bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lesions causing Alice in Wonderland Syndrome map to a common brain network linking body and size perception
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian U. , Baughan Elijah C. , Kletenik Isaiah , Younger Ellen , Zhao Charlie W. , Howard Calvin , Ferguson Michael A. , Chen Amalie , Zeller Daniel , Piervincenzi Claudia , Tommasin Silvia , Pantano Patrizia , Blanke Olaf , Prasad Sashank , Nielsen Jared A. , Fox Michael D.
Published: January 2024

Background

In Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, the protagonist experiences distortions in the size of her body and those of others. This fiction becomes reality in neurological patients with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS). Brain lesions causing AIWS may offer unique insights into the syndrome’s elusive neuroanatomy.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified 37 cases of lesion-induced AIWS. Lesion locations were mapped onto a brain atlas and functional connectivity between each lesion location and other brain regions was estimated using resting-state fMRI data from 1000 healthy subjects. Connections common to AIWS lesions were identified and compared to connections from 1073 lesions associated with 25 other neuropsychiatric disorders. Alignment between this lesion-derived AIWS network and neuroimaging findings from patients with AIWS due to other etiologies was assessed.

Results

Although AIWS lesions occurred in many different brain locations, these lesions fell within a specific, functionally connected brain network. This network was defined by connectivity to the right extrastriate body area, a brain region selectively activated by viewing body parts, and the inferior parietal cortex, a brain region involved in processing of size and scale. This connectivity pattern was specific to AIWS when compared to lesions causing other neuropsychiatric disorders and aligned with neuroimaging findings in patients with AIWS from other etiologies.

Conclusion

Lesions causing AIWS fall within a specific brain network defined by connectivity to two distinct brain regions, one region involved in body perception and another in processing of size and scale.
Comparative effectiveness of ARB and ACEi for cardiovascular outcomes and risk of angioedema among different ethnic groups in England: an analysis in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink with emulation of a reference trial (ONTARGET)
Authors: Baptiste Paris J , Wong Angel YS , Schultze Anna , Clase Catherine M , Leyrat Clémence , Williamson Elizabeth , Powell Emma , Mann Johannes FE , Cunnington Marianne , Teo Koon , Bangdiwala Shrikant I , Gao Peggy , Wing Kevin , Tomlinson Laurie
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo study the comparative effectiveness of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) in ethnic minority groups in the UK.DesignObservational cohort study using a reference trial emulation approach benchmarked against the ONTARGET trial.SettingUK Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum data from 01/01/2001-31/07/2019. Participants Black, South Asian, or White patients with a prescription for an ARB/ACEi who met the ONTARGET trial criteria.Main outcome measuresThe primary composite outcome was: cardiovascular-related death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalisation for heart failure with individual components studied as secondary outcomes. Angioedema was a safety endpoint. We assessed outcomes using a propensity-score-weighted Cox proportional hazards model for ARB vs ACEi with heterogeneity by ethnicity assessed on the relative and absolute scale.Results17,593 Black, 30,805 South Asian, and 524,623 White patients were included. We benchmarked results against ONTARGET comparing ARB with ACEi for the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98) and found no evidence of treatment effect heterogeneity(Pint=0.422). Results were consistent for most secondary outcomes. However, for cardiovascular-related death, there was strong evidence of heterogeneity (Pint=0.002), with ARB associated with more events in Black individuals and with fewer events in White individuals compared to ACEi, and no differences in South Asian individuals. For angioedema, HR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.67) for ARB vs ACEi (Pint=0.306). Absolute risks were higher in Black individuals, for ARB vs ACEi number-needed-to-treat was 204 in Black individuals compared with 2000 in South Asian individuals and 1667 in White individuals (Pint=0.023).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate variation in drug effects of ACEi and ARB by ethnicity and suggest the potential for adverse consequences from current UK guideline recommendations for ARB in preference to ACEi for Black individuals.
Alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: do sex, mitral valve leaflet length and septal thickness affect the outcome?
Authors: Mustafic Mesud , Jandér Rebecka , Marlevi David , Rickenlund Anette , Rück Andreas , Saleh Nawzad , Abdi Sam , Eriksson Maria J , Damlin Anna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess whether basal septal wall thickness (BSWT), anterior (AML) and posterior (PML) mitral leaflet length, or sex were associated with remaining left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA).

Methods

154 patients that underwent ASA at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, between 2009 and 2021, were retrospectively included. Anatomical and hemodynamic parameters were collected from invasive catheterization before and during ASA, and from echocardiography (ECHO) examinations before, during, and at one-year follow-up after ASA. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between sex, BSWT, AML, PML, and outcome defined as remaining LVOTO (>30 mmHg) after ASA.

Results

The median follow-up was 364 days (IQR 334-385 days). BSWT>23 mm (n=13, 12%) was associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up (p=0.004). Elongated MVLL (either AML or PML) was present in 125 (90%) of the patients. Elongated AML (>24 mm) was present in 67 (44%) of the patients, although AML length was not associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up. Elongated PML (>14 mm) was present in 114 (74%) and not associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up. No significant sex differences were observed regarding remaining LVOTO.

Conclusion

ECHO measurement of BSWT can be used effectively for patient selection for successful ASA and for identification of patients with a risk of incomplete resolution of LVOTO after ASA.
The Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Cannot Trigger a Titer Increase Among Some Elderly Individuals
Authors: Ge Yang , Cao Wangnan , Sun Shengzhi , Ross Ted M. , Shen Ye
Published: January 2024

Many elderlies exhibited absent responses to influenza vaccines. Our exploration of this heterogeneity revealed associations with vaccine dose (HD vs. SD, OR: 0.59 (95%CrI, 0.4 to 0.87)), pre-vaccination titer levels (OR: 1.57 (95%CrI, 1.38 to 1.8), and gender (Male vs. Female OR: 2.12 (95%CrI, 1.38 to 3.25)).
Intrasubject variability in Potential Early Markers of Sensorineural Hearing Damage
Authors: De Poortere Nele , Keshishzadeh Sarineh , Keppler Hannah , Dhooge Ingeborg , Verhulst Sarah
Published: January 2024

The quest for noninvasive early markers for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has yielded diverse measures of interest. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the test-retest reliability of multiple measures and stimuli within a single study are scarce, and a standardized clinical protocol for robust early markers of SNHL remains elusive. To address these gaps, this study explores the intra-subject variability of various potential EEG-biomarkers for cochlear synaptopathy (CS) and other SNHL-markers in the same individuals. Fifteen normal-hearing young adults underwent repeated measures of (extended high-frequency) pure-tone audiometry, speech-in-noise intelligibility, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and auditory evoked potentials; comprising envelope following responses (EFR) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR). Results confirm high reliability in pure-tone audiometry, whereas the matrix sentence-test exhibited a significant learning effect. The reliability of DPOAEs varied across three evaluation methods, each employing distinct SNR-based criteria for DPOAE-datapoints. EFRs exhibited superior test-retest reliability compared to ABR-amplitudes. Our findings emphasize the need for careful interpretation of presumed noninvasive SNHL measures. While tonal-audiometry’s robustness was corroborated, we observed a confounding learning effect in longitudinal speech audiometry. The variability in DPOAEs highlights the importance of consistent ear probe replacement and meticulous measurement techniques, indicating that DPOAE test-retest reliability is significantly compromised under less-than-ideal conditions. As potential EEG-biomarkers of CS, EFRs are preferred over ABR-amplitudes based on the current study results.
In vivo delivery of functional Cas:DNA nucleoprotein complexes into recipient bacteria through a Type IV Secretion System
Authors: Guzmán-Herrador Dolores L. , Fernández-Gómez Andrea , Depardieu Florence , Bikard David , Llosa Matxalen
Published: January 2024

CRISPR-associated (Cas) endonucleases and their derivatives are widespread tools for the targeted genetic modification of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. A critical step of all CRISPR-Cas technologies is the delivery of the Cas endonuclease to the target cell. Here, we investigate the possibility of using bacterial conjugation to translocate Cas proteins into recipient bacteria. Conjugative relaxases are translocated through a Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) into the recipient cell, covalently attached to the transferred DNA strand. We fused relaxase R388-TrwC with the class 2 Cas endonuclease Cas12a and confirmed that it can be transported through a T4SS. The fusion protein maintained its activity upon translocation by conjugation into the recipient cell, as evidenced by the induction of the SOS signal resulting from the cuts produced by the endonuclease in the recipient cell, and the detection of mutations at the target position. We further show how a template DNA provided on the transferred DNA can be used to introduce specific mutations. The gRNA can also be encoded by the transferred DNA, enabling its production in the recipient cells where it can form a complex with the Cas nuclease transferred as a protein. This self-contained setup enables to target wild type bacterial cells. Finally, we extended this strategy to the delivery of relaxases fused to base editors. Using both TrwC and MobA relaxases as drivers, we achieved precise editing of transconjugants. Thus, conjugation provides anin vivodelivery system for Cas-derived editing tools, bypassing the need to deliver and express acasgene in the target cells.

Significance Statement

We have developed a novel approach for introducing CRISPR-Cas genetic tools into bacteria. During bacterial conjugation, the relaxase protein is transferred through the secretion system covalently attached to the transferred DNA. By fusing the Cas protein with the conjugative relaxase, we have observed functional Cas activity in the recipient cells, eliminating the need for nuclease expression in these cells. The covalently attached DNA molecule can supply gRNA and donor DNA, enabling seamless genetic modifications through recombination. We have also successfully translocated fusions of relaxases to base editors which are active in recipient cells. This method can be applied to any potential recipient cells, making it particularly interesting for wild type bacterial strains that lack available genetic tools. Furthermore, this method has the potential to be extended to eukaryotic cells.
Multi-segmental heating of facing vertical walls in porous systems filled with hybrid nanofluid in a constant-strength magnetic environment
Authors: Pandit Sobhan , Mondal Milan K. , Sanyal Dipankar , Manna Nirmal K. , Biswas Nirmalendu , Mandal Dipak Kumar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of heat transfer by convection in porous systems with top and bottom walls insulated and differently heated vertical walls under a magnetic field. For a specific nanofluid, the study aims to bring out the effects of different segmental heating arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing in-house code based on the finite volume method has provided the numerical solution of the coupled nondimensional transport equations. Following a validation study, different explorations include the variations of Darcy–Rayleigh number (Ram = 10–104), Darcy number (Da = 10–5–10–1) segmented arrangements of heaters of identical total length, porosity index (ε = 0.1–1) and aspect ratio of the cavity (AR = 0.25–2) under Hartmann number (Ha = 10–70) and volume fraction of φ = 0.1% for the nanoparticles. In the analysis, there are major roles of the streamlines, isotherms and heatlines on the vertical mid-plane of the cavity and the profiles of the flow velocity and temperature on the central line of the section.

Findings

The finding of a monotonic rise in the heat transfer rate with an increase in Ram from 10 to 104 has prompted a further comparison of the rate at Ram equal to 104 with the total length of the heaters kept constant in all the cases. With respect to uniform heating of one entire wall, the study reveals a significant advantage of 246% rate enhancement from two equal heater segments placed centrally on opposite walls. This rate has emerged higher by 82% and 249%, respectively, with both the segments placed at the top and one at the bottom and one at the top. An increase in the number of centrally arranged heaters on each wall from one to five has yielded 286% rate enhancement. Changes in the ratio of the cavity height-to-length from 1.0 to 0.2 and 2 cause the rate to decrease by 50% and increase by 21%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Further research with additional parameters, geometries and configurations will consolidate the understanding. Experimental validation can complement the numerical simulations presented in this study.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by integrating segmented heating, magnetic fields and hybrid nanofluid in a porous flow domain, addressing existing research gaps. The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing thermal performance, and controlling heat transfer locally, and have implications for medical treatments, thermal management systems and related fields. The research opens up new possibilities for precise thermal management and offers directions for future investigations.
A proposed Bay-Salam with Takaful and value chain model for financing agriculture in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Atah Ummi Ibrahim , Mohammed Mustafa Omar , Adeyemi Abideen Adewale , Adawiah Engku Rabiah
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that will demonstrate how the integration of Salam (exclusive agricultural commodity trade) with Takaful (micro-Takaful – a subdivision of Islamic insurance) and value chain can address major challenges facing the agricultural sector in Kano State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a thorough and critical analysis of relevant literature and existing models of financing agriculture in Nigeria to come up with the proposed model.

Findings

The findings indicate that measures undertaken to address the major challenges fail. In view of this, this study proposed Bay-Salam with Takaful and value chain model to solve a number of challenges such as poor access to financing, poor marketing and pricing, delay, collateral requirement and risk issues in order to avail farmers with easy access to finance and provide effective security to financial institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to using secondary data. Therefore, empirical investigation can be carried out to strengthen the validation of the model.

Practical implications

The study outcome seeks to improve the productivity of the farmers through enhancing their access to finance. This will increase their level of production and provide more employment opportunities. In addition, it will boost financial inclusion, income generation, poverty alleviation, standard of living, food security and overall economic growth and development.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the integration of classical Bay-Salam with Takaful and value chain and create a unique model structure which the researchers do not come across in any research that presented it in Nigeria.
Servitization and firm productivity premium across the product value chain: evidence from Russian manufacturing firms
Authors: Fedyunina Anna , Ruzhanskaya Liudmila , Gorodnyi Nikolay , Simachev Yuri
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the firm productivity premium for servitized firms. It discusses servitization across the product value chain and estimates the effects of the range and extent of servitization on productivity premium in manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a conceptual framework and tests the hypotheses on the effects of servitization on productivity premium using linear regression models with a sample of 20,837 Russian manufacturing firms gathered from the Ruslana Bureau van Dijk database and the Russian customs service.

Findings

Servitized firms exhibit higher total factor productivity and labor productivity. The labor productivity premium increases with the number of services offered. However, the impact of services on productivity varies along the product value chain: postmanufacturing and postsales services enhance productivity premium, while manufacturing and back-office services diminish them. The effect of establishment services remains ambiguous.

Practical implications

This paper offers an analytical framework for firms to assess their servitization strategies. These strategies should be gradual, focused on enhancing firm efficiency rather than being an end goal. Firms should initiate the process by introducing services at the postproduction and postsales stages of the product creation chain to achieve productivity premium.

Originality/value

The paper extends the evidence on firm-level productivity drivers and contributes to the servitization theory. A servitization strategy should be portfolio-based, considering both the potential gains and losses in productivity resulting from the implementation of specific services.
CSR in times of crisis: why CSR activities can be both a blessing and burden during an organizational crisis
Authors: Koch Thomas , Viererbl Benno , Beckert Johannes , Keilmann Juliane
Published: January 2024

Purpose

When a crisis occurs, do corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities protect organizational reputation by buffering negative effects or do CSR activities intensify negative effects, potentially leading to a worse reputation compared to if the organization had no prior CSR engagement? The authors hypothesize that if a crisis emerges in a domain aligned with an organization’s CSR initiatives (crisis-congruent CSR) backfire effects would arise, adversely affecting the organization’s reputation. Conversely, in cases of incongruence, where the crisis emerges in a domain not aligned with an organization’s previous CSR involvement, a buffering effect would manifest, protecting the organization’s reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an experiment with a 3 (crisis-congruent, crisis-incongruent, and no CSR activities) × 2 (repeated measures) mixed factorial design. In the first scenario, no information was provided concerning a company’s social commitment. Alternatively, participants were exposed to an article illustrating the company’s dedication either to healthcare (crisis-incongruent commitment) or to combating sexism (crisis-congruent commitment). Afterward, participants were presented with a newspaper article addressing allegations of sexism against the company’s CEO.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that prior CSR activities have the potential both to serve as a buffer and to cause backfire effects in times of crisis. Domain congruence is the decisive moderator of these effects: Crisis-incongruent CSR activities acted as a buffer, crisis-congruent CSR activities “backfired” and led to more negative perceptions of the company’s reputation.

Originality/value

The study directly contributes to the understanding of CSR effects in crisis communication, while also addressing the often paradoxical and contradictory findings of prior studies.
Research on motor rotation anomaly detection based on improved VMD algorithm
Authors: Chen Fuzhao , Chen Zhilei , Chen Qian , Gao Tianyang , Dai Mingyan , Zhang Xiang , Sun Lin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The electromechanical brake system is leading the latest development trend in railway braking technology. The tolerance stack-up generated during the assembly and production process catalyzes the slight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing between the motor stator and rotor inside the electromechanical cylinder. The tolerance leads to imprecise brake control, so it is necessary to diagnose the fault of the motor in the fully assembled electromechanical brake system. This paper aims to present improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm, which endeavors to elucidate and push the boundaries of mechanical synchronicity problems within the realm of the electromechanical brake system.

Design/methodology/approach

The VMD algorithm plays a pivotal role in the preliminary phase, employing mode decomposition techniques to decompose the motor speed signals. Afterward, the error energy algorithm precision is utilized to extract abnormal features, leveraging the practical intrinsic mode functions, eliminating extraneous noise and enhancing the signal’s fidelity. This refined signal then becomes the basis for fault analysis. In the analytical step, the cepstrum is employed to calculate the formant and envelope of the reconstructed signal. By scrutinizing the formant and envelope, the fault point within the electromechanical brake system is precisely identified, contributing to a sophisticated and accurate fault diagnosis.

Findings

This paper innovatively uses the VMD algorithm for the modal decomposition of electromechanical brake (EMB) motor speed signals and combines it with the error energy algorithm to achieve abnormal feature extraction. The signal is reconstructed according to the effective intrinsic mode functions (IMFS) component of removing noise, and the formant and envelope are calculated by cepstrum to locate the fault point. Experiments show that the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm can effectively decompose the original speed signal. After feature extraction, signal enhancement and fault identification, the motor mechanical fault point can be accurately located. This fault diagnosis method is an effective fault diagnosis algorithm suitable for EMB systems.

Originality/value

By using this improved VMD algorithm, the electromechanical brake system can precisely identify the rotational anomaly of the motor. This method can offer an online diagnosis analysis function during operation and contribute to an automated factory inspection strategy while parts are assembled. Compared with the conventional motor diagnosis method, this improved VMD algorithm can eliminate the need for additional acceleration sensors and save hardware costs. Moreover, the accumulation of online detection functions helps improve the reliability of train electromechanical braking systems.
Time for a paradigm shift? Small carnivores' sensitivity highlights the importance of monitoring mid‐rank predators in future global change studies
Authors: Do Linh San Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

Research Highlight: Jachowski, D. S., Marneweck, C. J., Olfenbuttel, C., & Harris, S. N. (2024). Support for the size‐mediated sensitivity hypothesis within a diverse carnivore community. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13916. A current paradigm in ecological research suggests that top predators are suitable sentinel species to identify ecosystem dysfunctions and monitor the effects of climate change. However, the adequacy of top predators to systematically take this function may be mistakenly inferred or unintentionally conflated from the fact that these species are regarded as biodiversity indicators or keystone, umbrella and flagship species in most ecosystems. Regarding terrestrial mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora), some researchers recently suggested that the smaller species likely possess a higher sensitivity to environmental changes than large carnivores because of their biological attributes and their intermediate position in food webs. To test this hypothesis, Jachowski et al. (2024) used camera trapping followed by occupancy and structural equation modelling to explore the dynamics of a diverse carnivore community and the factors that influence them. Their results confirmed that small carnivores are more sensitive to habitat changes and are interconnected by a greater number of significant pathways compared with larger carnivores. This support for the size‐mediated sensitivity hypothesis strengthens the proposition that small carnivores (and other mid‐rank predators) are ideal sentinel species for monitoring the effects of the wide range of contemporary and future environmental changes. Time will tell whether this new ‘middle‐out ecology’ paradigm will be considered in future global change studies.
Coupling pathway prediction and fluorescence spectroscopy to assess the impact of auxiliary substrates on micropollutant biodegradation
Authors: Schittich Anna‐Ricarda , Fenner Kathrin , Stedmon Colin A. , Xu Jianxin , McKnight Ursula S. , Smets Barth F.
Published: January 2024

Some bacteria can degrade organic micropollutants (OMPs) as primary carbon sources. Due to typically low OMP concentrations, these bacteria may benefit from supplemental assimilation of natural substrates present in the pool of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The biodegradability of such auxiliary substrates and the impacts on OMP removal are tightly linked to biotransformation pathways. Here, we aimed to elucidate the biodegradability and effect of different DOM constituents for the carbofuran degrader Novosphingobium sp. KN65.2, using a novel approach that combines pathway prediction, laboratory experiments, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Pathway prediction suggested that ring hydroxylation reactions catalysed by Rieske‐type dioxygenases and flavin‐dependent monooxygenases determine the transformability of the 11 aromatic compounds used as model DOM constituents. Our approach further identified two groups with distinct transformation mechanisms amongst the four growth‐supporting compounds selected for mixed substrate biodegradation experiments with the pesticide carbofuran (Group 1: 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde; Group 2: p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid). Carbofuran biodegradation kinetics were stable in the presence of both Group 1 and Group 2 auxiliary substrates. However, Group 2 substrates would be preferable for bioremediation processes, as they showed constant biodegradation kinetics under different experimental conditions (pre‐growing KN65.2 on carbofuran vs. DOM constituent). Furthermore, Group 2 substrates were utilisable by KN65.2 in the presence of a competitor (Pseudomonas fluorescens sp. P17). Our study thus presents a simple and cost‐efficient approach that reveals mechanistic insights into OMP‐DOM biodegradation.
Disparities in access to appointments for contraceptive services among Black, Hispanic, White, and recently incarcerated women in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
Authors: Wisniewski Janna M. , Walker Brigham , Patlola Isha , Sharma Rajiv , Tinkler Sarah
Published: January 2024

Objective

To measure differences in access to contraceptive services based on history of incarceration and its intersections with race/ethnicity and insurance status.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Primary data were collected from telephone calls to physician offices in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in 2021.

Study Design

We deployed a field experiment. The outcome variables were appointment offers, wait days, and questions asked of the caller. The independent variables were callers' incarceration history, race/ethnicity, and insurance.

Data Collection Methods

Using standardized scripts, Black, Hispanic, and White female research assistants called actively licensed primary care physicians and Obstetrician/Gynecologists asking for the next available appointment for a contraception prescription. Physicians were randomly selected and randomly assigned to callers. In half of calls, callers mentioned recent incarceration. We also varied insurance status.

Principal Findings

Appointment offer rates were five percentage points lower (95% CI: −0.10 to 0.01) for patients with a history of incarceration and 11 percentage points lower (95% CI: −0.15 to −0.06) for those with Medicaid. We did not find significant differences in appointment offer rates or wait days when incarceration status was interacted with race or insurance. Schedulers asked questions about insurance significantly more often to recently incarcerated Black patients and recently incarcerated patients who had Medicaid.

Conclusions

Women with a history of incarceration have less access to medical appointments; this access did not vary by race or insurance status among women with a history of incarceration.
Deductible imputation in administrative medical claims datasets
Authors: Cliff Betsy Q. , Eddelbuettel Julia C. P. , Meiselbach Mark K. , Eisenberg Matthew D.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To validate imputation methods used to infer plan‐level deductibles and determine which enrollees are in high‐deductible health plans (HDHPs) in administrative claims datasets.

Data Sources and Study Setting

2017 medical and pharmaceutical claims from OptumLabs Data Warehouse for US individuals <65 continuously enrolled in an employer‐sponsored plan. Data include enrollee and plan characteristics, deductible spending, plan spending, and actual plan‐level deductibles.

Study Design

We impute plan deductibles using four methods: (1) parametric prediction using individual‐level spending; (2) parametric prediction with imputation and plan characteristics; (3) highest plan‐specific mode of individual annual deductible spending; and (4) deductible spending at the 80th percentile among individuals meeting their deductible. We compare deductibles’ levels and categories for imputed versus actual deductibles.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

All methods had a positive predictive value (PPV) for determining high‐ versus low‐deductible plans of ≥87%; negative predictive values (NPV) were lower. The method imputing plan‐specific deductible spending modes was most accurate and least computationally intensive (PPV: 95%; NPV: 91%). This method also best correlated with actual deductible levels; 69% of imputed deductibles were within $250 of the true deductible.

Conclusions

In the absence of plan structure data, imputing plan‐specific modes of individual annual deductible spending best correlates with true deductibles and best predicts enrollees in HDHPs.
Strategic earnings management in family firms
Authors: Ma Liangbo , Ma Shiguang
Published: January 2024

We examine how family firms strategically manage earnings by using discretionary accruals (AEM) and real activities (REM). Using a sample of privately controlled but publicly listed firms in China between 2007 and 2018, we find that, under normal circumstances, family firms are less (more) likely than nonfamily firms to use REM (AEM) for earnings management, and they use REM and AEM as substitutes. However, when firms are under pressure to meet important earnings benchmarks that are critical to the survival of their businesses, family firms increase their use of REM more than do nonfamily firms. Finally, family firms strategically use REM to improve their future firm performance. This study challenges the unidirectional relationship between family firms and earnings management that is typically documented in existing studies.
Performance evaluation of academics: A social influence theory perspective
Authors: Ghauri Ehtasham , Adler Ralph
Published: January 2024

This study examines the associations between academics' perceptions of their institutions' performance management systems, and in particular their performance evaluation, and academics' attitudes and behaviours. Responses from over 1000 New Zealand academics reveal that those who perceive their performance evaluation as outcomes‐focused and process‐focused are more likely to exhibit compliance‐based behaviour. In contrast, when performance evaluation is perceived as being values‐driven and supportive of collegiality, the academics exhibit internalised behaviours. This study further shows that academics with internalised attitudes score higher in research assessment exercises than academics with compliance‐based attitudes.
Cultural tightness–looseness and inter‐regional mergers and acquisitions: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Hui , Ling Leng , Wang Ying
Published: January 2024

We investigated the role of culture in inter‐regional mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within national borders, using a dataset that includes M&As conducted by Chinese listed firms from 2005 to 2019. Our research provides compelling evidence that the likelihood of an acquirer initiating a merger proposal – and the subsequent probability of reaching an agreement – decreases as the cultural tightness gap between the acquiring and target firms widens. Furthermore, we found that this negative impact of cultural tightness distance is more pronounced in non‐state‐owned firms and firms led by younger CEOs.
Agriculture and AfCFTA: NTM reductions increase intra‐Africa trade
Authors: Beckman Jayson , Johnson Michael E. , Ivanic Maros
Published: January 2024

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to provide trade gains for Africa, especially from reducing non‐tariff measures (NTM). Unfortunately, data on NTMs is scarce, both by country and sector. Using three underlying NTM data sets and other data sources, we provide a range of estimates to fill the missing gaps in the existing estimates. Focusing on agriculture, we then use a computable general equilibrium model to estimate the effects of the AfCFTA. Results from all three data sets indicate that NTM reduction leads to much greater intra‐Africa trade gains than tariff reduction alone.
Mitral valvuloplasty using real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Shi Ning‐Han , Zhang Nan , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Hai‐Zhou , Zou Cheng‐Wei , Zhu Mei
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the structure of the mitral valve in patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) using real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT‐3D‐TEE). The main objective was to study the relationship between intraoperative annuloplasty ring size and mitral valve structure dimensions, with a focus on exploring the application value of RT‐3D‐TEE in MVP.

Methods

A total of 28 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), who underwent MVP between February and September 2022, as well as 12 normal control cases, were enrolled in this study. The MV annulus and leaflets were quantitatively analyzed using MVN software.

Results

The DMR group exhibited significantly greater dimensions in various parameters of the mitral valve, including the anterolateral‐to‐posteromedial diameter (DAlPm), anterior‐to‐posterior diameter (DAP), annulus height (HA), three‐dimensional annulus circumference (CA3D), two‐dimensional annulus area (AA2D), anterior leaflet area (Aant), posterior leaflet area (Apost), anterior leaflet length (Lant), posterior leaflet length (Lpost), and tenting volume (Vtent) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provides valuable insights into the morphological structure of the mitral valve and lesion location. It can aid in surgical decision‐making, validate the success of MVP, and potentially reduce mortality and complications associated with mitral valve repair procedures.
Neuroprotection and axon regeneration in glaucoma models by gene therapy using modified tyrosine kinase receptors
Authors: Harada Takayuki , Namekata Kazuhiko , Sotozono Akiko , Shinozaki Youichi , Guo Xiaoli , Harada Chikako
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To determine whether gene therapy using the modified tyrosine kinase receptors (insulin receptor or TrkB) can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and stimulate axon regeneration in glaucoma model mice.

Methods: To examine the effects on the signalling pathways, Cos7 cells were transfected with intracellular region of insulin receptor (iIR) or TrkB (iTrkB) for 24 h, and immunoblot analysis was performed using antibodies against total and phosphorylated ERK and AKT. To evaluate their neuroprotective effects in vivo, the modified IR or TrkB was overexpressed in RGCs in GLAST knockout mice, a mouse model of normal tension glaucoma, by an intraocular injection of AAV‐iIR or AAV‐iTrkB. For optic nerve crush (ONC) model, AAV‐iIR or AAV‐iTrkB was injected into the mouse eyes 2 weeks before ONC. The number of surviving RGCs was examined by whole‐mount immunostaining of the retina with an RBPMS antibody. RGC dendrites were visualized by GFP labeling and quantified using the microscopy image analysis software IMARIS. Optic nerve regeneration was examined by the intraocular injection of Cholera Toxin Subunit B at 2 days before sacrifice.

Results: iIR and iTrkB transfection in vitro both strongly induced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, and in vivo, AAV‐iIR and AAV‐iTrkB both significantly increased the number of surviving RGCs in GLAST knockout mice and ONC mice. Moreover, AAV‐iIR and AAV‐iTrkB promoted axon regeneration in ONC mice and preserved the structure of RGC dendrites.

Conclusions: Our system overcomes the small size limitation of the genome packaging in AAV and may be useful for the treatment of retinal and optic nerve degeneration.

References

Nishijima E, Honda S, Kitamura Y, Namekata K, Kimura A, Guo X, Azuchi Y, Harada C, Murakami A, Matsuda A, Nakano T, Parada LF, Harada T. Vision protection and robust axon regeneration in glaucoma models by membrane‐associated Trk receptors. Molecular Therapy 31(3), 810–824, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.018
Novel melanin‐binding carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor for long‐acting topical glaucoma treatment
Authors: Valtari Annika , Kalinin Stanislav , Jäntti Janika , Stenberg Katja , Vellonen Kati‐Sisko , Toropainen Elisa , Ruponen Marika , Urtti Arto
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: We are developing new eye drop treatment for glaucoma with dosing frequency once a week by utilizing drug binding to ocular melanin. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) II enzyme inhibitors decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) and thus halt the progression of retinal damage by reducing the secretion of aqueous humour in the ciliary body. Since ciliary body is a melanin‐rich tissue, we hypothesize that long‐lasting CAII inhibition and IOP‐lowering effect may be achieved due to gradual drug release from melanin‐bound drug depot.

Methods: Melanin binding affinity for about 30 novel CAII inhibitors was studied with microscale thermophoresis, and three structurally rather similar and equipotent molecules with different melanin binding properties were selected for in vivo efficacy studies. IOP‐lowering effect of these new molecules was studied with albino and pigmented rabbits with iCare® PRO rebound tonometer. For pharmacokinetic studies, the high melanin binding new CAI (molecule 184) was labelled with tritium, and the study was conducted with albino and pigmented rats with conventional methods. Bound drug was analysed from iris‐ciliary body pellet and unbound fraction from supernatants.

Results: Melanin‐binding affinity of new CAII inhibitors varies from low or non‐binders (Kd > 650 μM) to high melanin binders (Kd < 65 μM). In vivo efficacy results show that the molecules decrease IOP in both albino and pigmented eyes at the level comparable with dorzolamide (Trusopt®). In pigmented eyes, melanin binding prolongs the effect of compound 184 even up to 2 weeks after single eye drop. In the pharmacokinetic rat study, molecule 184 shows remarkably prolonged tissue binding and high iris‐ciliary body exposure in pigmented eyes.

Conclusions: After topical administration IOP‐lowering effect of high melanin‐binding CA II inhibitor is significantly prolonged in pigmented eyes.
Sitagliptin, an anti‐diabetic drug, inhibits the pro‐inflammatory microglia reactivity via dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4)
Authors: Léger Hélène , Leote Cristiana , Bufano Lucia , Boia Raquel , Santiago Ana Raquel , Fernandes Rosa , Ambrósio António Francisco
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by a chronic low‐grade retinal neuroinflammation triggered by diabetes and mediated, at least in part, by microglial cells. We previously showed that sitagliptin, an oral drug for type 2 diabetes, developed to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) and increase insulin release, can prevent retinal neuroinflammation in diabetic rat models and the LPS‐induced morphological changes of microglial cells in retinal organotypic cultures. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not clarified. We hypothesize that sitagliptin is able to directly inhibit microglia reactivity via Dpp4.

Methods: BV‐2 microglia cell line was exposed to a non‐toxic dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.1 μg/mL) in the presence or absence of 200 μM sitagliptin. The expression of Dpp4, iNOS, IL‐1 beta and TNF were assessed by Western Blot and/or RT‐qPCR. The BV‐2 phagocytic efficiency was assessed using fluorescent microbeads. The metabolic activity and proliferation of BV‐2 cells were assessed by resazurin assay and Edu staining, respectively. Dpp4 deletion in BV‐2 cells was generated using Crispr‐cas9 method.

Results: Sitagliptin inhibited the LPS‐induced increase in protein levels of iNOS, IL‐1 beta and TNF to 39.9 ± 6.3%, 47.2 ± 8.1% and 34.0 ± 7.2%, respectively, comparing to LPS. Sitagliptin reduced the LPS‐induced increase in phagocytic efficiency by approximately 40%. Sitagliptin did not affect the metabolism and proliferation of BV‐2. BV‐2 cells express Dpp4. Dpp4 deletion does not affect the LPS‐induced phagocytosis but abrogated the effect of sitagliptin on the reduction of BV‐2 phagocytic efficiency (approx. 320% as in LPS).

Conclusions: Sitagliptin exerts direct anti‐inflammatory effects on microglia, mediated by DPP4. These results suggest that sitagliptin can potentially be used in retinal pathologies characterized by microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation.

Support.

FCT‐Portugal: PEst UID/NEU/04539/2013, UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020 and PTDC/NEU‐OSD/1113/2012. COMPETE‐FEDER.
The outcome of cataract surgery in paediatric uveitis
Authors: Mtalai Naoual , Ghizlane Daghouj , Chahir Roukaya , Loubna Elmaaloum , Bouchra Allali , Asmaa Elkettani
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Cataract is a frequent complication of chronic uveitis. It can be a consequence of intraocular inflammation or the use of corticosteroids. In children, uveitic cataract is a source of amblyopia, hence the interest in surgery. Our work aims to study the therapeutic particularities, the peri and post‐operative complications and the visual and functional results of these cataracts.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 14 patients (18 eyes) with uveitis; involving children under 15 years of age; who underwent cataract surgery between January 2011 and November 2022.

Results: The average age of the operated children was 9.5 years (4–14 years) with a female predominance of 70%. Uveitis was bilateral in 8 children. The aetiology of the uveitis was found in 9 patients. It was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in 6 cases, ocular toxoplasmosis in 1 case, tuberculosis in 1 case and Eales disease in 1 case. The aetiology of the uveitis was not found in 5 patients. The initial visual acuity varied between light perception and 2/10. Total white cataract was found in 44% of cases, posterior subcapsular in 39% of cases, anterior subcapsular in 5.5% of cases and corticonuclear and posterior subcapsular in 11% of cases. Phacoemulsification was performed with implantation in the lens bag in 17 eyes, only 1 patient in our series was not implanted. Post‐operative visual acuity was greater than 7/10 in 68% of cases, between 7/10 and 3/10 in 16% of cases and less than 3/10 in 16% of patients. Post‐operative complications were dominated by the inflammatory reaction of the anterior segment, which was controlled by corticosteroid treatment in 40% of cases, macular oedema occurred in 2 patients in our series post‐operatively and Elsching's beads in 6 eyes (34%). Immunosuppressive treatment was maintained in 75% of cases.

Conclusions: Cataract surgery in uveitic children requires careful management to ensure successful outcomes. The control of peri‐operative inflammation in the surgery of paediatric uveitic cataracts is the key to obtaining good visual outcomes and preventing amblyopia.

References

AlAmeer AM, Al Shamrani M. Outcome of cataract surgery in pediatric uveitis (experience at King Khalid Eye Hospital). Oman J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 2;15(1):43–48.
Analysis of the effects of FineVision Micro F and AcySof IQ PanOptix intraocular lenses on visual quality under different lighting condition
Authors: Haddi Inas Baoud Ould , Cervantes Dayan Flores , Ramírez Emilio Dorronzoro , Sánchez Vanesa Blázquez , Arias Cristina Bonnin
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To analyse the effect of the design of FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal intraocular lenses on the visual quality of patients under photopic and mesopic illumination conditions.

Methods: Observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study. The study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas la Moraleja in Madrid. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The sample included 16 patients who underwent cataract or lensectomy surgery, with bilateral implantation of one of the two intraocular lenses (IOLs) under study: 20 eyes with FineVision Micro F implant and 12 eyes with AcrySof IQ PanOptix. After 30 days after surgery, an assessment of photopic and mesopic, monocular and binocular visual acuity (VA) was performed for three distances: far (4 m), intermediate (66 cm) and near (40 cm) with the ETDRS test. A p‐value <0.05 was considered a criterion for statistical significance.

Results: Visual acuity analysis showed significant differences between FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix lenses, under photopic conditions, for intermediate distance (p‐value 0.014) with means of 0.04 ± 0.05 and 0.11 ± 0.11, respectively and near distance (p‐value 0.001), with means of 0.05 ± 0.06 and 0.12 ± 0.06, respectively. On the other hand, in mesopic conditions, statistically significant differences (p‐value 0.032) were observed in close distance, with means of 0.43 ± 0.3 and 0.52 ± 0.2, respectively.

Conclusions: Both FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL designs provide optimal VA at far distances in both photopic and mesopic illumination conditions. The FineVision Micro F IOL provides better intermediate and near VA in photopic conditions and near distance in mesopic conditions than the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL, and this difference is clinically significant.