bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three interacting regions of the Ndc80 and Dam1 complexes support microtubule tip-coupling under load
Authors: Flores Rachel L. , Peterson Zachary E. , Zelter Alex , Riffle Michael , Asbury Charles L. , Davis Trisha N.
Published: March 2022

Accurate mitosis requires kinetochores to make persistent, load-bearing attachments to dynamic microtubule tips, thereby coupling chromosome movements to tip growth and shortening. This tip-coupling behavior depends on the conserved Ndc80 complex and, in budding yeast, on the Dam1 complex, which bind each other directly via three distinct interacting regions. The functional relevance of these multiple interactions was mysterious. Here we show that interactions between two of these regions support the high rupture strengths that occur when applied force is rapidly increased and also support the stability of tip-coupling when force is held constant over longer durations. The contribution of either of these two regions to tip-coupling is reduced by phosphorylation by Aurora B kinase. The third interaction region makes no apparent contribution to rupture strength, but its phosphorylation by Aurora B kinase specifically decreases the long-term stability of tip-coupling. The specific reduction of long-term stability relative to short-term strength might have important implications for mitotic error correction.
Infection-induced lymphatic zippering restricts fluid transport and viral dissemination from skin
Authors: Churchill Madeline J. , du Bois Haley , Heim Taylor A. , Mudianto Tenny , Steele Maria M. , Nolz Jeffrey C. , Lund Amanda W.
Published: March 2022

Lymphatic vessels are often considered passive conduits that flush antigenic material, pathogens, and cells to draining lymph nodes. Recent evidence, however, suggests that lymphatic vessels actively regulate diverse processes from antigen transport to leukocyte trafficking and dietary lipid absorption. Here we tested the hypothesis that infection-induced changes in lymphatic transport actively contribute to innate host defense. We demonstrate that cutaneous vaccinia virus infection by scarification activates dermal lymphatic capillary junction tightening (zippering) and lymph node lymphangiogenesis, which are associated with reduced fluid transport and cutaneous viral sequestration. Lymphatic-specific deletion of VEGFR2 prevented infection-induced lymphatic capillary zippering, increased fluid flux out of tissue, and allowed lymphatic dissemination of virus. Further, a reduction in dendritic cell migration to lymph nodes in the absence of lymphatic VEGFR2 associated with reduced antiviral CD8+ T cell expansion. These data indicate that VEGFR2-driven lymphatic remodeling is a context-dependent, active mechanism of innate host defense that limits viral dissemination and facilitates protective, antiviral CD8+ T cell responses.
Microfluidic system manufacturing by direct laser writing for the generation and characterization of microdroplets
Authors: Álvarez-Martínez Jonathan U , Medina-Cázares Orlando M , Soto-Alcaraz Maria E , Castañeda-Priego Ramón , Gutiérrez-Juárez G , Castro-Beltrán R
Published: March 2022

This work contributes to the development of microfluidics devices in a simpler way and by keeping the cost of microfabrication as low as possible. Implementing methods to develop microfluidic devices and to have control over the channel size rapidly and easily have become a challenge. In the present work, direct laser writing (DLW) is proposed as a manufacturing technique to develop a T-junction microfluidic droplet generator operating in the squeezing regime. Owing to the channel size, DLW depends on both the focused laser spot properties and the interface material refractive indices. The Debye–Wolf theory behind this technique predicts the focal shift of the laser spot to avoid optical misalignment during the fabrication process. The Debye–Wolf theory and the COMSOL ray-tracing module are presented as complementary design tools. The flow rates and the channel sizes were investigated under the two-phase COMSOL module. Experimental droplet generation results were assisted with the solution of the Navier–Stokes equation with appropriate boundary conditions. Microdroplet size characterization, as well as simulations, show a linear tendency with the flow rate ratios (FRRs). For FRR ranging from 0.25 to 2, droplet lengths from

∼
320
 
μ

m to

∼
1050
 
μ

m were observed. This information is confirmed by implementing a digital image processing protocol. The dynamics of droplets formation, strongly influenced by the input flow rate fluctuations caused by the syringes and micropump operation, are presented. This protocol aims the full control of these devices to perform potential applications, such as particle insulators, drug delivery, fluidic microlasers, among others.
A numerical investigation of power loss in a thickness-mode piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Rodríguez Orlando , Chong-Quero J Enrique
Published: March 2022

Power loss reduction in piezoelectric transducers has been attracting the attention of diverse researchers and the ultrasonic technology manufactures for years. In this context, fundamentally two frequencies have been profusely investigated to excite these transducers, namely the resonance and antiresonance ones. However, more recently other operation points have been examined. This article presents a numerical investigation of power loss in a thickness-extensional mode piezoelectric transducer, excited at its fundamental resonance, and designed with the data compatible with a very-high mechanical quality factor (Q
m) piezoceramic. Additionally, harmonic electric excitations of the device and a constant velocity of its front face were supposed, when it was acoustically coupled to air or water loads, i.e. in real loading conditions for numerous applications. In this investigation it was found an optimal operation point where a remarkable power loss reduction may be obtained regarding excitations at the resonance or antiresonance frequencies. Finally, it was discovered that power loss frequency spectrum depends on the external acoustic load for this type of transducers. In simulations, a linear piezoelectrics was assumed.
Comparing person-level matching algorithms to identify risk across disparate datasets among patients with a controlled substance prescription: retrospective analysis
Authors: Ferris Lindsey M , Weiner Jonathan P , Saloner Brendan , Kharrazi Hadi
Published: March 2022

Background

The opioid epidemic in the United States has precipitated a need for public health agencies to better understand risk factors associated with fatal overdoses. Matching person-level information stored in public health, medical, and human services datasets can enhance the understanding of opioid overdose risk factors and interventions.

Objective

This study compares approximate match versus exact match algorithms to link disparate datasets together for identifying persons at risk from an applied perspective.

Methods

This study used statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), arrest, and mortality data matched at the person-level using an approximate match and 2 exact match algorithms. Impact of matching was assessed by analyzing 3 independent concepts: (1) the prevalence of key risk indicators used by PDMP programs in practice, (2) the prevalence of arrests and fatal opioid overdose, and (3) the performance of a multivariate logistic regression for fatal opioid overdose. The PDMP key risk indicators included (1) multiple provider episodes (MPE), or patients with prescriptions from multiple prescribers and dispensers, (2) high morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), which represents an opioid’s potency relative to morphine, and (3) overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions.

Results

Prevalence of PDMP-based risk indicators were higher in the approximate match population for MPEs (n = 4893/1 859 445 [0.26%]) and overlapping opioid/benzodiazepines (n = 57 888/1 859 445 [4.71%]), but the exact-basic match population had the highest prevalence of individuals with high MMEs (n = 664/1 910 741 [3.11%]). Prevalence of arrests and deaths were highest for the approximate match population compared with the exact match populations. Model performance was comparable across the 3 matching algorithms (exact-basic validation area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.854; approximate validation AUC: 0.847; exact + zip validation AUC: 0.826) but resulted in different cutoff points balancing sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates the specific tradeoffs of different matching methods. Further research should be performed to compare matching algorithms and its impact on the prevalence of key risk indicators in an applied setting that can improve understanding of risk within a population.
Effects of Chinese gallnut tannic acid on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidative status, intestinal histomorphology, and cecal microbial shedding in broilers challenged with aflatoxin B1
Authors: Zhang Zheng Fan , Xi Yu , Wang Si Tian , Zheng Li Yun , Qi Ya , Guo Shuang Shuang , Ding Bin Ying
Published: March 2022

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in broilers challenged with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 480 broilers aged 1 d were randomly allotted into four treatments: 1) CON, control diet; 2) AF, CON + 60 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during days 1 to 21, CON + 120 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during days 22 to 42; 3) TA1, AF + 250 mg/kg TA; and 4) TA2, AF + 500 mg/kg TA. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were increased in the TA1 during days 1 to 21, days 22 to 42, and days 1 to 42 compared with CON and AF treatments (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA2 diet had greater ADG and ADFI than those fed the CON and AF diets during the finisher and the whole period (P < 0.05). Administration of TA decreased the relative weight of liver and kidney compared with broilers fed the AF diet on day 42 (P < 0.05). The blood activity of alanine transferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was increased in the AF treatment compared with the CON (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA1 decreased the ALT content on day 21, and the level of ALT and GGT was decreased in the TA2 compared with the AF group on day 42 (P < 0.05). The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in plasma, and the hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) was decreased in the AF group compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The TA decreased plasma malondialdehyde concentration, and increased plasma T-SOD, GSH-Px, total antioxidant capacity, and hepatic GST activity compared with the AF (P < 0.05). The crypt depth of the jejunum was decreased in the TA1 treatment on day 21, and the villus height of the ileum was increased in the TA2 group on day 42 compared with the AF treatment (P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus counts on day 21 were tended to increase in the TA treatments compared with the AF (P = 0.061). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 250 and 500 mg/kg TA could improve the growth, antioxidant capacity, and partially protected the intestinal health of broilers challenged with AFB1.
Cosmological constraints from the density gradient weighted correlation function
Authors: Xiao Xiaoyuan , Yang Yizhao , Luo Xiaolin , Ding Jiacheng , Huang Zhiqi , Wang Xin , Zheng Yi , Sabiu Cristiano G , Forero-Romero Jaime , Miao Haitao , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: March 2022

The mark weighted correlation function (MCF) W(s, μ) is a computationally efficient statistical measure which can probe clustering information beyond that of the conventional two-point statistics. In this work, we extend the traditional mark weighted statistics using powers of the density field gradient |∇ρ/ρ|α as the weight, and use the angular dependence of the scale-averaged MCFs to constrain cosmological parameters. The analysis shows that the gradient-based weighting scheme is statistically more powerful than the density-based weighting scheme, while combining the two schemes together is more powerful than separately using either of them. Utilizing the density-weighted or the gradient-weighted MCFs with α = 0.5, 1, we can strengthen the constraint on Ωm by factors of 2 or 4, respectively, compared with the standard two-point correlation function, while simultaneously using the MCFs of the two weighting schemes together can be 1.25 times more statistically powerful than using the gradient weighting scheme alone. The mark weighted statistics may play an important role in cosmological analysis of future large-scale surveys. Many issues, including the possibility of using other types of weights, the influence of the bias on this statistics, and the usage of MCFs in the tomographic Alcock–Paczynski method, are worth further investigations.
Surgical Treatment of Single Level Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Padhye Kedar , Shultz Paul , Alcala Christopher , Mehbod Amir , Garvey Timothy , Schwender James , Dawson John M. , Transfeldt Ensor
Published: March 2022

Study Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes, complication rates, and reoperation rates among the 4 treatments in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Summary of Background Data:

Surgical options for cervical radiculopathy include anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), open posterior cervical foraminotomy (O-PCF), minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF), and cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA).

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective chart review after Review Board approval. Of the 384 patients in the study—257 ACDF, 18 O-PCF, 52 MI-PCF, and 56 CDA. Information was obtained from the charts and compared between the groups.

Patient Sample:

Patients above 18 years of age with single-level, unilateral cervical radiculopathy correlating with magnetic resonance imaging, failure of nonoperative management, and 1-level ACDF, O-PCF, MI-PCF, or CDA with >24 months of follow-up.

Outcome Measures:

Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Score neck and arm pain, minimum clinically significant difference (MCID), complication rates, and reoperation rates.

Results:

Operative time was significantly shorter for MI-PCF. Median estimated blood loss was small, but greater with O-PCF compared with other interventions. The length of hospital stay was longest for the ACDF group. At 2 years’ follow-up, 36 subjects (9%) had subsequent neck surgery. The most common indication for additional surgery was recurrent symptoms (3.4%) followed by adjacent segment disease (2.6%), pseudoarthrosis (2.1%), adjacent segment disease + pseudoarthrosis (0.5%), and implant-related complications (0.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between groups. MCID in NDI was achieved in 40% of MI-PCF subjects, 42% of O-PCF subjects, 66% of CDA subjects and 46% of ACDF subjects.

Conclusions:

All 4 treatment options confer good clinical results on patients for cervical radiculopathy. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were low and comparable in all 4 groups. MI-PCF had the shortest surgical time and length of hospital stay. More CDA patients achieved MCID in NDI compared with the others, and the rate for additional surgery at 2 years was lowest in the CDA group.
PM2.5 composition and disease aggravation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nunez Yanelli , Boehme Amelia K. , Goldsmith Jeff , Li Maggie , van Donkelaar Aaron , Weisskopf Marc G. , Re Diane B. , Martin Randall V. , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna
Published: March 2022

Background:

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with disease aggravation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we characterized long-term exposure to six major PM2.5 components and their individual association with disease aggravation in ALS.

Methods:

We leveraged 15 years of data from the New York Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (2000–2014) to calculate annual ALS first hospitalizations in New York State. We used the first hospital admission as a surrogate of disease aggravation and a prediction model to estimate population-weighted annual black carbon, organic matter (OM), nitrate, sulfate, sea salt, and soil concentrations at the county level. We used a multi-pollutant mixed quasi-Poisson model with county-specific random intercepts to estimate rate ratios (RR) of 1-year exposure to each PM2.5 component and disease aggravation in ALS, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

We observed 5,655 first ALS-related hospitalizations. The annual average hospitalization count per county was 6.08 and the average PM2.5 total mass concentration per county was 8.1 μg/m3—below the United States’ National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 12 μg/m3. We found a consistent positive association between ALS aggravation and OM (1.17, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.11, 1.24 per standard deviation [SD] increase) and a negative association with soil (RR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.86, 0.97).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that PM2.5 composition may influence its effect on ALS. We found that annual increases in county-level particulate OM may be associated with disease aggravation in ALS, even at PM2.5 levels below current standards.
Microsurgical Scalp Replantation: Lessons Learned and Technical Considerations
Authors: Wechselberger Gottfried , Pumberger Peter , Schwaiger Karl , Wimbauer Julia , Köninger Fabian , Russe Elisabeth , Heinrich Klemens
Published: March 2022

Total scalp avulsion is defined as a severe soft-tissue injury which involves the hairy scalp and commonly occurs in women as a result of the entrapment of long hair in high-speed rotating industrial machinery. The first microvascular replantation of an avulsed scalp was described by Miller et al in 1976 when both superficial temporal arteries along with five veins were successfully reanastomosed. Our patient was managed with a vein graft measuring 8 cm in length for reanastomosis of the superficial temporal artery. Furthermore, after successful replantation, we used an expander for aesthetic refinement and achieved an excellent outcome. A scalp replantation should be performed in every possible case. Despite partial skin necrosis, hair growth in the remaining areas is possible. In cases of partial skin necrosis, it is possible to eliminate the hairless areas by implanting an expander and excising the hairless area. A pressure-related ulcer at the occiput is likely due to immobility of the head postoperatively and may be avoided by using a halo fixation device.
Comparison of Anterior Segment Abnormalities in Individuals With FOXC1 and PITX2 Variants
Authors: Prem Senthil Mallika , Knight Lachlan S. W. , Taranath Deepa , Mackey David A. , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Chiang Mark Y. , Siggs Owen M. , Souzeau Emmanuelle , Craig Jamie E.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome encompasses a group of developmental disorders affecting the anterior chamber structures of the eye, with associated systemic features in some cases. This study aims to compare the difference in anterior segment phenotypes such as those involving the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber angle between cases with disease-causing sequence variations in FOXC1 and PITX2.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study involved 61 individuals, from 32 families with pathogenic FOXC1 or PITX2 variants, who were registered with the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma.

Results:

The median age of the cohort was 39 years at the time of last assessment (range 3–85 years; females, 54%). Thirty-two patients had pathogenic variants in the FOXC1 gene, and 29 patients had pathogenic variants in the PITX2 gene. Corneal abnormalities were more common in individuals with FOXC1 variants (18/36, 50%) than those with PITX2 variants (4/25, 16%; P = 0.007). Iris abnormalities such as hypoplasia (P = 0.008) and pseudopolycoria (P = 0.001) were more common in individuals with PITX2 variants than those with FOXC1 variants. Glaucoma was present in 72% of participants. Corneal decompensation was positively associated with corneal abnormalities (P < 0.001), glaucoma surgery (P = 0.025), and cataract surgery (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Corneal abnormalities were more common in individuals with FOXC1 than in those with PITX2 variants and were often associated with early onset glaucoma. These findings highlight that patients with FOXC1 variations require close follow-up and monitoring throughout infancy and into adulthood.
Age-based disparities in telehealth use in an urban, underserved population in cancer and pulmonary clinics: A need for policy change
Authors: Pasquinelli Mary M. , Patel Darshil , Nguyen Ryan , Fathi Joelle , Khan Mahir , Fernandez Katia , Bhatia Yash , Corbridge Susan , Cadman Kasandra , Harmon Vanessa , Trosman Julia , Weldon Christine , Pappalardo Andrea A. , Nyenhuis Sharmilee M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth rapidly emerged as an essential health care service and became particularly important for patients with cancer and chronic conditions. However, the benefits of telehealth have not been fully realized for some of the most vulnerable populations due to inequitable access to telehealth capable technology.

Purpose:

This study aimed to assess accessibility and satisfaction with telehealth technology by vulnerable patients with cancer and pulmonary disease.

Methodology:

A paper survey and internet-based survey were developed and administered to adult (≥18 years) cancer and pulmonary clinic patients (July 1, 2020 to October 30, 2020).

Results:

Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact test were performed. Two hundred eleven patients completed the survey. Adults ≥50 years old (older) had reduced access to smartphone video capability and internet connection compared with adults less than 50 years old (59% vs. 90%, p < .01). Older adults reported more challenges with telehealth visits compared with younger adults (50.3%, 28.6%; p < .01). No difference in access to technology and preferences for telehealth versus in-person care was found by race, gender, or education level.

Conclusions:

Nearly all patients (95%) who had a previous experience with a telehealth visit felt confident in the quality of care they received via telehealth. Younger adults preferred video visits compared with older adults (75% vs. 50.6%, p < .01). Older adults were less likely to have access to smartphones with internet access, have more challenges with telehealth visits, and were less likely to prefer audio–video telehealth visits compared with younger adults.

Implications:

Ensuring equitable access to all health care delivery modalities by telehealth, including audio-only visits for patients across the age continuum, is paramount.
BMI is important in predicting the loss of response in inflammatory bowel disease patients on tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors
Authors: Chuck Winnie , Shadbolt Bruce Frederick , Nordin Fariza , Subramaniam Kavitha
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Obesity is an emerging phenomenon among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to evaluate whether the response to tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors (infliximab and adalimumab) could be influenced by BMI in IBD.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 181 IBD patients attending a single-tertiary centre, naive to biologic therapy and stratified them according to their BMI. The primary outcome is the first occurrence of loss of response (LOR).

Results

The median BMI was 26 kg/m2 (15–63 kg/m2). Approximately 68% of patients had LOR on both adalimumab (ADA) (n = 52) and infliximab (IFX) (n = 71). However, 83% on ADA with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had LOR compared to 61% on IFX with BMI ≥30 kg/m2. For patients on ADA, Cox regression analysis revealed that after accounting for age, sex, disease type, duration of disease, fistulising disease, smoking status, haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin and platelet levels, there were statistically significant associations between BMI (≥30 kg/m2 vs. <30 kg/m2) and LOR [P = 0.010; hazard ratio (HR) 3.2; confidence interval (CI), 1.3–7.6]. However, for patients on IFX, after accounting for the same factors, the only significant factor was the association of lower rate of LOR with higher albumin levels (P = 0.024; HR 0.95; CI, 0.91–0.99). There was an increased accelerated time to LOR for patients on ADA with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared to BMI <30 kg/m2 (P = 0.026). However, there was no difference in time to LOR for patients on IFX (P = 0.177).

Conclusion

BMI is important in predicting the LOR among IBD patients on TNF-α inhibitors, especially among patients receiving ADA.
The Association Between Binge-Watching Behavior and Psychological Problems Among Adolescents
Authors: Özkent Yasemin , Açıkel Burak
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the relationship between binge-watching addiction and family, emotional, conduct, cognitive and anger control problems, hyperactivity, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV)–ADHD Index, DSM-IV–Inattention, and DSM-IV–Hyperactivity Impulsivity in a large sample of healthy Turkish adolescents. The association between binge-watching behavior addiction and mood disorders in healthy adolescents was examined in this cross-sectional study conducted in Turkey. Participants completed both measures, The Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire and The Conners-Wells’ Adolescent Self-Report Scale. An online survey of 189 adolescents was conducted. One hundred fourteen subjects (60.3%) were categorized into the binge-watcher group. Results showed important positive associations between binge-watching behavior and emotional, conduct, cognitive problems, and DSM-IV–Inattention. The conducted analysis showed an important association between high frequency of binge-watching and emotional problems (p < 0.001), conduct problems (p = 0.012), cognitive problems (p = 0.001), and inattention (p < 0.001). These findings contributed to our comprehension of adolescents’ psychological correlates of television viewing behavior. Further researches on the relationship between extreme binge-watching and psychiatric disorders of adolescents are recommended.
A Clinical Prediction Model Based on Post Large Artery Atherosclerosis Infarction Pneumonia
Authors: Zhang Wen-Bo , Tang Tian-Chi , Zhang An-Ke , Zhang Zhong-Yuan , Hu Qiu-Si , Shen Zhi-Peng , Chen Zhi-Lin
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose:

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) has been found as a common complication in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) infarct is a major subtype of AIS. This study aimed to build a clinical prediction model for SAP of LAA type AIS patients.

Methods:

This study included 295 patients with LAA type AIS. Univariate analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the independent predictors for the modeling purpose. Nomogram used receiver operating characteristics to assess the accuracy of the model, and the calibration plots were employed to assess the fitting degree between the model and the practical scenario. One hundred and five patients were employed for the external validation to test the stability of the model.

Results:

From the univariate analysis, patients’ ages, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) scores, red blood cell, sex, history of coronary artery disease, stroke location and volume-viscosity swallow test showed statistical difference in the development group for the occurrence of SAP. By incorporating the factors above into a multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients’ ages, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, NIHSS, and volume-viscosity swallow test emerged as the independent risk factors of the development of SAP. The nomogram based on the mentioned 4 variables above achieved a receiver operating characteristic of 0.951 and a validation group of 0.946.

Conclusions:

The proposed nomogram is capable of predicting predict the occurrence of SAP in LAA type AIS patients, and it may identify high-risk patients in time and present information for in-depth treatment.
Variants of Th17 pathway-related genes influence brain morphometric changes and the risk of schizophrenia through epistatic interactions
Authors: Subbanna Manjula , Shivakumar Venkataram , Bhalerao Gaurav , Varambally Shivarama , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Debnath Monojit
Published: March 2022

Objective

T helper 17 (Th17) pathway has been reported to be abnormal in schizophrenia; however, it is not known whether variation within genes of this pathway has any impact on schizophrenia. Herein, the impact of genetic variations and gene–gene interactions of Th17 pathway-related genes on the risk, psychopathology, and brain volume was examined in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

Functional polymorphisms within interleukin 6 (IL6)(rs1800795 and rs1800797), IL10 (rs1800872 and rs1800896), IL17A (rs2275913 and rs8193036), IL22 (rs2227484 and rs2227485), IL23R (rs1884444), and IL27 (rs153109 and rs181206) genes were studied in 224 schizophrenia patients and 226 healthy controls. These variants were correlated with the brain morphometry, analyzed using MRI in a subset of patients (n = 117) and controls (n = 137).

Results

Patients carrying CC genotype of rs2227484 of IL22 gene had significantly higher apathy total score [F (1,183) = 5.60; P = 0.019; partial ɳ2 = 0.030]. Significant epistatic interactions between IL6 (rs1800797) and IL17A (rs2275913) genes were observed in schizophrenia patients. GG genotype of rs2275913 of IL17A gene was associated with reduced right middle occipital gyrus volume in schizophrenia patients (T = 4.56; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Interactions between genes of Th17 pathway impact the risk for schizophrenia. The variants of Th17 pathway-related genes seem to have a determining effect on psychopathology and brain morphometric changes in schizophrenia.
Primary exposure to SARS-CoV-2 variants elicits convergent epitope specificities, immunoglobulin V gene usage and public B cell clones
Authors: Lima Noemia S. , Musayev Maryam , Johnston Timothy S. , Wagner Danielle A. , Henry Amy R. , Wang Lingshu , Yang Eun Sung , Zhang Yi , Birungi Kevina , Black Walker P. , O’Dell Sijy , Schmidt Stephen D. , Moon Damee , Lorang Cynthia G. , Zhao Bingchun , Chen Man , Boswell Kristin L. , Roberts-Torres Jesmine , Davis Rachel L. , Peyton Lowrey , Narpala Sandeep R. , O’Connell Sarah , Wang Jennifer , Schrager Alexander , Talana Chloe Adrienna , Leung Kwanyee , Shi Wei , Khashab Rawan , Biber Asaf , Zilberman Tal , Rhein Joshua , Vetter Sara , Ahmed Afeefa , Novik Laura , Widge Alicia , Gordon Ingelise , Guech Mercy , Teng I-Ting , Phung Emily , Ruckwardt Tracy J. , Pegu Amarendra , Misasi John , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Gaudinski Martin , Koup Richard A. , Kwong Peter D. , McDermott Adrian B. , Amit Sharon , Schacker Timothy W. , Levy Itzchak , Mascola John R. , Sullivan Nancy J. , Schramm Chaim A. , Douek Daniel C.
Published: March 2022

An important consequence of infection with a SARS-CoV-2 variant is protective humoral immunity against other variants. The basis for such cross-protection at the molecular level is incompletely understood. Here we characterized the repertoire and epitope specificity of antibodies elicited by Beta, Gamma and ancestral variant infection and assessed their cross-reactivity to these and the more recent Delta and Omicron variants. We developed a high-throughput approach to obtain immunoglobulin sequences and produce monoclonal antibodies for functional assessment from single B cells. Infection with any variant elicited similar cross-binding antibody responses exhibiting a remarkably conserved hierarchy of epitope immunodominance. Furthermore, convergent V gene usage and similar public B cell clones were elicited regardless of infecting variant. These convergent responses despite antigenic variation may represent a general immunological principle that accounts for the continued efficacy of vaccines based on a single ancestral variant.
Broad domains of histone marks in the highly compact Paramecium macronuclear genome
Authors: Drews Franziska , Salhab Abdulrahman , Karunanithi Sivarajan , Cheaib Miriam , Jung Martin , Schulz Marcel H. , Simon Martin
Published: March 2022

The unicellular ciliate Paramecium contains a large vegetative macronucleus with several unusual characteristics, including an extremely high coding density and high polyploidy. As macronculear chromatin is devoid of heterochromatin, our study characterizes the functional epigenomic organization necessary for gene regulation and proper Pol II activity. Histone marks (H3K4me3, H3K9ac, H3K27me3) reveal no narrow peaks but broad domains along gene bodies, whereas intergenic regions are devoid of nucleosomes. Our data implicate H3K4me3 levels inside ORFs to be the main factor associated with gene expression, and H3K27me3 appears in association with H3K4me3 in plastic genes. Silent and lowly expressed genes show low nucleosome occupancy, suggesting that gene inactivation does not involve increased nucleosome occupancy and chromatin condensation. Because of a high occupancy of Pol II along highly expressed ORFs, transcriptional elongation appears to be quite different from that of other species. This is supported by missing heptameric repeats in the C-terminal domain of Pol II and a divergent elongation system. Our data imply that unoccupied DNA is the default state, whereas gene activation requires nucleosome recruitment together with broad domains of H3K4me3. In summary, gene activation and silencing in Paramecium run counter to the current understanding of chromatin biology.
Impact of working capital management on firm profitability and liquidity: the moderating role of family ownership
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah , Hashmi Muhammad Arsalan , Iqbal Muhammad Sikander
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether family ownership and working capital management (WCM) affect firm profitability and liquidity. Further, we also investigate the moderating effect of family ownership on the association between WCM, firm profitability and liquidity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 150 nonfinancial companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period 2014–2019. For empirical analysis, this study used multiple proxies of family ownership and applied robust and bootstrapped quantile regression models.

Findings

The results suggest that family ownership has a negative association with firm profitability and liquidity. Moreover, this study finds a positive association between WCM and firm profitability and liquidity. Furthermore, the results indicate that family ownership negatively moderates the association between WCM and firm profitability. In addition, we argue that family ownership rescinds the impact of WCM as excess liquidity may be used for extracting private benefits and related party transactions.

Originality/value

First, this study has examined the nexus between family ownership, WCM, firm profitability and liquidity in the context of a developing country, i.e. Pakistan. Second, previous studies have not analyzed the moderating role of family ownership in the association between working capital management, firm profitability and liquidity. Third, this study provides unique evidence that family-owned firms have an adverse liquidity position as compared with other firms.
Spiraling impact of discrepancies in sales accounting on a booming business: a case study of T.M. Exports
Authors: Faridi Mohammad Rishad , Ahmad Mubeen
Published: March 2022

Learning Outcomes

By reading and understanding this case study, students are expected to: 1.Able to understand and review the impact of unethical practices from accounting perspective; 2.Able to make an analysis of how one unethical act triggers a series of forced unethical acts (ripple effect); 3.Identify the unfair practices as well as be proactive in preventing unfair practices in the business day to day affairs; 4.Able to relate the function of various ratios (current ratio, quick ration, debt to asset ratio, debt to equity ratio etc.) and its impact on the business performance; and 5.Able to apply various lean quality tools, doing the root cause analysis in identifying and solving problems.

Case Overview/Synopsis

T.M. Exports (TME) was an India-based privately owned and operated enterprise. The company had a brilliant employee named Sanjay, who was a 12-year veteran. TME’s Business Intelligence (BI) department at TME head office, Kanpur, India, ostensibly learned on April 8, 2019, from the rumors about a brand-new vehicle dished out to Sanjay by his friend who made fortune worth of millions from certain transactions. To add fuel to the fire, another incident surfaced concerning a warehouse keeper, Mohit, who was also involved in embezzlement in one of the sales offices. On May 16, 2019, BI reported these two incidents to the internal auditor who launched an internal investigation to get to root of this case. Consequently, the company owner, Tariq Mahmood got himself caught up in a dilemma to fire both Sanjay and Mohit only or restructure the organization for better transparency and integrative approach in future. Moreover, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer had the dilemma of keeping high safety stock to maximize service level or keeping conservative safety stock and rely on-spot market-buying if demand spiked. He decided and instructed all the warehouses to keep higher inventories to meet the forecasted demand, considering unexpected spikes in demand witnessed historically. Thus, increase in inventory caused panic in the sales department as demand was sluggish. He, therefore, offered high discounted prices to liquidate the stock. This study integrated the theories of accounting/financial ratio metrics, accounts reconciliation, business ethics and lean tools. It was demonstrated in this case that the irregularities in sales accounting and their inability of reconciliation had a serious impact on business performance. The concept of total reward was also invoked to understand the disruptive and unscrupulous practices.

Complexity Academic Level

This case has been particularly focused on undergraduate and postgraduate early-stage-level students pursuing business or commerce program, particularly those specializing in accounting (sales accounting) and human resource management courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject Code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
The influence of clan culture and supervisor support on Korean female managers’ subjective career success: mediating role of leadership competencies
Authors: Yim Suwon , Kim Minyoung , Park Yoonhee
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural relationships between clan culture, perceived supervisor support, leadership competencies and subjective career success among South Korean female managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modeling was used to analyze the sixth wave of data from the Korean Women Manager Panel (KWMP) survey by the Korean Women’s Development Institute in South Korea. The panel respondents were 1,384 female managers in tenured positions at South Korean companies.

Findings

The results showed that clan culture and perceived supervisor support directly influenced female managers’ subjective career success and indirectly affected their subjective career success through leadership competencies at the same time.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents’ self-report can be a limitation as it can result in inflated outcomes in research findings. Even though no common method bias was found using Harmans’ single-factor test, the bias might not be removed completely. The study’s limitation includes the panel data and measures from KWMP, which constrained attempts to create constructs for measuring variables more precisely.

Originality/value

There is little research on the relationships between leadership competencies and other variables of female managers. The current study expanded the research on female managers’ leadership competencies by verifying that the leadership competencies play an important role in the relationships between clan culture, perceived supervisor support and subjective career success. The findings highlight that it is essential for female managers in South Korea to have supportive environments to receive fair treatment, demonstrate leadership competence in organizations and perform challenging tasks.
Fake news on the internet: a literature review, synthesis and directions for future research
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Ngai Eric W.T. , Wu Pengkun , Wu Chong
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The extensive distribution of fake news on the internet (FNI) has significantly affected many lives. Although numerous studies have recently been conducted on this topic, few have helped us to systematically understand the antecedents and consequences of FNI. This study contributes to the understanding of FNI and guides future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the input–process–output framework, this study reviews 202 relevant articles to examine the extent to which the antecedents and consequences of FNI have been investigated. It proposes a conceptual framework and poses future research questions.

Findings

First, it examines the “what”, “why”, “who”, “when”, “where” and “how” of creating FNI. Second, it analyses the spread features of FNI and the factors that affect the spread of FNI. Third, it investigates the consequences of FNI in the political, social, scientific, health, business, media and journalism fields.

Originality/value

The extant reviews on FNI mainly focus on the interventions or detection of FNI, and a few analyse the antecedents and consequences of FNI in specific fields. This study helps readers to synthetically understand the antecedents and consequences of FNI in all fields. This study is among the first to summarise the conceptual framework for FNI research, including the basic relevant theoretical foundations, research methodologies and public datasets.
Frontline service employees and customer engagement: some further insights
Authors: Zahoor Adil , Khan Danish
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether frontline retail banking employees’ proactive personality helps in ameliorating customer engagement. This study further aims to investigate the mediational role of work engagement and service recovery performance in the employee proactivity – customer engagement relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a triadic approach for the collection of primary data. Each triad consisted of a customer, a frontline employee and an immediate colleague of the frontline employee. Structured questionnaires were used to solicit data from the respondents. Specifically, customers were asked to report their level of engagement with the bank and the recovery performance of the employee who redressed their grievances. Frontline employees responded to their level of work engagement while their colleagues reported about the proactive disposition of frontline employees at the workplace.

Findings

Empirical findings revealed under service scenario, Indian retail banking employees’ proactive disposition nurtures customer engagement. It was further observed that this relationship is sequentially mediated by work engagement and service recovery performance.

Originality/value

The role of frontline employees in enriching customer engagement has to date remained under-researched among marketing scholars. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the maiden attempt to relate frontline employee proactivity with customer engagement. Also, this study is one of the early research to investigate customer engagement under a service recovery context, thereby, opening pathways for further exploration.
Customer ecosystems: exploring how ecosystem actors shape customer experience
Authors: Lipkin Michaela , Heinonen Kristina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to characterize how ecosystem actors shape customer experience (CX). The study also proposes implications for managers and research regarding the customer ecosystem, its actors and actor constellations in the context of CXs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study is conducted among activity tracker users to identify how actors within their ecosystems shape CXs. Data include 28 in-depth interviews and ten self-reported diaries.

Findings

This study delineates six actor categories in the customer ecosystem shaping CX within and beyond the service. The number of actors and their importance to the focal customer in various actor constellations form individual-, brand- and socially driven ecosystems. These customer ecosystem types show how actors combine to drive CXs.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers should shift their attention to experiences emerging in the customer’s lifeworld. A customer ecosystem highlights the customer-centered actor configuration emergent within the customer’s lifeworld. It is self-constructed based on the customer’s reference point.

Practical implications

Managers should aim to locate, monitor and join the customer’s lifeworld to gain more insight into how CXs emerge in the customer ecosystem based on customer logic.

Social implications

Customers are not isolated actors simply experiencing service; rather, they construct idiosyncratic actor constellations that include various providers, social groups and peers.

Originality/value

This paper extends the theory on CXs by illustrating how the various actors and actor constellations forming the customer ecosystem shape CXs.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for optic neuritis attacks in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Gonzalez Camilo , Vargas Diana , Contreras Kateir , Garcia Paola , Rodriguez Patricia , Zarco Luis , Navas Carlos
Published: March 2022

Background

Optic neuritis (ON) causes several sequela. Aggressive treatment with plasma exchange (TPE) is an option. This study describes improvement and safety outcomes with TPE.

Methods

We recruited adults with ON in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) patients treated with TPE. The primary outcome was an improvement in the visual acuity scale (VOS). We described the data and used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with response.

Results

Eighty‐three patients received 558 TPE sessions. Mean age was 40.9 years (±13.7 years); 73.5% were women, 50.1% were first attack, and 10.7% were bilateral. Median VOS: 5 (range [R], 2–7). Median time between onset and TPE was 8 days (R, 1–32). By Keegan's criteria, 82.4% experience improvement and 78.3% improve in at least 1 point in VOS. Age and pre‐TPE VOS were related to improvement. Low fibrinogen occurs in 26% sessions.

Conclusion

TPE is effective and safety for ON in NMOSD patients. There is a need for a clinical trial using a therapeutic equivalent.