bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How well does SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals?
Authors: Shirreff George , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Cauchemez Simon , Temime Laura , Opatowski Lulla ,   EMEA-MESuRS working group on the nosocomial modelling of SARS-CoV-2
Published: September 2021

Covid-19 poses significant risk of nosocomial transmission, and preventing this requires good estimates of the basic reproduction number R0 in hospitals and care facilities, but these are currently lacking. Such estimates are challenging due to small population sizes in these facilities and inconsistent testing practices.

We estimate the patient-to-patient R0 and daily transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 using data from a closely monitored hospital outbreak in Paris 2020 during the first wave. We use a realistic epidemic model which accounts for progressive stages of infection, stochastic effects and a large proportion of asymptomatic infections. Innovatively, we explicitly include changes in testing capacity over time, as well as the evolving sensitivity of PCR testing at different stages of infection. We conduct rigorous statistical inference using iterative particle filtering to fit the model to the observed patient data and validate this methodology using simulation.

We provide estimates for R0 across the entire hospital (2.6) and in individual wards (from 3 to 15), possibly reflecting heterogeneity in contact patterns or control measures. An obligatory mask-wearing policy introduced during the outbreak is likely to have changed the R0, and we estimate values before (8.7) and after (1.3) its introduction, corresponding to a policy efficacy of 85%.
Durability of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 (AZD1222) vaccination in people living with HIV - responses to SARS-CoV-2, variants of concern and circulating coronaviruses
Authors: Ogbe Ane , Pace Mathew , Bittaye Mustapha , Tipoe Timothy , Adele Sandra , Alagaratnam Jasmini , Aley Parvinder K , Ansari M. Azim , Bara Anna , Broadhead Samantha , Brown Anthony , Brown Helen , Cappuccini Federica , Cinardo Paola , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Ewer Katie J. , Fok Henry , Folegatti Pedro M. , Fowler Jamie , Godfrey Leila , Goodman Anna L. , Jackson Bethany , Jenkin Daniel , Jones Mathew , Longet Stephanie , Makinson Rebecca , Marchevsky Natalie G. , Mathew Moncy , Mazzella Andrea , Mujadidi Yama F. , Parolini Lucia , Petersen Claire , Plested Emma , Pollock Katrina M. , Rajeswaran Thurkka , Ramasamy Maheshi N. , Rhead Sarah , Robinson Hannah , Robinson Nicola , Sanders Helen , Serrano Sonia , Stockmann Helen , Tipton Tom , Waters Anele , Zacharopoulou Panagiota , Barnes Eleanor , Dunachie Susanna , Goulder Philip , Klenerman Paul , Screaton Gavin R. , Winston Alan , Hill Adrian V. S. , Gilbert Sarah C. , Carroll Miles , Pollard Andrew J , Fidler Sarah , Fox Julie , Lambe Teresa , Frater John
Published: September 2021

Duration of protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with HIV (PWH) following vaccination is unclear. In a sub-study of the phase 2/3 the COV002 trial (NCT04400838), 54 HIV positive male participants on antiretroviral therapy (undetectable viral loads, CD4+ T cells >350 cells/ul) received two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) 4-6 weeks apart and were followed for 6 months. Responses to vaccination were determined by serology (IgG ELISA and MesoScale Discovery (MSD)), neutralisation, ACE-2 inhibition, gamma interferon ELISpot, activation-induced marker (AIM) assay and T cell proliferation. We show that 6 months after vaccination the majority of measurable immune responses were greater than pre-vaccination baseline, but with evidence of a decline in both humoral and cell mediated immunity. There was, however, no significant difference compared to a cohort of HIV-uninfected individuals vaccinated with the same regimen. Responses to the variants of concern were detectable, although were lower than wild type. Pre-existing cross-reactive T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike were associated with greater post-vaccine immunity and correlated with prior exposure to beta coronaviruses. These data support the on-going policy to vaccinate PWH against SARS-CoV-2, and underpin the need for long-term monitoring of responses after vaccination.
Effect of long-term low dose glucocorticoid on children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Du Xueping , Guo Yanjun , Yang Junzheng
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To investigate the clinical efficacy of long-term of low-dose inhaled glucocorticoid (ICS) in the treatment on children with bronchial asthma, and to evaluate its effects on the height, weight and expression of serum insulin-like growth factor of children with bronchial asthma.

Methods

91 children with bronchial asthma treated in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were chosen, and 31 healthy children without asthma history in our hospital were selected as the control group (Group C); For the different treatment methods comparison, 91 children with bronchial asthma were divided into treatment group A (48 children) and treatment group B (43 children) randomly. In treatment group A, children were treated with low-dose ICS for more than 1 year; in treatment group B, children were treated with low-dose ICS for less than 1 year or received low-dose ICS for less than 2 months/year. For treatment evaluation, the asthma control test (C-ACT) were scored at 0 months, 12 months and 24 months in three groups, and the height and weight of children, the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in serum in each group were also measured.

Results

In the control group, the C-ACT scores were increased with time (P<0.01); the C-ACT scores of treatment group A at 12 months and at 24 months was significantly higher than that of treatment group B (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in height and weight between the treatment group and the control group at months, 12 months and 24 months after treatment (P>0.05); there was no significant difference in the expression levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in serum between treatment group and control group (P>0.05).

Compared with the C-ACT scores in treatment group A and treatment group B at 0 month, the C-ACT scores were significantly higher at 12 months and at 24 months, and there was a statistical difference among 0 month, 12 months and at 24 months in treatment group A and treatment group B (P<0.01); The C-ACT score of treatment group A at the 12 month was significantly higher than that in treatment group B at the 12 months(P<0.05), and the C-ACT score in treatment group A at the 24 months was significantly higher than that of treatment group B (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment for children with bronchial asthma by long-term use of low-dose ICS is safe and effective, it does not affect health and development of children with bronchial asthma; children with bronchial asthma were treated with low-dose ICS for more than 1 year had a better effective than children were treated with low-dose ICS for less than 1 year or received low-dose ICS for less than 2 months/year.
Counting giraffes: A comparison of abundance estimators on the Ongava Game Reserve, Namibia
Authors: Christophe Bonenfant , Ken Stratford , Stéphanie Périquet
Published: September 2021

Camera-traps are a versatile and widely adopted tool for collecting biological data for wildlife conservation and management. While estimating population abundance from camera-trap data is the primarily goal of many projects, the question of which population estimator is suitable for analysing these data needs to be investigated. We took advantage of a 21 day camera-trap monitoring period of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis) on the Ongava Game Reserve (Namibia) to compare capture-recapture (CR), rarefaction curves and N-mixture estimators of population abundance. A marked variation in detection probability of giraffes was observed both in time and between individuals. Giraffes were also less likely to be detected after they were seen at a waterhole (mean daily visit frequency of f = 0.25). We estimated the population size to be 119 giraffes (Cv = 0.10) using the most robust reference estimator (CR). All other estimators deviated from the CR population size by ca. −20 to > +80%. This was due the fact that these models did not account for the temporal and individual variations in detection probability. We found that modelling choice was much less forgiving for N-mixture models than CR estimators because it leads to very variable and inconsistent estimations of abundance. Double counts were problematic for N-mixture models, challenging the use of raw counts (i.e. when individuals are not identified) at waterholes, to monitor the abundance of giraffe or of other species without idiosyncratic coat patterns.
The structure of hippocampal CA1 interactions optimizes spatial coding across experience
Authors: Nardin Michele , Csicsvari Jozsef , Tkačik Gašper , Savin Cristina
Published: September 2021

Although much is known about how single neurons in the hippocampus represent an animal’s position, how cell-cell interactions contribute to spatial coding remains poorly understood. Using a novel statistical estimator and theoretical modeling, both developed in the framework of maximum entropy models, we reveal highly structured cell-to-cell interactions whose statistics depend on familiar vs. novel environment. In both conditions the circuit interactions optimize the encoding of spatial information, but for regimes that differ in the signal-to-noise ratio of their spatial inputs. Moreover, the topology of the interactions facilitates linear decodability, making the information easy to read out by downstream circuits. These findings suggest that the efficient coding hypothesis is not applicable only to individual neuron properties in the sensory periphery, but also to neural interactions in the central brain.
Tumor-Cell Invasion Initiates at Invasion Hotspots, an Epithelial Tissue-Intrinsic Microenvironment
Authors: Kobayashi Rei , Takishima Hiroaki , Deng Sheng , Fujita Yasuyuki , Tamori Yoichiro
Published: September 2021

Malignant cancers emerge in epithelial tissues through a progressive process in which a single transformed mutant cell becomes tumorigenic and invasive. Although numerous genes involved in the malignant transformation of cancer cells have been described, how tumor cells launch an invasion into the basal side of epithelial tissues remains elusive. Here, using a Drosophila wing imaginal disc epithelia, we show that genetically mosaic clones of cells mutant for a neoplastic-tumor-suppressor gene (nTSG) in combination with the oncogenic Ras (RasV12) expression initiate invasion into the basal side of the epithelial layer at specific spots in the epithelial tissue. In this “invasion hotspot”, the oncogenic double-mutant cells activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which causes basal extrusion of the double-mutant cells and destruction of basement membrane through upregulation of a matrix metalloprotease, MMP1. Conversely, in other regions of the epithelial tissue, the double-mutant cells do not strongly activate JNK, deviate from the apical side of the epithelial layer, and show benign tumor growth in the lumen. These data indicate that the onset of tumor-cell invasion is highly dependent on the tissue-intrinsic local microenvironment. Given the conservation of genetic signaling pathways involved in this process, initiation of tumor-cell invasion from invasion hotspots in Drosophila wing imaginal epithelia could help us to understand the developmental mechanisms of invasive cancers.
Defining hierarchical protein interaction networks from spectral analysis of bacterial proteomes
Authors: Zaydman Mark A. , Little Alexander , Haro Fidel , Aksianiuk Valeryia , Buchser William J. , DiAntonio Aaron , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Milbrandt Jeffrey , Raman Arjun S.
Published: September 2021

Cellular phenotypes emerge from a hierarchy of molecular interactions: proteins interact to form complexes, pathways, and phenotypes. We show that hierarchical networks of protein interactions can be extracted from the statistical pattern of proteome variation as measured across thousands of bacteria and that these hierarchies reflect the emergence of complex bacterial phenotypes. We describe the mathematics underlying our statistical approach and validate our results through gene-set enrichment analysis and comparison to existing experimentally-derived hierarchical databases. We demonstrate the biological utility of our unbiased hierarchical models by creating a model of motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and using it to discover a previously unappreciated genetic effector of twitch-based motility. Overall, our approach, SCALES (Spectral Correlation Analysis of Layered Evolutionary Signals), predicts hierarchies of protein interaction networks describing emergent biological function using only the statistical pattern of bacterial proteome variation.
Use of eVLP-based vaccine candidates to broaden immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Bozic Jasminka , Ahmed Tanvir , Ontsouka Barthelemy , Fluckiger Anne-Catherine , Diress Abebaw , Berthoud Tamara , Yuan Xiaoyang , Yang Lanjian , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco , Anderson David E. , Soare Catalina
Published: September 2021

Rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is a constant threat and a major hurdle to reach heard immunity. We produced VBI-2905a, an enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP)-based vaccine candidate expressing prefusion spike protein from the Beta variant that contains several escape mutations. VBI-2905a protected hamsters against infection with a Beta variant virus and induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies against Beta RBD. In a heterologous vaccination regimen, a single injection of VBI-2905a in animals previously immunized with VBI-2902, a vaccine candidate expressing S from ancestral SARS-CoV-2, hamsters were equally protected against Beta variant infection. As an alternate strategy to broaden immunity, we produced a trivalent vaccine expressing the prefusion spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 together with unmodifed S from SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. Relative to immunity induced against the ancestral strain, the trivalent vaccine VBI-2901a induced higher and more consistent antibody binding and neutralizing responses against a panel of variants including Beta, Delta, Kappa, and Lambda, with evidence for broadening of immunity rather than just boosting cross-reactive antibodies.
Migrators Within Migrators: Exploring Transposable Element Dynamics in the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus
Authors: Baril Tobias , Hayward Alexander
Published: September 2021

Background

Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are an important model system in ecology and evolution. A high-quality chromosomal genome assembly is available for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), but it lacks an in-depth transposable element (TE) annotation, presenting an opportunity to explore monarch TE dynamics and the impact of TEs on shaping the monarch genome.

Results

We find 6.21% of the monarch genome is comprised of TEs, a reduction of 6.85% compared to the original TE annotation performed on the draft genome assembly. Monarch TE content is low compared to two closely related species with available genomes, Danaus chrysippus (33.97% TE) and Danaus melanippus (11.87% TE). The biggest TE contributions to genome size in the monarch are LINEs and Penelope-like elements, and three newly identified families, r2-hero_dPle (LINE), penelope-1_dPle (Penelope-like), and hase2-1_dPle (SINE), collectively contribute 34.92% of total TE content. We find evidence of recent TE activity, with two novel Tc1 families rapidly expanding over recent timescales (tc1-1_dPle, tc1- 2_dPle). LINE fragments show signatures of genomic deletions indicating a high rate of TE turnover. We investigate associations between TEs and wing colouration and immune genes and identify a three-fold increase in TE content around immune genes compared to other host genes.

Conclusions

We provide a detailed TE annotation and analysis for the monarch genome, revealing a considerably smaller TE contribution to genome content compared to two closely related Danaus species with available genome assemblies. We identify highly successful novel DNA TE families rapidly expanding over recent timescales, and ongoing signatures of both TE expansion and removal highlight the dynamic nature of repeat content in the monarch genome. Our findings also suggest that insect immune genes are promising candidates for future interrogation of TE-mediated host adaptation.
Exposure to nitric oxide drives transition to differential culturability inMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Glenn Sarah M. , Gap-Gaupool Brindha , Milburn Emily , Turapov Obolbek , Crosatti Marialuisa , Hincks Jennifer , Stewart Bradley , Bacon Joanna , Kendall Sharon L. , Voskuil Martin I. , Riabova Olga , Monakhova Natalia , Green Jeffrey , Waddell Simon J. , Makarov Vadim A. , Mukamolova Galina V.
Published: September 2021

During infectionMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) forms differentially culturable (DC) subpopulations that are recalcitrant to treatment and undetectable using standard diagnostic tools. DC Mtb are revealed in liquid media, their revival is often stimulated by resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs), secreted peptidoglycan-remodelling enzymes, and prevented by Rpf inhibitors. Here we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in generation of Rpf- dependent DC Mtb, using murine macrophage infection models and treatment with a synthetic NO donor (NOD). Mtb subpopulations were assessed by colony-forming unit counting on agar or by limiting dilution Most Probable Number assays in liquid media with or without Rpf inhibitor. Rpf-dependent DC Mtb were detected following infection of interferon-γ induced macrophages capable of producing NO, but not when iNOS was inactivated. NOD treatment also induced transition to the Rpf-dependent DC phenotype which was accompanied by global transcriptomic changes resulting in the dramatic down-regulation ofrpfA-Egene expression. Furthermore, the DC phenotype was partially reverted by artificial over-expression of Rpfs. This study elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of DC Mtb, which are the dominant population recovered from clinical tuberculosis samples, with implications for improving both tuberculosis diagnostics and treatments.
HIV-1 Vif protein is stabilized by AKT-mediated phosphorylation to enhance APOBEC3G degradation
Authors: Raja Rameez , Wang Chenyao , Banerjea Akhil C
Published: September 2021

HIV-1 virus has to counter anti-viral restriction factors for its successful replication after its entry in the cell. The host-pathogen dynamics operate as soon as HIV-1 interacts with the cell. HIV-1 Vif has been known for its role in degradation of APOBEC3G; a cytosine deaminase which leads to hyper mutations in the viral DNA leading to aberrant viral replication. The cellular proteins regulating the intracellular HIV-1 Vif protein levels can have profound impact on HIV-1 pathogenesis. MDM2 is known to induce degradation of Vif with subsequent effects on APOBEC3G. Here, we have identified AKT/PKB as one of the crucial regulators of HIV-1 Vif protein. The rationale for selecting Vif as a target substrate for AKT was the presence of RMRINT motif in it, which is similar to the AKT phosphorylation motif RxRxxS/T. Immunoprecipitation assay and Kinase assay revealed that AKT and Vif interact strongly with each other and Vif is phosphorylated at T20 position by AKT. This phosphorylation stabilizes HIV-1 Vif while Vif mutant T20A degrades faster. Moreover, use of dominant negative form of AKT (KD-AKT) and AKT inhibitors were found to destabilise Vif and increase its K48-ubiquitination profile. The consequences of this AKT-Vif interplay were also validated on APOBEC3G degradation, a target of Vif. AKT inhibition was found to restore APOBEC3G levels. This process can be interpreted as a strategy used by virus to prevent MDM2 mediated Vif degradation; AKT stabilises Mdm2, which then targets Vif for degradation but at the same time AKT stabilises Vif by phosphorylating it. Thus, AKT mediated stabilization of Vif might compensate for its degradation by MDM2. This study can have significant implications as HIV-1 Tat protein and growth factors like insulin activate PI3-K/AKT Kinase pathway and can potentially affect Vif and APOBEC3G protein levels and hence HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Interrogating RNA-small molecule interactions with structure probing and AI augmented-molecular simulations
Authors: Wang Yihang , Parmar Shaifaly , Schneekloth John S. , Tiwary Pratyush
Published: September 2021

While there is increasing interest in the study of RNA as a therapeutic target, efforts to understand RNA-ligand recognition at the molecular level lag far behind our understanding of protein-ligand recognition. This problem is complicated due to the more than ten orders of magnitude in timescales involved in RNA dynamics and ligand binding events, making it not straightforward to design experiments or simulations. Here we make use of artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented molecular dynamics simulations to directly observe ligand dissociation for cognate and synthetic ligands from a riboswitch system. The site-specific flexibility profiles from our simulations are compared with in vitro measurements of flexibility using Selective 2’ Hydroxyl Acylation analyzed by Primer Extension and Mutational Profiling (SHAPE-MaP). Our simulations reproduce known relative binding affinities for the cognate and synthetic ligands, and pinpoint how both ligands make use of different aspects of riboswitch flexibility. On the basis of our dissociation trajectories, we also make and validate predictions of pairs of mutations for both the ligand systems that would show differing binding affinities. These mutations are distal to the binding site and could not have been predicted solely on the basis of structure. The methodology demonstrated here shows how molecular dynamics simulations with all-atom force-fields have now come of age in making predictions that complement existing experimental techniques and illuminate aspects of systems otherwise not trivial to understand.
Exploration of BAY 11-7082 as a novel antibiotic
Authors: Coles Victoria E. , Darveau Patrick , Zhang Xiong , Harvey Hanjeong , Henriksbo Brandyn D. , Yang Angela , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Magolan Jakob , Burrows Lori L.
Published: September 2021

Exposure of the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics increases formation of biofilms. We exploited this phenotype to identify molecules with potential antimicrobial activity in a biofilm-based high-throughput screen. The anti-inflammatory compound BAY 11-7082 induced dose-dependent biofilm stimulation, indicative of antibacterial activity. We confirmed that BAY 11-7082 inhibits growth of P. aeruginosa and other priority pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We synthesized 27 structural analogues, including a series based on the related scaffold 3-(phenylsulfonyl)-2-pyrazinecarbonitrile (PSPC), 10 of which displayed increased anti-Staphylococcal activity. Because the parent molecule inhibits the NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, we measured the ability of select analogues to reduce IL-1β production in mammalian macrophages, identifying minor differences in the structure-activity relationship for the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of this scaffold. Although we could evolve stably resistant MRSA mutants with cross resistance to BAY 11-7082 and PSPC, their lack of shared mutations suggested that the two molecules could have multiple targets. Finally, we showed that BAY 11-7082 and its analogues potentiate the activity of penicillin G against MRSA, suggesting that this scaffold may serve as an interesting starting point for the development of antibiotic adjuvants.
Acceptability of Hepatitis C screening and treatment during pregnancy in pregnant women in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine
Authors: Scott Karen , Chappell Elizabeth , Mostafa Aya , Volokha Alla , Najmi Nida , Ebeid Fatma , Posokhova Svitlana , Sikandar Raheel , Vasylyev Marta , Zulfiqar Saima , Kaminskyi Viacheslav , Pett Sarah , Malyuta Ruslan , Karpus Ruslana , Ayman Yomna , Ahmed Rania H M , Hamid Saeed , El-Sayed Manal H , Gibb Diana , Judd Ali , Collins Intira Jeannie
Published: September 2021

The risk of vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is ≈6%, and there is growing evidence that maternal HCV adversely affects pregnancy and infant outcomes. However, antenatal HCV screening is not routinely provided in most settings, and direct acting antivirals (DAA) are not approved for pregnant/ breastfeeding women. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant/post-partum women in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine to assess the acceptability of universal antenatal HCV screening and DAA treatment in the scenario of DAAs being approved for use in pregnancy. Among 630 women (n=210 per country), 73% were pregnant and 27% postpartum, 27% ever HCV antibody or PCR positive. Overall, 93% of women supported HCV screening and 88% would take DAAs in pregnancy (92%, 98% and 73% in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine, respectively), mostly to prevent vertical transmission/adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DAAs in pregnancy are urgently needed.
Antidepressant and mental health care utilization in pregnant women with depression and/or anxiety: an interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Trinh Nhung TH , Nordeng Hedvig ME , Bandoli Gretchen , Eberhard-Gran Malin , Lupattelli Angela
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess mental health care utilization patterns during and after pregnancy in women with depression and/or anxiety in Norway according to antidepressant fill trajectories in pregnancy.

Method

We conducted a registry-linkage cohort study of pregnancies within women having outpatient visit for depression and/or anxiety and antidepressant fills in the six months prior to pregnancy identified from four national registries of Norway (2009-2018). Number of consultations for depression/anxiety per 100 pregnancies as proxy of mental health care utilization were modelled using interrupted time-series analysis with first month into pregnancy and first month after delivery as interruption points. We investigated the time window including six months prior to pregnancy, eight months into pregnancy and one year postpartum. Antidepressant fill trajectories in the corresponding time window were identified using longitudinal k-means trajectory modelling.

Results

The cohort included 8,460 pregnancies within 8,062 women with depression/anxiety. We observed reduced mental health care utilization when pregnant women entered the course of pregnancy (negative slopes during pregnancy for all psychiatric specialists and psychologists). The declines were observed for all antidepressant fill trajectories (i.e., discontinuers and continuers) except interrupters (i.e., discontinued then resumed treatment). We found increased mental health care utilization in the postpartum year, notably in interrupters (positive slopes in consultation rates with specialists of outpatient clinics and public-contracted psychiatrists)..

Conclusions

Pregnancy was associated with reduced mental health care utilization regardless of whether antidepressant treatment was maintained during pregnancy or not. Increases in mental health care utilization were observed in the postpartum year, especially in interrupters.

SIGNIFICANT OUTCOMES

- Pregnancy is associated with reduced mental health care utilization in pregnant women with depression and/or anxiety in Norway.

- The reduction in mental health care utilization during pregnancy was observed for all antidepressant fill trajectories, except for interrupters.

- Increased in mental health care utilization in the postpartum year was observed, especially among those who discontinued then resumed antidepressant treatment.

LIMITATIONS

- The reasons for antidepressant discontinuation, and whether that was due to symptom remission were not assessed.

- It was not possible to determine whether reduced mental health care utilization was associated with undertreatment during pregnancy.

- It was not possible to measure directly the use of psychosocial interventions and psychotherapy.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern infect the respiratory tract and induce inflammatory response in wild-type laboratory mice
Authors: Stone Shannon , Rothan Hussin A. , Natekar Janhavi P. , Kumari Pratima , Sharma Shaligram , Pathak Heather , Arora Komal , Auroni Tabassum T. , Kumar Mukesh
Published: September 2021

The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern poses a major threat to the public health due to possible enhanced virulence, transmissibility and immune escape. These variants may also adapt to new hosts in part through mutations in the spike protein. In this study, we evaluated the infectivity and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Six-week-old mice were inoculated intranasally with a representative virus from the original B.1 lineage or emerging B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 lineages. We also infected a group of mice with a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 (MA10). Viral load and mRNA levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines were analyzed in the lung tissues on day 3 after infection. Our data show that unlike the B.1 virus, the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 viruses are capable of infecting C57BL/6 mice and replicating at high concentrations in the lungs. The B.1.351 virus replicated to higher titers in the lungs compared to the B.1.1.7 and MA10 viruses. The levels of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and chemokine (CCL2) were upregulated in response to the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 infection in the lungs. Overall, these data indicate a greater potential for infectivity and adaptation to new hosts by emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Pixel calculations using Orca or GAUSSIAN for electron density automated within the Oscail package
Authors: McArdle Patrick
Published: September 2021

Many discussions of the intermolecular interactions in crystal structures concentrate almost exclusively on an analysis of hydrogen bonding. A simple analysis of atom–atom distances is all that is required to detect and analyse hydrogen bonding. However, for typical small-molecule organic crystal structures, hydrogen-bonding interactions are often responsible for less than 50% of the crystal lattice energy. It is more difficult to analyse intermolecular interactions based on van der Waals interactions. The Pixel program can calculate and partition intermolecular energies into Coulombic, polarization, dispersion and repulsion energies, and help put crystal structure discussions onto a rational basis. This Windows PC implementation of Pixel within the Oscail package requires minimal setup and can automatically use GAUSSIAN or Orca for the calculation of electron density.
The effects of strategic choices and sustainability control systems in the emergence of organizational capabilities for sustainability
Authors: Bastini Karola , Getzin Fares , Lachmann Maik
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explores the relations among corporate sustainability strategies, the intense use of sustainability control systems (SCSs) to implement these strategies and the emergence of organizational capabilities for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from a sample of 157 European firms across different industries, the authors explore differences between reactive and proactive sustainability strategies in their impact on the intense use of SCSs. The authors analyze the joint impact of a proactive sustainability strategy and an intense use of SCSs on the emergence of the organizational capabilities of sustainable market orientation, sustainable organizational learning and sustainable innovation. Furthermore, we explore the relevance of single levers of control for these capabilities.

Findings

The results show that a proactive sustainability strategy is associated with an intense use of SCSs and with the development of the three organizational capabilities. The authors provide evidence that the intensity of use of SCSs mediates the association between proactive sustainability strategy and the emergence of the three organizational capabilities. An interactive use of controls is constantly more important than a diagnostic use of controls in the emergence of the three capabilities.

Originality/value

The findings provide novel empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which corporate sustainability strategy is implemented in European organizations. The results contribute to an improved understanding of the organizational determinants underlying the development of organizational capabilities for sustainability.
Food choice behavior: a case study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Lee Sangyung , Barber Nelson
Published: September 2021

Purpose

With dining out increasing globally, policy making and research have been on menu labeling as a source for meaningful nutrition information. Yet, despite attempts to mandate menu labeling and the studies examining consumer's perception of menu nutritional information and how this perception impacts dining behavior and intention to consume, concerns for obesity and malnutrition continue to be at the forefront of public health discussions. This study attempts to comprehend consumers' nutritional goals, intention and food choice behavior, thereby suggesting how to leverage this information for change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data and a proposed and validated theoretical model, the study identified the different aspects of consumer's food choice by analyzing the relationship of consumer's perceived importance toward nutrition information, food choice and healthy daily behavior, and intention to improve health.

Findings

Consumers who perceive higher importance of nutrition information are more likely to choose healthy food when dining out and have stronger health improvement intention. The results also suggested healthy food choice and healthy daily behavior positively influenced health improvement intention.

Originality/value

Despite the previous studies on menu labeling and the numerous policy mandates, there is still concern about the food choice behavior of consumers while eating out. No serious effort exists to regulate food service providers similar to the regulation of other consumer products, whereby consumers are generally protected from harm. This study suggests through education, promotional marketing and industry partnerships, motivating and leveraging consumers' desire for healthy food choices could move food service providers and policy makers to change what information is provided.
Multi-criteria decision-making toward supplier selection: exploration of PROMETHEE II method
Authors: Agrawal Nishant
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Supplier Selection (SS) is one of the vital decisions frequently executed by numerous industries. In recent times, the number of suppliers has increased enormously depending on a wide range of criteria. A selection of suppliers is a sensitive process that may impact various supply chain activities. The purpose of this research is to explore an underutilized technique called PROMETHEE II method for SS.

Design/methodology/approach

Various tools and techniques are available under multi-criteria decision-making tools, which sometimes creates confusion in researchers' minds regarding reliability. PROMETHEE II was the most prominent method for ranking all available alternatives that ultimately avoid decision-making errors. To execute this equal and unequal weights approach has been used with three case studies.

Findings

In this research, three case studies have been used and soved with the help of the PROMETHEE II approach. The study also provides fundamental insights into the supplier's ranking on different criteria using sensitivity analysis. Further, criteria were divided as per benefits and non-beneficial to get a robust result. The pros and cons of PROMETHEE II approaches are also highlighted compared to other MCDM tools in this study.

Originality/value

Most of the SS research uses either AHP or TOPSIS as per existing literature. There are very few attempts highlighted in the literature that use PROMETHEE II for the SS problem with sensitivity analysis. The proposed method is probable to motivate decision-makers to consider using a more sophisticated method like PROMETHEE II in supplier evaluation processes. This study opens a new direction for the ranking of suppliers in the field of the supply chain. The study also bears significant practical as well as managerial implications.
A network analysis of cross-occupational skill transferability for the hospitality industry
Authors: Huang Arthur Yan , Fisher Tyler , Ding Huiling , Guo Zhishan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine transferable skills and viable career transition pathways for hospitality and tourism workers. Future career prospects are discussed, along with the importance of reskilling for low-wage hospitality workers.

Design/methodology/approach

A network analysis is conducted to model skill relationships between the hospitality industry and other industries such as health-care and information technology. Multiple data are used in the analysis, including data from the US Department of Labor Occupational Information Network (O*NET), wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and job computerization data (Frey and Osborne, 2017).

Findings

Although hospitality workers have lower than average skills scores when compared to workers from other career clusters included in the analysis, they possess essential soft skills that are valuable in other industries. Therefore, improving hospitality workers’ existing soft skills may help them enhance their cross-sector mobility, which may allow them to obtain jobs with a lower likelihood of computerization.

Practical implications

The findings shed light on workforce development theories and practice in the hospitality industry by quantitatively analyzing cross-sector skill correlations. Sharpening transferable soft skills will be essential to enhancing hospitality workers’ career development opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that specifically examines the skill taxonomy for the hospitality industry and identifies its connection with other in-demand career clusters.
Enhancing sustainable supply chain management performance through alliance portfolio diversity: the mediating effect of sustainability collaboration
Authors: Le Angelina Nhat Hanh , Nguyen Tessa Tien , Cheng Julian Ming-Sung
Published: September 2021

Purpose

While strategic alliances is a concept increasingly discussed in the field of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), an emerging and more crucial concept regarding alliances—namely, the alliance portfolio—is mostly ignored in the SSCM context. Mainly drawing on the categorisation–elaboration model (CEM), this research develops a three-layer model to explore the effects of three alliance portfolio diversity facets on the three triple-bottom-line SSCM performances through the mediation of sustainability collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The field data are collected from 321 Vietnamese manufacturers. Scale accuracy is assessed through the confirmatory factor analysis method. Hierarchical linear regressions are applied to test the proposed model and hypotheses.

Findings

Partner, governance, and functional alliance portfolio diversities have a U-shaped, inverted U-shaped, and positive linear effect, respectively, on sustainability collaboration. Sustainability collaboration is in turn found to enhance the SSCM performances in terms of economic, environmental, and social.

Originality/value

This research introduced a new theoretical lens, CEM, to the SSCM field. It also provided findings that can help firms to manage their alliance portfolios more dynamically in terms of the nature and diversity level of the portfolio and in a way that adds to the triple bottom line through the mediating effect of sustainability collaboration.
Leveraging grounded theory in supply chain research: A researcher and reviewer guide
Authors: Mello John Edmund , Manuj Ila , Flint Daniel John
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify and explain most frequently misunderstood steps in the use of grounded theory (GT) as a methodology and provide guidance on proper execution of these elements.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides meaningful guidance to both reviewers and authors interested in applying GT. This research is expected to advance the pursuit of formal theory development.

Findings

There are four most frequently misunderstood steps in the use of GT as a methodology. These are related to the use of literature, theoretical sampling, core category and formal theory development. Proper execution of these elements is important for convincing reviewers and readers that the findings of the research are meaningful and trustworthy.

Originality/value

This paper should be of significant value to researchers who are interested in GT as a methodology. It adds to the few journal articles that address the proper ways to conduct GT.
Are retailers leveraging in-store analytics? An exploratory study
Authors: Lorente-Martínez Javier , Navío-Marco Julio , Rodrigo-Moya Beatriz
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the level of adoption of in-store analytics by brick-and-mortar retailers. Web analytics technology has been widely adopted by online retailers, and the technology to gather similar information in physical stores is already available. This study explores how such technology is valued and adopted by retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on interviews and a focus group of 21 retail executives using a semi-structured interview methodology. An in-store analytics service was defined, along with specific key performance indicators (KPIs) and use cases to structure respondents' feedback.

Findings

Although noteworthy differences have been found in the value of KPIs and use cases by type of business, the main finding is that none of the respondents reached the stage of a brick-and-mortar data-driven company. In-store analytics services are in the early stages of Rogers' (1983) model of diffusion of innovations. Three main reasons are presented: lack of technology knowledge, budget priority and a data culture inside the companies.

Practical implications

The results should encourage scholars to further investigate the drivers accelerating the adoption of these technologies. Practitioners and solution providers should strive for improvement in the simplicity of their solutions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse the level of adoption of in-store analytics from the perspective of retailers.
Strategizing family business with a Chandlerian perspective on 3Ms: a case study of London Biscuits Berhad in Malaysia
Authors: Kean Yew John Lee , Xavier Jesrina Ann
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore and explain following a generational change, the latter generation in Chinese family firm is seen to apply different innovation strategies to thrive in a competitive environment. The Chandlerian perspective on management, marketing and manufacturing techniques (3Ms), derived from American business historian, Alfred Chandler has shown conclusively that one of a small yet established enterprises in Malaysia, London Biscuits Berhad (LBB) was able to capture a larger market by focusing on strategy and structure. This case study analytically and empirically describes the insights surrounding enterprise development among family small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the longitudinal way to compare the development of family business through time, the historical profiles that were obtained from Malaysia’s companies commission house (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) shows how organizational characteristic is often formulated by capitalizing tacit knowledge as a controlled input in the production process while promoting organization capabilities, as generations change. Secondly, findings from the interviews will show how the latter generation of this family firm innovates and adds value in product manufacturing by upgrading its quality, using resources and revitalizing the stages of business cycle.

Findings

Findings show that enterprise development is influenced by objective setting during generational change. As time goes by, the next generations have a tendency of minimizing risk and maintaining harmony in the family enterprise. The next generation starts to recruit and retain professional staff while contributing innovative ideas toward the enterprise development, in comparison to the founding generation. The findings also show that diversification activities (manufacturing), improvement in domestic and international networking (marketing) and professional management adoption (management) can clearly be seen in the development of LBB.

Practical implications

This case study traces how organizational and administrative characteristics of a firm are crucial if the enterprise is to capitalize on tacit knowledge and commercialize it through product development. It also clearly indicates that family enterprises may last several generations if the Chandlerian perspective on 3Ms is successfully transferred and practiced among family members.

Originality/value

The selected case study focuses on the Chandlerian concept, which is the contribution of organization capabilities that foster strategic competition. This is done by investigating a successful enterprise run by a prominent Chinese family in Malaysia, which has gone through generational change. This paper proves that strategizing a family enterprise through the Chandlerian concept of 3Ms can transform a small business into a large and successful multinational enterprise.
Nurse-led long-term support groups for Latina women survivors of intimate partner violence
Authors: Montalvo-Liendo Nora , Page Robin , Chilton Jenifer , Nava Angeles
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a Nurse-led Long-term Support Group (NLLTSG) as an intervention for Latina women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as to discuss a process for facilitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Yalom’s (2005) group therapy principles guided the creation of the NLLTSGs. According to Yolam, interaction with others and sharing stories reinforces connections within group members and leads to interpersonal learning (Yalom, 2005).

Findings

Latina women survivors of IPV do not have adequate support post IPV relationships. In this case study, the authors describe the process for developing and facilitating a NLLTSG for Latina women survivors.

Research limitations/implications

The case study intervention only included Latina women living in the US Texas–Mexico border. Questions remain regarding the effectiveness of LTNLSGs with women from other cultures and geographic regions.

Practical implications

Nurses, nurse practitioners and other professionals can partner with community service agencies to offer this vital intervention to support and empower Latina women survivors and their families. Implications for future research include theory development and quantitative studies to measure empowerment and healing in Latina women survivors of IPV. The intervention and process should expand to include women of other cultures and geographic region.

Social implications

The case study established a NLLTSG as an effective intervention for initiating and maintaining a NLLTSG with Latina women survivors of IPV as well. NLLTSGs seem to be an essential intervention for recovery in this vulnerable population.

Originality/value

The content of this paper describes an innovative, culturally sensitive, practitioner-engaged response to intimate partner violence in Latina women survivors.