bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A predominant role of genotypic variation in both expression of sperm competition genes and paternity success inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Patlar Bahar , Fulham Lauren , Civetta Alberto
Published: September 2023

Sperm competition is a crucial aspect of male reproductive success in many species, includingDrosophila melanogaster,and seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) can influence sperm competitiveness. However, the combined effect of environmental and genotypic variation on sperm competition gene expression remains poorly understood. Here, we usedDrosophilaGenetic Reference Panel (DGRP) inbred lines and manipulated developmental population density (i.e. larval density) to test the effects of genotype, environment and genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) on the expression of the known sperm competition genesSex Peptide,Acp36DEandCG9997. High larval density resulted in reduced adult body size, but expression of sperm competition genes remained unaffected. Furthermore, we found no significant GEI but genotypic effects in the expression ofSPandAcp36DE. Our results also revealed GEI for relative competitive paternity success (second male paternity; P2), with genes’ expression positively correlated with P2. Given the effect of genotype on the expression of genes, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and identified polymorphisms in putativecis-regulatory elements as predominant factors regulating the expression ofSPandAcp36DE. The association of genotypic variation with sperm competition outcomes, and the resilience of sperm competition genes’ expression against environmental challenges, demonstrates the importance of genome variation background in reproductive fitness.
Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of Brucellosis among Dairy Farmers in Aligarh Region of North India: Creating awareness of a Neglected Disease
Authors: Alam Alveera , Sami Hiba , Hashmi S. Zeeshan Ahmad , Gururaj K , Khan Mohammad Azam , Khan Parvez A , Ahmad Haleema , Fatima Nazish , Khan Haris M
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION
Brucellosis, a worldwide spreading zoonotic disease, is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria known as Brucella. Humans acquire infection through direct contact with blood, urine, the placenta of animals, inhalation of dust or aerosol in infected animal farms, and raw milk and meat intake. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region of North India, to document various clinical signs and symptoms in Brucella-positive individuals, and to create awareness in dairy farmers aware about brucellosis and ways to prevent it.
METHODS
This was an observational study that comprised 125 dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh Region. Serum Samples were taken from this high-risk group after taking informed consent. Also, a pre-designed proforma was used to collect information about their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about brucellosis and assess the risk factors of the disease. Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were done to detect the seroprevalence of brucellosis.
RESULT
Brucella infection was diagnosed in 64 (51.20%) cases by Indirect ELISA (IgM+ IgG), 41 (32.8%) by RBT, and 4 (3.2%) by SAT. Significant clustering of patients was seen in the 20-55 years age group. The most common symptom in ELISA IgM-positive patients was joint pain prevalent (16.07%), Fatigue (14.28%), Anorexia (12.50%), weight loss (8.92%), Malaise (5.35%), Undulant fever (3.57%), Night sweats (3.57%) and headache (1.78%). The findings of this study indicate that ELISA (IgM + IgG) exhibits great sensitivity as compared to SAT and RBT. KAP was very poor among dairy farmers.
CONCLUSION
In India, Brucella is a frequent but severely underreported illness. ELISA is the most sensitive serological test for diagnosing Brucellosis. No potential vaccine has yet been introduced for humans against Brucellosis. Thus, it is necessary to impart awareness and sensitize the high-risk groups about Brucellosis.
Searching for Strep A in the clinical environment during a human challenge trial: a sub-study protocol
Authors: Enkel Stephanie L. , Hla Thel K. , Wong Bernadette , Pickering Janessa , Barnett Timothy C. , Thomas Hannah M. M. , Lansbury Nina , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Manning Laurens , Bowen Asha C.
Published: September 2023

Streptococcus pyogenes

(also known as group A

Streptococcus

, Strep A) is an obligate human pathogen with significant global morbidity and mortality. Transmission is believed to occur primarily between individuals via respiratory droplets, but knowledge about other potential sources of transmission via aerosols or the environment is limited. Such knowledge is required to design optimal interventions to control transmission, particularly in endemic settings. We aim to detail an experimental methodology to assess the transmission potential of Strep A in a clinical environment. We will examine potential sources of transmission in up to 20 participants recruited to the Controlled human infection for penicillin against
Streptococcus pyogenes (CHIPS) Trial. Three approaches to understanding transmission will be used: the use of selective agar settle plates to capture possible droplet or airborne spread of Strep A; measurement of the possible distance of Strep A droplet spread during conversation; and environmental swabbing of personal and common high-touch items to detect the presence of Strep A on hard and soft surfaces. All methods are designed to allow for an assessment of transmission potential by symptomatic, asymptomatic and non-cases. Ethical approval has been obtained through Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (approval 2021-03-295). Trial registration number: ACTRN12621000751875. Any results elicited from these experiments will be of benefit to the scientific literature in improving our knowledge of opportunities to prevent Strep A transmission as a direct component of the primordial prevention of rheumatic fever. Findings will be reported at local, national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Role of C2-domain protein CAR1 in the plasma membrane ABA signaling response
Authors: Guo Ai-Yu , Wu Wen-Qiang , Bai Di , Li Yan , Xie Jie , Guo Siyi , Song Chun-Peng
Published: September 2023

Plasma membrane (PM)-associated abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction is an important component of ABA signaling. The C2-domain ABA-related (CAR) proteins have been reported to play a crucial role in recruiting ABA receptor PYR1/PYL/RCAR (PYLs) to the PM. However, the molecular details of the involvement of CAR proteins in membrane-delimited ABA signal transduction remain unclear. Here, the GUS-tagged materials for allArabidopsisCAR members were used to comprehensively visualize the extensive expression patterns of theCARfamily genes. Based on the specificity of CAR1’s response to ABA, we determined to use it as a target to study the function of CAR proteins in PM-associated ABA signaling. Single-particle tracking showed that ABA affected the spatiotemporal dynamics of CAR1. The presence of ABA prolonged the dwell time of CAR1 on the membrane and showed faster lateral mobility. Surprisingly, we verified that CAR1 could directly recruit Hypersensitive to ABA1 (HAB1) and SNF1-related protein kinase 2.2 (SnRK2.2) to the PM at both the bulk and single-molecule levels. Furthermore, PM localization of CAR1 was demonstrated to be related to membrane microdomains. Collectively, our study revealed that CARs recruited the three main components of ABA signaling to the PM to respond positively to ABA. This study deepens our understanding of ABA signal transduction.
Phylogenetics, Epidemiology and Temporal Patterns of Dengue Virus type 1 in Araraquara, São Paulo State
Authors: Santos Souza Caio dos , Caleiro Giovana Santos , Claro Ingra Morales , de Jesus Jaqueline Goes , Coletti Thaís Moura , da Silva Camila Alves Maia , Costa Angela Aparecida , Inenami Marta , Ribeiro Andreia C , Felix Alvina Clara , de Paula Anderson Vicente , Figueiredo Walter M , de Albuquerque Luna Expedito José , Sabino Ester , Romano Camila Malta
Published: September 2023

Dengue virus is a prominent arbovirus with global spread, causing approximately 390 million infections each year. In Brazil, yearly epidemics follow a well-documented pattern of serotype replacement every three to four years on average. Araraquara, located in the state of São Paulo, has faced significant impacts from DENV epidemics since the emergence of DENV-1 in 2010. The municipality then transitioned from low to moderate endemicity in less than 10 years. Yet, there remains an insufficient understanding of the virus circulation dynamics, particularly concerning DENV-1, in the region, as well as the genetic characteristics of the virus. To address this, we generated 37 complete or partial DENV-1 genomes sampled from 2015 to 2022 in Araraquara. Then, using also Brazilian and worldwide DENV-1 sequences we reconstructed the evolutionary history of DENV-1 in Araraquara and estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for the serotype 1, for the genotype V and its main lineages. Within the last ten years, there were at least three introductions of genotype V in Araraquara, distributed in the two main lineages (LIa and LIb, and LII). The tMRCA for the first sampled lineage (2015/2016 epidemics) was approximately 15 years ago (in 2008). Crucially, our analysis challenges existing assumptions regarding emergence time of the DENV-1 genotypes, suggesting that genotype V might have diverged more recently than previously described. The presence of the two lineages of genotype V in the municipality might have contributed to the extended persistence of DENV-1 in the region.
A multimodal deep learning architecture for smoking detection with a small data approach
Authors: Lakatos Róbert , Pollner Péter , Hajdu András , Joó Tamás
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Covert tobacco advertisements often raise regulatory measures. This paper presents that artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, has great potential for detecting hidden advertising and allows unbiased, reproducible, and fair quantification of tobacco-related media content.

Methods

We propose an integrated text and image processing model based on deep learning, generative methods, and human reinforcement, which can detect smoking cases in both textual and visual formats, even with little available training data.

Results

Our model can achieve 74% accuracy for images and 98% for text. Further-more, our system integrates the possibility of expert intervention in the form of human reinforcement.

Conclusions

Using the pre-trained multimodal, image, and text processing models available through deep learning makes it possible to detect smoking in different media even with few training data.
Assessing the uptake and implementation of index testing among adolescents and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa- a systematic review
Authors: Sam Denise M. , Bukirwa Clare , Ekongefeyin Sintieh
Published: September 2023

Adolescents and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face high mortality rates due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), highlighting the need for effective case identification strategies. The index testing strategy has shown promise, but its implementation and potential for use among this population remain poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, searching multiple databases and repositories for studies conducted in SSA since 2010, involving individuals aged 10 to 24 years. Out of 1,448 studies initially identified, only three met the inclusion criteria. The implementation of the index testing strategy primarily involved recruiting index clients at healthcare facilities and testing points, followed by community-based testing. The involvement of community health workers and peer mentors proved valuable in achieving high yields. However, the legal age for consent poses a barrier to utilizing this strategy among adolescents and young people. By addressing barriers and improving facilitators, the index testing strategy holds great potential for effective case identification in this age group in SSA.
Non-Motor symptoms in prodromal Parkinson’s disease are linked to reduced Quality of Life
Authors: Röttgen Sinah , Lindner Marie-Sophie , Seger Aline , Kickartz Johanna , Weiß Kim-Lara , Doppler Christopher E J , Fink Gereon R , Ophey Anja , Sommerauer Michael
Published: September 2023

Background

Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is the most specific prodromal marker of Parkinson’s disease (PD), often accompanied by various non-motor symptoms. In PD, non-motor symptoms are strongly associated with reduced health-related quality of life (hrQoL).

Objectives

To identify factors linked to poorer hrQoL in patients with iRBD and to compare their hrQoL to healthy control participants (HC) and patients with PD.

Methods

Sixty-two patients with iRBD (M= 66.44±6.14), 29 patients with PD (M= 67.21±7.23), and 19 HC (M= 67.57±8.16) were included. We administered the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess hrQoL. Additionally, participants underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation of non-motor symptoms.

Results

The SF-36 total score was significantly lower in patients with iRBD (83.33±16.96) compared to HC (92.29±5.49, U = 390.00, Z = −2.218, p = .027, r = 0.246). Poorer hrQoL in patients with iRBD was linked to self-reported neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep-wake disturbances, and a higher burden of autonomic symptoms (allr= -.25 to -.76, allp< .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed fatigue and depressive symptoms as significant predictors of poorer hrQoL in patients with iRBD (F(5.56) = 51.59,p< .001, adjustedR2= 0.81).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of non-motor symptoms for hrQoL in prodromal PD, irrespective of motor symptoms. Fatigue and depressive symptoms arise as the most relevant therapeutic targets in the prodromal stage of PD to optimize the patient’s quality of life.
Automatic Population of the Case Report Forms for an International Multifactorial Adaptive Platform Trial Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: King Andrew J. , Higgins Lisa , Au Carly , Malakouti Salim , Music Edvin , Kalchthaler Kyle , Clermont Gilles , Garrard William , Huang David T. , McVerry Bryan J. , Seymour Christopher W. , Linstrum Kelsey , McNamara Amanda , Green Cameron , Loar India , Roberts Tracey , Marroquin Oscar , Angus Derek C. , Horvat Christopher M.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To automatically populate the case report forms (CRFs) for an international, pragmatic, multifactorial, response-adaptive, Bayesian COVID-19 platform trial.

Methods

The locations of focus included 27 hospitals and 2 large electronic health record (EHR) instances (1 Cerner Millennium and 1 Epic) that are part of the same health system in the United States. This paper describes our efforts to use EHR data to automatically populate four of the trial’s forms: baseline, daily, discharge, and response-adaptive randomization.

Results

Between April 2020 and May 2022, 417 patients from the UPMC health system were enrolled in the trial. A MySQL-based extract, transform, and load pipeline automatically populated 499 of 526 CRF variables. The populated forms were statistically and manually reviewed and then reported to the trial’s international data coordinating center.

Conclusions

We accomplished automatic population of CRFs in a large platform trial and made recommendations for improving this process for future trials.
Isofagomine inhibits multiple TcdB variants and protects mice fromClostridioides difficileinduced mortality
Authors: Paparella Ashleigh S. , Brew Isabella , Hong Huynh A. , Ferriera William , Cutting Simon , Lamiable-Oulaidi Farah , Popadynec Michael , Tyler Peter C. , Schramm Vern L.
Published: September 2023

Clostridioides difficilecauses life-threatening diarrhea and is the leading cause of healthcare associated bacterial infections in the United States. During infection,C. difficilereleases the gut-damaging toxins, TcdA and TcdB, the primary determinants of disease pathogenesis and are therefore therapeutic targets. TcdA and TcdB contain a glycosyltransferase domain that uses UDP-glucose to glycosylate host Rho GTPases, causing cytoskeletal changes that result in a loss of intestinal integrity. Isofagomine inhibits TcdA and TcdB as a mimic of the oxocarbenium ion transition state of the glycosyltransferase reaction. However, sequence variants of TcdA and TcdB across the clades of infectiveC. difficilecontinue to be identified and therefore, evaluation of isofagomine inhibition against multiple toxin variants are required. Here we show that Isofagomine inhibits the glycosyltransferase activity of multiple TcdB variants and also protects TcdB toxin-induced cell rounding of the most common full-length toxin variants. Further, isofagomine protects againstC. difficileinduced mortality in two murine models ofC. difficileinfection. Isofagomine treatment of mouseC. difficileinfection permitted recovery of the gastrointestinal microbiota, an important barrier to prevent recurringC. difficileinfection. The broad specificity of isofagomine supports its potential as a prophylactic to protect againstC. difficileinduced morbidity and mortality.
Comparative genomics reveals the emergence of an outbreak-associatedCryptosporidium parvumpopulation in Europe and its spread to the USA
Authors: Bellinzona Greta , Nardi Tiago , Castelli Michele , Batisti Biffignandi Gherard , Betson Martha , Blanchard Yannick , Bujila Ioana , Chalmers Rachel , Davidson Rebecca , D’Avino Nicoletta , Enbom Tuulia , Gomes Jacinto , Karadjian Gregory , Klotz Christian , Östlund Emma , Plutzer Judith , Rimhanen-Finne Ruska , Robinson Guy , Sannella Anna Rosa , Sroka Jacek , Stensvold Christen Rune , Troell Karin , Vatta Paolo , Zalewska Barbora , Bandi Claudio , Sassera Davide , Cacciò Simone M.
Published: September 2023

The zoonotic parasiteCryptosporidium parvumis a global cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans and ruminants. Sequence analysis of the highly polymorphicgp60gene enabled the classification ofC. parvumisolates into multiple groups (e.g. IIa, IIc, Id) and a large number of subtypes. In Europe, subtype IIaA15G2R1 is largely predominant and has been associated with many water-and food-borne outbreaks. In this study, we generated new whole genome sequence (WGS) data from 123 human-and ruminant-derived isolates collected in 13 European countries and included other available WGS data from Europe, Egypt, China and the USA (n=72) in the largest comparative genomics study to date. We applied rigorous filters to exclude mixed infections and analysed a dataset from 141 isolates from the zoonotic groups IIa (n=119) and IId (n=22). Based on 28,047 high quality, biallelic genomic SNPs, we identified three distinct and strongly supported populations: isolates from China (IId) and Egypt (IIa and IId) formed population 1, a minority of European isolates (IIa and IId) formed population 2, while the majority of European (IIa, including all IIaA15G2R1 isolates) and all isolates from the USA (IIa) clustered in population 3. Based on analyses of the population structure, population genetics and recombination, we show that population 3 has recently emerged and expanded throughout Europe to then, possibly from the UK, reach the USA where it also expanded. In addition, genetic exchanges between different populations led to the formation of mosaic genomes. The reason(s) for the successful spread of population 3 remained elusive, although genes under selective pressure uniquely in this population were identified.
Genetic variation exists withinZea maysto influence unsustainable nitrogen cycling microbiome function
Authors: Favela Alonso , Bohn Martin O. , Kent Angela D.
Published: September 2023

Overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agroecosystems causes environmental pollution and human harm at a global level. Nitrogenous fertilizers provide a short-lived benefit to crops in the agroecosystem, but stimulate microbially-mediated nitrification and denitrification, processes that result in N pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) production, and reduced soil fertility. Recent advances in plant microbiome science suggest that plants can modulate the composition and activity of rhizosphere microbial communities. These rhizosphere communities act as an extended phenotype, primed by genetic variation in the plant host. Genetic variation in traits (e.g., plant secondary metabolites, root architecture, immune system, etc.) act as mechanistic selective agents on the composition of the microbiome. Here we attempted to determine whether genetic variation exists inZea maysfor the ability to influence the extended phenotype of rhizosphere soil microbiome composition and function. Specifically, we determined whether plants’ influence on soil nitrogen cycling activities was altered by plant genetics and thereby allowing it to be incorporated into breeding practices. To capture an extensive amount of genetic diversity within maize we sampled the rhizosphere microbiome of a germplasm chronosequence that included ex-PVP inbreds, hybrids, and teosinte (Z. maysssp. mexicanaandZ. maysssp.parviglumis). We observed that potential N cycling processes were influenced by plant genetics. Teosinte and some hybrid genotypes supported microbial communities with lower potential nitrification and potential denitrification activity in the rhizosphere, while inbreds stimulated/did not inhibit these undesirable N-cycling activities. These potential differences translated to functional differences in N2O production, with teosinte plots producing less GHG than maize plots. Furthermore, within theseZeacultivars we found that plant genetics explained a significant amount of variation in the microbiome, particularly among different nitrification and denitrification functional genes within the community. We found that potential nitrification, potential incomplete denitrification, and overall denitrification rates, but not abundance of N-cycling genes of rhizosphere soils were influenced by growth stage and plant genetics. Taken together, these results suggest that crop selection can lead to changes in root phenotypes that could suppress unsustainable N-cycling processes. Reintroducing stress-adapted and “wild” root characteristics into modern germplasm may be a way to manipulate soil microbiomes at both a composition and functional level to improve sustainability.
Microbial Gladiators: Unraveling the dynamics of carbon substrate competition among heterotrophic microbes
Authors: McNichol Samuel M. , Sanchez-Quete Fernando , Loeb Stephanie K. , Teske Andreas , Shah Walter Sunita R. , Mahmoudi Nagissa
Published: September 2023

Growing evidence suggests that interactions among heterotrophic microbes influence the efficiency and rate of organic matter turnover. These interactions are dynamic and shaped by the composition and availability of resources in their surrounding environment. Heterotrophic microbes inhabiting marine environments often encounter fluctuations in the quality and quantity of carbon inputs, ranging from simple sugars to large, complex compounds. Here, we experimentally tested how the chemical complexity of carbon substrates affects competition and growth dynamics between two heterotrophic marine isolates. We tracked cell density using species-specific PCR assays and measured rates of microbial CO2production along with associated isotopic signatures (13C and14C) to quantify the impact of these interactions on organic matter remineralization. The observed cell densities revealed substrate-driven interactions: one species exhibited a competitive advantage and quickly outgrew the other when incubated with a labile compound while both species seemed to coexist harmoniously in the presence of more complex organic matter. Rates of CO2respiration revealed that co-incubation of these isolates enhanced organic matter turnover, sometimes by nearly twofold, compared to their incubation as mono-cultures. Isotopic signatures of respired CO2indicated that co-incubation resulted in a greater remineralization of macromolecular organic matter. These results demonstrate that simple substrates promote competition while high substrate complexity reduces competitiveness and promotes the partitioning of degradative activities into distinct niches, facilitating coordinated utilization of the carbon pool. Taken together, this study yields new insight into how the quality of organic matter plays a pivotal role in determining microbial interactions within marine environments.
Single-nucleus transcriptomic mapping uncovers targets for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yang Qiuyun , Zhang Lingxuan , Li Manrui , Xu Yang , Chen Xiaogang , Yuan Ruixuan , Ou Xiaofeng , He Min , Liao Miao , Zhang Lin , Dai Hao , Lv Meili , Xie Xiaoqi , Liang Weibo , Chen Xiameng
Published: September 2023

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is a neurogenic niche that contributes to homeostasis and repair after brain injury. However, the effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on the divergence of the regulatory DNA landscape within the SVZ and its link to functional alterations remain unexplored. In this study, we mapped the transcriptome atlas of murine SVZ and its responses to mTBI at the single-cell level. We observed cell-specific gene expression changes following mTBI and unveiled diverse cell-to-cell interaction networks that influence a wide array of cellular processes. Moreover, we report novel neurogenesis lineage trajectories and related key transcription factors, which we validate through loss-of-function experiments. Specifically, we validate the role ofTcf7l1, a cell cycle gene regulator, in promoting neural stem cell differentiation toward the neuronal lineage after mTBI, providing a potential target for regenerative medicine. Overall, our study profiles an SVZ transcriptome reference map, which underlies the differential cellular behavior in response to mTBI. The identified key genes and pathways that may ameliorate brain damage or facilitate neural repair serve as a comprehensive resource for drug discovery in the context of mTBI.
AsCDPR: a novel framework for ratings and personalized preference hotel recommendation using cross-domain and aspect-based features
Authors: Wang Hei-Chia , Justitia Army , Wang Ching-Wen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The explosion of data due to the sophistication of information and communication technology makes it simple for prospective tourists to learn about previous hotel guests' experiences. They prioritize the rating score when selecting a hotel. However, rating scores are less reliable for suggesting a personalized preference for each aspect, especially when they are in a limited number. This study aims to recommend ratings and personalized preference hotels using cross-domain and aspect-based features.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose an aspect-based cross-domain personalized recommendation (AsCDPR), a novel framework for rating prediction and personalized customer preference recommendations. We incorporate a cross-domain personalized approach and aspect-based features of items from the review text. We extracted aspect-based feature vectors from two domains using bidirectional long short-term memory and then mapped them by a multilayer perceptron (MLP). The cross-domain recommendation module trains MLP to analyze sentiment and predict item ratings and the polarities of the aspect based on user preferences.

Findings

Expanded by its synonyms, aspect-based features significantly improve the performance of sentiment analysis on accuracy and the F1-score matrix. With relatively low mean absolute error and root mean square error values, AsCDPR outperforms matrix factorization, collaborative matrix factorization, EMCDPR and Personalized transfer of user preferences for cross-domain recommendation. These values are 1.3657 and 1.6682, respectively.

Research limitation/implications

This study assists users in recommending hotels based on their priority preferences. Users do not need to read other people's reviews to capture the key aspects of items. This model could enhance system reliability in the hospitality industry by providing personalized recommendations.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new approach that embeds aspect-based features of items in a cross-domain personalized recommendation. AsCDPR predicts ratings and provides recommendations based on priority aspects of each user's preferences.
Role of psychosocial safety climate in job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion: mediating role of effort–reward imbalance
Authors: Tripathi Padma , Priyadarshi Pushpendra , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Sushil
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the role of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion among employees and to examine the mediating role of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated a mediation model with ERI explaining the relationship between PSC and the outcome variables using a sample of 441 employees of information technology (IT) organizations in India. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques with LISREL (linear structural relations) 8.72 software.

Findings

The results suggest that PSC significantly influences the employees' experiences of job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Also, ERI was demonstrated as a significant intervening construct with full mediation of the PSC–emotional exhaustion relationship and partial mediation of the PSC–job satisfaction relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides substantial results and arguments to encourage organizational-level commitment for psychosocial risk management through distributive fairness and reciprocity in the form of ERI to foster positive attitudes and prevent negative health and psychological outcomes. The cross-sectional nature of the study limits generalizability but contributes to the literature on work stress in a developing country's context.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates how employee outcomes like job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion often result from their perceptions of inequity and imbalance at the workplace. Further, the study builds a strong case for helping organizations contribute to the United Nations (UN) 2030 sustainability goals by empirically establishing the crucial role of top management's commitment and prioritization of employee psychosocial health and safety for designing primary stress-management initiatives for sustainable psychosocial risk prevention and management.
Structural and cultural competencies in maternity care for ethnic minority and migrant women: practitioner perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Sharma Vartika , Singh Nikki , Chiang Annie , Paynter Janine , Simon-Kumar Rachel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

With global migration, the number of ethnic minority and migrant women receiving maternity health care in dominantly Anglo-European societies has increased significantly but they consistently have among the worst pregnancy and maternal outcomes. This paper aims to analyse gaps in structural (migration-related inequalities) and cultural (responsiveness to ethno-cultural practices) competencies among maternal health practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 maternal health practitioners in NZ. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.

Findings

The results highlight significant barriers around language and communication, cultural stereotyping by professionals, ethnic women’s own constraints around family and cultural expectations and their lack of knowledge about reproductive health. In addition, practitioners’ own ethnic differences are inseparable from their approach to structural and cultural competencies; there were instances of ‘over-’ or ‘under-’ reading of culture, practitioner constructions of ideal pregnancies and anti-racism concerns that shaped maternal care practices that were sensitive to, but also marginalised, ethnic migrant women who attended maternity services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only study in NZ that examines the impact of complex dynamics of migration and culture on knowledge, beliefs and values of practitioners, in context of their own personal biographies. Identifying strategies to improve the way diversity is practiced in hospital settings can be transformational in improving maternal outcomes for ethnic migrant women in NZ.
Robotic milling stability optimization based on robot functional redundancy
Authors: Gao Ke , Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Rongqi , Fan Mingxu , Han Haochen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Compared with the high stiffness of traditional CNC machine tools, the structural stiffness of industrial robots is usually less than 1 N/µm. Chatter not only affects the quality of robotic milling but also reduces the accuracy of the milling process. The purpose of this paper is to reduce chatter in the robotic machining process.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the mode coupling chatter mechanism is analyzed. Then the milling force model and the principal stiffness model are established. Finally, the robot milling stability optimization method is proposed. The method considered functional redundancies, and a new robot milling stability index is proposed to improve the quality of milling operations.

Findings

The experimental results prove a significant reduction in force fluctuations and surface roughness after using the proposed robotic milling stability optimization method.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new robot milling stability index and a new robot milling stability optimization method are proposed. This method can significantly increase the milling stability and improve the milling quality, which can be widely used in the industry.
Leadership to promote patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations
Authors: Pulzi Júnior Sérgio Antônio , Araujo Claudia Affonso Silva , Ferreira da Silva Mônica
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the kind of internal climate leaders should offer health-care professionals to promote a patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Two surveys were applied to health-care professionals working at three Brazilian public hospitals. The internal climate survey reached 1,013 respondents, and the patient safety culture survey reached 1,302 participants. Both factor and regression analyses were used to analyze the study model and determine how internal climate influences patient safety culture.

Findings

Results indicate that to promote a patient safety culture among health-care professionals, leaders should generate an internal climate based on trust to foster pride in working in the hospital. Possibly, the trust dimension is the most important one and must be developed to achieve job satisfaction and provide better services to patients.

Research limitations/implications

All the hospitals studied were managed by the same Organização Social de Saúde. Due to the limited responses concerning the respondents’ profiles, demographic variables were not analyzed.

Practical implications

This research reveals that the trust and pride dimensions can most strongly influence a positive patient safety culture, helping hospital leaders face this huge managerial challenge of consistently delivering high standards of patient safety.

Originality/value

This research studies the promotion of a patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations, characterized by greater flexibility and autonomy in health-care management and by a greater need for accountability.
Pre‐conception maternal cardiovascular health and obstetric complications due to uteroplacental insufficiency
Authors: Giorgione Veronica
Published: September 2023

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Li et al., pp. 278‐287 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17621.
Intrinsic resistance to ROS1 inhibition in a patient with CD74‐ROS1 mediated by AXL overexpression
Authors: Peters Tara L. , Chen Nan , Tyler Logan C. , Le Anh T. , Dimou Anastasios , Doebele Robert C.
Published: September 2023

Background

The vast majority of patients with ROS1 positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) derive clinical benefit from currently approved ROS1 therapies, including crizotinib and entrectinib. However, a small proportion of patients treated with ROS1 inhibitors fail to derive any clinical benefit and demonstrate rapid disease progression. The biological mechanisms underpinning intrinsic resistance remain poorly understood for oncogene‐driven cancers.

Methods

We generated a patient‐derived cell line, CUTO33, from a ROS1 therapy naive patient with CD74‐ROS1+ NSCLC, who ultimately did not respond to a ROS1 inhibitor. We evaluated a panel of ROS1+ patient‐derived NSCLC cell lines and used cell‐based assays to determine the mechanism of intrinsic resistance to ROS1 therapy.

Results

The CUTO33 cell line expressed the CD74‐ROS1 gene fusion at the RNA and protein level. The ROS1 fusion protein was phosphorylated at baseline consistent with the known intrinsic activity of this oncogene. ROS1 phosphorylation could be inhibited using a wide array of ROS1 inhibitors, however these inhibitors did not block cell proliferation, confirming intrinsic resistance in this model and consistent with the patient's lack of response to a ROS1 inhibitor. CUTO33 expressed high levels of AXL, which has been associated with drug resistance. Combination of an AXL inhibitor or AXL knockdown with a ROS1 inhibitor partially reversed resistance.

Conclusions

In summary, we demonstrate that AXL overexpression is a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to ROS1 inhibitors.
Does the decline in Swedish adolescent drinking persist into early adulthood?
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Loy Johanna K. , Olderbak Sally , Trolldal Björn , Ramstedt Mats , Svensson Johan , Törrönen Jukka
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Sweden has experienced a substantial decrease in adolescent drinking over the past decades. Whether the reduction persists into early adulthood remains unclear. Using survey data, the present study aimed to determine whether reductions in indicators of alcohol use observed among adolescents remain in early adulthood and whether changes in alcohol intake are consistent among light/moderate and heavy drinkers.

Design

Data from the Swedish monthly Alcohol Monitoring Survey (2001–20) were used to construct five 5‐year birth cohorts (1978–82, 1983–87, 1988–92, 1993–97 and 1998–2002).

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

A total of n = 52 847 respondents (48% females) aged 16 and 30 years were included in this study.

Measurements

For both males and females, temporal changes in the prevalence of any drinking, the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and total alcohol intake in the past 30 days in centilitres were analysed.

Findings

The prevalence of any drinking in more recent cohorts remained low until young people came into their early (females) and mid‐ (males) 20s. Male cohorts differed in the prevalence of HED across age, with the later cohorts showing lower odds than earlier cohorts (odds ratios between 0.54 and 0.66). Among females, no systematic differences between cohorts across age could be observed. Later male birth cohorts in light/moderate drinkers had lower alcohol intake than earlier cohorts (correlation coefficients between −0.09 and −0.54). No statistically significant cohort effects were found for male heavy drinkers. Although differences in alcohol intake among females diminished as age increased, the cohorts did not differ systematically in their level of alcohol intake.

Conclusions

In Sweden, the reduced uptake of drinking in adolescents appears to fade as people move into adulthood. Observed reductions in alcohol intake among light and moderate drinkers appear to persist into adulthood. More recent male cohorts show a lower prevalence rate of heavy episodic drinking.
The prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Sarah Suruo , Toon Christopher W. , Harish Varun
Published: September 2023

Background

The majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) have a favourable prognosis. However, a subset of cases follow an aggressive disease course with progression to metastasis and death. Several histopathological parameters are associated with poor outcomes, but lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has not been well studied.

Objective

To assess the prognostic significance of LVI in cSCC and determine associations between LVI and cSCC.

Methods

A retrospective review of 486 consecutive cases of cSCC over a 5‐year period from a single centre was stratified by the presence or absence of LVI. Logistic regression and multivariate survival analysis were used to determine associations of LVI and prognostic significance of LVI, respectively.

Findings

LVI was present in 41 cases (9.2%). LVI was significantly associated with increasing depth of invasion, microanatomical tumour location (subcutis vs. dermis), and tumour dimensions (P < 0.05). Univariate survival analysis revealed significantly lower 2‐year overall survival rates for patients with LVI (37.1%) compared with those without (66.6%) (95% CI = 60.6–73.3, P < 0.001). LVI was also found to be an independent marker of poor disease‐specific survival (HR = 0.232 (95% CI = 0.090–0.600), P = 0.003), poor overall survival (HR 0.338 (95% CI = 0.184–0.623), P < 0.001) and poor disease‐free survival (HR 0.461 (95% CI = 0.230–0.923), P = 0.029) through multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

This study confirms that LVI is an independent poor prognosticator in cSCC, with significantly worse survival indices at 2 years. Future systems of risk stratification for cSCC should incorporate LVI.
Are the screening guidelines for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms cost‐effective in an Australian setting?
Authors: Lai Timothy , Bull Nicholas , Goonawardena Janindu , Bradshaw Luke , Fox Adrian , Hassen Sayed
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are cystic neoplasms of the pancreatic ductal system. These incidental cystic lesions are increasingly found on radiological imaging and screened for malignant transformation. The Fukuoka consensus guidelines recommend screening with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound. Branch duct IPMN (BD‐IPMN) have significantly lower malignancy and mortality rates compared to main duct IPMN. Our aim was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of guideline's recommendations for BD‐IPMN screening of cysts between 2 and 3 cm in an Australian context.

Methods

Markov model decision analysis was used to calculate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of screening. The ICER was compared to a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50 000. We performed scenario analysis to examine the effect of cyst size and non‐linearity of malignancy rate on ICER. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed on our input parameters.

Results

Screening resulted in 586 quality adjusted life years gained and a net present value of $20 379 939, resulting in a base‐case ICER of $34 758. After scenario analysis for non‐linearity of malignancy rate the ICER increases to $64 555, which is above the WTP threshold. PSA indicates that ICER is most susceptible to the pre‐test malignancy rate.

Conclusion

This cost analysis demonstrates that screening of 2–3 cm BD‐IPMN according to current guidelines is unlikely to be cost‐effective in an Australian context. To determine the true ICER, a cost analysis on real‐world data is required.
Critical care, maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID‐19 admitted to eight intensive care units during the wildtype, alpha and delta waves of the pandemic across the North West of England—a retrospective review
Authors: Bhatia Kailash , Columb Malachy , Narayan Bhaskar , Wilson Anthony ,   Group of Obstetric Anesthetists of Lancashire; Greater Manchester and Mersey (GOAL‐GM) Study Collaborators
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Few studies have described obstetric and critical care outcomes in pregnant women with COVID‐19 needing intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Material and methods

Obstetric and critical care outcomes of COVID‐19 women admitted to eight ICUs from April 1, 2020 to September 15, 2021, in the North West of England were retrospectively analyzed. Women admitted to ICU were assigned to three groups: antepartum women discharged from ICU prior to delivery (antepartum ICU‐discharged group), antepartum women who had expedited delivery (antepartum ICU‐delivered group) and a postpartum group. Our aims were to describe maternal characteristics and assess how delivery influenced the obstetric and critical care outcomes in these women.

Results

During the study period, 615 women tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), of whom 62 (10.1%) needed ICU admission due to symptomatic COVID‐19. Pregnancy loss (3.2%) was recorded in two women. Detailed obstetric and critical outcomes from 60 women are reported. Nine antepartum women (15%) admitted to ICU were discharged and continued their pregnancy, 13 antepartum women (21.7%) had expedited delivery by cesarean birth after ICU admission and 38 (63.3%) women were admitted to ICU during the postpartum period. Antepartum ICU‐discharged women contracted the SARS‐CoV‐2 at an earlier median gestational age (23 weeks; p = 0.0003) and needed ICU admission at an earlier median gestational age (28 weeks, p = 0.03) compared with antepartum ICU‐delivered (28 and 32 weeks) and postpartum women (35.5 and 36 weeks). Antepartum ICU‐discharged women had the lowest rate of mechanical ventilation receipt (11.1%) compared with antepartum ICU‐delivered women (52.3%) and postpartum women (44.3%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). No significant differences were observed in the frequency and severity of critical care complications in the antepartum ICU‐discharged, antepartum‐ICU delivered and postpartum women.

Conclusions

Of the women admitted to ICU antepartum, 40% were discharged while remaining pregnant and 60% had expedited delivery. Antepartum women who were discharged from ICU without giving birth may receive lower rates of mechanical ventilation than those who delivered in ICU or admitted postpartum; however, further studies are needed to confirm or refute this association.
Tele‐robotic distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection on a cadaver
Authors: Ebihara Yuma , Hirano Satoshi , Kurashima Yo , Takano Hironobu , Okamura Kunishige , Murakami Soichi , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Morohashi Hajime , Oki Eiji , Hakamada Kenichi , Ikeda Norihiko , Mori Masaki
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of tele‐robotic distal gastrectomy (tele‐RDG) with lymph node dissection (LND) using a novel Japanese‐made surgical robot hinotori™ (Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) in a cadaver with a presumptive gastric cancer. The Cadaveric Anatomy and Surgical Training Laboratory (CAST‐Lab.) at Hokkaido University and Kushiro City General Hospital (KCGH) are connected by a guaranteed type line (1 Gbps), and the distance between the two facilities is 250 km. A patient cart was installed at CAST‐Lab, and a surgeon cockpit was installed at KCGH. Tele‐RDG with D2 LND was performed on an adult human cadaver. In all surgical processes, the communication environment was stable without image degradation, and the mean round trip time was 40 milliseconds (36.5–55 milliseconds). For tele‐RDG with D2 LND, the operation time was 199 minutes without any technical problems. Tele‐RDG using hinotori™ was feasible and similar to local robotic RDG.