bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review of current management guidelines of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Elendu Chukwuka , Elendu Rhoda C. , Enyong Joy M. , Ibhiedu Jennifer O. , Ishola Ibukunoluwa V. , Egbunu Emmanuel O. , Meribole Emmanuel S. , Lawal Sodiq O. , Okenwa Chinazo J. , Okafor Geraldine C. , Umeh Ewezugachukwu D. , Mutalib Ozigis O. , Opashola Kehinde A. , Fatoye John O. , Awotoye Temitope I. , Tobih-Ojeanelo Jewel I. , Ramon-Yusuf Habiba I. , Olanrewaju Abiola , Afuh Rechner N. , Adenikinju Joseph , Amosu Opeyemi , Yusuf Abdulgafar
Published: June 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent and progressive condition affecting millions worldwide. It is a long-term condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. The management of CKD is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to outline the current management guidelines for CKD. The study included a comprehensive search of various PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for articles published between 2010 and 2023. The search terms used were "chronic kidney disease," "management," and "guidelines." The inclusion criteria were articles that provided management guidelines for patients with CKD. A total of 23 articles were included in the review. Most articles were based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines, the most widely recognized and used guidelines for managing CKD. The study found that the guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and management of CKD and the need for an approach that involves multiple disciplines in its management. The guidelines recommend several interventions to slow the progression of CKD, including blood pressure control, glycemic control in diabetic patients, and reduce proteinuria. Other interventions include lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, physical activity, and smoking cessation. The guidelines also recommend regular monitoring of kidney function and referral to a nephrologist for patients with advanced CKD or other complications. Overall, the current management guidelines for CKD emphasize the importance of early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to its management.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome with Pulmonary Involvement in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bashir Anam , Cabrera Jose M. , Suchi Mariko , Pelz Barry J.
Published: June 2023

Reactive eosinophilia is associated with inflammatory bowel disease and is more common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) compared with Crohn’s disease. The prevalence rate of peripheral blood eosinophilia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has been described to be as high as 30%–40% of patients in a pediatric study. The coexistence of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and UC is uncommon. We present a 15-year-old boy with UC associated with HES who presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. Laboratory evaluation showed marked eosinophilia. Alternative causes of eosinophilia including eosinophilic leukemia, infections, or drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia were ruled out. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with HES responsive to mepolizumab.
A Novel Approach and Apparatus for the Measurement and Evaluation of the Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Bakshi Ishnoor Kaur
Published: June 2023

Cardiac arrest can happen unexpectedly in any place and situation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the recommended procedure to be performed in order to maintain the proper blood supply to the brain and prevent death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is commonly taught during first-aid courses, but most people do not practice it and therefore might not be able to provide proper assistance to someone suffering cardiac arrest in an emergency. People should be able to practice the procedure on their own in order to learn it properly and be prepared. This means having a feedback system to assess the quality of their training. This research experiment developed and tested a system, capable of assessing the quality of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure and tested it with volunteers with different training and experience and showed that constant practice and evaluation of the procedure significantly improve the ability of the subject to administer it properly.

Significance Statement

This research developed and tested a new system to monitor the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during training and practicing for first responders in the case of cardiac arrest.
Meta-omics analyses of dual substrate enrichment culturing of nitrous oxide respiring bacteria suggest that attachment and complex polysaccharide utilisation contributed to the ability ofCloacibacteriumstrains to reach dominance
Authors: Vick Silas H.W. , Jonassen Kjell Rune , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Lycus Pawel , Bakken Lars R
Published: June 2023

Bioengineering soil metabolism by inoculation is an emerging approach to enhance plant growth and strengthen specific functions such as N2O reduction in order to reduce climate forcing. The use of organic wastes as substrates and carriers of microbial biomass has proven to be a viable approach to improving effectiveness and economic viability. A key factor in the success of this approach lies in selection of microbes capable of growth and survival in both organic wastes as well as soils, and which are tolerant of the rapid environmental fluctuations such fertilisations involve. A dual substrate, N2O-enrichment experiment, switching between soil and organic waste as substrates has yieldedCloacibacteriumisolates which grow well in organic wastes and retain significant N2O reduction capacity when applied to soils. However, an understanding of the genetic and phenotypic characteristics utilised by these enrichment winners to dominate under such conditions remains unexplored. Here we have performed a multi-omics examination of the enrichment cultures, using both metagenomics and metaproteomics to probe the genetic basis and expressed proteins which may contribute to the success ofCloacibacteriumin the enrichments, and their survival in soil. These omics results show an increase in complex carbohydrate metabolism, chemotaxis and motility genes throughout the enrichment as well as the expression of gliding motility proteins and polysaccharide utilization loci proteins byCloacibacteriumorganisms. Taken together this suggests that attachment and complex polysaccharide utilisation may be key processes allowingCloacibacteriumto tolerate the stresses of a changing environment during transfers between digestate and soil.
Inhibition of the glucocorticoid-activating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 drives concurrent 11-oxygenated androgen excess
Authors: Schiffer Lina , Oestlund Imken , Snoep Jacky , Gilligan Lorna C. , Taylor Angela E. , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Singhal Rishi , Freeman Adrian , Ajjan Ramzi , Tiganescu Ana , Arlt Wiebke , Storbeck Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2023

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a key enzyme in the activation of both classic and 11-oxygenated androgens. In adipose tissue, AKR1C3 is co-expressed with 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1), which catalyses the local activation of glucocorticoids but also the inactivation of 11-oxygenated androgens, and thus has the potential to counteract AKR1C3. Using a combination ofin vitroassays andin silicomodelling we show that HSD11B1 attenuates the biosynthesis of the potent 11-oxygenated androgen, 11-ketotestosterone, by AKR1C3. Employingex vivoincubations of human female adipose tissue samples we show that inhibition of HSD11B1 results in the increased peripheral biosynthesis of 11-ketotestosterone. Moreover, circulating 11KT increased 2-3 fold in individuals with type 2 diabetes after receiving the selective oral HSD11B1 inhibitor AZD4017 for 35 days, thus confirming that HSD11B1 inhibition results in systemic increases in 11KT concentrations. Our findings show that HSD11B1 protects against excess 11KT production by adipose tissue, a finding of particular significance when considering the evidence for adverse metabolic effects of androgens in women. Therefore, when targeting glucocorticoid activation by HSD11B1 inhibitor treatment in women, the consequently increased generation of 11-ketotestosterone may offset beneficial effects of decreased glucocorticoid activation.

Graphical Abstract
Bridging Imaging Users to Imaging Analysis - A community survey
Authors: Sivagurunathan Suganya , Marcotti Stefania , Nelson Carl J , Jones Martin L , Barry David J , Slater Thomas J A , Eliceiri Kevin W , Cimini Beth A
Published: June 2023

The “Bridging Imaging Users to Imaging Analysis” survey was conducted in 2022 by the Center for Open Bioimage Analysis (COBA), Bioimaging North America (BINA), and the Royal Microscopical Society Data Analysis in Imaging Section (RMS DAIM) to understand the needs of the imaging community. Through multi-choice and open-ended questions, the survey inquired about demographics, image analysis experiences, future needs, and suggestions on the role of tool developers and users. Participants of the survey were from diverse roles and domains of the life and physical sciences. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to survey cross-community to bridge knowledge gaps between physical and life sciences imaging. Survey results indicate that respondents’ overarching needs are documentation, detailed tutorials on the usage of image analysis tools, user-friendly intuitive software, and better solutions for segmentation, ideally in a format tailored to their specific use cases. The tool creators suggested the users familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of image analysis, provide constant feedback, and report the issues faced during image analysis while the users would like more documentation and an emphasis on tool friendliness. Regardless of the computational experience, there is a strong preference for ‘written tutorials’ to acquire knowledge on image analysis. We also observed that the interest in having ‘office hours’ to get an expert opinion on their image analysis methods has increased over the years. In addition, the community suggests the need for a common repository for the available image analysis tools and their applications. The opinions and suggestions of the community, released here in full, will help the image analysis tool creation and education communities to design and deliver the resources accordingly.
Structural insight into CD93 recognition by IGFBP7
Authors: Xu Yueming , Sun Yi , Zhu Yuwen , Song Gaojie
Published: June 2023

The CD93/IGFBP7 axis are key factors expressed in endothelial cells (EC) that mediate EC angiogenesis and migration. Upregulation of them contributes to tumor vascular abnormality and blockade of this interaction promotes a favorable tumor microenvironment for therapeutic interventions. However, how these two proteins associated to each other remains unclear. In this study, we solved the human CD93–IGFBP7 complex structure to elucidate the interaction between the EGF1domain of CD93 and the IB domain of IGFBP7. Mutagenesis studies confirmed the binding interactions and specificities. Cellular and mouse tumor studies demonstrated the physiological relevance of the CD93–IGFBP7 interaction in EC angiogenesis. Our study provides hints for development of therapeutic agents to precisely disrupt unwanted CD93–IGFBP7 signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, analysis of the CD93 full-length architecture provides insights into how CD93 protrudes on the cell surface and forms a flexible platform for binding to IGFBP7 and other ligands.
Gender-based heterogeneity of FAHFAs in trained runners
Authors: Nelson Alisa B. , Chow Lisa S. , Dengel Donald R. , Pan Meixia , Hughey Curtis C. , Han Xianlin , Puchalska Patrycja , Crawford Peter A.
Published: June 2023

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid (FAHFA) are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory lipokines. Recently FAHFAs were also found to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in trained runners. Here we compared the association between circulating FAHFA baseline concentrations and body composition, determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in female runners who were lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 6), to those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 7). We also compared circulating FAHFAs in lean male runners (n = 8) to the same trained lean female (n = 6) runner group. Circulating FAHFAs were increased in females in a manner that was modulated by specific adipose depot sizes, blood glucose, and lean body mass. As expected, circulating FAHFAs were diminished in the overweight group, but, strikingly, in both lean and overweight cohorts, increases in circulating FAHFAs were promoted by increased fat mass, relative to lean mass. These studies suggest multimodal regulation of circulating FAHFAs and raise hypotheses to test endogenous FAHFA dynamic sources and sinks in health and disease, which will be essential for therapeutic target development. Baseline circulating FAHFA concentrations could signal sub-clinical metabolic dysfunction in metabolically healthy obesity.
Brewing COFFEE: A sequence-specific coarse-grained energy function for simulations of DNA-protein complexes
Authors: Chakraborty Debayan , Mondal Balaka , Thirumalai D.
Published: June 2023

DNA-protein interactions are pervasive in a number of biophysical processes ranging from transcription, gene expression, to chromosome folding. To describe the structural and dynamic properties underlying these processes accurately, it is important to create transferable computational models. Toward this end, we introduceCoarse grainedforcefield forenergyestimation, COFFEE, a robust framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes. To brew COFFEE, we integrated the energy function in the Self-Organized Polymer model with Side Chains for proteins and the Three Interaction Site model for DNA in a modular fashion, without re-calibrating any of the parameters in the original force-fields. A unique feature of COFFEE is that it describes sequence-specific DNA-protein interactions using a statistical potential (SP) derived from a dataset of high-resolution crystal structures. The only parameter in COFFEE is the strength (λDNAPRO) of the DNA-protein contact potential. For an optimal choice ofλDNAPRO, the crystallographic B-factors for DNA-protein complexes, with varying sizes and topologies, are quantitatively reproduced. Without any further readjustments to the force-field parameters, COFFEE predicts the scattering profiles that are inquantitative agreementwith SAXS experiments as well as chemical shifts that are consistent with NMR. We also show that COFFEE accurately describes the salt-induced unraveling of nucleosomes. Strikingly, our nucleosome simulations explain the destabilization effect of ARG to LYS mutations, which does not alter the balance of electrostatic interactions, but affects chemical interactions in subtle ways. The range of applications attests to the transferability of COFFEE, and we anticipate that it would be a promising framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes at the molecular length-scale.

Graphical TOC Entry
Structural insights into context-dependent inhibitory mechanisms of chloramphenicol in cells
Authors: Xue Liang , Spahn Christian M.T. , Schacherl Magdalena , Mahamid Julia
Published: June 2023

Ribosome-targeting antibiotics represent an important class of antimicrobial drugs. Chloramphenicol (Cm) is a well-studied peptidyl transfer center (PTC) binder, and growing evidence suggests it inhibits translation in a nascent peptide sequence-dependent manner. How such inhibition on the molecular scale translates to action on the cellular level remains unclear. Here, we employ cryo-electron tomography to visualize the impact of Cm inside the bacteriumMycoplasma pneumoniae. By resolving cellular Cm-bound ribosomes to 3.0 Å, we provide atomic detail on Cm’s coordination and interaction with natural nascent peptides and tRNAs in the PTC. We find that Cm leads to accumulation of translation elongation states that indicate ongoing futile accommodation cycles, and to extensive ribosome collisions. We thus suggest that beyond its inhibition of protein synthesis, the action of Cm may involve activation of cellular stress responses. This work exemplifies how in-cell structural biology advances understanding of mechanisms of action for extensively-studied antibiotics.
otpbfunctions in a Lef1-dependent transcriptional network required for expression of the stress response inhibitorcrhbpin the zebrafish hypothalamus
Authors: Figueroa Priscilla , Cheng Jennifer , Wang Guangning , Kartchner Cade , Brito de Andrade Debora , Watters Harrison , Crispell Ethan , Dorsky Richard I.
Published: June 2023

The vertebrate hypothalamus regulates physiological and behavioral responses to environmental stimuli through the function of evolutionarily-conserved neuronal subpopulations. Our previous work found that mutation of zebrafishlef1, which encodes a transcriptional mediator of the Wnt signaling pathway, leads to the loss of hypothalamic neurons and behavioral phenotypes that are both associated with stress-related human mood disorders However, the specific Lef1 target genes that link neurogenesis to behavior remain unknown. One candidate isotpb, which encodes a transcription factor with known roles in hypothalamic development. Here we show thatotpbexpression in the posterior hypothalamus is Lef1-dependent, and that likelef1, its function is required for the generation ofcrhbp+ neurons in this region. Transgenic reporter analysis of acrhbpconserved noncoding element suggests thatotpbparticipates in a transcriptional regulatory network with other Lef1 targets. Finally, consistent with a role forcrhbpin inhibiting the stress response, zebrafishotpbmutants exhibit decreased exploration in a novel tank diving assay. Together our findings suggest a potential evolutionarily-conserved mechanism for the regulation of innate stress response behaviors through Lef1-mediated hypothalamic neurogenesis.
Fusion pore dynamics of large secretory vesicles define a distinct mechanism of exocytosis
Authors: Biton Tom , Scher Nadav , Carmon Shari , Elbaz-Alon Yael , Schejter Eyal D. , Shilo Ben-Zion , Avinoam Ori
Published: June 2023

Exocrine cells utilize large secretory vesicles (LSVs) up to 10 μm in diameter. LSVs fuse with the apical surface, often recruiting actomyosin to extrude their content through dynamic fusion pores. The molecular mechanism regulating pore dynamics remains largely uncharacterized. We observe that the fusion pore of LSVs in the Drosophila larval salivary glands expand, stabilize, and constrict. Arp2/3 is essential for pore expansion and stabilization, while myosin II is essential for pore constriction. We identify several Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) homology domain proteins that regulate fusion pore expansion and stabilization. We show that the I-BAR protein Missing-in-Metastasis (MIM) localizes to the fusion site and is essential for pore expansion and stabilization. The MIM I-BAR domain is essential but not sufficient for localization and function. We conclude that MIM acts in concert with actin, myosin II, and additional BAR-domain proteins to control fusion pore dynamics, mediating a distinct mode of exocytosis that facilitates actomyosin-dependent content release that maintains apical membrane homeostasis during secretion.
Acvr1bloss increases formation of pancreatic precancerous lesions from acinar and ductal cells of origin
Authors: Saeki Kiyoshi , Wood Ian S. , Wang Wei Chuan K. , Patil Shilpa , Sun Yanping , Schaeffer David F. , Su Gloria H. , Kopp Janel L.
Published: June 2023

Background & Aims

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can develop from precursor lesions, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Previous studies indicated that loss ofAcvr1baccelerates the Kras-mediated development of papillary IPMN in the mouse pancreas, however, the cell type predominantly affected by these genetic changes remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the contribution of cellular origin by inducing IPMN associated mutations-KRASG12Dexpression andAcvr1bloss - specifically in acinar (Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Acvr1bfl/flmice) or ductal (Sox9CreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Acvr1bfl/flmice) cells in mice. We then performed MRI imaging and a thorough histopathological analysis of their pancreatic tissues.

Results

The loss ofAcvr1bincreased the development of PanIN and IPMN-like lesions when either acinar and ductal cells expressed a Kras mutation. MRI, immunohistochemistry and histology revealed large IPMN-like lesions in these mice that exhibited features of flat, gastric epithelium. In addition, cyst formation in both mouse models was accompanied by chronic pancreatitis. Experimental acute pancreatitis accelerated the development of large mucinous cysts and PanIN when acinar, but not ductal, cells expressed mutant Kras and lostAcvr1b.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that loss ofAcvr1bin the presence of the Kras oncogene promotes the development of large and small precancerous lesions from both ductal and acinar cells. However, the IPMN-like phenotype was not equivalent to that observed when these mutations were made in all pancreatic cells during development. Our study underscores the significance of the cellular context in the initiation and progression of precursor lesions from exocrine cells.
Interdependence of a microtubule polymerase and a motor protein in establishment of kinetochore end-on attachments
Authors: Torvi Julia R. , Wong Jonathan , Drubin David G. , Barnes Georjana
Published: June 2023

Faithful segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells during mitosis requires formation of attachments between kinetochores and mitotic spindle microtubules. Chromosome alignment on the mitotic spindle, also referred to as congression, is facilitated by translocation of side-bound chromosomes along the microtubule surface, which allows the establishment of end-on attachment of kinetochores to microtubule plus ends. Spatial and temporal constraints hinder observation of these events in live cells. Therefore, we used our previously developed reconstitution assay to observe dynamics of kinetochores, the yeast kinesin-8, Kip3, and the microtubule polymerase, Stu2, in lysates prepared from metaphase-arrested budding yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to observe kinetochore translocation on the lateral microtubule surface toward the microtubule plus end, motility was shown to be dependent on both Kip3, as we reported previously, and Stu2. These proteins were shown to have distinct dynamics on the microtubule. Kip3 is highly processive and moves faster than the kinetochore. Stu2 tracks both growing and shrinking microtubule ends but also colocalizes with moving lattice-bound kinetochores. In cells, we observed that both Kip3 and Stu2 are important for establishing chromosome biorientation, Moreover, when both proteins are absent, biorientation is completely defective. All cells lacking both Kip3 and Stu2 had declustered kinetochores and about half also had at least one unattached kinetochore. Our evidence argues that despite differences in their dynamics, Kip3 and Stu2 share roles in chromosome congression to facilitate proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment.
Swimming ability and flagellar motility of sperm packets of the volvocine green algaPleodorina starrii
Authors: Kage Azusa , Takahashi Kohei , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Baba Shoji A. , Nishizaka Takayuki
Published: June 2023

Eukaryotic flagella collectively form metachronal waves that facilitate the ability to cause flow or swim. Among such flagellated and planktonic swimmers, large volvocine genera such asEudorina,PleodorinaandVolvoxform bundles of small male gametes (sperm) called "sperm packets" for sexual reproduction. Although these sperm packets reportedly have flagella and the ability to swim, previous studies on volvocine motility have focused on asexual forms and the swimming characteristics of sperm packets remain unknown. However, it is important to quantify the motility of sperm packets and sperm in order to gain insights into the significance of motility in the sexual reproduction of planktonic algae. In this study, we quantitatively described the behavior of three flagellated forms of a male strain ofPleodorina starrii[mdash]asexual colonies, sperm packets, and single dissociated sperm[mdash]with emphasis on comparison of the two multicellular forms. Despite being smaller, sperm packets swam approximately 1.4 times faster than the asexual colonies of the same male strain. Body length was approximately 0.5 times smaller in the sperm packets than in asexual colonies. The flagella from sperm packets and asexual colonies showed asymmetric waveforms, whereas those from dissociated single sperm showed symmetric waveforms, suggesting the presence of a switching mechanism between sperm packets and dissociated sperm. Flagella from sperm packets were approximately 0.5 times shorter and had a beat period approximately twice as long as those from asexual colonies. The flagella of sperm packets were densely distributed over the anterior part of the body, whereas the flagella of asexual colonies were sparse and evenly distributed. The distribution of flagella, but not the number of flagella, appear to illustrate a significant difference in the speeds of sperm packets and asexual colonies. Our findings reveal novel aspects of the regulation of eukaryotic flagella and shed light on the role of flagellar motility in sexual reproduction of planktonic algae.
Identification and characterisation ofPlanococcus citri cis- andtrans-isoprenyl diphosphate synthase genes, supported by short- and long-read transcriptome data
Authors: Juteršek Mojca , Gerasymenko Iryna M. , Petek Marko , Haumann Elisabeth , Vacas Sandra , Kallam Kalyani , Gianoglio Silvia , Navarro-Llopis Vicente , Fuertes Ismael Navarro , Patron Nicola , Orzáez Diego , Gruden Kristina , Warzecha Heribert , Baebler Špela
Published: June 2023

Many insect species rely on diverse terpenoids for their development and interorganismal interactions. However, little is known about terpenoid biosynthesis in insects. The monoterpenoid sex pheromones of mealybugs and scale insects (Coccoidea) are particularly enigmatic, with several species producing unique structures presumed to result from the irregular coupling activity of unidentified isopentenyl diphosphate synthases (IDSs). Enzymes capable of similar transformations have previously only been described from a few plant, bacterial and archaeal species. To investigate if insect irregular monoterpenes can be biosynthesised by similar enzymes, we performed a comprehensive search for IDS coding sequences in the genome ofPlanococcus citri, a widespread agricultural pest. We complemented the availableP. citrigenome data with newly generated short- and long-read transcriptome data. The identified candidate genes had homology to both short- and long-chain IDSs and some appeared to be paralogous, indicating gene duplications and consequent IDS gene family expansion inP. citri. We tested the activity of eleven candidate gene products, confirmingin vitroregular activity for five enzymes, one of which (transIDS5) also produced the irregular prenyl diphosphates, maconelliyl and lavandulyl diphosphate. Targeted mutagenesis of selected aspartates and a lysine in the active site oftransIDS5 uncovered their importance for chain-length preference and irregular coupling. This work provides an important foundation for deciphering terpenoid biosynthesis in mealybugs, as well as a potential source of enzymes for the biotechnological production of sustainable insect pest management products.
Debiased personalized gene coexpression networks for population-scale scRNA-seq data
Authors: Lu Shan , Keleş Sündüz
Published: June 2023

Population-scale single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data sets create unique opportunities for quantifying expression variation across individuals at the gene coexpression network level. Estimation of coexpression networks is well established for bulk RNA-seq; however, single-cell measurements pose novel challenges owing to technical limitations and noise levels of this technology. Gene–gene correlation estimates from scRNA-seq tend to be severely biased toward zero for genes with low and sparse expression. Here, we present Dozer to debias gene–gene correlation estimates from scRNA-seq data sets and accurately quantify network-level variation across individuals. Dozer corrects correlation estimates in the general Poisson measurement model and provides a metric to quantify genes measured with high noise. Computational experiments establish that Dozer estimates are robust to mean expression levels of the genes and the sequencing depths of the data sets. Compared with alternatives, Dozer results in fewer false-positive edges in the coexpression networks, yields more accurate estimates of network centrality measures and modules, and improves the faithfulness of networks estimated from separate batches of the data sets. We showcase unique analyses enabled by Dozer in two population-scale scRNA-seq applications. Coexpression network–based centrality analysis of multiple differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines yields biologically coherent gene groups that are associated with iPSC differentiation efficiency. Application with population-scale scRNA-seq of oligodendrocytes from postmortem human tissues of Alzheimer's disease and controls uniquely reveals coexpression modules of innate immune response with distinct coexpression levels between the diagnoses. Dozer represents an important advance in estimating personalized coexpression networks from scRNA-seq data.
Localisation of PPE manufacturing during COVID-19 (local manufacturing partnership and Kingsgate Clothing South Africa)
Authors: Scheepers Caren Brenda , Mathibe Motshedisi Sina , Verachia Abdullah
Published: June 2023

Learning outcomes

• After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:• Identify the difference between core competencies and dynamic capabilities and how they make a difference in a crisis towards building an agile organisation.• Evaluate the support through a collaborative, temporary, trans-organisational system to local manufacturers to achieve agility and sustainability.• Realise the importance of clear expectations exchange and communication between partners to enhance collaboration, even in temporary structures in increasing agility and sustainability.

Case overview/synopsis

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns created a crisis for South Africa and the President, Cyril Ramaphosa called for urgent collaboration between business, labour and government to meet the demand for locally produced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical devices. The case illustrates this response and collaboration between government, labour and business through a temporary newly formed structure, called Business for South Africa (B4SA). Ross Boyd, Head of the innovation work stream of B4SA which housed the local manufacturing partnership (LMP) was considering his dilemma of how to be agile in sustaining their support to the South African manufacturers even though the LMP was a temporary structure. The local manufacturers had to repurpose their production lines to produce local PPE and medical devices. How could the LMP support the South African manufacturers to sustain their agility in building capabilities during COVID-19? At the same time, Ahmed Dhai, the Group Executive of Operations of Kingsgate Clothing, which was benefiting from the support of the LMP, was reflecting on his leadership in taking decisions to repurpose production and increase capacity during COVID-19. Dhai was considering his dilemma of being agile during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The case features several decisions taken by Kingsgate and offers students the opportunity to evaluate these decisions given the fluctuations in supply and demand of PPE and the leadership that Dhai demonstrated in how he communicated and dealt with his staff during the pandemic. Students could also give recommendations to Ross Boyd and Ahmed Dhai on how they could lead their organisations to be more agile during and beyond COVID-19.

Complexity academic level

The case study is suitable for MBA or MPhil level on Strategy courses. The case would also find good application in Organisational Behaviour and Leadership courses on Masters level and Executive Education programmes.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science.
Integration of sustainability in the curricula of public higher education institutions in Portugal: do strategic plans and self-report align?
Authors: Duarte Marina , Caeiro Sandra Sofia , Farinha Carla Sofia , Moreira Ana , Santos-Reis Margarida , Rigueiro Constança , Simão João
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the alignment between strategic plans of the Portuguese public higher education institutions (HEIs) and their perception of the integration of sustainability in education and curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategic plans from 15 institutions were selected for content analysis; data about the integration of sustainability in education and curricula, from these HEI, were collected with an online questionnaire (self-report survey). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

Findings

Strategic plans of the Portuguese public HEIs seem to not be sufficiently aligned with self-assessment integration of sustainability in education and curricula.

Research limitations/implications

The classifications used in the content analysis were constructed and revised by the authors to reduce coder interpretation issues and subsequent bias in the results. However, some subjectivity could remain. The analysis of strategic plans and self-report surveys answered by top management, or a technician, does not assess the practices and sustainability implementation in education and curricula.

Practical implications

This study allows the self-report of already-implemented practices to be compared to the planned strategy of HEI governance in Portugal as stated in their strategic plans.

Originality/value

An analysis and respective insights on the lack of connection between strategic planning and self-report practices about sustainability implementation, using Portugal as a case study.
Collective case study: integrated health and social care for older adults within a Canadian context
Authors: Cheng Siu Mee , Catallo Cristina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Canada's population is aging and there are concerns that the welfare system may not support the increased demands on it. Integrated health and social care (IHSC) produces positive health and system outcomes but it needs to be better understood within a Canadian context. The purpose of this collective case study of three IHSC initiatives in Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia was to determine the factors that support successful services integration among different healthcare and social services organizations serving older adults within a Canadian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the Cheng and Catallo (2020) IHSC conceptual framework (CF) to guide the research. Primary data were based on key informant interviews of representatives from organizations that comprised each case and focus groups. A cross-case analysis was undertaken to determine common themes.

Findings

The cross-case analysis revealed that the three cases shared common integration and external influence factors based on the Cheng and Catallo (2020) CF. Some new factors were identified.

Originality/value

The study revealed that the Canadian context was important in influencing integration in the three cases and that there is a unique Canadian aspect to IHSC. The study offers up practical insights for government leaders and service administrators to improve IHSC for older adults. The study also identifies how the Cheng and Catallo (2020) IHSC CF can be enhanced and points to research opportunities to test the framework.
Explaining the visual attention model in impulsive purchase behavior of tourism industry customers by theme analysis method
Authors: Farokhi Sajad , Namamian Farshid , Asghari Sarem Ali , Ghobadi Lamuki Tohfe
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explain the model of impulsive purchase behavior in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the inductive–deductive approach for data collection. Field (interviews) and library (articles, books and theses) methods have been used for data collection. After determining the research variables, content analysis units (theme, category and markers) are specified. Academic experts and professionals in the subject area helped during the model design stage.

Findings

The results reveal 14 visual attention variables which are classified into four categories: attractiveness in the market, emotional reactions, improving the shopping style of tourists and visual advertising.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses only on Iran. There is scope to expand the discussion with more interviews. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism presented some unique challenges in participant recruitment. Future studies could focus on other Middle Eastern countries or other international areas. Moreover, future researchers could analyze other variables affecting impulsive purchase.

Originality/value

No other studies on tourism industry marketing have recognized the effective variables in impulsive purchase. To fill this gap, this paper explains the visual attention model in tourists’ impulsive purchase behavior.
Monetary income as opportunity cost: exploring the negative effect on free knowledge contribution of knowledge suppliers
Authors: Jiang Shan , Nguyen Duc Khuong , Dai Peng-Fei , Meng Qingxin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In the hybrid knowledge-sharing platform where paid and nonpaid (“free”) knowledge activities coexist, users’ free knowledge contribution may be influenced by financial factors. From the perspective of opportunity cost, this study investigates the direct effect of how the amount of monetary income from users’ contribution to paid knowledge activities influences their free knowledge contribution behavior in the future. Further, this study aims to verify the interaction effect of financial and nonfinancial factors (i.e. the experience of free knowledge contribution and social recognition) on free knowledge contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

Objective data was collected from a hybrid knowledge-sharing platform in China and then analyzed by using zero-inflated negative binomial regression model.

Findings

Results show that the amount of monetary income that knowledge suppliers gain from paid knowledge contribution negatively influences their free knowledge contribution. Experience of free knowledge contribution strengthens the negatively main effect, while social recognition has the weakening moderating role.

Originality/value

Although some studies have explored and verified the positive spillover effect of financial incentives on free knowledge contribution, the quantity dimension is ignored. This study examines the hindering influence of the quantity of monetary income from the perspective of opportunity cost. By taking the characteristic of knowledge suppliers and platforms as moderators, this study deepens the understanding of the influence of monetary income on free knowledge contribution in the hybrid knowledge-sharing platform.
Money supply, inflation and economic growth of Sri Lanka: co-integration and causality analysis
Authors: Madurapperuma Wasanthi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

GDP growth, money growth and inflation are essential to an economy's macroeconomic stability and have a direct impact on the policymaking process. Sri Lanka is currently concerned about high inflation. Inflation is a monetary phenomenon. Inflation has been caused by monetary policy in several nations. According to the economic theories of Karl Marx, Irving Fisher and Milton Friedman, a continuous increase in the money supply causes inflation. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between Sri Lanka's GDP growth, money growth and inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

An econometric model and the economic theories of Fisher and Friedman are used to figure out how money supply, inflation and economic growth are linked. Between 1990 and 2021, data were gathered from secondary sources.

Findings

The increase in the money supply is found to cause inflation. Inflation has negative effects on both short- and long-term economic growth. Long-term, the increase in money supply has a negative effect on economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

According to research, the money supply and inflation are inextricably linked, and the money supply has a direct impact on economic growth. As a result, the government should have an appropriate monetary policy and proposals to control inflation levels and stimulate economic growth.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the existing literature in two ways. First, it fills in the lack of studies in Sri Lanka, where there are no papers on this important relationship, especially with a modern econometric study. Second, it tries to shed light on the asymmetric shocks (both positive and negative shocks and changes) between the three variables, which was not done in previous studies.
Job loss negatively impacts the mental health of working Medicaid beneficiaries
Authors: Li Yixuan , Zeger Scott L. , Elmi Angelo , Wilder Marcee E. , McCarthy Melissa L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Few have studied the relationship between employment and health in the Medicaid population. The purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of job loss on the mental health of working Medicaid beneficiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a post hoc analysis of 1,538 adult Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The authors matched participants who lost their job to participants who remained employed based on demographics, illness severity and social determinants of health. The authors estimated the effect of job loss on the odds of a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety and self-reported mental health during a one-year follow-up period, stratified by prior history of depression and/or anxiety as documented in the Medicaid claims.

Findings

Among participants with no preexisting depression or anxiety, the incidence of depression or anxiety was 17% versus 7% (aOR = 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88 to 4.34) between those who lost versus kept their job, respectively, and the mean difference in self-reported mental health was −4.3 (95% CI: −6.02 to −2.58). Self-reported mental health was also poorer between those who lost versus kept their job among participants with preexisting depression and/or anxiety (x = −4.78 (95% CI: −8.90 to −0.66).

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study are as follows: we may not have matched on all factors that influence retaining a job; we do not distinguish between involuntary and voluntary job loss; generalizability is limited; and employment information is based on self-report.

Practical implications

Our society should invest more resources into supporting low-wage workers such as Medicaid beneficiaries.

Social implications

Active labor policies that connect people to jobs, help them retain their job and support skills training to secure a better quality job, could reduce health disparities in the Medicaid population.

Originality/value

Use of both claims and self-reported mental health information to evaluate the impact of job loss on working Medicaid beneficiaries.
Mandatory gender quotas: the impact on board and committee meetings
Authors: Mazza Tatiana , Furlotti Katia , Medioli Alice , Tibiletti Veronica
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test whether the introduction of a gender quota impacts functioning of boards of directors and internal committees thanks to female capacity in effort norms, cognitive conflicts and use of skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a difference-in-differences method to trace the staggered mandatory adoption of gender quotas on boards on Italian listed firms, representing the regulative institution pillar of institutional theory.

Findings

This paper find that mandatory adopter firms have more frequent internal committee meetings and less frequent board of directors’ meetings after the introduction of the law. This confirms that the regulation re-prioritizes work in internal committees, thanks to women effort, capacity to resolution and use of skills.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence on female contribution and on the impact that a specific mandatory regulation, as regulative institutional pillar, can have on board organization, showing how gender characteristics influence board functioning in terms of meetings.
Prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and mental health conditions among an alopecia areata cohort from a US administrative claims database
Authors: George Prethibha , Jagun Oladayo , Liu Qing , Wentworth Charles , Napatalung Lynne , Wolk Robert , Anway Susan , Zwillich Samuel H.
Published: June 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is associated with an increased burden of autoimmune and inflammatory disease and mental health conditions that may have a negative impact on quality of life. However, the exact burden of comorbidities on US patients with AA and the clinical subtypes alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) compared with those without AA is not well understood. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the incidence rates and prevalence of AA and its clinical subtypes and examine the autoimmune and inflammatory disease and mental health condition diagnosis burden in US patients with AA and a matched cohort without AA. The Optum Clinformatics Data Mart database was used to select patients aged ≥12 years enrolled between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2020, who had two or more AA diagnosis codes for the AA cohort. Three patients without AA were age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched to each patient with AA. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and mental health conditions were evaluated at baseline and up to 2 years after the index date. In total, 8784 patients with AA (599 with AT/AU) and 26 352 matched patients without AA were included. The incidence rate of AA was 17.5 per 100 000 person‐years (PY; AT/AU: 1.1 per 100 000 PY; non‐AT/AU: 16.3 per 100 000 PY), and the prevalence was 54.9 per 100 000 persons (AT/AU: 3.8; non‐AT/AU: 51.2). Patients with AA had a higher prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases than the matched non‐AA cohort, including allergic rhinitis (24.0% vs 14.5%), asthma (12.8% vs 8.8%), atopic dermatitis (8.3% vs 1.8%), and psoriasis (5.0% vs. 1.6%). The proportions of anxiety (30.7% vs 21.6%) and major depressive disorder (17.5% vs 14.0%) were higher in patients with AA than those without AA. Patients with AT/AU generally had a greater prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory disease and mental health conditions than patients with non‐AT/AU AA.