bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing demographics, clinical characteristics, and hospital outcomes by vaccine uptake status: A single-institution cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Claire Xinning , Cabugao Paul , Nguyen Max , Villegas Daniel , Batra Kavita , Singh Aditi , Kioka Mutsumi
Published: October 2023

Vaccination against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the cornerstone of reducing morbidity and mortality of this disease, as it has been shown to decrease the risk of viral transmission, severity of disease, hospitalization, and intubation. However, true understanding of its impact is skewed by heterogeneous vaccine administration due to lack of equitable access, vaccine hesitancy, and varying social determinants of health. Therefore, this study aims to identify groups that are less likely to be vaccinated and understand whether the resultant differences in vaccination rates affect morbidity and mortality in socially marginalized COVID-19 patients. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on a randomized and stratified population of 939 COVID-19 patients from January 2021 to December 2021. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to assess demographic and clinical characteristic trends in unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and fully vaccinated groups. No one age (P = .21), gender (P = .9), race (P = .12), ethnicity (P = .09), or health insurance status (P = .13) group was more vaccinated than the other. Similarly, no subgroup was at increased odds of intubation (P = .08) or death. However, patients with all categories of comorbidities including cardiopulmonary disease (P = <.001, effect size .17), renal disease (P = <.001, effect size 0.138), metabolic disease (P = .04), and immunocompromised (P = .01) states were found to have significantly higher vaccination rates. Our study also shows that full vaccination protects against mortality and decreases the odds of intubation by 55% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.453, P value = .015) compared to no vaccination or partial vaccination. Findings from this study show an encouraging trend that sicker patients had higher rates of vaccination against COVID-19. This trend highlights the need for further identification of motivators that may be applied to vaccine-hesitant populations, which can help guide population-level policy, increase vaccination campaign yield, and reach for health equity.
Expression and significance of effector proteins NLRP3 and gasdermin D N-terminal protein in the pyrolysis pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Wu Ligao , Wu Xia , Liu Jinjie , Huang Yuanli , Zhu Qing
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

To detect the expression and significance of GSDMD-N (gasdermin D N-terminal) in breast cancer, along with pyroptosis effector protein NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3), and determine their relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer.

Methods:

From January 2014 to December 2014, NLRP3 and GSDMD-N expression in 90 breast carcinoma organism samples and 30 paracancer tissues in the Department of Pathology. The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The method of Kaplan–Meier was employed for the sake of comparing the survival between NLRP3 and GSDMD-N protein low and high expression groups. Among the breast cancerous organisms, the relationship between the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N, corresponding adjacent tissues, and various clinicopathological features was analyzed using the χ
2 and Spearman rank correlation tests.

Results:

In the 90 breast cancer tissue samples, the pyrolysis pathway effector proteins GSDMD-N and NLRP3 were actively associated; and, expression intensities of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N were shown to be correlated with breast cancer. In addition, the clinicopathological features of patients were shown to be correlated with breast cancer. Notably, the higher the expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD-N, the lower the risk of death of patients with breast cancer and the better the prognosis.

Conclusion:

The expression of the pyrolysis effector proteins NLRP3 and GSDMD-N in breast cancer tissues may take the lead in tumor prognosis in patients with breast cancer.
Clinical feature and genetic mutation of KBG syndrome diagnosed in neonatal period: A case report
Authors: Zhang HaoZheng , Guo Xuening , Yang Chun , Zhang Kaihui , Wang Dong , Wang Juan , Liu Yi , Kang Lili , Liu Qinghua , Li Xiaoying
Published: October 2023

Rationale:

KBG syndrome (KBGS, OMIM: 148050), a rare genetic disorder, is clinically characterized by megalodontia, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, and nervous system manifestations. In the study, we explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of one neonate suffering KBGS caused by ANKRD11 gene mutation.

Patient concerns:

The proband, a female, was born prematurely at 31 + 2 weeks. There were repeated infections and abdominal distension in the first month after birth, and the platelets could not rise to normal. Head ultrasound showed intracranial brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage.

Diagnoses:

Sequencing revealed that there was a heterozygous mutation in exon 9 of the ANKRD11 gene (NM_013275.5) for the child, c.1896_1897delTA (p.H632Qfs*30), which was a de novo mutation and has not been reported. Combining clinical features and genetic results, the proband was diagnosed as KBGS.

Interventions and outcomes:

The brain sonography on day 4 after birth showed brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore, 140 mg of bovine lung surfactant was administered through endotracheal intubation in addition to ventilator-assisted ventilation. Antibiotic treatment was also given till the inflammatory indicators of the infant returned to normal levels. The following-up of 1-year-6-month showed that the language, motion and height of development is slight falling behind the children of the same age.

Lessons:

This is the first case of KBGS was diagnosed in the neonatal period, which provides a reference for the child to receive timely and correct treatment.
Mobile COVID-19 testing program in Phoenix: A retrospective observational cohort study of results, trends, and positivity rates
Authors: Chadha Pravneet , Chadha Hurshneet , Shukla Vershalee , Prichard Pablo , Lau Christine S. M.
Published: October 2023

Over 3 years since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health challenge. At the same time, review of the response to the current pandemic is required for planning for future pandemics and global health crises. Approximately 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Arizona, a state with a 7.2 million population. Analyzing trends in COVID-19 case and positivity rates is crucial in planning to ensure public health safety for both this and future pandemics. This current observational study analyzes the trends in COVID-19 testing and positivity rates in the Phoenix metropolitan area, from data collected from a mobile testing program between December 2020 and April 2022. A total of 72,827 COVID-19 tests were performed, with a total of 8666 positive cases, yielding an overall positivity rate of 11.9%. Case counts and positivity rates increased during the fall and winter months, peaking in January (January 2021: 13.96% and January 2022: 24.84%). These cyclical trends cyclical can help with planning and mitigation. Continued public health awareness, including vaccinations and testing, is required in controlling COVID-19 transmission.
CDK4/6 inhibitors for hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative advanced breast cancer: A rapid health technology assessment
Authors: Gu Hangye , Chen Yaqing , Xie Zeyu , Chen Yong
Published: October 2023

Object:

Based on the best available evidence, rapid health technology was used to assess 4 CDK4/6 inhibitors approved for marketing in China. This assessment aims to provide a reference basis for the selection of drugs by medical institutions in China and to promote the rational use of drugs in the clinic.

Methods:

Depending on the Rapid Guidelines for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (the Second Edition), a percentage quantitative scoring approach was used to objectively score the pharmacological properties, efficacy, safety, economy, and other attributes of CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Results:

The composite score rankings were, in descending order, 78.09 points for abemaciclib, 78.04 points for palbociclib, 72.15 points for dalpiciclib, and 69.24 points for ribociclib by integrating the result of the 5 dimensions.

Conclusion:

Until the clinical studies, guideline recommendations, prices, and many other aspects of this assessment are updated, abemaciclib and palbociclib, which have the top 2 scores, can be used as a priority recommendation for Chinese medical institutions to select CDK4/6 inhibitors and optimize the use of the drug catalog based on the scoring results of this assessment.
Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yin Cao-Qing , Sun Shi-Jie , Teng Xue-Qin , Li Dong-Yan , Sun Jie , Cui Yuan-Yong
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To explore the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method:

A total of 130 patients with PCOS admitted to our hospital from April 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the research subjects. They were evenly divided according to a random number table method. The control group received routine care for the patients, while the study group received comprehensive care for the patients. The IVF, pregnancy outcomes, negative emotional changes, serum and follicular fluid (FF) amyloid-related protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of the 2 groups of patients were compared.

Result:

The data on IVF rate and pregnancy rate in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < .05). The SAS and SDS scores of the study group patients after intervention were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). After intervention, the levels of serum and FF amyloid associated protein and CRP in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Patients with PCOS who receive comprehensive care can increase their probability of IVF, improve their pregnancy outcomes, and have a positive significance in reducing negative emotions.
Demonstrating the relationship of ultrasonographic parameters with disease activity and pain in lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Bal Emre , Cetin Onur
Published: October 2023

To evaluate the relationship of ultrasonographic evaluation parameters with pain, muscle strength and disease severity in lateral epicondylitis (LE). 64 people were included in present retrospective, cross-sectional study. Activity and rest pain was questioned with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Also, Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and the maximum grip strength were evaluated. Hypoechoic region, neovascularity, cortical irregularity, enthesopathy and peritendinous fluid or bursitis were evaluated by ultrasonography. 48 of the patients were female and 16 were male. Mean age was 48.53 ± 6.12, body mass index was 27.70 ± 4.75. 55 (85.9%) hypoechoic region, 31 (48.4%) neovascularity, 21 (32.8%) cortical irregularity, 19 (29,7%) enthesopathy, and 18 (28.1%) peritendinous fluid or bursitis were detected by ultrasonography. When the ultrasonographic findings and clinical findings of the patients were compared, no significant difference was found between the hypoechoic region, cortical irregularity, enthesopathy and clinical findings (P > .05), while the extension grip strength was found to be significantly lower in patients with neovascularity (P = .045). In addition, patients with peritendinous fluid or bursitis, were found to be significantly lower in both flexion (P = .033) and extension (P = .023) grip strength, while PRTEE function (P = .021) subgroup and total (P = .038) scores were significantly higher. Hypoechoic region, cortical irregularities and enthesopathy were not evaluated to be associated with disease severity, pain and muscle strength. Neovascularity was found to be associated only with extension grip strength. Peritendinous fluid or bursitis was found to be associated with both flexion and extension grip strength and disease activity, but not associated with pain.
Integrating psychosocial and behavioral interventions into type 1 diabetes care
Authors: Pyatak Elizabeth A. , Khurana Anya R.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

To identify recent literature evaluating the efficacy of psychosocial and behavioral interventions for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Recent findings

Interventions generally produce benefits for psychosocial and behavioral outcomes, and some also positively impact glycemia. Addressing psychosocial concerns during routine provider visits had mixed results; some studies found that structured tools improved well being, while others found they could derail conversations, or contribute to worsening glycemia due to a lack of time to review medical concerns. Integrating behavioral health providers in routine care, however, had a positive impact on glycemic outcomes. Stepped care interventions show promise for both children and adults, as they maximize available resources while contributing to improved well being. Group interventions, delivered either virtually or in-person, demonstrated benefits for diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, family conflict, and health behaviors, but had limited impact on positive parenting skills. Gaps in the current literature include limited research among adults and no research among older adults, as well as a lack of pragmatic research emphasizing implementation of effective interventions.

A wide range of interventions have demonstrated positive impacts on well being among people with T1D; more research is needed to identify strategies to routinely integrate psychosocial and behavioral support in clinical care.
Circulating cell-free DNA and its association with cardiovascular disease: what we know and future perspectives
Authors: Thorsen Steffen Ullitz , Moseholm Kristine Frøsig , Clausen Frederik Banch
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to explore a possible link between cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may hold valuable potential for future diagnostics.

Recent findings

cfDNA has become topic of high interest across several medical fields. cfDNA is used as a diagnostic biomarker in cancer, prenatal care, and transplantation. In addition, cfDNA may play an unrecognized role in biological processes that are involved in or underlying various disease states, for example, inflammation. Elevated levels of cfDNA are associated with various elements of CVD, cardio-metabolic risk factors, and autoimmune diseases. Mitochondrial cfDNA and neutrophil extracellular traps may play distinct roles. Total circulating cfDNA may reflect the unspecific accumulation of stressors and the organism's susceptibility and resilience to such stressors. As such, cfDNA, in a stressful situation, may provide predictive value for future development of CVD. We suggest exploring such possibility through a large-scale prospective cohort study of pregnant women.

There is no doubt that cfDNA is a valuable biomarker. For CVD, its potential is indicated but less explored. New studies may identify cfDNA as a valuable circulating cardiovascular risk marker to help improve risk stratification.
Extraosseous Uptake and Multiple Metastases of Splenic Composite Hemangioendothelioma on 99mTc-MDP Scintigraphy
Authors: Huang Wenpeng , Zhou Yuhan , Yang Qi , Li Liming , Kang Lei
Published: October 2023

Composite hemangioendothelioma is a rare disease that exhibits biological potency ranging from benign to low-grade malignancy, and hepatic and bone metastases are even rarer. Here, we present the imaging findings of a 65-year-old man with splenic composite hemangioendothelioma and multiple metastases. A bone scan revealed abnormal uptake of 99mTc-MDP in multiple bones and spleen, whereas enhanced CT demonstrated splenic lesions with low density and mild enhancement. Based on pathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with splenic composite hemangioendothelioma with bone metastasis.
Uptake of 68Ga-PSMA in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in a Patient With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Okudan Berna , Seven Bedri , Sayan Haluk
Published: October 2023

A 69-year-old man with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT due to biochemical recurrence. Increased radiotracer uptake in the prostate bed suggestive of local recurrence was detected. The right hip also displayed increased 68Ga-PSMA activity, which was consistent with the avascular necrosis findings on MRI.
Discordant Uptake of Leg Thrombi Versus Pulmonary Emboli on 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT
Authors: Cho Sang-Geon , Park Chan , Kim Jahae , Kim Kang Bin , Kim Hyung Yoon
Published: October 2023

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET is gaining clinical relevance for visualizing activated fibroblasts in various diseases. Here, we report discordant FAPI uptake between venous thrombi of the lower extremities and pulmonary emboli. An 86-year-old man complained of left leg swelling and acute dyspnea; he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis involving the left femoral vein and acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Positive FAPI uptake was observed only in the thrombi of the left femoral vein, but not in the pulmonary emboli. Such discrepancies may indicate different thrombus constituents and chronologies even in the same patient.
Comparison of 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in a Patient With Hepatic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm
Authors: Li Zhuoyuan , Su Dan , Zhou Sihui , Wang Yudi , Chen Yue
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa) is extremely low, and imaging diagnosis is very difficult. We presented 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings in a 58-year-old woman with pathologically confirmed hepatic PEComa. The tumor showed intense 68Ga-FAPI uptake but only mild 18F-FDG activity on PET/CT studies. This case suggested that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT might be a useful tool for evaluation of hepatic PEComa with remarkable tumor-to-liver ratios.
Social Determinants of Health Needs and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Surgical Patients
Authors: Malapati Sri Harshini , Edelen Maria O. , Kaur Manraj N. , Zeng Chengbo , Ortega Gezzer , McCleary Nadine J. , Hubbell Harrison , Myers Peter , Bryant Allison S. , Sisodia Rachel C. , Pusic Andrea L.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To assess associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) needs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among surgical patients.

Summary Background Data:

Despite the profound impact of SDOH on health outcomes, studies examining the effect of SDOH needs on HRQOL among surgical patients are limited.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted using responses from the SDOH needs assessment and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems Global Health instrument of adults seen in surgical clinics at a single institution. Patient characteristics including socioeconomic status (insurance type, education level, and employment status) were extracted. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of global health scores.

Results:

8512 surgical patients (mean age: 55.6±15.8 y) were included. 25.2% of patients reported one or more SDOH needs. The likelihood of reporting at least one SDOH need varied by patient characteristics and socioeconomic status variables. In fully adjusted regression models, food insecurity (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38-1.70 and OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.81, respectively), housing instability (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12-1.43 and OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13-1.70, respectively) and lack of transportation (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27-1.68 and OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00-1.57, respectively), and unmet medication needs (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13-1.52 and OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.28-2.03, respectively) were independent predictors of poor physical and mental health.

Conclusions:

SDOH needs are independent predictors of poor patient-reported physical and mental health among surgical patients. Assessing and addressing SDOH needs should be prioritized in healthcare settings and by policymakers to improve HRQOL.
Perioperative systemic therapy in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: MacPhail Ceilidh , Wood Lori A. , Thana Myuran
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney neoplasm. Localized RCC can be cured with nephrectomy. However, a proportion of patients will recur with incurable distant metastatic disease. There is a clear need for treatments to reduce the risk of RCC recurrence and thus improve survival. This review describes the landscape of perioperative therapy for RCC, focusing on more recent trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Recent findings

ICIs have significantly changed outcomes in advanced RCC. Four trials investigating the role of perioperative ICI for RCC are now reported. Only one trial utilizing adjuvant pembrolizumab (Keynote-564) has shown a disease-free survival benefit in resected RCC.

Patients with resected RCC should be counselled on their risk of recurrence and the potential option of adjuvant pembrolizumab, recognizing that overall survival data are not yet available.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia due to Aeromonas hydrophila: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Srivastava Amit , Tripathy Sarvodaya , Gutte Shreyas Hanumantrao , Sahu Chinmoy , Gurjar Mohan , Patel Sangram Singh
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause various infections, including pneumonia, in immunocompromised individuals. This case report presents a rare occurrence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by Aeromonas hydrophila in an apparently non-immunocompromised patient.
Case presentation
The patient exhibited signs and symptoms of VAP and was successfully treated with intravenous Ciprofloxacin. The discussion highlights the characteristics of Aeromonas species, its virulence factors, risk factors for infection, and antibiotic profile.
Conclusion
It emphasizes the need for awareness and suspicion of Aeromonas as a potential cause of VAP in ICU settings, as well as the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment for improved outcomes.
MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 membrane proteins are modified with polylactosamine chains
Authors: Juckel Dylan , Desmarets Lowiese , Danneels Adeline , Rouillé Yves , Dubuisson Jean , Belouzard Sandrine
Published: October 2023

Coronaviruses are positive-stranded RNA enveloped viruses. The helical nucleocapsid is surrounded by a lipid bilayer in which are anchored three viral proteins: the spike (S), membrane (M) and envelope (E) proteins. The M protein is the major component of the viral envelope and is believed to be its building block. The M protein of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains a short N-terminal domain with an N-glycosylation site. We investigated their N-glycosylation and show that polylactosamine chains are conjugated to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV M proteins in transfected and infected cells. Acidic residues present in the first transmembrane segments of the proteins are required for their glycosylation. No specific signal to specify polylactosamine conjugation could be identified and high mannose-conjugated protein was incorporated into virus-like particles.
Avian reovirus: a furious and fast evolving pathogen
Authors: Egana-Labrin Sofia , Broadbent Andrew J.
Published: October 2023

Graphical abstract

Avian reovirus (ARV) can be transmitted vertically and horizontally. Pathogenic strains cause arthritis/tenosynovitis (depicted as red hock joints, and splayed legs), and can play a role in malabsorption syndrome in chickens. Contaminated fomites can be a dissemination source in poultry facilities. Figure generated with BioRender.
Comparative spatial transcriptomics of peach and nectarine fruits elucidates the mechanism underlying fruit trichome development
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Cao Ke , Qin Aizhi , Liu Zhixin , Guan Liping , Sun Susu , Liu Hao , Zhou Yaping , Yang Jincheng , Liu Yumeng , Hu Mengke , Ninkuu Vincent , Sun Xuwu , Wang Lirong
Published: October 2023

Peach (Prunus persica) is an economically significant fruit-bearing tree. The trichomes of peach fruits are essential for their growth and development by playing a protective role against abiotic stresses, such as intense ultraviolet (UV) light, high temperature, cold-induced stress, and biotic stresses, such as pests and disease infestation. However, the mechanism underlying trichome development in peach fruits is unknown. Therefore, spatial transcriptome sequencing technology was used to compare the transcriptomic information seven days after flowering (DAF) of peach and nectarine fruits at an ultra-high resolution. The results revealed significant variations in how fruits at the early development stage responded to stress exposure. Comparatively, nectarine response to stress was significantly magnified than peach. Notably, a novel trichome-related marker gene,Prupe.7G196500, was identified in peach, which showed a robust function in response to jasmonic acid and wounding. Further, thePrupe.7G196500pro::GUSconstruct was found to specifically expressed in the trichomes of the true leaves of 10-day-oldArabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis) seedlings and induced by drought treatment. Finally, gain-of-function analysis showed thatPrupe.7G196500promoted trichomes development. In conclusion, this study identified the cell types and novel marker genes associated with peach fruit. The role ofPrupe.7G196500in positively regulating trichome development was also characterized, thereby laying the foundation for analyzing the mechanism involved in trichome development in peach fruits.
PCP components control anterior and posterior regeneration, with a Prickle homolog impacting muscle organization, in the acoelHofstenia miamia
Authors: Bolaños D. Marcela , Rock Amber , Ros-Rocher Núria , Sikes James , Srivastava Mansi
Published: October 2023

Whole-body regeneration requires wound response signals to control patterning programs to enable replacement of structures in their correct locations. While a number of molecular mechanisms underlying anterior-posterior regeneration have been identified, how small fragments of animals first re-establish polarity is less well understood, with non-canonical Wnt signaling recently emerging as a potential regulator. Here, we used the acoel wormHofstenia miamia, a new research organism capable of robust whole-body regeneration, to assess functions of the components of the Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway in establishing regeneration polarity. We identified homologs of Prickle (pk-1) and Diego (dgo-1) to be required for head and tail regeneration, respectively. RNA-sequencing analysis and experimental corroboration revealed thatpk-1RNAi resulted in diminished expression of early wound response genes as well as of wound-induced expression of the anterior-specific markerfz-7, specifically in tail fragments. In contrast,dgo-1RNAi impacted wound-induced expression of the posterior-specific markertf7l2, specifically in head fragments. Furthermore,pk-1anddgo-1are enriched in longitudinal muscle, with muscle fibers showing disorganized morphology at anterior-facing wound sites of tail fragments underpk-1RNAi. These findings suggest thatpk-1anddgo-1are needed for wound-induced expression of anterior- and posterior-specific genes, and raise the possibility that this action is mediated via the control of muscle fiber orientation. Our work expands the study of PCP genes by revealing their functions in the process of whole-body regeneration in acoels, the sister-group to all other animals with bilateral symmetry, and will enable future studies of PCP components in controlling cellular and tissue-wide regeneration polarity.
Measuring carbohydrate recognition profile of lectins on live cells using liquid glycan array (LiGA)
Authors: Sojitra Mirat , Schmidt Edward N. , Lima Guilherme M. , Carpenter Eric J. , McCord Kelli A. , Atrazhev Alexey , Macauley Matthew S. , Derda Ratmir
Published: October 2023

Glycans constitute a significant fraction of biomolecular diversity on the surface of cells across all the species in all kingdoms of life. As the structure of glycans is not encoded by the DNA of the host organisms, it is impossible to use cutting-edge DNA technology to study the role of cellular glycosylation or to understand how cell-surface glycome is recognized by glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). To address this gap, we recently described a genetically-encoded liquid glycan array (LiGA) platform that allows profiling of glycan:GBP interactions on the surface of live cellsin vitroandin vivousing next-generation sequencing (NGS). LiGA is a library of DNA-barcoded bacteriophages coated with 5-1500 copies of a glycan; the DNA barcode inside each bacteriophage encodes the structure and density of the displayed glycans. Deep sequencing of the glycophages associated with live cells yields a glycan-binding profile of GBPs displayed on the surface of such cells. This protocol provides detailed instructions of using LiGA to probe cell surface receptors and includes information on the preparation of glycophages, analysis by MALDI-TOF MS, the assembly of a LiGA library, and its deep-sequencing. Using the protocol detailed in this report, we measure a glycan-binding profile of the immunomodulatory SiglecLJ1, -2, -6, -7, and -9 expressed on the surface of different cell types and uncover previously unknown environment-dependent recognition of glycans by Siglec-receptors on the surface of live cells. Protocols similar to the one described in this report will make it possible to measure the precise glycan-binding profile of any GPBs displayed on the surface of any cell types.
Brain-derived and in vitro-seeded alpha-synuclein fibrils exhibit distinct biophysical profiles
Authors: Lee Selene Seoyun , Civitelli Livia , Parkkinen Laura
Published: October 2023

The alpha-synuclein (αSyn) seeding amplification assay (SAA) that allows the generation of disease-specific in vitro seeded fibrils (SAA fibrils) is used as a research tool to study the connection between the structure ofαSyn fibrils, cellular seeding/spreading, and the clinico-pathological manifestations of different synucleinopathies. However, structural differences between human brain-derived and SAAαSyn fibrils have been recently highlighted. Here, we characterize biophysical properties of the human brain-derivedαSyn fibrils from the brains of patients with Parkinson’s disease with and without dementia (PD, PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and compare them to the ‘model’ SAA fibrils. We report that the brain-derivedαSyn fibrils show distinct biochemical profiles, which were not replicated in the corresponding SAA fibrils. Furthermore, the brain-derivedαSyn fibrils from all synucleinopathies displayed a mixture of- ‘straight’ and ‘twisted’ microscopic structures. However, the PD, PDD, and DLB SAA fibrils had a ‘straight’ structure, whereas MSA SAA fibrils showed a ‘twisted’ structure. Finally, the brain-derivedαSyn fibrils from all four synucleinopathies were phosphorylated (S129). Interestingly, phosphorylatedαSyn were carried over to the PDD and DLB SAA fibrils. Our findings demonstrate the limitation of the SAA fibrils modelling the brain-derivedαSyn fibrils and pay attention to the necessity of deepening the understanding of the SAA fibrillation methodology.
Tradeoffs between phage resistance and nitrogen fixation drive the evolution of genes essential for cyanobacterial heterocyst functionality
Authors: Kolan Dikla , Cattan-Tsaushu Esther , Enav Hagay , Freiman Zohar , Malinsky-Rushansky Nechama , Ninio Shira , Avrani Sarit
Published: October 2023

Harmful blooms caused by diazotrophic (nitrogen-fixing)cyanobacteriaare becoming increasingly frequent and negatively impact aquatic environments worldwide. Cyanophages (viruses infectingcyanobacteria) can potentially regulate cyanobacterial blooms, yetcyanobacteriacan rapidly acquire mutations that provide protection against phage infection. Here, we provide novel insights into cyanophage:cyanobacteriainteractions by characterizing the resistance to phages in two species of diazotrophiccyanobacteria:Nostocsp. andCylindrospermopsis raciborskii. Our results demonstrate that phage resistance is associated with a fitness tradeoff by which resistantcyanobacteriahave reduced ability to fix nitrogen and/or to survive nitrogen starvation. Furthermore, we use whole genome sequence analysis of 58Nostocresistant strains to identify several mutations associated with phage resistance, including in cell surface-related genes, and regulatory genes involved in development and function of heterocysts (cells specialized in nitrogen fixation). Finally, we employ phylogenetic analyses to show that most of these resistance genes are accessory genes whose evolution is impacted by lateral gene transfer events. Together, these results further our understanding of the interplay between diazotrophiccyanobacteriaand their phages, and suggest that a tradeoff between phage resistance and nitrogen fixation affects the evolution of cell surface-related genes and of genes involved in heterocyst differentiation and nitrogen fixation.
Detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin human tissue via RNAin situhybridization
Authors: Nargan Kievershen , Naidoo Threnesan , Msimang Mpumelelo , Nadeem Sajid , Wells Gordon , Hunter Robert L , Hutton Anneka , Lumamba Kapongo , Glasgow Joel N , Benson Paul V , Steyn Adrie JC
Published: October 2023

Rationale

Accurate TB diagnosis is hampered by the variable efficacy of the widely-used Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining method to identifyMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Here, we sought to circumvent this current limitation through direct detection ofMtbmRNA.

Objectives

To employ RNAscope to determine the spatial distribution ofMtbmRNA within tuberculous human tissue, to appraise ZN-negative tissue from confirmed TB patients, and to provide proof-of-concept of RNAscope as a platform to inform TB diagnosis andMtbbiology.

Methods

We examined ante- and postmortem human TB tissue using RNAscope to detectMtbmRNA and a dual ZN/immunohistochemistry staining approach to identify AFB and bacilli producing antigen 85B (Ag85B).

Measurements and main results

We adapted RNAscope forMtband identified intact and disintegratedMtbbacilli and intra- and extracellularMtbmRNA.MtbmRNA was distributed zonally within necrotic and non-necrotic granulomas. We also foundMtbmRNA within, and adjacent to, necrotic granulomas in ZN-negative lung tissue and in Ag85B-positive bronchial epithelium. Intriguingly, we observed accumulation ofMtbmRNA and Ag85B in the cytoplasm of host cells. Notably, many AFB were negative for Ag85B staining.MtbmRNA was observed in ZN-negative antemortem lymph node biopsies.

Conclusions

RNAscope has diagnostic potential and can guide therapeutic intervention as it detectsMtbmRNA and morphology in ZN-negative tissues from TB patients, andMtbmRNA in ZN-negative antemortem biopsies, respectively. Lastly, our data provide evidence that at least two phenotypically distinct populations ofMtbbacilli existin vivo.
High prevalence and risk of malaria among asymptomatic individuals from villages with high rates of artemisinin partial resistance in Kyerwa district, North-western Tanzania
Authors: Mandai Salehe S. , Francis Filbert , Challe Daniel P. , Seth Misago D. , Madebe Rashid A. , Petro Daniel A. , Budodo Rule , Kisambale Angelina J. , Chacha Gervas A. , Moshi Ramadhan , Mbwambo Ruth B. , Pereus Dativa , Bakari Catherine , Aaron Sijenunu , Mbwambo Daniel , Lusasi Abdallah , Kajange Stella , Lazaro Samuel , Kapologwe Ntuli , Mandara Celine I. , Ishengoma Deus S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Tanzania adopted and has been implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended interventions to control and eventually eliminate malaria. However, malaria is still a leading public health problem and the country experiences heterogeneous transmission; but the drivers of these patterns are not clearly known. This study assessed the prevalence and risk of malaria infections among asymptomatic individuals living in a hyperendemic area which has high prevalence of artemisinin partial resistant parasites in Kyerwa District of Kagera region, North-western Tanzania.

Methods

This was a community-based cross-sectional survey that recruited participants from five villages of Kyerwa district in Kagera region. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, parasitological, types of houses inhabited and socio-economic status (SES) data were collected using electronic capture tools running on Open Data Kit (ODK). Risk factors associated with malaria infections were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression and the results were presented as crude (cOR) and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 4,454 individuals were tested using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and 1,979 (44.4%) had a positive test. The prevalence of malaria varied from 14.4% to 68.5% with significant differences among the villages (p<0.001). The prevalence and risk of malaria infections were significantly higher in males (aOR =1.25, 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.48, p=0.04), school children ((aged 5 – 10 years, aOR =4.09, 95% CI: 3.39 – 5.10, p<0.001) and (10-15 years, aOR=4.40, 95% CI: 3.46 – 5.59, p<0.001)) and among individuals who were not using bed nets (aOR =1.29, 95% CI: 1.10 – 1.42, p=0.002). Other risks of malaria infections included lower SES (aOR=1.27, 95% CI:1.04 – 1.55, p<0.001) and living in houses with open windows (aOR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.03 −1.54, p=0.024).

Conclusion

This study showed high prevalence of malaria infections and high heterogeneity at micro-geographic levels. The risk of malaria infections was higher in school children, males, individuals who did not use bed nets, and among participants with low SES or living in poorly constructed houses. These findings provide important baseline data in an area with a high prevalence of artemisinin partial-resistant parasites and will be utilized in future studies to monitor the trends and potential spread of such parasites.
Corporate governance and equity value: empirical evidence from Nigerian firms
Authors: Shittu Isah , Che-Ahmad Ayoib
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of selected corporate governance (CG) variables on the equity value multiple (EVM) of listed firms in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used data obtained from 100 firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2014 to 2018. A generalized method of moment was used to estimate the relationship, whereas principal component analysis was used to generate composite values of EVMs.

Findings

Findings reveal a significant association between board size, board independence, board gender diversity, managerial shareholding, audit committee independence, disclosure of CG information and EVM at a 1% level of significance.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to firms that disclosed information on CG and EVMs.

Practical implications

These empirical findings lend support to agency theory, which suggests the use of various CG variables as a way of reducing principal-agent conflicts. It also lends support to resource dependency theory from a gender diversity perspective.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneering effort toward unlocking the relationship between some CG variables and the EVMs, focusing on firms listed on the NSE.
Total factor productivity and outsourcing: the case of Vietnamese small and medium sized enterprises
Authors: Ngoc Pham Thi Bich , Tien Pham Thi Hoa , Long Pham Dinh , Vu Huynh Quoc
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the difference in total factor productivity (TFP) among those firms with and without outsourcing in a developing country like Vietnam. Also, it explores the effect of outsourcing activities on total factor productivity with a specified concentration on the Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The panel data set of SMEs used in this study was originated from biannual surveys conducted under the collaboration between educational organizations and government agencies: Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), Department of Economics – the University of Copenhagen, the Institution of Labor Studies and Social Affairs (ILSSA) in the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). In this study, the model is developed based on the production function in accordance with the model of Girma and Görg (2004). The firms’ TFP is the difference between the actual and the predicted output as with the approach by Levinsohn and Petrin (2003).

Findings

This study finds out that firms with outsourcing have higher total factor productivity than those without outsourcing activities. In addition, the more firms spend on outsourcing, the higher total factor productivity they can gain. Outsourcing to SMEs in a developing country can significantly increase its TFP by means of either maintaining core competencies or searching external resources in conducting some internal activities.

Originality/value

Although outsourcing has been widely applied by large firms, the research studying its impact on productivity at firm level is limited. Especially, this study can shed light on the impact for the case of SMEs in a developing economy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and work withdrawal: evaluating chained mediation through negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Teng Rongrong , Zhou Shuai , Zheng Wang , Ma Chunhao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether and how artificial intelligence (AI) awareness affects work withdrawal.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey garners participation from a total of 305 hotel employees in China. The proposed hypotheses are examined using Hayes’s PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results indicate that AI awareness could positively affect work withdrawal. Negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion respectively mediate this relationship. Furthermore, negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion act as chain mediators between AI awareness and work withdrawal.

Practical implications

Given the growing adoption of AI technology in the hospitality industry, it is imperative that managers intensify their scrutiny of the psychological changes experienced by frontline service employees and allocate more resources to mitigating the impact of AI on their work withdrawal.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the burgeoning literature on AI by elucidating the chain mediating roles of negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion. It also makes a significant forward in examining mediating mechanisms, notably the chain-mediated mechanism, through which AI awareness impacts employee outcomes.
Exploring role transitions and conflicts on work disengagement under varying settings: the moderating role of individual resilience
Authors: Kaur Tavleen , Mandal Santanu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

COVID-19 disrupted the usual way of working for many people across the globe, making full-time work from home and hybrid models two popular work arrangements. Despite the proliferation and high acceptance of the hybrid model, very little research has focused on the same. This study aims to compare the impact of transitions caused by remote work on work disengagement under two settings: remote work and hybrid model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data is collected from three corporate hubs in India: Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Bangalore. This study’s respondents represent two working models: full-time work from home and a hybrid model. Responses were collected using Google forms-based questionnaire, which resulted in the following usable responses: 356 (hybrid) and 398 (work from home).

Findings

The findings reveal that the structural model for the hybrid sector explained 11% of the variance in work disengagement, while the same for work from home model accounted for 20% of the variance in work disengagement. The authors also tested for the moderation of individual resilience between work-home and home-to-work conflicts and home-to-work transitions and work-to-home conflict under full-time work-from and hybrid models. Based on 356 respondents from hybrid category and 398 from work from home, the study found that employees experience less work-to-home and home-to-work conflicts in the hybrid model and employees experience more work-to-home and home-to-work conflicts in the full-time work from home model.

Originality/value

The study is also the first to examine the moderating role of individual resilience as a tool to bounce back and handle conflicts. As the full-time work from home model leads to more work-to-home and home-to-work conflicts, individuals have more scope to exhibit resilience, and thus, the moderating relationship is stronger in the full-time work from home model. The paper offers theoretical and managerial implications.
How to enhance circular supply chains? Aligning R-imperatives, uncertainty management and sustainability
Authors: de Lima Felipe Alexandre , Seuring Stefan , Genovese Andrea
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Operationalizing R-imperatives in firms is seen as vital to bolstering circularity through reduce, reuse and recycle and building circular supply chains (CSCs). However, this process introduces various uncertainties to firms within CSCs. This is a gap that still requires an in-depth analysis, particularly to answer the question of how firms align the operationalization of R-imperatives with uncertainty management to improve sustainability performance and accelerate the transition toward CSCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper fills this gap through a multiple-case study, whereby nine firms from varying structures, regions and manufacturing industries were examined. Qualitative content analysis was employed to examine the collected primary (27 semi-structured interviews) and secondary data (internal management reports, publicly available corporate reports and website content).

Findings

The findings support the evidence that the operationalization of R-imperatives is not a straightforward process. Within-firm and SC uncertainties largely emerged and made the building of CSCs complex. Consequently, strategies aimed at reducing uncertainty were paramount to managing uncertainties and enhancing sustainability performance. For instance, implementing durable or modular designs helped firms easily reuse, repair and recycle products. In turn, firms achieved material efficiency and contributed to extending the life cycle of products.

Practical implications

This paper explains how firms can align R-imperatives operationalization with uncertainty management to improve sustainability performance and enhance CSCs. Accordingly, firms should complement R-imperatives operationalization with proactive uncertainty management and an assessment of all environmental, economic and social sustainability dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper fills a critical gap in circular supply chain management literature by unveiling its linkage with uncertainty management and sustainability performance. Empirical insights from nine firms within CSCs are provided to guide scholars and managers interested in implementing R-imperatives.