bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating human–wildlife conflict and monitoring endangered tigers using a real-time camera-based alert system
Authors: Dertien Jeremy S , Negi Hrishita , Dinerstein Eric , Krishnamurthy Ramesh , Negi Himmat Singh , Gopal Rajesh , Gulick Steve , Pathak Sanjay Kumar , Kapoor Mohnish , Yadav Piyush , Benitez Mijail , Ferreira Miguel , Wijnveen A J , Lee Andy T L , Wright Brett , Baldwin Robert F
Published: September 2023

The recovery of wild tigers in India and Nepal is a remarkable conservation achievement, but it sets the stage for increased human–wildlife conflict where parks are limited in size and where tigers reside outside reserves. We deployed an innovative technology, the TrailGuard AI camera-alert system, which runs on-the-edge artificial intelligence algorithms to detect tigers and poachers and transmit real-time images to designated authorities responsible for managing prominent tiger landscapes in India. We successfully captured and transmitted the first images of tigers using cameras with embedded AI and detected poachers. Notifications of tiger images were received in real time, approximately 30 seconds from camera trigger to appearing in a smart phone app. We review use cases of this AI-based real-time alert system for managers and local communities and suggest how the system could help monitor tigers and other endangered species, detect poaching, and provide early warnings for human–wildlife conflict.
How can we help you? A qualitative study of the provision of care to culturally and linguistically diverse clients in community pharmacy
Authors: Filmer Tamara Raisa , Ray Robin A , Glass Beverley D
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Clients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience challenges in receiving care from community pharmacies, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared with the majority population. The aim of this study was to explore migrants’ and pharmacy staff’s understanding of the facilitators for the delivery of care to CALD clients.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with predominantly older, female Nepali-speaking migrants. Individual interviews were undertaken with pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. Verbatim and translated transcripts were inductively coded to establish themes.

Key findings

Three major themes emerged: getting the message across, building trust, and improving understanding. Key findings included the need to increase the use of professional interpreters, and empathy and patience from pharmacy staff. Modifications to communication using re-phrasing and more detail about the community pharmacy system in post-arrival orientation for migrants are required.

Conclusions

Multilingual staff is an effective way to overcome the language barrier, but its use is limited by staff resources. Pharmacy staff should be required to use the services of professional telephone interpreters to surmount language barriers. Modification of communication techniques and having an empathetic attitude improve communication and care provision. Pharmacists should liaise with migrant support services to provide orientation for new arrivals.
The Role of Nonprofit and Nongovernmental Organizations and People With Viral Hepatitis on the Path Toward Hepatitis C Virus Elimination
Authors: Adda Danjuma , James Cary , Peck Raquel , Ali Mohammad , Tiwana Tajinder , Kolawole Tobiloba , Wang Su
Published: September 2023

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations have driven and continue to drive hepatitis C elimination by putting people with viral hepatitis and their affected communities at the center of hepatitis elimination efforts. They have been key in driving the decentralization of services and community-based delivery in the hepatitis care pathway to improve the health and well-being of the populations most affected by hepatitis C. This article explores how the formation of the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), an international network of community organizations in >100 countries, led to powerful advocacy from community leaders and people with hepatitis, resulting in the establishment of World Hepatitis Day. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the importance of viral hepatitis by setting the 2030 global elimination targets. WHA and WHO have collaborated on 3 World Hepatitis Summits, which have built momentum across many sectors to help elevate hepatitis through the global health agenda. The article discusses their paradigm-shifting campaigns and also presents civil society organizations’ hepatitis elimination efforts in Egypt, Mongolia, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom and their significant impact through local resource mobilization and engagement of national governments.
Short communication: commercial diets for pigs in the United States contain more calcium than formulated
Authors: Vanessa Lagos L , Woodworth Jason C , Woo Kim Sung , Stein Hans H
Published: September 2023

Data from Europe indicate that commercial diets for pigs and poultry contain significantly more Ca than formulated. Therefore, a survey of commercial pig diets used in the United States was conducted to test the hypothesis that the analyzed concentrations of total Ca and total P in commercial pig diets in the United States are not greater than formulated values. A total of 103 diet samples from the commercial swine industry in the United States were collected between 2019 and 2021. Diet samples were provided by feed mills, feed companies, or swine farms located in major swine-producing states in the United States including NC, TN, IA, IN, KS, MN, NE, and IL. Diets were formulated for nursery pigs, growing-finishing pigs, or sows. Each company provided formulated values for total Ca and P in all samples. Samples were sent to the University of Illinois where they were ground and analyzed for Ca and P by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The formulated values for Ca and P were regressed against analyzed values, and the intercept was considered the estimated under- or over-supply of each mineral. Results indicated that there was an average of 0.19 percentage units more Ca (model; P < 0.001) in the diets than formulated, whereas, for total P, the average oversupply was only 0.06 percentage units (model; P < 0.001). In conclusion, diets used in the U.S. swine industry contain more total Ca than formulated, whereas total P is close to formulated values, which indicates that greater importance is given to P than to Ca in formulation. However, the current data indicate that more attention should be given to the actual concentration of Ca in all Ca-containing feed ingredients to avoid Ca oversupply and its detrimental effect on P digestibility and growth performance of pigs fed diets that do not contain excess P.
Taste of variety as a rural general surgeon: granular cell tumour of the tongue, a case report
Authors: Laslett Kirby , Reddipogu Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Granular cell tumour (GCT) is a relatively rare, benign tumour. The cells of a GCT are composed of large polygonal cells containing numerous eosinophilic granules in the cytoplasm and are thought to be of neural origin. GCT can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly it is located on the tongue. GCT possess the potential for malignant transformation, and as such should be resected; the risk of malignant transformation is estimated to be 1%–2%. Patients generally do not require routine follow-up following excision with clear margins. Here, we present a case of a GCT of the tongue which had been present for 4 years in an otherwise healthy 35-year-old male. The lesion had been stable in size and appearance, and the patient was asymptomatic. An incision biopsy of the lesion revealed findings consistent with a GCT, and the patient underwent a wide local excision shortly after incision biopsy.
The creation of a massive UCD by tidal threshing from NGC 936
Authors: Paudel Sanjaya , Duc Pierre-Alain , Lim Sungsoon , Poulain Mélina , Marleau Francine R , Müller Oliver , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Habas Rebecca , Durrell Patrick R , Heesters Nick , Chhatkuli Daya Nidhi , Yoon Suk-Jin
Published: September 2023

We study a compact nucleus embedded in an early-type dwarf galaxy, MATLAS-167, which is in the process of disruption by the tidal force of the neighbouring giant S0 galaxy, NGC 936, in a group environment. Using the imaging data of the MATLAS survey, we analyse the stellar tidal tail of MATLAS-167 and its central compact nucleus, designated as NGC 936_UCD. We find that NGC 936_UCD has a luminosity of Mg = −11.43 ± 0.01 mag and a size of 66.5 ± 17 pc, sharing the global properties of ultra-compact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) but significantly larger and brighter compared to the typical UCD populations observed in the Virgo cluster. By integrating the total luminosity of both the tidal stream and MATLAS-167, we estimate that the disrupted dwarf progenitor possesses a luminosity of Mg = −15.92 ± 0.06 mag, a typical bright early-type dwarf galaxy luminosity. With the help of the optical spectrum observed by the SDSS survey, we derive the simple stellar population properties of NGC 936_UCD: a light-weighted age of 5.6 ± 0.7 Gyr and metallicity of [Z/H] = −0.83 ± 0.3 dex. Our findings suggest that tidal threshing is a possible formation mechanism of bright UCD populations in close proximity to giant galaxies.
New Evolutionary Insights into RpoA: A Novel Quorum Sensing Reprograming Factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Cai Wenjie , Liao Huimin , Lu Mingqi , Zhou Xiangting , Cheng Xiaoyan , Staehelin Christian , Dai Weijun
Published: September 2023

Quorum-sensing (QS) coordinates the expression of virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known for causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients. QS has a master regulator, the lasR gene, but in clinical settings, P. aeruginosa isolates have been found that are QS-active but LasR-null. In this study, we developed an experimental evolutionary approach to identify additional QS-reprogramming determinants. We began the study with a LasR-null mutant with an extra copy of mexT, a transcriptional regulator gene that is known to be able to reprogram QS in laboratory LasR-null strains. In this strain, spontaneous single mexT mutations are expected to have no or little phenotypic consequences. Using this novel method, which we have named “targeted gene duplication followed by mutant screening”, we identified QS-active revertants with mutations in genes other than mexT. One QS-active revertant had a point mutation in rpoA, a gene encoding the α-subunit of RNA polymerase. QS activation in this mutant was found to be associated with the downregulated expression of mexEF-oprN efflux pump genes. Our study therefore uncovers a new functional role for RpoA in regulating QS activity. Our results indicate that a RpoA-dependent regulatory circuit controlling the expression of the mexEF-oprN operon is critical for QS-reprogramming. In conclusion, our study reports on the identification of non-MexT proteins associated with QS-reprogramming in a laboratory strain, shedding light on possible QS activation mechanisms in clinical P. aeruginosa isolates.
Intra- vs. Interhost Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Driven by Uncorrelated Selection—The Evolution Thwarted
Authors: Hou Mei , Shi Jingrong , Gong Zanke , Wen Haijun , Lan Yun , Deng Xizi , Fan Qinghong , Li Jiaojiao , Jiang Mengling , Tang Xiaoping , Wu Chung-I , Li Feng , Ruan Yongsen
Published: September 2023

In viral evolution, a new mutation has to proliferate within the host (Stage I) in order to be transmitted and then compete in the host population (Stage II). We now analyze the intrahost single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) in a set of 79 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with most transmissions tracked. Here, every mutation has two measures: 1) iSNV frequency within each individual host in Stage I; 2) occurrence among individuals ranging from 1 (private), 2–78 (public), to 79 (global) occurrences in Stage II. In Stage I, a small fraction of nonsynonymous iSNVs are sufficiently advantageous to rise to a high frequency, often 100%. However, such iSNVs usually fail to become public mutations. Thus, the selective forces in the two stages of evolution are uncorrelated and, possibly, antagonistic. For that reason, successful mutants, including many variants of concern, have to avoid being eliminated in Stage I when they first emerge. As a result, they may not have the transmission advantage to outcompete the dominant strains and, hence, are rare in the host population. Few of them could manage to slowly accumulate advantageous mutations to compete in Stage II. When they do, they would appear suddenly as in each of the six successive waves of SARS-CoV-2 strains. In conclusion, Stage I evolution, the gate-keeper, may contravene the long-term viral evolution and should be heeded in viral studies.
Evolution and implementation of radiographic response criteria in neuro-oncology
Authors: Ramakrishnan Divya , von Reppert Marc , Krycia Mark , Sala Matthew , Mueller Sabine , Aneja Sanjay , Nabavizadeh Ali , Galldiks Norbert , Lohmann Philipp , Raji Cyrus , Ikuta Ichiro , Memon Fatima , Weinberg Brent D , Aboian Mariam S
Published: September 2023

Radiographic response assessment in neuro-oncology is critical in clinical practice and trials. Conventional criteria, such as the MacDonald and response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria, rely on bidimensional (2D) measurements of a single tumor cross-section. Although RANO criteria are established for response assessment in clinical trials, there is a critical need to address the complexity of brain tumor treatment response with multiple new approaches being proposed. These include volumetric analysis of tumor compartments, structured MRI reporting systems like the Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System, and standardized approaches to advanced imaging techniques to distinguish tumor response from treatment effects. In this review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different neuro-oncology response criteria and summarize current research findings on the role of novel response methods in neuro-oncology clinical trials and practice.
Learning to Prioritize Our Collaborative Opportunities: Overcoming the Bright Shiny Object Syndrome
Authors: Brownson Ross C. , Adams Danielle R. , Anyane-Yeboa Adjoa , Powell Byron J.
Published: September 2023

There are multiple opportunities to participate in team science, leading to long-term benefits (eg, research impact, novelty, productivity). Scholars are not well-trained in how to choose among these opportunities, often learning via trial and error. The ability to navigate collaborations is framed by several principles and considerations: (1) locus of control (what control we have over our own behavior) and how it affects academic job satisfaction; (2) the scarcity mindset that may manifest as a result of the fear of missing future opportunities; and (3) power dynamics and inequities (eg, among women and racial/ethnic minority individuals). To provide a more systematic approach to weighing academic opportunities, the authors offer 30 questions across six overlapping domains. The domains include: the big picture (eg, Is the opportunity a building block for your career?), context (eg, How much do you have on your plate?), person (eg, Who is asking?), team (eg, Is the team productive?), role (eg, Will you lead or assist?), and outcomes (eg, Might the opportunity lead to publications and/or grants?). We offer advice for decision-making. For example, when presented with an opportunity involving a significant time commitment, it is useful to allow at least 24 hours before deciding. The authors offer advice and sample language for communicating your decision. Although every situation is different, there are several fundamental issues and questions to consider when one is presented with a new opportunity—these questions are suggested for mentors and mentees.
The Prognostic and Functional Impact of Sprouty 2 Expression in Non–small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Acikgoz Yusuf , Yildirim Fatma Unal , Esen Selin Akturk , Ucar Gokhan , Ergun Yakup , Bal Oznur , Dogan Mutlu , Uncu Dogan
Published: September 2023

Objective:

We represent Sprouty 2 (Spry2) expression analysis and its association with key driver mutations and clinical features of patients with non–small cell lung cancer as the largest ex vivo data.

Methods:

The strength of Spry2 expression was evaluated using the immunoreactivity score (IRS), which was calculated using the following formula: IRS=(staining intensity score) SI×(percentage of positively stained cells) PP. The median IRS score was defined as the cutoff value. Patients were grouped as “weak immunoreactivity score” (IRS: 0 to 4) or “strong immunoreactivity score” (IRS: ≥4) with respect to the IRS score.

Results:

The intensity and percentage of Spry2 staining were significantly lower in tumor tissues than in normal lung tissues (P<0.0001). Patients’ characteristics were similar for both groups, except for smoking status and, brain and lymph node metastasis. Overall survival of patients with a strong immunoreactivity score was significantly lower than those with a weak immunoreactivity score among metastatic patients (6.9 mo vs. 13.6, P=0.023) and adenocarcinoma histology (7.0 mo vs. not reached, P=0.003).

Conclusion:

Spry2 expression was lower in tumor tissues than in normal lung parenchyma. Increased expression of Spry2 is associated with poor prognosis. There were no significant associations between epidermal growth factor receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, or c-ros oncogene 1 rearrangement and Spry2 expression. Despite the absence of KRAS mutational analysis, the clinical and epidemiological features of patients suggested that KRAS mutation might be an underlying determinant factor of the functional role of Spry2 in non–small cell lung cancer.
Improving alcohol treatment engagement using integrated behavioral interventions in alcohol-associated liver disease: A randomized pilot trial
Authors: Mellinger Jessica L. , Medley Sarah , Kidwell Kelley M. , Asefah Haila , Winder G. Scott , Fernandez Anne C. , Lok Anna S. F. , Blow Fred
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Alcohol cessation improves mortality in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), but few ALD patients will engage in treatment. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health intervention to increase alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment among ALD patients.

Methods:

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (September 2020 to June 2022) at a single tertiary care center in adults with any stage of ALD, past 6-month drinking, and no past-month AUD treatment. Sixty participants were randomized 1:1 to a mobile health application designed to increase AUD treatment engagement through preference elicitation and matching to treatment and misconception correction. Controls received enhanced usual care. The primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment and retention rates) and acceptability. Exploratory outcomes were AUD treatment engagement and alcohol use, measured by Timeline Followback. Outcomes were measured at 3 and 6 months.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were balanced. The recruitment rate was 46%. Retention was 65% at 6 months. The intervention was highly acceptable to participants (91% were mostly/very satisfied; 95% felt that the intervention matched them well to AUD treatment). Secondary outcomes showed increased AUD treatment at 6 months in the intervention group (intent-to-treat: 27.3% vs. 13.3%, OR 2.3, 95% CI, 0.61–8.76). There was a trend toward a 1-level or greater reduction in World Health Organization (WHO) drinking risk levels in the intervention group (OR 2.25, 95% CI, 0.51–9.97).

Conclusions:

A mobile health intervention for AUD treatment engagement was highly feasible, acceptable, and produced promising early outcomes, with improved AUD treatment engagement and alcohol reduction in ALD patients.
Region-specific protection effect of preoperative oral antibiotics combined with mechanical bowel preparation before laparoscopic colorectal resection: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lei Purun , Jia Guiru , Yang Xiaofeng , Ruan Ying , Wei Bo , Chen Tufeng
Published: September 2023

Background:

Oral antibiotics (OA) combined with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) significantly decrease the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs). However, the prophylactic effects in region-specific colorectal surgery have not been assessed.

Materials and methods:

A single-centre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2019 to 2022. Patients were eligible if they were diagnosed with nonmetastatic colorectal malignancy, and laparoscopic colorectal surgery was indicated. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the experimental (OA+MBP preparation) or control group (MBP preparation). The randomization was further stratified by resected region. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSIs. Patients were followed up for 1 month postoperatively, and all complications were recorded.

Result:

Between 2019 and 2022, 157 and 152 patients were assigned to the experimental and control groups, respectively, after 51 patients were excluded. The incidence of SSIs in the control group (27/152) was significantly higher than that in the experimental group (13/157; P=0.013), as was the incidence of superficial SSIs (5/157 vs. 14/152, P=0.027) and deep SSIs (7/157 vs. 16/152, P=0.042). After redistribution according to the resected region, the incidence of SSIs was significantly higher in the control group with left-sided colorectal resection (descending, sigmoid colon, and rectum) (9/115 vs. 20/111, P=0.022) but was similar between the groups with right-sided colon resection (ascending colon) (3/37 vs. 7/36, P=0.286). No differences were noted between the groups in terms of other perioperative complications.

Conclusion:

OA+MBP before colorectal surgery significantly reduced the incidence of SSIs. Such a prophylactic effect was particularly significant for left-sided resection. This preparation mode should be routinely adopted before elective left-region colorectal surgeries.
Safety of Home Discharge With a Chest Tube After Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Complicated by Persistent Airleak
Authors: Mahajan Amit “Bobby” , Bari Mahwish , Collar Nancy , Chakravorty Shourjo , Duong Duy K. , Suzuki Kei , Patel Priya P. , Weyant Michael J. , Hogarth Douglas K.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The incidence of pneumothorax after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using Zephyr (Pulmonx Corporation) endobronchial valves is ~26%. Many patients who develop a postprocedural pneumothorax require chest tube placement. If a persistent airleak is present, patients tolerating waterseal can be discharged home with a mini-atrium with a low risk of empyema.

Methods:

Data were collected on patients from the Epic (Epic System Corporation) electronic medical record between July 2019 and November 2022. Our retrospective study reviewed a total of 102 BLVR procedures. Twenty-six of these procedures were complicated by a pneumothorax post-BLVR (25%). After 24 procedures, patients were discharged home with a chest tube after a persistent airleak. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of intrapleural infection in this population. The secondary endpoint was the average length of time the chest tube was in place until outpatient removal.

Results:

Out of the 24 discharge events, 2 events (8.3%) were complicated by an intrapleural infection before chest tube removal. The average number of days requiring a chest tube until outpatient removal was 16.9 days, which is similar to the duration observed in patients discharged home with a chest tube after lung volume reduction surgery.

Conclusion:

Discharging patients home with a chest tube after BLVR therapy is safe and may reduce hospital length of stay. Our study shows the incidence of intrapleural infection after home discharge with a chest tube after BLVR is low.
Partnering and Programming for a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Sexual and Gender Minority Pathway to HIV Research
Authors: Dācus Jagadīśa-devaśrī , Wood Christine V. , Ward Dafina
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is an urgent need to conduct innovative research on the health needs of populations whose intersecting identities, such as being Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and sexual and gender identity (SGM) persons, put them at greater risk of HIV infection. More so, as important as it is to train on the best practices, it is as important to train aspiring BIPOC SGM scholars in intersectional HIV science so that they can address the HIV-related issues of BIPOC SGM populations.

Methods:

In line with guidelines to increase diversity in the HIV workforce, we sought to (1) solidify the interest of BIPOC SGM trainees engaging in intersectional HIV science by piloting a 2-week Summer Intensive Program, (2) leverage the relationships and resources of our community partner to enhance our recruitment from HBCUs and MSIs, and (3) identify opportunities for postprogram training and mentoring activities.

Results:

Our data suggest that participants gained a great deal from the instructional sessions. Participants commented on the quality of the sessions, effectiveness of the instructional faculty, and a confirmed interest in HIV science.

Conclusions:

We succeeded in promoting interest in and commitment to HIV science among early career BIPOC SGM scholars. An instructional program of this intensity is best suited to those with some experience in graduate school and existing interest in HIV science. As a program serving multiply minoritized populations, clarification of host institution policies and procedures, as well as administrative support, are essential for ensuring a smooth experience for scholars visiting from outside institutions.
Solitary Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis From Bladder Cancer Detected by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Deng Yan , Deng Yujiao , Wang Hao , Xie Hongjun , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2023

Solitary axillary lymph node metastasis from bladder cancer is rare. A 65-year-old woman with a history of bladder urothelial carcinoma presented to our hospital with an axillary mass. No abnormal lesion in FDG PET/CT was identified except a solitary soft tissue mass with significant FDG uptake in the right axilla. Puncture pathology of the mass confirmed the metastasis of differentiated urothelial carcinoma.
Mesenteric Castleman Disease Misdiagnosed as Lymph Node Metastasis of Rectal Cancer on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Liu Meixi , Zhou Jiaolin , Zhu Wenjia , Huo Li , Cheng Wuying
Published: September 2023

Two years ago, a 64-year-old man underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging rectal cancer. Besides the hypermetabolic rectal lesion, the image revealed a mesenteric lymph node with intense activity and multiple lung nodules with slight FDG uptake, which were highly suspected of metastases. After surgery and multiple cycles of chemotherapy, the follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT showed remission of all lesions except for the enlarged mesenteric lymph node with higher metabolic activity. Serum CEA remained normal during the follow-up. Postoperative pathology of the mesenteric lymph node confirmed Castleman disease.
Diagnostic Superiority of 18F-FDG PET Over MRI in Detecting Anti-LGI1 Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Liang Menglin , Niu Na , Jia Chenhao , Fan Siyuan , Liu Linwen , Cui Ruixue , Guan Hongzhi
Published: September 2023

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the utility of 18F-FDG PET imaging in diagnosing and monitoring patients with anti–leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody autoimmune encephalitis (anti-LGI1 AE). We also sought to understand the mechanisms of faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDSs).

Patients and Methods

We analyzed 18F-FDG PET scans from 50 patients with anti-LGI1 AE, using visual and semiquantitative methods, and compared these with 24 healthy controls. All patients tested positive for anti-LGI1 antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid before PET imaging. The patients were divided into FBDS and non-FBDS groups to compare metabolic differences using voxel-based semiquantitative analysis. Finally, we separately analyzed PET images of patients with symptom recurrence.

Results

The sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET was superior to MRI (97.9% vs 63.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). Semiquantitative analysis revealed hypermetabolism in the basal ganglia, medial temporal lobe, and brainstem, and hypometabolism in most neocortical regions compared with healthy controls. The FBDS group exhibited hypometabolism in the frontal and temporal lobes compared with the non-FBDS group. Among 7 recurrent patients, 3 were confirmed as recurrence and 3 as sequelae by PET. One patient relapsed shortly after discontinuing corticosteroids when PET indicated active lesions.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET scans were more sensitive than MRI in detecting anti-LGI1 AE, which displayed a pattern of hypermetabolism in the basal ganglia and medial temporal lobe, as well as neocortex hypometabolism. Hypometabolism in the frontal and temporal lobes was associated with FBDS. Furthermore, 18F-FDG PET scans can differentiate recurrence from sequelae and guide the timing of immunotherapy cessation.
Development and Validation of a Novel Hollow Viscus Injury Prediction Score for Abdominal Seatbelt Sign: A Pacific Coast Surgical Association Multicenter Study
Authors: Santos Jeffrey , Delaplain Patrick T , Tay-Lasso Erika , Biffl Walter L , Schaffer Kathryn B , Sundel Margaret , Ghneim Mira , Costantini Todd W , Santorelli Jarrett E , Switzer Emily , Schellenberg Morgan , Keeley Jessica A , Kim Dennis Y , Wang Andrew , Dhillon Navpreet K , Patel Deven , Campion Eric M , Robinson Caitlin K , Kartiko Susan , Quintana Megan T , Estroff Jordan M , Kirby Katharine A , Grigorian Areg , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: September 2023

Background:

High-quality computed tomography (CT) can exclude HVI in patients with an A-SBS but performs poorly at identifying HVI. Delay in diagnosis of HVI has significant consequences necessitating timely identification.

Study Design:

This multicenter, prospective observational study conducted at nine trauma centers between August 2020-October 2021 included adult trauma patients with A-SBS who underwent abdominal CT prior to surgery. HVI was determined intra-operatively and physiologic, examination, laboratory, and imaging findings were collected. Lasso and probit regression selected predictor variables and coefficients were used to assign integer points for the HVI Score. Validation was performed by comparing area under receiver operating curves (AUROC).

Results:

Analysis included 473 in the development set and 203 in the validation set. The HVI Score includes initial systolic blood pressure < 110mmHg, abdominal tenderness, guarding, and select abdominal CT findings. The derivation set has an AUROC of 0.96 and the validation set has an AUROC of 0.91. The HVI Score ranges from 0-17 with score 0-5 having a HVI risk of 0.03-5.36%, 6-9 having a risk of 10.65-44.1%, and 10-17 having a risk of 58.59-99.72%.

Conclusions:

This multicenter study developed and validated a novel HVI Score incorporating readily available physiologic, examination, and CT findings to risk stratify patients with an abdominal SBS. The HVI Score can be used to guide decisions regarding management of a patient with an abdominal SBS and suspected HVI.
Characterization of tigurilysin, a novel human CD59-specific cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, reveals a role for host specificity in augmenting toxin activity
Authors: Shahi Ifrah , Dongas Sophia A. , Ilmain Juliana K. , Torres Victor J. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: September 2023

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a large family of pore-forming toxins, produced by numerous Gram-positive pathogens. CDCs depend on host membrane cholesterol for pore formation; some CDCs also require surface-associated human CD59 (hCD59) for binding, conferring specificity for human cells. We purified a recombinant version of a putative CDC encoded in the genome of

Streptococcus oralis

subsp

. tigurinus

, tigurilysin (TGY), and used CRISPR/Cas9 to construct hCD59 knockout (KO) HeLa and JEG-3 cell lines. Cell viability assays with TGY on wild-type and hCD59 KO cells showed that TGY is a hCD59-dependent CDC. Two variants of TGY exist among

S. oralis

subsp

. tigurinus

genomes, only one of which is functional. We discovered that a single amino acid change between these two TGY variants determines its activity. Flow cytometry and oligomerization Western blots revealed that the single amino acid difference between the two TGY isoforms disrupts host cell binding and oligomerization. Furthermore, experiments with hCD59 KO cells and cholesterol-depleted cells demonstrated that TGY is fully dependent on both hCD59 and cholesterol for activity, unlike other known hCD59-dependent CDCs. Using full-length CDCs and toxin constructs differing only in the binding domain, we determined that having hCD59 dependence leads to increased lysis efficiency, conferring a potential advantage to organisms producing hCD59-dependent CDCs.
Accuracy and Consistency of Online Chat-based Artificial Intelligence Platforms in Answering Patients’ Questions About Heart Failure
Authors: Kozaily Elie , Geagea Mabelissa , Akdogan Ecem Raziye , Atkins Jessica , Elshazly Mohamed B. , Guglin Maya , Tedford Ryan J , Wehbe Ramsey M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent condition associated with significant morbidity. Patients may have questions that they feel embarrassed to ask or will face delays awaiting responses from their healthcare providers which may impact their health behavior. We aimed to investigate the potential of chat-based artificial intelligence (AI) platforms in complementing the delivery of patient-centered care.

Methods

Using online patient forums and physician experience, we created 30 questions related to diagnosis, management and prognosis of HF. The questions were posed to two artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots (OpenAI’s ChatGPT-3.5 and Google’s Bard). Each set of answers was evaluated by two HF experts, independently and blinded to each other, for accuracy (adequacy of content) and consistency of content.

Results

ChatGPT provided mostly appropriate answers (27/30, 90%) and showed a high degree of consistency (93%). Bard provided a similar content in its answers and thus was evaluated only for adequacy (23/30, 77%). The two HF experts’ grades were concordant in 83% and 67% of the questions for ChatGPT and Bard, respectively. Both platforms suffered from issues related to “hallucination” of facts and/or difficulty with more contemporary recommendations.

Conclusion

AI based chatbots may have potential in improving HF education and empowering patients, but their limitations should be considered and addressed in future research.
Novel pathogenicUQCRC2variants in a female with normal neurodevelopment
Authors: Abou Haidar Lea , Harris Robert C. , Pachnis Panayotis , Chen Hongli , Gotway Garrett K. , Ni Min , DeBerardinis Ralph J.
Published: September 2023

Electron transport chain (ETC) disorders are a group of rare, multisystem diseases caused by impaired oxidative phosphorylation and energy production. Deficiencies in complex III (CIII), also known as ubiquinol–cytochromecreductase, are particularly rare in humans. Ubiquinol–cytochromecreductase core protein 2 (UQCRC2) encodes a subunit of CIII that plays a crucial role in dimerization. Several pathogenicUQCRC2variants have been identified in patients presenting with metabolic abnormalities that include lactic acidosis, hyperammonemia, hypoglycemia, and organic aciduria. Almost all previously reportedUQCRC2-deficient patients exhibited neurodevelopmental involvement, including developmental delays and structural brain anomalies. Here, we describe a girl who presented at 3 yr of age with lactic acidosis, hyperammonemia, and hypoglycemia but has not shown any evidence of neurodevelopmental dysfunction by age 15. Whole-exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for two novel variants inUQCRC2: c.1189G>A; p.Gly397Arg and c.437T>C; p.Phe146Ser. Here, we discuss the patient's clinical presentation and the likely pathogenicity of these two missense variants.
Spirit & Free: adapting assortment strategies across rapidly growing channels in fashion retail
Authors: Testa Danielle Sponder
Published: September 2023

Social implications

This paper aims to describe the cross-channel challenges experienced by a leading US fashion retailer and illustrates the adaptation to consumer needs as led by a female divisional head and female executive.

Learning outcomes

The teaching objectives include to understand the assortment planning complexities experienced by merchandise managers; address critical issues surrounding channel strategies; identify the data needs for assortment improvement and cross-channel management; investigate responsive solutions for customer-focused assortment diversification; and explore the challenges associated with continual retail channel adaptation.

Case overview/synopsis

The fashion retailer Spirit & Free (S&F) (pseudonym) is a Fortune 500 retailer. As a multi-channel retailer, S&F is proud of the consistency of the brand’s identity across channels. However, recently, S&F has noticed a difference between their mobile (m-commerce, social commerce) and in-store/e-commerce customers. Through this case study, students will follow the Women’s Apparel Divisional Merchandise Manager and explore how the business will maintain a consistent brand identity and capture both sets of customers through assortment planning. Resources will be provided for assortment planning analysis, and students will be asked to consider assortment opportunities regarding category mix and pricing strategy.

Complexity academic level

The case would be relevant to upper-level undergraduate courses or introductory master's level course in retail, management, fashion merchandising and omni-channel retail.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 8: Marketing
Lisa Su’s strategic leadership: Will she change her approach post Xilinx and Pensando acquisitions?
Authors: Kumari Shwetha , Nair Jitesh
Published: September 2023

Learning outcomes

This case is designed to achieve the following learning objectives: recognize the impact of personality traits on leadership style; identify the key elements in a turnaround strategy; examine leadership best practices from a gender perspective; and assess the role of strategic decision-making on company growth.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study describes how Lisa Su (Su), the first woman CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, helped turn around the debt-laden semiconductor firm within a decade through her transformational leadership, vision and values. The case first touches upon Su’s early life and education and the influence of her parents in shaping her personality. It then focuses on the first half of Su’s career, during which she was working on semiconductor projects and was involved in research and product development, and how she made the gradual shift to a people management role in her stint of over a decade at IBM followed by a leadership opportunity at Freescale Semiconductor Inc. The case then describes Su’s move to AMD in 2012 as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s global business divisions at a time when AMD was nearly US$2.5bn in debt and revenues had increased only once in the previous five years. There were also rumors of bankruptcy and spin-offs after the company lost more than US$1bn in the year 2012. The cas

Complexity academic level

This case is meant for MBA students as part of their Organizational Behavior, Leadership, and Strategic Management curriculum.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes Student feedback details.

Subject code

CCS 11: Strategy.
Malala Yousafzai: promoting girls’ education in conflict-affected countries
Authors: Ikrama Syeda , Qumer Syeda Maseeha
Published: September 2023

Social implications

Social implications are as follows: social activism; girls education; collaboration; collective action; and change agent.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are as follows: evaluate the role of a change agent in a nonprofit organization; understand collaborative partnerships in a nonprofit organization; examine how a nonprofit organization is promoting education in conflict-affected countries; understand the importance of education for girls as a basic human right; understand and discuss the threats to girls’ education in conflict-affected countries; analyze the role of Malala Yousafzai in supporting girls’ education globally; identify the challenges unique to educating girls; and explore steps that Yousafzai needs to take to ensure girls have equal access to the knowledge and skills they need to learn and lead in a world affected by the pandemic and climate change.

Case overview/synopsis

The case discusses social activist Malala Yousafzai’s (She) diligent efforts to promote girls’ education in conflict-affected regions globally through her not-for-profit organization Malala Fund. Co-founded in 2013, Malala Fund worked to ensure every girl globally could access 12 years of free, safe, quality education. The fund worked towards this goal by building creative partnerships and investing in its global network of education activists and advocates fighting for girls’ education in communities where most girls missed out. Malala Fund supported girls’ education programs in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, Turkey and Lebanon. The Fund’s projects were aimed at addressing gender norms, promoting the empowerment of girls through education, imparting gender-sensitive training for teachers and raising awareness about the need for girls’ education. In 2016, the fund created the Education Champion Network to support the work of local educators and advocates to advance.

Complexity academic level

Post-graduate level students.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 11: Strategy.
Exploring gender imbalances in innovation and entrepreneurship: evidence from a global south country
Authors: Akhmadi Saltanat , Tsakalerou Mariza
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the gender diversity within innovation and entrepreneurship teams and the perceptions of gender imbalance in digital skills among team members in Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country belonging to the Global South.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from ten leading firms in Kazakhstan's manufacturing, construction and oil and gas sectors, which have international connections or perspectives. The members of the research and development (R&D) departments of these firms completed an online, structured closed-question questionnaire anonymously. A total of 169 completed responses were analyzed using regression analysis, controlling for company size and sector, with gender as the independent variable.

Findings

The gender diversity within innovation teams is not as high as anticipated, even though there is a substantial representation of women in the scientific workforce across many firms. Similarly, there is a gender gap in entrepreneurship teams involved in business innovation, although it is slightly less pronounced. Female employees report a greater disparity compared to their male counterparts. Surprisingly, over 60% of both male and female respondents agree that women lack the same level of digital expertise and knowledge as men.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research should be interpreted in light of the fact that they are based on a perception-based survey. Local firms exhibit skepticism toward external researchers due to privacy concerns, making their participation challenging. However, it is noteworthy that the survey targeted front-line workers in the innovation and entrepreneurship field, providing informed perspectives that strengthen the study's outcomes.

Originality/value

This study reveals that while women form a considerable proportion the scientific workforce, gender diversity in innovation and entrepreneurship teams is lacking in a Global South country. Gender imbalance in innovation and entrepreneurship is thus present in both developing and developed countries, highlighting the need for interventions to promote gender diversity at the firm level.
Effect of texture shapes and additives in lubricants on the dynamic characteristics of the hydrodynamic journal bearing
Authors: Byotra Deepak , Sharma Sanjay
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand how the texture shape, number of textures and addition of nanoparticle additives in lubricants impact the dynamic characteristics of journal bearing by comparing six different texture shapes like triangle, chevron, arc, circle, rectangle and elliptical applied in pressure-increasing region under various geometrical and operating conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method approach has been employed to solve governing Reynold’s equation, assuming iso-viscous Newtonian fluid, for computation of performance parameters like stiffness and damping coefficient, threshold speed, etc. By using a regression model, the impact of adding nanoparticles Al2O3 and CuO to the base lubricant on viscosity variation is calculated for selected temperature ranges and weight fractions of nanoparticles.

Findings

The arc-shaped texture with an area density of 28.27%, eccentricity ratio of 0.2 and texture depth of 0.6 exhibited 35.22% higher direct stiffness and 41.4% higher damping coefficient compared to the lowest value in the circle-shaped texture. Increasing the number of arc-shaped textures on the bearing surface with low area density led to declining stiffness and damping parameters. However, with nanoparticle additives, the arc-shaped texture further showed 10.75% and 8.11% improvement in stiffness and 9.99% and 4.87% enhancement in damping coefficient for Al2O3 and CuO, respectively, at 90 °C temperature and 0.5% weight fraction.

Originality/value

By understanding the influence of texture shapes on the dynamic characteristics, engineers can design bearings that exhibit improved stability and enhance overall performance.