bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The negative symptoms of schizophrenia: lessons from a precision nomothetic psychiatry approach
Authors: Maes Michael
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to explain how to use the precision nomothetic approach to analyze the interconnections between the negative symptoms, cognitive dysfunctions and biomarkers of schizophrenia. We review our data obtained in different study groups of patients with (deficit) schizophrenia and show, using examples extracted from these studies, how Partial Least Squares (PLS) path analysis should be used to examine these complex associations. PLS path analysis combines factor and multiple regression analysis in mediated models. We show that a single latent trait can be extracted from negative symptom domains and psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, formal thought disorders and psychomotor retardation (PHEMFP). Both the negative and PHEMFP concepts miss discriminant validity whilst a common latent construct may be extracted from the 6 negative and 6 PHEMFP subdomains, dubbed overall severity of schizophrenia (OSOS). A common latent factor may be extracted from neurocognitive test scores including executive functions, and semantic and episodic memory dubbed the general cognitive decline (G-CoDe) index. PLS analysis shows that the effects of neuroimmunotoxic pathways on OSOS are partly mediated by the G-CoDe and indicate that those pathways have also direct effects on OSOS. We explain that the intercorrelations between those features should be assessed in an unrestricted study group combining patients and controls. Moreover, further bifactorial factor analysis with the restricted schizophrenia group may disclose illness-specific covariations among the features. Machine learning discovered a new schizophrenia phenotype characterized by increased severity of AOPs, G-CoDe, and OSOS, dubbed “major neurocognitive psychosis”.
Activation of ChvG-ChvI regulon by cell wall stress confers resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and initiates surface spreading inAgrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Williams Michelle A. , Bouchier Jacob M. , Mason Amara K. , Brown Pamela J.B.
Published: May 2022

A core component of nearly all bacteria, the cell wall is an ideal target for broad spectrum antibiotics. Many bacteria have evolved strategies to sense and respond to antibiotics targeting cell wall synthesis, especially in the soil where antibiotic-producing bacteria compete with one another. Here we show that cell wall stress caused by both chemical and genetic inhibition of the essential, bifunctional penicillin-binding protein PBP1a prevents microcolony formation and activates the canonical host-invasion two-component system ChvG-ChvI inAgrobacterium tumefaciens. Using RNA-seq, we show that depletion of PBP1a for 6 hours results in a downregulation in transcription of flagellum-dependent motility genes and an upregulation in transcription of type VI secretion and succinoglycan biosynthesis genes, a hallmark of the ChvG-ChvI regulon. Depletion of PBP1a for 16 hours, results in differential expression of many additional genes and may promote a general stress response. Remarkably, the overproduction of succinoglycan causes cell spreading and deletion of the succinoglycan biosynthesis geneexoArestores microcolony formation. Treatment with cefsulodin phenocopies depletion of PBP1a and we correspondingly find thatchvGandchvImutants are hypersensitive to cefsulodin. This hypersensitivity only occurs in response to treatment with β-lactam antibiotics and moenomycin, suggesting that the ChvG-ChvI pathway may play a key role in resistance to antibiotics targeting cell wall synthesis. Finally, we provide evidence that ChvG-ChvI likely has a conserved role in conferring resistance to cell wall stress within the Alphaproteobacteria.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Soil dwelling bacteria reside in changing environments requiring them to frequently adapt to stressful conditions to ensure survival. The bacterial envelope provides structural integrity and protection against osmotic stress and turgor pressure imposed by the environment. While the mechanisms of cell membrane and cell wall biogenesis have been extensively studied, our understanding of how diverse microbes respond to cell envelope and cell wall stress to increase their fitness remains limited. In this work, we identify ChvG-ChvI regulon as an envelope stress response system that confers protection under cell wall stress conditions in the bacterial plant pathogenAgrobacterium tumefaciens. This is a new function for the well-characterized ChvG-ChvI pathway which is also acid induced and promotes plant host invasion. Our results suggest that the ChvG-ChvI pathway has a broadly conserved role in protecting Alphaproteobacterial cells from extracellular stress and a more specific role in response to acid stress and promoting plant-microbe interactions.
Gut feelings: Associations of emotions and emotion regulation with the gut microbiome in women
Authors: Ke Shanlin , Guimond Anne-Josee , Tworoger Shelley S. , Huang Tianyi , Chan Andrew T. , Liu Yang-Yu , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: May 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that positive and negative emotions, as well as emotion regulation processes, influence the onset and the progression of multiple human diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms connecting these emotion-related factors with physical health are not fully understood. Recent work linking the gut microbiome with both mental and physical health suggests it may be a potential pathway. Yet, its association with emotions and emotion regulation are understudied. In this study, we examined whether positive and negative emotions, as well as two emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and suppression), were associated with the diversity, overall structure, and specific species/pathways of the gut microbiome in 206 healthy women. We found that the alpha diversity was negatively associated with suppression. Moreover, using multivariate analysis, we found that positive emotions were inversely associated with the relative abundance of Firmicutes bacterium CAG 94 and Ruminococcaceae bacterium D16, while negative emotions were directly related to relative abundance of these same species. Moreover, we found associations of emotions and emotion regulation with microbial metabolic pathways. For example, negative emotions were inversely related to biosynthesis of pantothenate, coenzyme A, and adenosine. Taken together, our findings offer human evidence supporting linkages of emotions and related regulatory processes with the gut microbiome. These findings highlight the critical importance of incorporating the human gut microbiome in our understanding of emotion-related factors and their associations with physical health.
Peptide and protein alphavirus antigens for broad spectrum vaccine design
Authors: Schein Catherine H. , Rafael Grace , Baker Wendy S. , Anaya Elizabeth S. , Schmidt Jurgen G. , Weaver Scott C. , Negi Surendra , Braun Werner
Published: May 2022

Vaccines based on proteins and peptides may be safer and more broad-spectrum than other approaches Physicochemical property consensus (PCPcon) alphavirus antigens from the B-domain of the E2 envelope protein were designed and synthesized recombinantly. Those based on individual species (eastern or Venezuelan equine encephalitis (EEEVcon, VEEVcon), or chikungunya (CHIKVcon) viruses generated species-specific antibodies. Peptides designed to surface exposed areas of the E2-A-domain were added to the inocula to provide neutralizing antibodies against CHIKV. EVCcon, based on the three different alphavirus species, combined with E2-A-domain peptides from AllAV, a PCPcon of 24 diverse alphavirus, generated broad spectrum antibodies. The abs in the sera bound and neutralized diverse alphaviruses with less than 35% amino acid identity to each other. These included VEEV and its relative Mucambo virus, EEEV and the related Madariaga virus, and CHIKV strain 181/25. Further understanding of the role of coordinated mutations in the envelope proteins may yield a single, protein and peptide vaccine against all alphaviruses.
CRISPR base editing of cis-regulatory elements enables target gene perturbations
Authors: Lim Colin K.W. , McCallister Tristan X. , Saporito-Magriña Christian , McPheron Garrett D. , Krishnan Ramya , Zeballos C M. Alejandra , Powell Jackson E. , Clark Lindsay V. , Perez-Pinera Pablo , Gaj Thomas
Published: May 2022

CRISPR technology has demonstrated broad utility for controlling target gene expression; however, there remains a need for strategies capable of modulating expression via the precise editing of non-coding regulatory elements. Here we demonstrate that CRISPR base editors, a class of gene-modifying proteins capable of creating single-base substitutions in DNA, can be used to perturb gene expression via their targeted mutagenesis of cis-acting sequences. Using the promoter region of the human huntingtin (HTT) gene as an initial target, we show that editing of the binding site for the transcription factor NF-κB led to a marked reduction in HTT gene expression in base-edited cell populations. We found that these gene perturbations were persistent and specific, as a transcriptome-wide RNA analysis revealed minimal off-target effects resulting from the action of the base editor protein. We further demonstrate that this base-editing platform could influence gene expression in vivo as its delivery to a mouse model of Huntington’s disease led to a potent decrease in HTT mRNA in striatal neurons. Finally, to illustrate the applicability of this concept, we target the amyloid precursor protein, showing that multiplex editing of its promoter region significantly perturbed its expression. These findings demonstrate the potential for base editors to regulate target gene expression.
ZNF692 organizes a hub for ribosome maturation enhancing translation in rapidly proliferating cells
Authors: Lafita-Navarro M.Carmen , Hao Yi-Heng , Jiang Chunhui , Brown Isabella N. , Jang Seoyeon , Venkateswaran Niranjan , Maurais Elizabeth , Stachera Weronika , Chang Tsung-Cheng , Mundy Dorothy , Han Jungsoo , Tran Vanna M. , Mettlen Marcel , Woodruff Jeffrey B. , Mendell Joshua T. , Grishin Nick V , Kinch Lisa , Buszczak Michael , Conacci-Sorrell Maralice
Published: May 2022

Rapidly proliferating cells produce more ribosomes to translate sufficient proteins for cell growth. One of the first and rate limiting steps in translation initiation is the interaction of the small ribosomal subunit with mRNAs. Therefore, effective small ribosomal subunit biogenesis is critical for translation initiation efficiency. Here we report the identification of the zinc finger protein 692 (ZNF692), a MYC-induced nucleolar scaffold that coordinates the final steps in the biogenesis of the small 40S ribosome. ZNF692 forms a complex with rRNA, the 90S processome and the nucleolar exosome in the granular component of the nucleolus creating a hub specialized in the final steps of 18S processing and small ribosomal subunit maturation. Cancer cells are more reliant on ZNF692 for increased translation than normal cells. We propose that MYC increases translation efficiency by promoting the expression of ZNF692, adjusting the translation rate to the increase in mRNA transcription induced by MYC.
Semiconductive 2D arrays of pancake-bonded oligomers of partially charged TCNQ radicals
Authors: Molčanov Krešimir , Milašinović Valentina , Kojić-Prodić Biserka , Maltar-Strmečki Nadica , You Jiangyang , Šantić Ana , Kanižaj Lidija , Stilinović Vladimir , Fotović Luka
Published: May 2022

Multicentre two-electron (mc/2e or `pancake bonding') bonding between 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) radical anions was studied on its 14 novel salts with planar organic cations. The formal charges of the TCNQδ− moieties are −1/2 and −2/3, and they form mc/2e bonded dimers, trimers and tetramers which are further stacked into extended arrays. Multicentre bonding within these oligomers is characterized by short interplanar separations of 2.9–3.2 Å; distances between the oligomers are larger, typically >3.3 Å. The stacks are laterally connected by C—H...N hydrogen bonding, forming 2D arrays. The nature of mc/2e bonding is characterized by structural, magnetic and electrical data. The compounds are found to be semiconductors, and high conductivity [10−2 (Ω cm)−1] correlates with short interplanar distances between pancake-bonded oligomers.
Preliminary observations of the interplay of radiation damage with spin crossover
Authors: Chernyshov Dmitry , Dyadkin Vadim , Törnroos Karl Wilhelm
Published: May 2022

Intense synchrotron radiation makes time-resolved structural experiments with increasingly finer time sampling possible. On the other hand, radiation heating, radiation-induced volume change and structural disorder become more frequent. Temperature, volume change and disorder are known to be coupled with equilibrium in molecular spin complexes, balancing between two or more spin state configurations. Combining single-crystal diffraction and synchrotron radiation it is illustrated how the radiation damage and associated effects can affect the spin crossover process and may serve as yet another tool to further manipulate the spin crossover properties.
Crystal structure of thermally stable homodimeric cytochrome c′-β from Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Yoshimi Taisuke , Fujii Sotaro , Oki Hiroya , Igawa Takeshi , Adams Hannah R. , Ueda Kengo , Kawahara Kazuki , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Hough Michael A. , Sambongi Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Cytochrome c′-β is a heme protein that belongs to the cytochrome P460 family and consists of homodimeric subunits with a predominantly antiparallel β-sheet fold. Here, the crystal structure of cytochrome c′-β from the thermophilic Thermus thermophilus (TTCP-β) is reported at 1.74 Å resolution. TTCP-β has a typical antiparallel β-sheet fold similar to that of cytochrome c′-β from the moderately thermophilic Methylococcus capsulatus (MCCP-β). The phenylalanine cap structure around the distal side of the heme is also similar in TTCP-β and MCCP-β, indicating that both proteins similarly bind nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, as observed spectroscopically. Notably, TTCP-β exhibits a denaturation temperature of 117°C, which is higher than that of MCCP-β. Mutational analysis reveals that the increased homodimeric interface area of TTCP-β contributes to its high thermal stability. Furthermore, 14 proline residues, which are mostly located in the TTCP-β loop regions, possibly contribute to the rigid loop structure compared with MCCP-β, which has only six proline residues. These findings, together with those from phylogenetic analysis, suggest that the structures of Thermus cytochromes c′-β, including TTCP-β, are optimized for function under the high-temperature conditions in which the source organisms live.
Preliminary XFEL data from spontaneously grown endo-1,4-β-xylanase crystals from Hypocrea virens
Authors: Nam Ki Hyun , Park Sehan , Park Jaehyun
Published: May 2022

The enzymatic degradation of semi-cellulosic substrates has recently received immense attention. The enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase is essential for the complete digestion of complex and heterogeneous hemicellulose. Here, the purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) diffraction analysis of endo-1,4-β-xylanase from the fungus Hypocrea virens (HviGH11) are reported. Codon-optimized HviGH11 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and spontaneously crystallized after His-tag purification and concentration. Preliminary XFEL diffraction data were collected at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory XFEL (PAL-XFEL). A total of 1021 images containing Bragg peaks were obtained and indexed. The HviGH11 crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 43.80, b = 51.90, c = 94.90 Å. Using 956 diffraction patterns, the phasing problem was solved and an initial model structure of HviGH11 was obtained.
In situ crystal data-collection and ligand-screening system at SPring-8
Authors: Okumura Hideo , Sakai Naoki , Murakami Hironori , Mizuno Nobuhiro , Nakamura Yuki , Ueno Go , Masunaga Takuya , Kawamura Takashi , Baba Seiki , Hasegawa Kazuya , Yamamoto Masaki , Kumasaka Takashi
Published: May 2022

In situ diffraction data collection using crystallization plates has been utilized for macromolecules to evaluate crystal quality without requiring additional sample treatment such as cryocooling. Although it is difficult to collect complete data sets using this technique due to the mechanical limitation of crystal rotation, recent advances in methods for data collection from multiple crystals have overcome this issue. At SPring-8, an in situ diffraction measurement system was constructed consisting of a goniometer for a plate, an articulated robot and plate storage. Using this system, complete data sets were obtained utilizing the small-wedge measurement method. Combining this system with an acoustic liquid handler to prepare protein–ligand complex crystals by applying fragment compounds to trypsin crystals for in situ soaking, binding was confirmed for seven out of eight compounds. These results show that the system functioned properly to collect complete data for structural analysis and to expand the capability for ligand screening in combination with a liquid dispenser.
Profit- and loss-sharing partnership: the case of the two-tier mudharaba in Islamic banking
Authors: Ben Amar Amine , O. El Alaoui AbdelKader
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the profit-sharing structure at equilibrium of the two-tier mudharaba contract in a pure Islamic banking system and then in a dual banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to better understand the profit-sharing structure at the equilibrium of the two-tier mudharaba. It first assumes a purely Islamic banking system and then introduces a risk-free asset to simulate trade-off opportunities in a dual banking system.

Findings

First, by using a model inspired from a neoclassical framework and assuming that the Islamic banks are the only channel for financing the economy, the results suggest that the profit-sharing structure built up by the three parties, the bank, the depositor and the entrepreneur, at the time of signing the Mudharaba contract has to be drawn up in the way that, at the ex post, the remuneration of each necessary production factor, capital and labor, should equal its marginal productivity. Second, the authors relax the hypothesis of a purely Islamic financial system and introduced a risk-free asset in favor of the depositor. Thereby, the authors are able to apprehend the financial balance of the two-tier mudharaba contract by simulating the trade-offs that can occur in a dual banking system. The findings suggest that the profit-sharing structure is not the same whether we are at the level of bank assets (bank–entrepreneur relationship) or liabilities (bank–depositor relationship). For the asset side, an increase (respectively decrease) in the expected profit of the mudharaba implies a decrease (respectively increase) in the share of the bank, whereas an increase (respectively decrease) in the return of the risk-free asset and/or the risk underlying the project implies an increase (respectively decrease) of the bank’s share in the expected profit.

Originality/value

Theoretical work that has studied the determinants of the ratio of profit sharing between capitalists and entrepreneurs in the context of mudharaba has omitted that this contract should be assessed at both asset and liability sides of the bank. To overcome this theoretical gap, this paper aims to better understand the structure of profit sharing at the equilibrium of the two-tier mudharaba, while taking into account the contractual specificities between the different stakeholders.
Account(share)ability through social media during the COVID-19 emergency: the case of universities
Authors: Masiero Eleonora , Leoni Giulia , Bagnoli Carlo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at exploring how and to what extent universities enlisted Facebook, a social media platform, in the discharging and shaping of their accountability during the COVID-19 emergency.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the literature on accountability in the virtual world and crises, a netnographic analysis of the Facebook postings by a sample of Italian universities is performed to identify and interpret the accountability discharged via social media platforms by universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Universities used social media in a range of modes, from conveying simple instructions to rendering traditional accountability for their conduct during the crisis. However, in various Facebook postings, they give voice to various stakeholders’ thoughts and experiences, thereby completely reversing the traditional accountability relationship and making the various stakeholders feel included in the university community.

Practical implications

Social media can constitute a useful tool for organizations willing to deploy different modes of accountabilities, according to what is required by the specific situation. In the authors’ case, social media provided a forum for account-sharing during a critical situation that was common to both the account giver and the recipient.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the use of social media by universities for accountability purposes and to reveal their possibilities in supporting more ethical forms of accountability.
The potential of alternative investments as an asset class: a thematic and bibliometric review
Authors: Mundi Hardeep Singh , Kumar Deepak
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review, systematize and integrate existing research on alternative investments. This study conducts performance analysis comprising production timeline, country-wise contributions, analysis of sources, affiliations, the geography of authors and citations of studies on alternative investments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a thematic and bibliometric analysis methodology on 570 papers identified from mainstream literature on alternative investments. This study provides an analysis of science mapping, including co-citation analysis, bibliometric coupling, word analysis and trending topics on alternative investments. In addition, the study presents thematic analysis by classifying existing studies into nine themes.

Findings

Alternative investments provide diversification benefits and play a critical role in portfolio construction, and the research on alternative investments has gained momentum in recent times. This study finds that hedge funds, private equity, artwork, collectibles, commodities, fine wine and venture capital have remained prominent themes in the field. Investments in cryptocurrencies are an emerging area in the research on alternative investments.

Research limitations/implications

This study limits itself to the papers published in the area of finance and economics listed on the Scopus database.

Originality/value

This study provides quantitative bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis of the extant literature on alternative investments and identifies the areas that could be developed to advance research on alternative investments.
The distribution of nafs in modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic: a corpus-based study
Authors: Mejri Amani
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This corpus-based study provides a descriptive account of the distribution of the polysemous noun nafs in two Arabic varieties, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Classical Arabic (CA). The research objective is to survey the use of nafs as a reflexive marker in local binding domains and as a self-intensifier in NP-adjoined positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The consulted corpora are Timespamped JSI Web corpus for MSA and Quran corpus for CA. While attending to corpora size differences, MSA and CA exhibit a pattern of difference and similarity in nafs diffusion.

Findings

In the modern variety, nafs is pervasively used as reflexive marker in canonical binding domains, along with a less frequent, yet notable, intensifier user, and these uses are partially and cautiously attributed to the specific genre in which they occur. In CA, nafs is mainly recurrent as a polysemous noun, along with extensive use as a reflexive marker in local binding settings. As an intensifier, nafs is totally non-existent in the CA corpus, in the same way as it is in absentia in VP-constituent extraction in MSA.

Originality/value

Examining whether nafs, as a reflexive marker, deviates from canonical binding in Arabic the way English reflexive pronouns do. Building a general account of this distribution is relevant in understanding the explicit (syntactic) and implicit (discourse-based) dimensions of reflexive marker and self-intensifier processing and interpretation in Arabic as a first and second language.
Risk of tuberculosis infection and serial changes in interferon‐gamma release assays in elderly patients with psoriasis receiving biologic therapy
Authors: Koo Taehan , Baek Gayun , Jue Mihn‐Sook
Published: May 2022

Elderly patients constitute a significant proportion of patients with psoriasis. Nonetheless, treatment for older patients is more challenging than that for younger ones. Biologic agents are preferable to other systemic drugs for elderly patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis owing to their high efficacy and favorable tolerability. However, there are limited data on tuberculosis infection risk in elderly patients with psoriasis receiving biologic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection, assess the serial interferon‐gamma release assay results, and evaluate treatment compliance and adverse effects of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in elderly patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy. In this single‐center retrospective study, medical charts of elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) with psoriasis who were treated with a biologic agent (guselkumab, adalimumab, secukinumab, or ustekinumab) between January 2015 and December 2020 were reviewed. We analyzed the results of chest X‐rays and those of whole‐blood interferon‐gamma release assays performed for latent tuberculosis infection screening at baseline (IGRA0) and subsequently at follow‐up after initiating biologic therapy (IGRA1). In total, 90 patients underwent IGRA0; 46 (51.11%) of them had latent tuberculosis infection before starting biologic therapy. Overall, four and two patients experienced seroconversion and active tuberculosis during biologic therapy, respectively. The interferon‐gamma release assay reversion rate was 29.1%, and the interferon‐gamma level significantly decreased in all patients after latent tuberculosis infection treatment (p = 0.004). Latent tuberculosis infection treatment was well tolerated in elderly patients (completion rate, 100%). The risk of latent tuberculosis infection in elderly patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy was comparable to that previously reported for all age groups. However, the active tuberculosis rate was relatively higher.
Algorithms identifying low‐acuity emergency department visits: A review and validation study
Authors: Chen Angela T. , Muralidharan Madhavi , Friedman Ari B.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To characterize and validate the landscape of algorithms that use International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes to identify low‐acuity emergency department (ED) visits.

Data Sources

Publicly available ED data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS).

Study Design

We systematically searched for studies that specify algorithms consisting of ICD codes that identify preventable or low‐acuity ED visits. We classified ED visits in NHAMCS according to these algorithms and compared agreements using the Jaccard index. We then evaluated the performance of each algorithm using positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity, with the reference group specified using low‐acuity composite (LAC) criteria consisting of both triage and clinical components. In sensitivity analyses, we repeated our primary analysis using only triage or only clinical criteria for reference.

Data Collection

We used the 2011–2017 NHAMCS data, totaling 163,576 observations before survey weighting and after dropping observations missing a primary diagnosis. We translated ICD‐9 codes (years 2011–2015) to ICD‐10 using a standard crosswalk.

Principal Findings

We identified 15 papers with an original list of ICD codes used to identify preventable or low‐acuity ED presentations. These papers were published between 1992 and 2020, cited an average of 310 (SD 360) times, and included 968 (SD 1175) codes. Pairwise Jaccard similarity indices (0 = no overlap, 1 = perfect congruence) ranged from 0.01 to 0.82, with mean 0.20 (SD 0.13). When validated against the LAC reference group, the algorithms had an average PPV of 0.308 (95% CI [0.253, 0.364]) and sensitivity of 0.183 (95% CI [0.111, 0.256]). Overall, 2.1% of visits identified as low acuity by the algorithms died prehospital or in the ED, or needed surgery, critical care, or cardiac catheterization.

Conclusions

Existing algorithms that identify low‐acuity ED visits lack congruence and are imperfect predictors of visit acuity.
Best of ARM: Evaluating engagement in multisector community health networks: The case of tribal organizations
Authors: Owsley Kelsey M. , Bauer Kyla L. , Mays Glen P.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To quantify variation in public health system engagement with tribal organizations across a national sample of communities and to identify predictors of engagement.

Data Sources

We used 2018 National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems data, a nationally representative cohort of the US public health systems.

Study Design

Social network analysis measures were computed to indicate the extent of tribal organization participation in public health networks and to understand the sectors and social services that engage with tribal organizations in public health activities. Two‐part regression models estimated predictors of tribal engagement.

Data Collection

A stratified random sample of local public health agencies was surveyed, yielding 574 respondents. An additional cohort of oversampled respondents was also surveyed to include jurisdictions from the entire state upon the request of their respective state health departments (n = 154). Analyses were restricted to jurisdictions with a nearby American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) serving health facility, yielding a final sample size of 258 local public health systems.

Principal Findings

When an AI/AN serving health facility was present in the region, tribal organizations participated in 28% of public health networks and 9% of implemented public health activities. Networks with tribal engagement were more comprehensive in terms of the breadth of sectors and social services participating in the network and the scope of public health activities implemented relative to networks without tribal engagement. The likelihood of tribal engagement increased significantly with the size of the AI/AN population, the presence of a tribal facility with Indian Health Service funding in the region, and geographic proximity to reservation land (p < 0.10).

Conclusions

The vast majority of public health networks do not report engagement with tribal organizations. Even when AI/AN serving health facilities are present, reported engagement of tribal organizations remains low.
Pleural decompression procedural safety for traumatic pneumothorax and haemothorax: Kelly clamps versus fine artery forceps
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark , Allen Thomas , Bai Shifeng , Mitra Biswadev , Chiu Wing , Helsloot Dries , Groombridge Chris , Mathew Joseph , Kim Yesul
Published: May 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to determine the difference in force required to puncture simulated pleura comparing Kelly clamps to fine artery forceps. The treatment of symptomatic traumatic pneumothorax and haemothorax involves puncture of the parietal pleura to allow decompression. This is usually performed using Kelly clamps or fine artery forceps. Over‐puncture pulmonary injury risk increases with the force used.

Methods

An experienced single operator performed puncturing of simulated parietal pleura on a thoracic mannequin while wearing a force sensor under gloves. The force imparted at the device tip onto the parietal pleura was estimated by subtracting the force required to hold the device from the total force. Outcome variables were the total maximum force and force imparted by the device.

Results

There were 11 simulated procedures completed, seven using Kelly clamps and four using fine artery forceps. After subtracting the force required to hold the chosen forceps, the median value of pleural puncture force using Kelly clamps was 52.91 N (IQR 36.68–63.56) and 10.70 N (IQR 7.64–26.56) using fine artery forceps (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

A significantly increased force was required to puncture simulated parietal pleura using Kelly clamps compared to fine artery forceps. This higher puncture force will be associated with increased instrument acceleration at the time of pleural puncture, which may result in an increased risk of injury to the underlying lung. Based on these data, clinicians may reduce the risk of pulmonary injury by using fine artery forceps rather than Kelly clamps when performing pleural decompression.
Between market and mayor: talent management in Chinese private firms and the role of local governments
Authors: Zhao Chenhui , Cooke Fang Lee , Chen Lanlan , Xiao Qijie
Published: May 2022

There is now a substantial body of literature on talent management (TM). However, this relatively young field of research has been primarily segmented into macro‐, meso‐ and, mostly, micro‐level studies with little cross‐level interrogation. Our case study, involving 42 interviews and four focus groups with local government leaders, company managers and talent, contributes to the conceptualization of the role of local governments as important stakeholders in the process of developing a TM system in leading private firms in China to help achieve regional economic development goals. We develop a three‐level analytical framework to map out how the local government legitimizes its power and mobilizes resources to shape the TM system of the two leading private firms in our study. By assessing the role of the local government in the construction of the talent network and TM strategy, policy and practice at firm level, we reveal how the network is shaped by the state as the lead actor through a set of strategic interventions to align and achieve government and business goals through a government‐business relations perspective.
High‐performance human resource practices and employee well‐being: the role of networking and proactive personality
Authors: Zhao Zejun , Yu Kun , Liu Chang , Yan Yidan
Published: May 2022

Drawing on the social capital theory, the present study examined the relationship between high‐performance human resource practices (HPHRP) and individual well‐being, as well as its mechanism and boundary conditions in China. With a sample of 4,395 employees from 437 companies, the results of hierarchical linear modeling revealed that employee networking mediated the relationship between HPHRP and well‐being. Moreover, the positive effect of networking on well‐being was enhanced under high levels of proactive personality. By exploring the relationship between HPHRP and well‐being through a networking perspective and incorporating individual factors into the research model, the present study provides a clearer picture of when and how HPHRP works in the Chinese context. Implications for the literature and managerial practices were discussed.
Motivating Corporate Sustainability Research in Management Accounting Through the Lens of Paradox Theory*
Authors: Pencle Nadra
Published: May 2022

Organizational leaders identify corporate sustainability as a complicated and urgent business imperative that their organizations face. The management accountant's role is to help develop accounting systems to measure and report corporate sustainability, yet several factors contribute to the contemporary management accountant's challenges in satisfying stakeholder demands to integrate sustainability into their practices and operations. Like sustainability, the tenets of paradox theory revolve around salient interdependent tensions with contradictions that persist across time. Therefore, I propose paradox theory as an alternative to the business case framing that currently dominates sustainability decision‐making. In this paper, I synthesize the existing literature at the intersection of management accounting, corporate sustainability, and paradox theory. My research also unearths a new paradox, one currently absent from the literature: the corporate sustainability temporal paradox. Finally, I offer a set of theory‐based research questions geared toward moving beyond business case thinking in accounting corporate sustainability research.
Dissipation of seabird‐derived nutrients in a terrestrial insular trophic web
Authors: Gaiotto Juliana Vallim , Nunes Guilherme Tavares , Bugoni Leandro
Published: May 2022

Highly mobile organisms can transport nutrients and energy among distinct ecosystems, such as between oceanic foraging areas and terrestrial breeding sites. Seabirds are great nutrient carriers and potentially play a key role in the maintenance of trophic webs on islands. In this study, we assessed three dimensions of marine nutrient dissipation—horizontal, temporal and vertical—on the tropical Meio Island of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. For this, C3 and C4 plants, ants and spiders found in a 100 m long transect between colonies of masked (Sula dactylatra) and red‐footed boobies (Sula sula) were sampled during the rainy (the masked booby breeding period) and dry seasons (the red‐footed booby breeding period). The marine contribution to the terrestrial trophic web was analysed using Bayesian mixing models from a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data set. The main findings indicate that marine nutrients in the terrestrial trophic web dissipated horizontally as the distance from the colony increased, which was more marked during the rainy season. On the vertical axis, the relative contribution of marine nutrients in terrestrial consumers was strongly related to food habits but not necessarily to the trophic level, dissipating rather than increasing, due to variable omnivory and the use of terrestrial food sources. The breeding strategy of the masked booby (i.e. incubating eggs on the ground), in addition to a larger body size and larger colony, could produce a more concentrated pulse of nutrients in comparison to seabirds nesting sparsely on trees, contributing more efficiently to the enrichment of marine nutrients on land. The importance of seabirds for the maintenance of interconnected ecosystems has been demonstrated, and the role of marine‐derived nutrients in the enrichment of nutrient‐poor tropical islands.
Long‐term results of different surgical options in the management of solitary enchondroma
Authors: Karaytuğ Kayahan , Alpan Buğra , Bayram Serkan , Valiyev Natig , Bilgiç Bilge , Özger Harzem
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds

We aimed to compare the average 10‐year results of patients treated with three different surgical methods, that is, extended curettage, extended curettage with grafting and extended curettage with cementation for the management of solitary enchondromas.

Methods

Two hundreds and three patients with a solitary enchondroma who underwent surgery at our department between 1990 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. Only extended curettage was performed in Group A (n: 75), extended curettage with grafting with autologous bone graft from the iliac crest in Group B (n: 58), and extended curettage with bone cement in Group C (n: 70). Surgical complications and recurrence were analysed and compared between these groups.

Results

No significant differences were noted among the groups in terms of gender (P = 0.654), age (P = 0.264) and follow‐up duration (P = 0.919). The mean follow‐up period in all groups was 122.9 ± 39 (range: 60–271) months. In addition to curettage and cementation, three patients received mechanical support with plate screws because of fracture risk. One patient in the extended curettage with grafting group had surgical site infection that was treated with simple debridement and antibiotherapy. One patient in the extended curettage group had lost motions of the proximal interphalangeal joint, which was treated with aggressive physiotherapy.

Conclusion

We compared the average 10‐year results of patients treated with three surgical options, namely, extended curettage, extended curettage with grafting, and extended curettage with cementation and no difference was found among the groups in local control of solitary enchondromas.
Dining on the dead in the deep: Active NH4+ excretion via Na+/H+(NH4+) exchange in the highly ammonia tolerant Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stoutii
Authors: Clifford Alexander M. , Wilkie Michael P. , Edwards Susan L. , Tresguerres Martin , Goss Greg G.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Pacific hagfish are exceptionally tolerant to high environmental ammonia (HEA). Here, we elucidated a cellular mechanism that enables hagfish to actively excrete ammonia against steep ammonia gradients expected to be found inside a decomposing whale carcass.

Methods

Hagfish were exposed to varying concentrations of HEA in the presence or absence of environmental Na+, while plasma ammonia levels were tracked. 14C‐methylammonium was used as a proxy for NH4+ to measure efflux in whole animals and in isolated gill pouches; the latter allowed us to assess the effects of amiloride specifically on Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) in gill cells. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were utilized to evaluate the abundance and sub‐cellular localization of Rhesus glycoprotein (Rh) channels in the response to HEA.

Results

Hagfish actively excreted NH4+ against steep inwardly directed ENH4+ (ΔENH4+ ~ 35 mV) and pNH3 (ΔpNH3 ~ 2000 μtorr) gradients. Active NH4+ excretion and plasma ammonia hypo‐regulation were contingent on the presence of environmental Na+, indicating a Na+/NH4+ exchange mechanism. Active NH4+ excretion across isolated gill pouches was amiloride‐sensitive. Exposure to HEA resulted in decreased abundance of Rh channels in the apical membrane of gill ionocytes.

Conclusions

During HEA exposure, hagfish can actively excrete ammonia against a steep concentration gradient using apical NHEs energized by Na+‐K+‐ATPase in gill ionocytes. Additionally, apical Rh channels are removed from the apical membrane, presumably to reduce ammonia loading from the environment. We suggest that this mechanism allows hagfish to maintain tolerable ammonia levels while feeding inside decomposing carrion, allowing them to exploit nutrient‐rich food‐falls.
Uniportal thoracoscopic lateral and posterior basal segmentectomy using intersegmental tunneling: Comparison with multiportal approach
Authors: Matsuura Natsumi , Igai Hitoshi , Kamiyoshihara Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2022

Thoracoscopic lateral and posterior basal (S9 + 10) segmentectomy (or S10 segmentectomy) is one of the most technically challenging anatomical segmentectomies. We have used “intersegmental tunneling” in the multiportal approach, and we now apply this with a little ingenuity in the uniportal approach. However, because of interference between instruments and the limited insertion angles in the uniportal approach, complex segmentectomies such as S9 + 10 or S10 become even more difficult. The perioperative outcomes were compared between uniportal and multiportal thoracoscopic lateral and posterior basal segmentecomy using intersegmental tunneling. There were no significant differences between the groups in patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes other than operation time, which was significantly shorter in the uniportal group than in the multiportal group (169 ± 21 vs 216 ± 34 min, P = .011). Thoracoscopic S9 + 10 (S10) segmentectomy can be safely performed through the uniportal approach without any difficulties using an intersegmental tunneling method and adding a little ingenuity.
Victorian evolution of inherited retinal diseases natural history registry (VENTURE study): Rationale, methodology and initial participant characteristics
Authors: Britten‐Jones Alexis Ceecee , O'Hare Fleur , Edwards Thomas L. , Ayton Lauren N. ,   the VENTURE Study Consortium
Published: May 2022

Background

Emerging treatments are being developed for inherited retinal diseases, requiring a clear understanding of natural progression and a database of potential participants for clinical trials. This article describes the rationale, study design and methodology of the Victorian Evolution of inherited retinal diseases NaTUral history REgistry (VENTURE), including data from the first 150 participants enrolled.

Methods

VENTURE collects retrospective and prospective data from people with inherited retinal diseases. Following registration, participants are asked to attend a baseline examination using a standardised protocol to confirm their inherited retinal disease diagnosis. Examination procedures include (i) retinal function, using visual acuity and perimetry; (ii) retinal structure, using multimodal imaging and (iii) patient‐reported outcomes. Participants' molecular diagnoses are obtained from their clinical records or through targeted‐panel genetic testing by an independent laboratory. Phenotype and genotype data are used to enrol participants into disease‐specific longitudinal cohort sub‐studies.

Results

From 7 July 2020 to 30 December 2021, VENTURE enrolled 150 registrants (138 families) and most (63%) have a rod‐cone dystrophy phenotype. From 93 participants who have received a probable molecular diagnosis, the most common affected genes are RPGR (13% of all registrants), USH2A (10%), CYP4V2 (7%), ABCA4 (5%), and CHM (5%). Most participants have early to moderate vision impairment, with over half (55%) having visual acuities of better than 6/60 (20/200) at registration.

Conclusions

The VENTURE study will complement existing patient registries and help drive inherited retinal disease research in Australia, facilitating access to research opportunities for individuals with inherited retinal diseases.
Bio‐pharma in Iran: Escaping the middle‐income trap
Authors: Babaee Ali , Miremadi Iman , Mashayekhi Ali N.
Published: May 2022

Motivation

Neither state planning nor economic liberalization has allowed developing economies to escape from the middle‐income trap, owing mainly to institutional voids and hindering institutions. We need another explanation for development and the emergence of new institutions.

Purpose

How have biopharmaceutical enterprises emerged in Iran, despite the obstacles faced? Can the collaborative agency of small groups of actors who know each other create new institutions and hence the conditions for biopharmaceutical firms to emerge? If so, who participates in such small groups, and how do they operate?

Methods and approach

We interviewed 29 key participants and stakeholders in the Iranian bio‐pharma industry. We used grounded theory to identify key themes.

Findings

Bio‐pharma emerged owing to the efforts of a small group who successfully worked together to master the technology, to overcome institutional obstacles and widespread scepticism within Iran, and thereby to create new firms manufacturing biopharmaceuticals. The group succeeded because it was morally committed to creating the industry; it proceeded pragmatically, experimenting and learning; and leadership was shared and collective.

Policy implications

In this case, we see the inverse of a top‐down process where government acts as principal and firms act as agents. Instead, strategic collaboration across government, university and firms, in a process of trial and error, has been able to make great progress to overcome obstacles to technical innovation that seem daunting for a middle‐income country.