authors: Chaiamnuay Sumapa , Jiemjit Srisakul , Songdechaphipat Wipatcharin , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Pakchotanon Rattapol , Asavatanabodee Paijit
Published: August 2022

To identify predictors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity flare in RA patients who achieved low disease activity (LDA) or persistent remission from the observational Thai Army Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort study.

RA patients with persistent clinical remission, defined by disease activity score 28 (DAS28) < 2.6 and LDA defined by DAS28 ≤ 3.2 for 3 consecutive months, were recruited and followed-up for at least 2 years. The flare was defined by an escalation of DAS28 ≥ 1.2 plus their physicians’ decision to enhance RA treatment. Differences between sustained remission/LDA and flare groups were analyzed, by Chi-square test and unpaired Student t test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to determine flare predictors.

From 199 RA patients, female were 82.9%. Anticitrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) or Rheumatoid factor (RF) were found in 69.8% of patients. Flares occurred in 69 patients (34.9%). Multivariate analysis found that the timescale from symptoms emergence to DMARD commencement, the timescale from DMARD commencement to when RA patients showed remission/LDA, the occurrence of RF or ACPA, LDA (in contrast to remission) and the increased DAS28 score when remission/LDA was achieved and tapering DMARDs promptly when persistent remission/LDA was achieved were predictors of RA flares with hazard ratios of (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.017 (1.003–1.030), 1.037 (1.015–1.059), 1.949 (1.035–3.676), 1.926 (0.811–4.566), 2.589 (1.355–4.947), and 2.497 (1.458–4.276), respectively.

These data demonstrated that early and aggressive DMARDs treatment approach could maintain remission espcially in seropositive patients. Tapering should be applied minimally 6 months after reaching remission.
Prevalence of and risk factors for postoperative complications after lower third molar extraction: A multicenter prospective observational study in Japan
Authors: Yamada Shin-ichi , Hasegawa Takumi , Yoshimura Nobuhiko , Hakoyama Yusuke , Nitta Tetsuya , Hirahara Narihiro , Miyamoto Hironori , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Ueda Nobuhiro , Yamamura Yoshiko , Okuyama Hideki , Takizawa Atsushi , Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Iwata Eiji , Akita Daisuke , Itoh Ryuichi , Kubo Kiriko , Kondo Seiji , Hata Hironobu , Koyama Yoshito , Miyamoto Youji , Nakahara Hirokazu , Akashi Masaya , Kirita Tadaaki , Shibuya Yasuyuki , Umeda Masahiro , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Lower third molar extraction is the most common surgical treatment among routine dental and oral surgical procedures. while the surgical procedures for lower third molar extraction are well established, the difficulty of tooth extraction and the frequency of postoperative complications differ depending on the patient’s background. To establish a management protocol for the lower third molars, the prevalence of and risk factors for postoperative complications after lower third molar extraction were investigated in a large number of Japanese patients in a multicenter prospective study. During 6 consecutive months in 2020, 1826 lower third molar extractions were performed at the 20 participating institutions. The medical records of the patients were reviewed, and relevant data were extracted. The prevalence of and risk factors for postoperative complications were analyzed. The prevalence of postoperative complications after lower third molar extraction was 10.0%. Multivariate analysis indicated that age (≤32 vs >32, odds ratio [OR]: 1.428, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.040–1.962, P < .05), the radiographic anatomical relationship between the tooth roots and mandibular canal (overlapping of the roots and canal vs no close anatomical relationship between the roots and the superior border of the canal, OR: 2.078, 95% CI: 1.333–3.238, P < .01; overlapping of the roots and canal vs roots impinging on the superior border of the canal, OR: 1.599, 95% CI: 1.050–2.435, P < .05), and impaction depth according to the Pell and Gregory classification (position C vs position A, OR: 3.7622, 95% CI: 2.079–6.310, P < .001; position C vs position B, OR: 2.574, 95% CI: 1.574–4.210, P < .001) are significant independent risk factors for postoperative complications after lower third molar extraction. These results suggested that higher age and a deeply impacted tooth might be significant independent risk factors for postoperative complications after lower third molar extraction.
The predictive value of preoperative serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and tumor markers for early breast cancer patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Fan Shuyao , Xie Xiaohong , Shen Yong , Wang Wenjun , Gu Xidong , Yao Zhiyuan
Published: August 2022

Peripheral blood of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and cancer antigen 15–3 (CA15-3) could be used as prognostic indicators for several types of tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory cell ratio and tumor markers for postoperative breast cancer patients. Clinical data concerning 190 breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgery in Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The effects of NLR, CEA, CA125, and CA153 on the disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with breast cancer were analyzed by χ
2 test and Cox regression analyses. There were totally 32 of 190 patients had local or distant metastases within 5 years after surgery. The peripheral blood NLR, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.8272, 0.667, 0.702, and 0.715, and the optimal cutoff values were 2.65, 1.47, 10.55, and 10.55, respectively. Univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the serum NLR, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 were related to postoperative 5-year DFS (P < .05). In addition, multivariate survival analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors: NLR (P < .001), CA125 (P = .045) and ki-67 (P = .020). Preoperative serum inflammatory biomarker of NLR and tumor marker of CA125 have potential prognostic value for breast carcinoma.
Association of T-box gene polymorphisms with the risk of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Han Bing , Wang Yongxiang , Zhao Jing , Lan Qingsu , Zhang Jin , Meng Xiaoxue , Jin Jianjian , Bai Ming , Zhang Zheng
Published: August 2022

Abnormal development of the atrioventricular ring can lead to the formation of a bypass pathway and the occurrence of Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome. The genetic mechanism underlying the sporadic form of WPW syndrome remains unclear. Existing evidence suggests that both T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) and T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) genes participate in regulating annulus fibrosus formation and atrioventricular canal development. Thus, we aimed to examine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TBX3 and TBX2 genes confer susceptibility to WPW syndrome in a Han Chinese Population. We applied a SNaPshot SNP assay to analyze 5 selected tagSNPs of TBX3 and TBX2 in 230 patients with sporadic WPW syndrome and 231 sex- and age-matched controls. Haplotype analysis was performed using Haploview software. Allele C of TBX3 rs1061657 was associated with a higher risk of WPW syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.83, P = .011) and left-sided accessory pathways (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07–1.84, P = .016). However, allele C of TBX3 rs8853 was likely to reduce these risks (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.92, P = .011; OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.92, P = .011, respectively). The data revealed no association between TBX3 rs77412687, TBX3 rs2242442, or TBX2 rs75743672 and WPW syndrome. TBX3 rs1061657 and rs8853 are significantly associated with sporadic WPW syndrome among a Han Chinese population. To verify our results, larger sample sizes are required in future studies.
Pulmonary Aspiration of Brain Matter in a Motor Vehicle Fatality
Authors: Weyers Carmen Zenda , Makhoba Musa Aubrey , Blumenthal Ryan
Published: August 2022

We present the case of an adult man who was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a driver. Histological examination of the lung tissue showed the presence of brain tissue within the lumens of the bronchi and bronchioles. Aspiration of brain matter is a rare phenomenon, with only 1 case described in the literature. The finding of brain tissue within the bronchi and terminal bronchioles supports the scenario of a period of agonal respiration with consequent cerebral aspiration. This article adds to the limited literature, distinguishing antemortem or agonal aspiration from postmortem passive movement.
The challenge of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis descriptive epidemiology: to estimate low incidence rates across complex phenotypes in different geographic areas
Authors: Logroscino Giancarlo , Urso Daniele , Tortelli Rosanna
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons with a fatal outcome. The rareness of the disease and the rapidly fatal course are the main challenges for the ALS epidemiological research. The understanding of ALS has clearly advanced in the recent years both in the genetics and in the leading pathways of disease determinants. Epidemiological research has played a primary role in these discoveries.

Recent findings

Epidemiological studies have shown a variation of incidence, mortality and prevalence of ALS between geographical areas and different populations, supporting the notion that genetic factors, linked to populations’ ancestries, along with environmental and lifestyle factors, play a significant role in the occurrence of the disease. The burden of motor neuron diseases is increasing and currently more relevant in high-income countries but increasing at the highest rate in low and middle-income countries. The ALS phenotype is not restricted to motor functions. C9orf72 repeat expansion seems to present a recognizable phenotype characterized by earlier disease onset, the presence of cognitive and behavioural impairment.

Population-based disease registries have played a major role in developing new knowledge on ALS, in characterizing genotype-phenotype correlations, in discovering new genetic modifiers and finally in planning research and health services, considering the high cost of motor neuron disease care. Epidemiological research based on multicentre international collaboration is essential to provide new data on ALS, especially in some regions of the world with poor data.
Protecting healthcare workers against coronavirus disease 2019 in emergency departments at a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Talebpour Amin , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Tavani Fatemeh Molaei , Rahmani Parvin , Ghabousian Amir , Kabiri Neda
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

The first case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Iran was officially announced on February 19, 2020, in Qom city. The prevalence of COVID-19 is higher among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) due to their occupational exposure.

Objective:

The aim of this evidence implementation project was to improve the protection of nurses against COVID-19 in the emergency department of a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran.

Methods:

A clinical audit was undertaken using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) tool. Ten audit criteria, representing the best practice recommendations for the protection of HCWs in the emergency department were used. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by the implementation of multiple strategies. The project was finalized with a follow-up audit to evaluate changes in practice.

Results:

The baseline audit results showed that the compliances for four (out of ten) audit criteria (criteria 4, 7, 8 and 9), were under 75%, which indicated poor and moderate compliance with the current evidence. After implementing plans such as running educational programs and meetings, major improvement was observed in 3 criteria, criterion 4 was improved from low to excellent (41–81%), criterion 7 was promoted from low to moderate (30–62%), criterion 8 was not promoted considerably (22–27%) and criterion 9 was improved from moderate to excellent (70–84%).

Conclusion:

The results of the audit process increased COVID-19 protection measures for nurses in the emergency department. It can be concluded that educational programs and tools, such as face-to-face training, educational pamphlets, workshops and meetings can facilitate the implementation of evidence into practice.
A commentary on the quality improvement practices in leading an organizational response to audit feedback
Authors: Sykes Michael
Published: August 2022

Clinical audit is commonly used to assess and improve the quality of care. The impact of clinical audit on practice could be improved by supporting the ability of people who receive feedback from audits to mount effective responses. This article, written for people who receive feedback, audit providers and quality improvement leads, describes important practices in the organisational response to feedback. The practices were identified through work to describe the current response to national audit and draw upon theory-informed hypotheses for enhancing audit and feedback. Both the content and implementation of the practices were co-designed with stakeholders and tested alongside different national audits. The identified quality improvement practices provide practical guidance for feedback recipients and enable providers and quality improvement leads to consider the capabilities required for such practices. The approach resonates with organisational readiness to change theory, proposing that informational appraisal and change commitment underpin effective improvement actions.
RADseq data reveal a lack of admixture in a mouse lemur contact zone contrary to previous microsatellite results
Authors: Poelstra Jelmer W. , Montero B. Karina , Lüdemann Jan , Yang Ziheng , Rakotondranary S. Jacques , Hohenlohe Paul , Stetter Nadine , Ganzhorn Jörg U. , Yoder Anne D.
Published: August 2022

Microsatellites have been a workhorse of evolutionary genetic studies for decades and are still commonly in use for estimating signatures of genetic diversity at the population and species level across a multitude of taxa. Yet, the very high mutation rate of these loci is a double-edged sword, conferring great sensitivity at shallow levels of analysis (e.g. paternity analysis) but yielding considerable uncertainty for deeper evolutionary comparisons. For the present study, we used reduced representation genome-wide data (restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq)) to test for patterns of interspecific hybridization previously characterized using microsatellite data in a contact zone between two closely related mouse lemur species in Madagascar (Microcebus murinusandMicrocebus griseorufus). We revisit this system by examining populations in, near, and far from the contact zone, including many of the same individuals that had previously been identified as hybrids with microsatellite data. Surprisingly, we find no evidence for admixed nuclear ancestry. Instead, re-analyses of microsatellite data and simulations suggest that previously inferred hybrids were false positives and that the program NewHybridscan be particularly sensitive to erroneously inferring hybrid ancestry. Combined with results from coalescent-based analyses and evidence for local syntopic co-occurrence, we conclude that the two mouse lemur species are in fact completely reproductively isolated, thus providing a new understanding of the evolutionary rate whereby reproductive isolation can be achieved in a primate.
Desulfoferrobacter suflitae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel sulphate-reducing bacterium in the Deltaproteobacteria capable of autotrophic growth with hydrogen or elemental iron
Authors: Davidova Irene A. , Duncan Kathleen E. , Wiley Graham , Najar Fares Z.
Published: August 2022

A mesophilic sulphate-reducing micro-organism, able to grow chemolithoautotrophically with H2/CO2 (20 : 80) and with elemental iron as a sole electron donor, was isolated from a consortium capable of degrading long-chain paraffins and designated strain DRH4T. Cells were oval shaped often with bright refractile cores and occurred singly or in pairs. The cells formed pili. Strain DRH4T could grow chemolithoautotrophically with H2/CO2 or elemental iron and chemoorganotrophically utilizing a number of organic substrates, such as fatty acids from formate to octanoate (C1–C8). Sulphate and thiosulphate served as terminal electron acceptors, but sulphite and nitrate did not. Optimal growth was observed from 37 to 40 °C and pH from 6.5 to 7.2. Strain DRH4T did not require NaCl for growth and could proliferate under a broad range of salinities from freshwater (1 g l−1 NaCl) to seawater (27 g l−1 NaCl) conditions. The genomic DNA G+C content was 54.46 mol %. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. strain DRH4T was distinct from previously described

Deltaproteobacteria

species exhibiting the closest affiliation to

Desulforhabdus amnigena

ASRB1T,

Syntrophobacterium sulfatireducens

TB8106T and

Desulfovirga adipica

12016T with 93.35, 93.42 and 92.85 % similarity, respectively. Strain DRH4T showed significant physiological differences with the aforementioned organisms. Based on physiological differences and phylogenetic comparisons, we propose to classify DRH4T as the type strain (=DSM 113 455T=JCM 39 248T) of a novel species of a new genus with the name Desulfoferrobacter suflitae gen. nov., sp. nov.
Selective Nigrostriatal Dopamine Excess Impairs Behaviors Linked to the Cognitive and Negative Symptoms of Psychosis
Authors: Moya Nicolette A. , Yun Seongsik , Fleps Stefan W. , Martin Madison M. , Nadel Jacob A. , Beutler Lisa R. , Zweifel Larry S. , Parker Jones G.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Excess dopamine release in the dorsal striatum (DS) is linked to psychosis. Antipsychotics are thought to work for positive symptoms by blocking striatal D2 dopamine receptors, but they lack efficacy for the negative and cognitive symptoms. Further, broadly increasing dopamine release improves cognitive function. These observations fueled the dogma that excess dopamine is not involved in negative and cognitive symptoms, but this has never been tested with dopamine pathway specificity.

METHODS

We selectively re-expressed excitatory TRPV1 receptors in DS-projecting dopamine neurons of male and female Trpv1 knockout mice. We treated these mice with capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) to selectively activate these neurons, validated this approach with fiber photometry, and assessed its effects on social and cognitive function. We combined this manipulation with antipsychotic treatment (haloperidol) and compared the pathway-specific manipulation to treatment with the non-selective dopamine releaser amphetamine.

RESULTS

Selectively activating DS-projecting dopamine neurons increased DS (but not cortical) dopamine release and increased locomotor activity. Surprisingly, this manipulation also impaired behavioral processes linked to negative and cognitive symptoms (social drive and working memory). Haloperidol normalized locomotion, only partially rescued working memory, and had no effect on social interaction. By contrast, amphetamine increased locomotion but did not impair social interaction or working memory.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess dopamine release, when restricted to the DS, causes behavioral deficits linked to negative and cognitive symptoms. Previous studies using non-selective approaches to release dopamine likely overlooked these contributions of excess dopamine to psychosis. Future therapies should address this disregarded role for excess striatal dopamine in the treatment-resistant symptoms of psychosis.
Memory B cell responses to Omicron subvariants after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA breakthrough infection
Authors: Wang Zijun , Zhou Pengcheng , Muecksch Frauke , Cho Alice , Tanfous Tarek Ben , Canis Marie , Witte Leander , Johnson Brianna , Raspe Raphael , Schmidt Fabian , Bednarski Eva , Silva Justin Da , Ramos Victor , Zong Shuai , Turroja Martina , Millard Katrina G. , Yao Kai-Hui , Shimeliovich Irina , Dizon Juan , Kaczynska Anna , Jankovic Mila , Gazumyan Anna , Oliveira Thiago Y. , Caskey Marina , Gaebler Christian , Bieniasz Paul D. , Hatziioannou Theodora , Nussenzweig Michel C.
Published: August 2022

Individuals that receive a 3rd mRNA vaccine dose show enhanced protection against severe COVID19 but little is known about the impact of breakthrough infections on memory responses. Here, we examine the memory antibodies that develop after a 3rd or 4th antigenic exposure by Delta or Omicron BA.1 infection, respectively. A 3rd exposure to antigen by Delta breakthrough increases the number of memory B cells that produce antibodies with comparable potency and breadth to a 3rd mRNA vaccine dose. A 4th antigenic exposure with Omicron BA.1 infection increased variant specific plasma antibody and memory B cell responses. However, the 4th exposure did not increase the overall frequency of memory B cells or their general potency or breadth compared to a 3rd mRNA vaccine dose. In conclusion, a 3rd antigenic exposure by Delta infection elicits strain-specific memory responses and increases in the overall potency and breadth of the memory B cells. In contrast, the effects of a 4th antigenic exposure with Omicron BA.1 is limited to increased strain specific memory with little effect on the potency or breadth of memory B cell antibodies. The results suggest that the effect of strain-specific boosting on memory B cell compartment may be limited.
A genome catalogue of lake bacteria across watershed land use gradients at a continental scale
Authors: Garner Rebecca E. , Kraemer Susanne A. , Onana Vera E. , Fradette Maxime , Varin Marie-Pierre , Huot Yannick , Walsh David A.
Published: August 2022

Lakes are heterogenous ecosystems inhabited by a rich microbiome whose genomic diversity is poorly defined. We present a continental-scale study of metagenomes representing 6.5 million km2of the most lake-rich landscape on Earth. Analysis of 308 Canadian lakes resulted in a metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) catalogue of 1,008 mostly novel bacterial genomospecies. Lake trophic state was a leading driver of taxonomic and functional diversity among MAG assemblages, reflecting the responses of communities profiled by 16S rRNA amplicons and gene-centric metagenomics. Coupling the MAG catalogue with watershed geomatics revealed terrestrial influences of soils and land use on assemblages. Agriculture and human population density were drivers of turnover, indicating detectable anthropogenic imprints on lake bacteria at the continental scale. The sensitivity of bacterial assemblages to human impact reinforces lakes as sentinels of environmental change. Overall, the LakePulse MAG catalogue greatly expands the freshwater genomic landscape, advancing an integrative view of diversity across Earth’s microbiomes.
ceRNA crosstalk mediated by ncRNAs is a novel regulatory mechanism in fish sex determination and differentiation
Authors: Tang Lili , Huang Fei , You Wuxin , Poetsch Ansgar , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Power Deborah Mary , Zhu Tengfei , Liu Kaiqiang , Wang Hong-Yan , Wang Qian , Xu Xiwen , Feng Bo , Schartl Manfred , Shao Changwei
Published: August 2022

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are vital regulators of gene networks in mammals. The involvement of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as ceRNA in genotypic sex determination (GSD) and environmental sex determination (ESD) in fish is unknown. The Chinese tongue sole, which has both GSD and ESD mechanisms, was used to map the dynamic expression pattern of ncRNAs and mRNA in gonads during sex determination and differentiation. Transcript expression patterns shift during the sex differentiation phase, and ceRNA modulation occurs through crosstalk of differentially expressed long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and sex-related genes in fish. Of note was the significant up-regulation of a circRNA from the sex-determining gene dmrt1 (circular RNA dmrt1) and a lncRNA, called AMSDT (which stands for associated with male sex differentiation of tongue sole) in Chinese tongue sole testis. These two ncRNAs both share the same miRNA response elements with gsdf, which has an up-regulated expression when they bind to miRNA cse-miR-196 and concurrent down-regulated female sex-related genes to facilitate testis differentiation. This is the first demonstration in fish that ceRNA crosstalk mediated by ncRNAs modulates sexual development and unveils a novel regulatory mechanism for sex determination and differentiation.
An atlas of fish genome evolution reveals delayed rediploidization following the teleost whole-genome duplication
Authors: Parey Elise , Louis Alexandra , Montfort Jérôme , Guiguen Yann , Crollius Hugues Roest , Berthelot Camille
Published: August 2022

Teleost fishes are ancient tetraploids descended from an ancestral whole-genome duplication that may have contributed to the impressive diversification of this clade. Whole-genome duplications can occur via self-doubling (autopolyploidy) or via hybridization between different species (allopolyploidy). The mode of tetraploidization conditions evolutionary processes by which duplicated genomes return to diploid meiotic pairing, and subsequent genetic divergence of duplicated genes (cytological and genetic rediploidization). How teleosts became tetraploid remains unresolved, leaving a fundamental gap in the interpretation of their functional evolution. As a result of the whole-genome duplication, identifying orthologous and paralogous genomic regions across teleosts is challenging, hindering genome-wide investigations into their polyploid history. Here, we combine tailored gene phylogeny methodology together with a state-of-the-art ancestral karyotype reconstruction to establish the first high-resolution comparative atlas of paleopolyploid regions across 74 teleost genomes. We then leverage this atlas to investigate how rediploidization occurred in teleosts at the genome-wide level. We uncover that some duplicated regions maintained tetraploidy for more than 60 million years, with three chromosome pairs diverging genetically only after the separation of major teleost families. This evidence suggests that the teleost ancestor was an autopolyploid. Further, we find evidence for biased gene retention along several duplicated chromosomes, contradicting current paradigms that asymmetrical evolution is specific to allopolyploids. Altogether, our results offer novel insights into genome evolutionary dynamics following ancient polyploidizations in vertebrates.
Being a college student leader boosts career prospects: a panel survey in China
Authors: Cui Sheng , Wu Qiuxiang , Erdemir Burcu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The authors explored the effect of college student leader experience on students' employment prospects, such as their starting salary. The authors also examined the factors behind being a student leader and the set of skills that foster the effect of leadership experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an empirical panel survey, the authors collected data from 3,361 undergraduate students over five consecutive years in China, which were analysed using different econometric methods.

Findings

The starting salary premium associated with student leaders' experiences was approximately 7%. Individual learning, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills were mediating variables that replaced half of the wage premium effect of the student leader. Family background and types of educational experiences were associated with being a student leader and labour market outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The authors only explored a few leadership-related employability skills; other relevant skills require consideration.

Practical implications

This study informs students, parents, and higher education institutions (HEIs) by clarifying the importance of leadership development. An effective transition from higher education to the labour market should be emphasised.

Social implications

Higher education educators should provide guidance to student organisations and promote formal and informal student leadership education to all students.

Originality/value

The authors revealed some factors that promote student leadership and how they are associated with labour market outcomes in China. The authors also verified and validated the capital improvement channel for some specific leadership-related skills to explain the effect of student leader experience on employment outcomes.
Sustainable menstrual products: a classic or a fad?
Authors: Ahuja Prerna , Singh Navjit
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This all-inclusive bibliometric study aims to highlight the importance and shift of the researchers and the society towards the sustainable menstrual products (SMPs). This study also provides insights for this taboo topic which needs to be addressed for improving the menstrual hygiene of women.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a trio of systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and content analysis of the research articles taken from the SCOPUS database. The influential journals, authors and countries were established with the bibliometric analysis. Most prestigious research articles were identified based on the page-rank analysis. The intellectual structure was established with bibliographic coupling through which various themes were identified. For the content analysis, thematic mapping and author keyword analysis was performed to gain deeper understanding of themes.

Findings

It was established that the taboo yet novel research domain of SMPs is a necessary step towards the improvement of hygiene of women as well as the economy. The products are here to stay making them a Classic; hence, more research normalizing their usage is necessary. From this analysis, research gaps providing directions to the researchers were identified.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that provides a comprehensive review of the SMPs. The research methodology applied in this review involves the triad of systematic literature review, bibliometric and content analyses study that establishes an intellectual structure and provides an all-inclusive overview of this taboo research area.
Labour market dualization and social policy in pandemic times: an in-depth analysis of private consumption services in Europe
Authors: Pavolini Emmanuele , Fullin Giovanna , Scalise Gemma
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This article contributes to the debate on how social policies and labour market regulation have been used to limit the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic by focusing on one specific economic segment of European labour markets: private consumption services, such as trade, tourism, catering and other support services.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis combines mixed methods and a variety of sources. First, we built a set of indicators from the EU-LFS microdata for 2019 and the 2018 Eurostat “Structure of earnings survey” and performed a cluster analysis (k-means) on the dimensions and indicators considered. Second, we elaborated EU-LFS data covering 2019 and 2020 (by quarter) and OECD 2020 data, and finally we traced Covid-related policy reforms for the period March 2020–December 2021 and analysed documents and information collected in different policy repositories.

Findings

The paper shows the relevance and characteristics of private consumption services in different countries, demonstrating that so-called labour market “outsiders” are highly represented in this sector and illustrates the policies adopted to respond to the pandemic in different European countries. The paper asks whether this emergency has been a window of opportunity to redefine regulation in this sector, making it more inclusive. It demonstrates, however, that the common approach in Europe has been dominated by temporary, short-term and one-off measures, which do not represent major changes to the social security schemes that were in place before the pandemic.

Originality/value

This article builds on the literature on labour market dualization, but approaches the concept from a different perspective – one not centred on the nature of employment relations (stable/unstable) but on economic sectors/branches. This article does not, therefore, discuss in general terms what happened to labour market outsiders during the pandemic, but rather focus attention on a specific group of workers who are highly exposed to risks stemming from dualization: those employed in the private consumption services. The economic sector perspective is an integrative way of framing dualization which is still under-researched.
Corporate disclosure timing under IFRS: the case of emerging Georgia
Authors: Pirveli Erekle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the timing of corporate disclosure in the context of Georgia, an emerging market where a recent reform of corporate financial transparency mandated about 80,000 private sector entities to publicly disclose their annual financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The main analysis covers more than 4,000 large, medium, small and micro private sector entities, for which the data is obtained from the Ministry of Finance of Georgia. This paper builds an empirical model of logit/probit regression, with industry fixed and random effects to investigate the drivers of the corporate disclosure timing.

Findings

Findings suggest that the mean reporting time lag is 279 days after the fiscal year-end, that is nine days after the statutory deadline. Almost one-third (30%) of the entities miss the nine-month statutory deadline, while the timely filers almost unexceptionally file immediately before the deadline. Multivariate tests reveal that voluntarily filing entities completed the process significantly faster than those mandated to do so; audited financial statements take more time to be filed, whereas those with unqualified audit opinion or audited by large/international audit firms are filed faster than their counterparts. The author concludes that despite the overall high filing rates, the timing of corporate disclosure is not (yet) efficiently enforced in practice (but is progressing over time), whereas regulatory incentives prevail over market incentives among the timely filers.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that explores corporate disclosure timing incentives in the context of Georgia. This study extends prior literature on the timing of financial information from an emerging country’s private sector perspective, with juxtaposed market and regulatory incentives.
Employee burnout: the dark side of performance-driven work climates
Authors: Fastje Franzisca , Mesmer-Magnus Jessica , Guidice Rebecca , Andrews Martha C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of “overtime norms” as a mediator between performance-driven work climates and employee burnout. This study also examines in-role performance and work engagement as moderators between high-performance climates and burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

A snowball sample of 214 full-time working adults from the United States participated via an online survey. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS and conditional process analysis.

Findings

Results from conditional process analyses suggest (1) performance-driven climates are positively related to burnout, (2) overtime norms mediate the relationship between performance-driven climates and burnout, and (3) in-role performance and work engagement moderate that relationship such that highly competent and engaged employees are less prone to stress and burnout.

Practical implications

These results highlight the dangers of performance-driven work climates on employee well-being. Trends toward extended work hours which can be exacerbated by technological advancements inevitably come at a cost. Managers and organizations should be careful not to prioritize work life over non-work life.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying overtime norms as a mediator in the performance-driven work climate–burnout relationship. This study also identifies in-role performance and work engagement as resources that can reduce burnout.
The impact of debt, taxation and financial crisis on earnings management: the case of Greece
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel , Pegkas Panagiotis , Staikouras Christos
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the Greek firms' earnings management policies compared with debt, taxation and the financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors show that existed measures of real earnings management, whether corrected for performance or not, rely crucially on strong assumptions. The authors provide a novel modelling that permits panel structure so as to correct for heterogeneity across firms while permitting to determine endogenously the number of underlying firm-groups in the data generating process.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that Greek firms are likely to reduce earnings manipulation activities when they face liquidity risk. Taxation and financial crisis have a negative and positive effect on earnings management, respectively.

Originality/value

The effect of debt, taxation and financial crisis on earnings management has never been investigated in Greece. The empirical results offer valuable information to shareholders and investors as they can understand how some main factors, such as debt, taxation and financial crisis, influence firm's accounting practices.