bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Institutional Experience of a Tertiary Referral Center in Surgically Managing Patients With Gorlin Syndrome
Authors: Dany Mohammed , Walker Joanna , Miller Christopher J. , Giordano Cerrene N.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The lifetime risk for basal carcinoma (BCC) is 90% in patients with Gorlin syndrome, also known as basal cell nevus syndrome. Compared with non-Gorlin patients, Gorlin patients often develop BCCs at a younger age and in greater numbers up to 500 BCCs in a lifetime.

OBJECTIVE

To review the options available for Gorlin patients and highlight existing knowledge gaps where future studies are indicated to optimize the care of this unique population.

METHODS

We review the current literature on managing patients with Gorlin syndrome from the lens of a dermatologic surgeon.

RESULTS

Although Mohs surgery is still the gold standard for large and aggressive BCCs, other less-invasive approaches may be considered for smaller, more numerous lesions. As dermatologic surgeons, we must be open to the full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical options to individualize treatment and optimize patients' quality of life. Without maintaining a balance between optimal cure rate and volume management, Gorlin patients become at risk for surgical burn out and loss to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Gorlin patients undergo numerous surgeries especially on the central face which can lead to disfigurement and reduce the quality of life. Identifying gaps in the current literature, continuing ongoing research, and eventually establishing appropriate guidelines that help to guide the formation of an individualized treatment plan is crucial in developing a balance between conservative and complex treatments for this population.
Timing of Delivery for Twins
Authors: Berger Dana Senderoff , Lee Young Mi
Published: November 2023

The optimal gestational age for delivery of twin gestations balances the risk to the mother with the risks to the fetus and newborn. Primary considerations should include chorionicity and the presence or absence of other obstetrical complications such as fetal growth restriction or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. More than half of twin gestations will deliver preterm, and a significant portion will be due to spontaneous labor or medical indications, such that the timing of delivery for twins is typically less determined by the provider discretion. Future studies are needed to assist in clarifying the optimal timing for delivery of twin pregnancies.
TREATMENT OF SERPIGINOUS CHOROIDITIS WITH SUBTENON TRIAMCINOLONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH SYSTEMIC STEROIDS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Alapati Akhila N. , Abouodah Hythem , Ajlan Radwan S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

To report two cases of serpiginous choroiditis which were treated with subtenon triamcinolone in conjunction with systemic steroids to control acute and chronic disease progression. Increased success of disease remission has been postulated for subtenon triamcinolone therapy in conjunction with systemic steroids.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of two serpiginous choroiditis patients who presented at an eye center. Both patients received subtenon triamcinolone and systemic steroids. Visual acuity and disease course are reported.

Results:

Both cases of serpiginous choroiditis received subtenon triamcinolone on presentation and were hospitalized for IV corticosteroids and systemic workup. The first patient had been on oral corticosteroids before presentation. Both patients reported same-day visual improvement after subtenon triamcinolone was administered.

Conclusion:

These two case reports describe unique clinical scenarios in which subtenon triamcinolone was used in both the acute and chronic phases of serpiginous choroiditis. Local steroid therapy can be a useful adjunctive therapy when systemic steroids are delayed, contraindicated, or intolerable.
UNVEILING THE HIDDEN: EARLY MANIFESTATIONS OF EXTENSIVE MACULAR ATROPHY WITH PSEUDODRUSEN-LIKE APPEARANCE
Authors: Romano Francesco , Cozzi Mariano , Casati Stefano , Bosello Francesca , Zaffalon Chiara , Trinco Andrea , Pellegrini Marco , Invernizzi Alessandro , Staurenghi Giovanni , Salvetti Anna Paola
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

To describe novel microperimetry and imaging findings in two patients affected by extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance without signs of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy.

Methods:

Case series. Both patients underwent mesopic and dark-adapted two-color scotopic microperimetry, followed by multimodal imaging assessment including ultra-widefield photography, fundus autofluorescence, high-resolution optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and high-magnification module.

Results:

Albeit normal visual acuity, both patients had a significant reduction of retinal sensitivity—especially under scotopic cyan conditions. One patient had macular pigment abnormalities, whereas the combination of blue and near-infrared autofluorescence modalities highlighted different patterns of pseudodrusen-like lesions.

Of notice, high-resolution optical coherence tomography revealed a marked separation between the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch membrane, containing a hyperreflective material with two different reflectivities. Optical coherence tomography angiography excluded the presence of macular neovascularization and documented several choriocapillaris flow voids. High-magnification module images showed severe alteration of photoreceptors' mosaic in the perifovea.

Conclusion:

Our comprehensive assessment of two stage 1 extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance patients revealed a predominant damage of perifoveal rods over areas of retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch membrane separation. These findings underscore the importance of basal laminar deposits in the initial stages of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance, contributing to a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
Outcomes and predictive factors in multifocal and extended depth of focus intraocular lens implantation
Authors: De la Paz Matthew , Tsai Linda M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Options for addressing presbyopia with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation have become more varied and sophisticated. We reviewed recent literature on multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs in order to provide insight on their respective advantages, with emphasis on the visual outcomes of each design.

Recent findings

Increased patient age, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) abnormalities, abnormal optical axis measurements, and better preoperative visual acuity have been implicated as predictors of worse postoperative vision or visual quality in multifocal IOLs. Despite differences in objective outcomes, patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction are consistently similar between multifocal and EDOF IOLs. EDOFs may have slightly lower rates of spectacle independence than trifocals, but there is more support for their use in the setting of with other ocular conditions.

Multifocal and EDOF IOLs are both viable options for patients who wish to preserve near vision. Given their similar objective performance in many aspects, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on their expectations and visual requirements is critical to postoperative satisfaction. Evidence for advanced technology IOL implantation in pediatric patients remains inconclusive.
Herpes simplex virus stromal keratitis and endotheliitis after femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery and astigmatic keratotomy
Authors: Chou Timothy Y. , Lisa Anthony , Nuzbrokh Yan , Mauro John , Gang Anjulie
Published: November 2023

Two weeks after uneventful femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with laser astigmatic keratotomy (AK) in the right eye, a 72-year-old woman developed a corneal ulcer and infiltrate in the superonasal AK incision, with severe anterior chamber reaction. She was initially treated for bacterial followed by fungal keratitis, without resolution. She was referred to our university corneal service for consultation. Based on clinical presentation and slitlamp examination, the patient was diagnosed with herpes simplex virus keratitis (HSK). The patient was administered topical steroid eyedrops and systemic antiviral therapy, with full resolution of the keratitis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of herpes simplex virus stromal keratitis and endotheliitis after FLACS combined with AK. This report postulates about possible etiologic factors for activation of HSK after femtosecond laser treatment and proposes preventative actions.
Utilization of In-Hospital Orthopaedic Spine Consultations: Evaluating the Impact of Health Care Policy
Authors: Brush Parker L. , Tomlak Alexa , Pohl Nick , Lee Yunsoo , Narayanan Rajkishen , Meade Matthew H. , Lambrechts Mark J. , Lawall Charles L. , Weber Jackson , Syal Amit , O’Connor Patrick , Canseco Jose A. , Kaye I. David , Kurd Mark F. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Chris K. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Schroeder Gregory D.
Published: November 2023

Access to specialty and private practice providers has been a divisive policy issue over the last decade, complicated by the conflict between a reduction in government-funded health care reimbursement and the need for health care providers to sustain a financially sound practice. This study evaluates the orthopedic spine consult service at an academic tertiary care center at 2 separate time points over a 5-year period to better understand the impact of decreasing orthopedic reimbursement rates and the increasing prevalence of federally supported medical insurance on the access to specialty care. In total 500 patients in 2017 and 480 patients in 2021 were included for the final analysis. A higher percentage of consults in 2021 came from the emergency department (74.0% versus 60.4%, P < 0.001); however, the emergency department saw fewer spinal cord injuries (11.9% versus 21.4%, P < 0.001), and the spinal cord injuries were less severe (3.1% versus 6.2% Association Impairment Scale A or B, P = 0.034). A smaller percentage of patients in 2021 went on to receive orthopedic spine surgery following consultation (35.2% versus 43.8%, P = 0.007), and those receiving surgery had an operation performed farther out from the initial consultation (4.73 versus 4.09 days, P < 0.001). Additionally, fewer patients with Medicare insurance (23.5% versus 30.8%) and more patients with Medicaid insurance (20.2% versus 12.4%) were seen in 2021 compared with 2017 (P = 0.003). Overall, this study found an increased proportion of Medicaid patients seen by the spine consult service but a decrease in the acuity of consults. Measures to improve access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act have revealed the complexity of this issue in health care. This study’s findings have demonstrated that while more patients did have insurance coverage following the Affordable Care Act, they still face a barrier to accessing outpatient orthopedic spine providers.
Colon polyps: updates in classification and management
Authors: Dornblaser David , Young Sigird , Shaukat Aasma
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Colon polyps are potential precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC), which remains one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death. The proper identification and management of these colorectal polyps is an important quality measure for colonoscopy outcomes. Here, we review colon polyp epidemiology, their natural history, and updates in endoscopic classification and management.

Recent findings

Colon polyps that form from not only the adenoma, but also the serrated polyp pathway have significant risk for future progression to CRC. Therefore, correct identification and management of sessile serrated lesions can improve the quality of screening colonoscopy. Malignant polyp recognition continues to be heavily reliant on well established endoscopic classification systems and plays an important role in intraprocedural management decisions. Hot snare remains the gold standard for pedunculated polyp resection. Nonpedunculated noninvasive lesions can be effectively removed by large forceps if diminutive, but cold snare is preferred for colon polyps 3–20 mm in diameter. Larger lesions at least 20 mm require endoscopic mucosal resection. Polyps with the endoscopic appearance of submucosal invasion require surgical referral or advanced endoscopic resection in select cases. Advances in artificial intelligence may revolutionize endoscopic polyp classification and improve both patient and cost-related outcomes of colonoscopy.

Clinicians should be aware of the most recent updates in colon polyp classification and management to provide the best care to their patients initiating screening colonoscopy.
The many faces of the megakaryocytes and their biological implications
Authors: Guo Karen , Machlus Kellie R. , Camacho Virginia
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Single-cell RNA sequencing studies have revealed transcriptional heterogeneity within the megakaryocytic lineage and the identified unique subsets. In this review, we discuss the functional and phenotypic plasticity of these subpopulations as well as the impacts on health and disease.

Recent findings

Megakaryocytes (MKs) can be transcriptionally categorized into platelet generating, niche supporting, immune, and cycling cells, which are distinguished by their unique gene expression patterns and cellular markers. Additionally, a significant population of these cells has been established to reside in the nonhematopoietic tissues and they display enhanced immune-related characteristics. Combined with the location in which the megakaryocytes exist, these cells can play unique roles dictated by their current environment and biological needs, including responding to changes in pathogen exposure.

Advances in megakaryocyte research has elucidated the existence of multiple subpopulations of MKs that serve different functions. These subpopulations implicate a greater potential for MKs to be regulators of health and suggest new avenues for treatments and therapies in related diseases.
Respiratory viral infections including COVID-19 in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Lo Carson K.L. , Kumar Deepali
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Respiratory viral infections are prevalent and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We review updates from literature on respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in the SOT recipient.

Recent findings

With the wider availability and use of molecular diagnostic tests, our understanding of the epidemiology and impact of respiratory viruses in the SOT population continues to expand. While considerable attention has been given to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the advances in prevention and treatment strategies of SARS-CoV-2 offered valuable insights into the development of new therapeutic options for managing other respiratory viruses in both the general and SOT population.

Respiratory viruses can present with a diverse range of symptoms in SOT recipients, with potentially associated acute rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. The epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment and preventive strategies for clinically significant RNA and DNA respiratory viruses in SOT recipients are reviewed. This review also covers novel antivirals, immunologic therapies, and vaccines in development for various community-acquired respiratory viruses.
Hydatid hepatopleural fistula causing biliothorax: minimally invasive approach with ERCP stent placement and chest tube drainage: a case report
Authors: Mainali Sumina , Sapkota Prakash , Koirala Prashant , K.C Narendra , Bhandari Meghraj , Neupane Pujan K.
Published: November 2023

Introduction and importance:

Biliothorax and hydatid bilio-bronchial fistula (HBBF) are rare complications of hydatid cysts of the liver with high perioperative mortality.

Case presentation and clinical discussion:

The authors here report the case of a patient with a right massive pleural effusion with evidence of HBBF in imaging studies, who underwent surgical resection of a hydatid cyst of the liver 8 years ago. The patient was managed with intercostal chest tube drainage for biliothorax and endoscopic sphincterotomy with biliary stent placement for the re-establishment of internal biliary drainage, which ultimately allowed the fistulous tract to heal without any major surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

This article focuses on the successful management of the HBBF at our institution. Our findings emphasize the significance of early diagnosis and the criticality of implementing aggressive and early interventions to minimize complications and fatalities. By examining this specific case and reviewing existing literature, the authors have determined that endoscopic treatment appears to be a viable, secure, and efficacious option for addressing postoperative HBBF.
Stigma and infectious diseases in Africa: examining impact and strategies for reduction
Authors: Omosigho Pius Omoruyi , John Okesanya Olalekan , Musa Mohamed Babiker , Aboelhassan Youssry Mohamed Elsawy Ibrahim , Olabode Olaleke Noah , Bouaddi Oumnia , Mengesha Dawit Tesfagiorgis , Micheal Abioye Sunday , Modber Mohamed Abdul Kareem Adam , Sow Alhaji Umar , Kheir Sara Gabrallah M. , Shomuyiwa Deborah Oluwaseun , Adebimpe Oso Tolutope , Manirambona Emery , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: November 2023

Stigma poses a significant barrier to accessing care, managing, and preventing infectious diseases in Africa. The authors conducted an extensive search across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant English-language articles, with no constraints on publication dates, using the keywords “Stigma,” and “Infectious Disease,” in conjunction with “Africa.” This article explores the multifaceted nature of stigma associated with infectious diseases, highlighting its impact on healthcare access and public health outcomes. It delves into the current situation of infectious disease-related stigma in Africa, emphasizing the various diseases and contexts affected. The article identifies drivers of stigma, including negative attitudes, misinformation, and institutional practices, and discusses their role in perpetuating discrimination. Importantly, it provides recommendations for addressing infectious disease stigma in Africa through comprehensive strategies encompassing health education, contact-based interventions, professionalized counselling and peer support services, and community engagement. The article calls for collaboration among governments, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and community leaders to implement holistic strategies that prioritize inclusivity and stigma reduction. Ultimately, it underscores the urgent need to combat stigma to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals affected by infectious diseases in Africa.
Predictive factors and treatment of postpartum mania: a representative case
Authors: Constantino Eduardo A. , LaSala Michael S. , Bhattacharya Karunya , Choudhry Mehwish
Published: November 2023

Postpartum mania and psychosis puts both the person giving birth and their child at significant risk, so predicting its onset and determining effective treatment is crucial. Here, a representative case is presented of a patient started on an antidepressant during her pregnancy who suffered a postpartum manic episode with psychosis. The case describes many of the risk factors and treatment issues faced by clinicians when caring for patients with these symptoms in the postpartum period. Subsequent discussion provides guidance for clinicians to help predict postpartum mania and reviews factors that may increase the risk of its onset. The evidence for psychiatric treatment is also reviewed to both prevent and treat postpartum mania and psychosis.
Widespread sympatry in a species-rich clade of marine fishes (Carangoidei)
Authors: Glass Jessica R. , Harrington Richard C. , Cowman Peter F. , Faircloth Brant C. , Near Thomas J.
Published: November 2023

A universal paradigm describing patterns of speciation across the tree of life has been debated for decades. In marine organisms, inferring patterns of speciation using contemporary and historical patterns of biogeography is challenging due to the deficiency of species-level phylogenies and information on species' distributions, as well as conflicting relationships between species’ dispersal, range size and co-occurrence. Most research on global patterns of marine fish speciation and biogeography has focused on coral reef or pelagic species. Carangoidei is an ecologically important clade of marine fishes that use coral reef and pelagic environments. We used sequence capture of 1314 ultraconserved elements (UCEs) from 154 taxa to generate a time-calibrated phylogeny of Carangoidei and its parent clade, Carangiformes. Age-range correlation analyses of the geographical distributions and divergence times of sister species pairs reveal widespread sympatry, with 73% of sister species pairs exhibiting sympatric geographical distributions, regardless of node age. Most species pairs coexist across large portions of their ranges. We also observe greater disparity in body length and maximum depth between sympatric relative to allopatric sister species. These and other ecological or behavioural attributes probably facilitate sympatry among the most closely related carangoids.
Supplemental oxygen does not improve growth but can enhance reproductive capacity of fish
Authors: Skeeles Michael R. , Scheuffele Hanna , Clark Timothy D.
Published: November 2023

Fish tend to grow faster as the climate warms but attain a smaller adult body size following an earlier age at sexual maturation. Despite the apparent ubiquity of this phenomenon, termed the temperature-size rule (TSR), heated scientific debates have revealed a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms. At the centre of these debates are prominent but marginally tested hypotheses which implicate some form of ‘oxygen limitation’ as the proximate cause. Here, we test the role of oxygen limitation in the TSR by rearing juvenile
Galaxias maculatus
for a full year in current-day (15°C) and forecasted (20°C) summer temperatures while providing half of each temperature group with supplemental oxygen (hyperoxia). True to the TSR, fish in the warm treatments grew faster and reached sexual maturation earlier than their cooler conspecifics. Yet, despite supplemental oxygen significantly increasing maximum oxygen uptake rate, our findings contradict leading hypotheses by showing that the average size at sexual maturation and the adult body size did not differ between normoxia and hyperoxia groups. We did, however, discover that hyperoxia extended the reproductive window, independent of fish size and temperature. We conclude that the intense resource investment in reproduction could expose a bottleneck where oxygen becomes a limiting factor.
Genetic conflict and the origin of multigene families: implications for sex chromosome evolution
Authors: Martí Emiliano , Larracuente Amanda M.
Published: November 2023

Sex chromosomes are havens for intragenomic conflicts. The absence of recombination between sex chromosomes creates the opportunity for the evolution of segregation distorters: selfish genetic elements that hijack different aspects of an individual's reproduction to increase their own transmission. Biased (non-Mendelian) segregation, however, often occurs at a detriment to their host's fitness, and therefore can trigger evolutionary arms races that can have major consequences for genome structure and regulation, gametogenesis, reproductive strategies and even speciation. Here, we review an emerging feature from comparative genomic and sex chromosome evolution studies suggesting that meiotic drive is pervasive: the recurrent evolution of paralogous sex-linked gene families. Sex chromosomes of several species independently acquire and co-amplify rapidly evolving gene families with spermatogenesis-related functions, consistent with a history of intragenomic conflict over transmission. We discuss Y chromosome features that might contribute to the
tempo
and
mode
of evolution of X/Y co-amplified gene families, as well as their implications for the evolution of complexity in the genome. Finally, we propose a framework that explores the conditions that might allow for recurrent bouts of fixation of drivers and suppressors, in a dosage-sensitive fashion, and therefore the co-amplification of multigene families on sex chromosomes.
Behavioral Imitation with Artificial Neural Networks Leads to Personalized Models of Brain Dynamics During Videogame Play
Authors: Kemtur Anirudha , Paugam Francois , Pinsard Basile , Harel Yann , Sainath Pravish , Clei Maximilien Le , Boyle Julie , Jerbi Karim , Bellec Pierre
Published: November 2023

Videogames provide a promising framework to understand brain activity in a rich, engaging, and active environment, in contrast to mostly passive tasks currently dominating the field, such as image viewing. Analyzing videogames neuroimaging data is however challenging, and relies on time-intensive manual annotations of game events, based on somewhat arbitrary rules. Here, we introduce an innovative approach using Artificial Neural networks (ANN) and brain encoding techniques to generate activation maps associated with videogame behaviour using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). As individual behavior is highly variable across subjects in complex environments, we hypothesized that ANNs need to account for subject-specific behavior to properly capture brain dynamics. In this study, we used data collected while subjects played Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Sega, 1993), an action-platformer videogame. Using imitation learning, we trained an ANN to play the game while closely replicating the unique gameplay style of individual participants. We found that hidden layers of our imitation learning model successfully encoded task-relevant neural representations, and predicted individual brain dynamics with higher accuracy than models trained on other subjects’ gameplay. Individual-specific models also outperformed a number of baselines to predict brain activity, such as pixel inputs, or button presses. The highest correlations between layer activations and brain signals were observed in biologically plausible brain areas, i.e. somatosensory, attention, and visual networks. Our results demonstrate that training subject-specific ANNs can successfully uncover brain correlates of complex behaviour. This new method combining imitation learning, brain imaging, and videogames opens new research avenues to study decision-making and psychomotor task solving in naturalistic and complex environments.
Fine-mapping causal tissues and genes at disease-associated loci
Authors: Strober Benjamin J. , Zhang Martin Jinye , Amariuta Tiffany , Rossen Jordan , Price Alkes L.
Published: November 2023

Heritable diseases often manifest in a highly tissue-specific manner, with different disease loci mediated by genes in distinct tissues or cell types. We propose Tissue-Gene Fine-Mapping (TGFM), a fine-mapping method that infers the posterior probability (PIP) for each gene-tissue pair to mediate a disease locus by analyzing GWAS summary statistics (and in-sample LD) and leveraging eQTL data from diverse tissues to build cis-predicted expression models; TGFM also assigns PIPs to causal variants that are not mediated by gene expression in assayed genes and tissues. TGFM accounts for both co-regulation across genes and tissues and LD between SNPs (generalizing existing fine-mapping methods), and incorporates genome-wide estimates of each tissue’s contribution to disease as tissue-level priors. TGFM was well-calibrated and moderately well-powered in simulations; unlike previous methods, TGFM was able to attain correct calibration by modeling uncertainty in cis-predicted expression models. We applied TGFM to 45 UK Biobank diseases/traits (averageN= 316K) using eQTL data from 38 GTEx tissues. TGFM identified an average of 147 PIP > 0.5 causal genetic elements per disease/trait, of which 11% were gene-tissue pairs. Implicated gene-tissue pairs were concentrated in known disease-critical tissues, and causal genes were strongly enriched in disease-relevant gene sets. Causal gene-tissue pairs identified by TGFM recapitulated known biology (e.g.,TPO-thyroid for Hypothyroidism), but also included biologically plausible novel findings (e.g.,SLC20A2-artery aorta for Diastolic blood pressure). Further application of TGFM to single-cell eQTL data from 9 cell types in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), analyzed jointly with GTEx tissues, identified 30 additional causal gene-PBMC cell type pairs at PIP > 0.5—primarily for autoimmune disease and blood cell traits, including the biologically plausible example ofCD52in classical monocyte cells for Monocyte count. In conclusion, TGFM is a robust and powerful method for fine-mapping causal tissues and genes at disease-associated loci.
Preparation ofStaphylococcus aureusGenomic DNA Using Promega Nuclei Lysis and Protein Precipitation Solutions, Followed by Additional Cleanup and Quantification Steps
Authors: Zeden Merve S. , Gründling Angelika
Published: November 2023

In this protocol, we describe the isolation of genomic DNA (gDNA) fromStaphylococcus aureususing the Promega Nuclei Lysis and Protein Precipitation solutions. Gram-positive bacteria such asS. aureusare harder to lyse than Gram-negative bacteria. Hence, the first step in the procedure for isolating gDNA from Gram-positive bacteria consists of a mechanical lysis step (e.g., using a bead beating grinder or homogenizer) or an enzymatic lysis step. For the method described here, the peptidoglycan layer ofS. aureusis digested with an enzyme called lysostaphin. This enzyme cleaves the pentaglycine cross-bridges within the peptidoglycan ofS. aureus.After this lysis step, the gDNA can be purified using procedures similar to those used for Gram-negative bacteria. We include additional cleanup and quantification procedures in the final steps of this protocol, in case the gDNA is subsequently used for genome-sequencing projects. By modifying the bacterial lysis step, the procedure can be easily adapted to isolate gDNA from other bacteria.
The influence of the sustainable development goals on large companies’ adoption and implementation of a broader corporate purpose
Authors: Sasaki Kyoko , Stubbs Wendy , Farrelly Megan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand whether, and if so how, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) influence large companies’ adoption and implementation of a broader corporate purpose, beyond profit maximization.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a multiple-case study method, data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 28 managers from 16 large companies in Australia and Japan, and from secondary sources. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the data and draw out key findings.

Findings

The study revealed the influence of the SDGs on corporate purpose depends on the SDG integration level: where and how the SDGs are integrated into management practices. The influence was more significant when the companies implemented the SDGs at a normative level compared to those implementing the SDGs at a strategic and/or operational level.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the exploratory nature of the study, the sample size is limited and covers only companies in two countries. Future studies could examine the validity of the findings and the explanatory model by testing with a larger sample and expanding the scope into different countries. The study provides practical implications on how large companies’ could scale up their contributions to achieving the SDGs.

Originality/value

While the extant literature suggests a simple relationship between sustainability (the SDGs) and corporate purpose, this paper identified a more complex relationship. It presents in a multi-pathway model that explains the relationship, based on empirical evidence from 16 large companies in two different institutional contexts.
Data literacy education through university-industry collaboration
Authors: Taş Eylem
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the findings related to data literacy skills for students to succeed in the digital age labor market and the role of university-industry collaborations (UICs) in the co-design and co-delivery of curriculum for the development of students’ data literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an interview-based research methodology to gather insights from industry partners and stakeholders. The interviews focus on identifying key data literacy skills, understanding the significance of these skills and exploring the role of UICs in enhancing students’ data literacy.

Findings

The findings reveal several important data literacy skills for students. The most commonly mentioned skills include data evaluation/analysis, identifying the relevance of data and data protection in a sensitive manner. Participants also emphasized the importance of recognizing the interrelationships among data, adapting data across different contexts and strategically combining diverse data. The study emphasizes the role of universities in providing a well-rounded educational setting that fosters the development of data literacy skills. Additionally, it highlights the value of practical collaborations between universities and industries, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

Originality/value

The study highlights the interconnected nature of various data skills and emphasizes the significance of data literacy in navigating the complexities of the digital age labor market. It also sheds light on the role of UICs in codesigning and codelivering curricula to enhance students’ data literacy. The findings provide valuable insights into the practical implications for UICs in preparing students for the data-driven job market.
What is optimal integrated multi-agency Throughcare? A global e-Delphi consensus study defining core components of effective rehabilitation and reintegration programming
Authors: Van Hout Marie Claire , Madroumi Reda , Hoey Wendy , Uhaa Sylvester , Severin Peter , Calder Ivan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to identify and define core components of Throughcare. The global prison population has reached its highest level to date (11.5 million), with comparative data on recidivism unavailable. Despite the global shift away from punitive and towards rehabilitative approaches, reintegration programming (Throughcare) is limited, ill-resourced or non-existent in many countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a global e-Delphi consensus study of professionals working in prison and correctional services to define critical components of effective rehabilitation and reintegration programming. Consensus was defineda priorias 70% or more participants scoring an outcome from 7 to 9 and fewer than 15% scoring it 1 to 3.

Findings

Following a call for expression of interest circulated to the International Corrections and Prisons Association member list (n= 7282), 175 members agreed to partake in the e-Delphi rounds. In Round One, 130 individuals completed an online survey where 35 statements were scored by importance, each with opportunity to provide written feedback. A total of 33 statements exceeded the set threshold of consensus. Written feedback supported refinement and further development of statements in Round Two. A total of 108 individuals completed Round Two. A total of 39 out of the 40 statements exceeded the set threshold of consensus.

Practical implications

Consensus statements are useful to provide a shared understanding for inter-agency Throughcare partnerships, to inform national prison policies and to expand prison and support staff capacity building and programmes all over the world.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, to date, this is the first known attempt to elicit consensus from a broad range of professionals working in the field of prison and correctional services on core components of effective rehabilitation and reintegration programming.
Gatekeeping structures and trust development in public sector organizations
Authors: Norkin Svetlana , Byström Katriina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the interaction between gatekeeping and trust in a public sector organization, where employees at lower hierarchical levels are expected to autonomously translate and transform directives into public services. This requires them to have access to operational steering information, i.e. information about directives and how to interpret and apply them. This study focuses on how gatekeeping structures regulate flows of operational steering information and how the gatekeeping structures affect the development of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is qualitative. The data material consisted of semi-structured interviews with 26 employees in home care and schools and of eight complementary nonparticipant observations. Thematic analysis revealed the presence of static and dynamic gatekeeping structures, which are characterized by fixed and variable arrangements of information sources and channels, respectively.

Findings

In static gatekeeping structures, managers or domain experts typically act as gatekeepers, and employees also perform gatekeeping activities collectively. Gatekeeping structures allow employees to switch between acting as gatekeepers and being gated, depending on the situation. The results show that gatekeeping structures for intermediation of operational steering information may support or impede employees' work, thus affecting their trust in their peers and their work organization.

Research limitations/implications

Although the present study included both interviews and observations, these primarily occurred within scheduled and prearranged activities rather than capturing the nuances of the typical daily work of teachers and home care employees. As a result, certain perspectives may have been unintentionally omitted.

Practical implications

The participants were recruited through the City of Oslo contact people, which may have impacted their status or perception in some way. Moreover, the study was conducted in the City of Oslo, a specific organization with its own unique set of values, norms and processes. The trust-based management in the City of Oslo is likely not representative of all public sector organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes conceptually by introducing gatekeeping structures and operational steering information and empirically by providing evidence of their relationship to trust development in public service delivery. Thus, it contributes to the research fields of information management and public administration.
Assessing critical barriers and success factors of PPP projects in emerging economies: a case of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hung Duy , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Doan Vi Vu , Dang Chau Ngoc
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Public–private partnership (PPP) projects play a pivotal role in fostering infrastructure development in developing countries. This study aims to identify major barriers and critical success factors (CSFs) for PPP projects in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The study initially conducted an extensive literature review and interviewed industry experts to compile a comprehensive list of barriers and success factors. Subsequently, a survey involving 250 construction professionals was conducted to assess these identified factors. The research used both ANOVA test and hierarchical regression analysis to explore the relationship between participants’ characteristics and assessments.

Findings

The results could provide a valuable reference for practitioners by assessing barriers and CSFs in PPP projects. Specifically, the ANOVA analysis indicated a positive correlation between barrier assessment and participants’ experience, while the influence of participants’ sector on the evaluation was minor. Furthermore, the hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that participants’ sector did not moderate the relationship between barrier assessment and industry experience.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by offering empirical insights into barriers and CSFs specific to PPP projects in a developing country context. The findings highlight the crucial role of experienced professionals in ensuring PPP project success. Moreover, the study provides construction practitioners with a better understanding of the essential factors and supports the development of effective management strategies for future PPP projects.
Written communication and energy transfer to fix a dysfunctional team: a case study in conflict resolution in an educational institution
Authors: Rai Pratibha , Gupta Priya , Parewa Bhawna
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Task conflict and relationship conflict are common in organizations. This paper aims to present a unique case of the use of the targeted conflict-resolution technique. The revival of positive group dynamics is aptly shown.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive case study is developed as a practice insight to showcase how a peculiar case of misunderstanding is resolved in the most unconventional way through the intervention of a mediator who unearths the real cause of contention. The mediator works through logic and emotion to remove negativity. Narration, a necessary component of the case study approach, peeps into the research subject involving flashbacks, flash forward, backstories and foreshadowing. The mediator uses reframing as a tool very efficiently, encouraging the people in conflict to understand the nothingness in their cold war and eventually prompting them to collaborate and compromise.

Findings

The shifts in communication dynamics post-mediator’s intervention are subtle and full of wisdom, encouraging introspection and constructive interaction, eventually bridging the differences. The possibility of achieving a state of homeostasis in the future magnifies. The belief in the power of affirmation and manifestation is validated. The heavy, difficult, hardened negativity loses ground and gets transformed.

Social implications

Conversation/prayers at the deepest level in several meetings are the communication tools that have immense social relevance in the Indian context.

Originality/value

A unique combination of intermediation encompassing written communication and energy transformation is adopted to resolve ongoing conflict by stroking the positive psychology of the partakers. To some, the method may appear to have a spiritual connotation.
Composite property price index forecasting with neural networks
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The Chinese housing market has gone through rapid growth during the past decade, and house price forecasting has evolved to be a significant issue that draws enormous attention from investors, policy makers and researchers. This study investigates neural networks for composite property price index forecasting from ten major Chinese cities for the period of July 2005–April 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal is to build simple and accurate neural network models that contribute to pure technical forecasts of composite property prices. To facilitate the analysis, the authors consider different model settings across algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data spitting ratios.

Findings

The authors arrive at a pretty simple neural network with six delays and three hidden neurons, which generates rather stable performance of average relative root mean square errors across the ten cities below 1% for the training, validation and testing phases.

Originality/value

Results here could be utilized on a standalone basis or combined with fundamental forecasts to help form perspectives of composite property price trends and conduct policy analysis.
The impact of managerial psychological characteristics on the supply chain management efficiency
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Lamloom Imad Taher , Moghaddampoor Bita , Khayoon Hameed Mohsin , Zaidan Ali Shakir
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The present study investigates the impact of managerial psychological characteristics on the supply chain management efficiency (SCME) of companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

To this aim, information about 215 companies was analyzed during 2014–2021. The sales per inventory ratio was used to calculate SCME. In the present study, the focus is on characteristics such as managerial entrenchment, managerial myopia, managerial overconfidence (MOC) and managerial narcissism, all considered as managerial attributes.

Findings

The present findings showed that managerial myopia/managerial entrenchment (MOC/managerial narcissism) have a negative (positive) effect on SCME. Hypothesis testing based on robustness checks confirmed these results. Moreover, the findings are presented separately for companies with high business strategy (first quarter) and low business strategy (third quarter). The results show that at low levels of differentiation strategy, managerial entrenchment does not have a significant effect on SCME while other managerial attributes have a significant effect on both high and low business strategy.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the identification of managerial psychological characteristics influencing SCME to advance future studies and support practical efforts. The present findings can prove the significance of this research and fill the existing gap in research.
Application of sensitivity patterns to inversion of magnetotelluric field data in Utah for selecting optimal input
Authors: Uhm Janghwan , Min Dong‐Joo , Heo Junyeong
Published: November 2023

Many different magnetotelluric response functions such as the impedance and tipper which are converted from measured electromagnetic fields to remove the effects of natural sources have been proposed and studied. To obtain good inversion results, it is important to know that the inversion results depend on the sensitivity patterns of the magnetotelluric response functions used as the input, indicating parts to which the magnetotelluric responses are sensitive. We introduce how to use the sensitivity patterns to determine optimal input magnetotelluric response functions for interpreting field data. For magnetotelluric field data, we use the data acquired at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy survey area. The target structure in the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy survey area is associated with geothermal energy, and most of the sites are located to the left of the target structure. Examining the sensitivity patterns of the major magnetotelluric response functions, that is the components of the impedance tensor and tipper vector, for the target anomaly, the pattern of y‐component of the tipper vector () covers the areas where most of the sites are distributed. This means information about the target structure is mainly contained in . To investigate the impact of on inversion of the target anomalous body, we compare the inversion results for four cases that (1) the xy‐ and yx‐components of the impedance tensor ( and ) are used; (2) , and are used; (3) , and x‐component of the tipper vector () are applied; and (4) the all components of the impedance tensor (, , and ) are used as the input. This comparison shows that selected as the optimal input from the sensitivity patterns for this case study contributes to retrieving the target anomaly. Through the case study for the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site, we show how to design a strategy of selecting optimal magnetotelluric response functions based on the sensitivity patterns to effectively image target structures. Our experiment supports that the sensitivity patterns can be used to increase the reliability of magnetotelluric inversion.