bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Postoperative Anisocoria After Medial Orbital Wall Fracture Repair
Authors: Kang Min Seung , Ahn Jung Hyo
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to present the clinical characteristics and etiology of patients with anisocoria after medial wall fracture repair. This study was a retrospective, noncomparative case series of postoperative anisocoria after medial orbital wall fracture repair. Data regarding patient demographics, laterality, signs and symptoms at presentation, interval between injury and surgery, fracture size using orbital computed tomography, pupil size of mydriasis, time of discovery of postoperative mydriasis, time of resolution of anisocoria, surgical outcomes, and complications were collected. Twelve patients were included in this study. The mean interval between injury and surgery was 19.17 ± 4.95 (range, 12–30) days. The mean fracture size of the anteroposterior meridian was 25.22 ± 2.15 (range, 21.8–28.4) mm and that of the horizontal meridian was 16.02 ± 2.02 (range, 12.5–21.2) mm. Postoperatively, unilateral pupil dilation was observed at a mean of 5.33 ± 1.61 (range, 3–8) hours after surgery, and mean pupil size was 5.13 ± 0.61 (range, 4–6) mm in the dilated eye and 3.29 ± 0.26 (range, 3–3.5) mm in the normal eye. The dilated pupils all recovered within a mean of 3.42 ± 1.08 (range, 2–5) days. Postoperative anisocoria after medial orbital wall blowout fracture surgery may occur in delayed repair of the posterior location of large fractures. Transient mydriasis caused by parasympathetic nerve injury returned to normal pupil size.
Dacryocystitis With Skin Defects Secondary to Septorhinoplasty
Authors: Çetin Yaser Said , Akin Ramazan
Published: July 2021

Septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure frequently performed by surgeons dealing with facial aesthetic surgery and includes various risks. All surgical procedures have an increased risk of complications. Complication rate of nasal surgeries is approximately 4% to 19%. Although rhinoplasty is a nonsterile procedure, infections occur in less than 2% of all cases. This rate may decrease as the surgeon gains experience. Lacrimal ducts can be injured during nasal aesthetic surgery due to its anatomical structure. In addition to minor and temporary injuries, major injuries requiring surgical intervention may also occur. Most injuries to the lacrimal system remain asymptomatic. Postrhinoplasty dacryocystitis usually occurs secondary to soft-tissue edema that compresses the lacrimal system and typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. After reviewing the literature and examining possible traumatic mechanisms, we recommend that the infections in the lacrimal system should be treated with medical therapy before performing surgical interventions such as dacryocystorhinostomy and abscess drainage. Knowing the complications of surgical interventions before the study and administering some basic principles before and after surgery are highly essential. In this study, we present a relatively rare complication of septorhinoplasty known as acute postoperative dacryocystitis, which is mostly encountered in the early postoperative period.
Does Coronal Suturectomies and Occipital Barrel Staves Make a Difference in Early Reconstruction for Sagittal Craniosynostosis?
Authors: Unander-Scharin Jesper , Heliövaara Arja , Enblad Per , Leikola Junnu , Nowinski Daniel
Published: July 2021

Background:

Various surgical methods are used for early treatment of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. The craniofacial centers in Uppsala and Helsinki fundamentally both use the H-Craniectomy: Renier's technique. However, the Helsinki group systematically adds coronal suturectomies to prevent secondary coronal synostosis and posterior barrel staves to address posterior bulleting. The effects of these additions in early treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis are currently unknown.

Methods:

Thirty-six patients from Uppsala and 27 patients from Helsinki were included in the study. Clinical data and computed tomography scans were retrieved for all patients.

Results:

The Helsinki patients had a smaller preoperative Cranial index (CI) (65 vs 72) and a smaller preoperative width (10.1 vs 11.2). There was no difference in postoperative CI, corresponding to a difference in change in CI. Regression analysis indicated that the larger change in CI in the Helsinki group was mainly due to a lower preoperative CI allowing for a larger normalization. The Helsinki patients had less growth in length (1.5 vs 2.1 cm) and more growth in width (2.3 vs 1.9 cm). There were no differences in head circumference or surgical complications. Secondary coronal synostosis was present in 43% of the Uppsala group at 3 years of age, while calvarial defects located at sites of previous coronal suturectomies and posterior barrel staving were seen in the Helsinki group 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Lower preoperative CI appears to be the main factor in determining the amount of normalization in CI. Prophylactic coronal suturectomies do not seem to benefit preservation of coronal growth function since the modification correlates to less sagittal growth and more growth in width.
A Validation Study of a Locally Adapted Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale of the Chinese Version
Authors: Feng Bin , Huang Shao-Dan , Luo Jun-Feng , Zhang Hou-de
Published: July 2021

The Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale was developed to improve the reliability of constipation diagnosis in non-toilet-trained children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of simplified Chinese versions of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale when used by parents, community doctors, pediatricians, and nurses. Photographs of the Scale were categorized into four categories (hard stools, formed stools, loose stools, and watery stools) and subjects assigned each photograph to a category. The study included two stages. In the first stage (n = 237 observers), percent correct allocations of the seven photographs ranged from 68.4% to 93.2%. We observed poorer recognition of the three hard stool items (77.4%, 85.8%, and 74.0%) than had been reported in the original Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale validity study (95.9%, 93.4%, and 96.2%). Because hard stool items were commonly miscategorized as formed stools (21.6%, 9.5%, and 26.0%), we modified the descriptors “hard stools” and “formed stools” into “dry/hard stools” and “formed loose stools,” respectively, and examined the performance of the modified Chinese Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale in stage 2 of our study. The proportions of correct allocations of the three “hard stool” items in the modified Chinese Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale increased to 94.7%, 90.4%, and 84.6%, values that were statistically similar to those reported previously in the original Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale publisher. Renaming these categories to remove ambiguity in Chinese improved the identifiability of these items. The resultant Chinese Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale was found to be valid for use with Chinese observers.
Social Isolation and Its Impact on the Geriatric Community
Authors: Ferreira Germaine , Walters Amy , Anderson Hazel
Published: July 2021

Causes of social isolation and loneliness in older adults are multifactorial and can have significant effects on their health and quality of life. Older adults who have good social support exhibit lower levels of depression, higher levels of life satisfaction, lower stress levels, and lower health care costs. By assessing and addressing social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults, rehabilitation therapists can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.
A Toolbox for Implementing Community-Based Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults and Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Gahimer Julie Echsner , Bates Frank J.
Published: July 2021

The article describes the role of rehabilitation professionals in promoting physical activity for older adults and older adults with disabilities, including tools for implementing evidence-based programs. Using the plethora of resources articulated in this article, therapists will be able to enhance their wellness, fitness, and physical activity programming in their practice. Two innovative programs in which a university collaborated with a local YMCA to provide physical activity programming and 2 clinic-based programs developed by rehabilitation professionals are described. Conducting needs assessments, measuring outcomes, and being aware of facilitators and barriers to program participation are critical to program success.
Olfactory detection of human odorant signatures in Covid patients by trained dogs
Authors: Vlachová Ing. Lenka , Hotový Gustav , Šlechta Ing. Jiří , Váňa Ing. Roman , Vokřálová Bc. Milena , Zeman Mgr. Jiří
Published: July 2021

The objective of the study was to verify the ability of specially trained dogs to detect the odour of people ill with COVID-19 and, at the same time, to use the outcome of this research in the future, whether in combatting a similar pandemic or in the field of medicine in the shape of a biological detector in uncovering different diseases. Our key assumption was that the disease will change the active odour signature of the individuals just like other diseases (TBC, malaria, tumours, etc.). The pilot study was conducted in two places, based on the same protocolar methods, and it included four specially trained detection dogs in total. For the first phase of the project, we obtained 156 positive and 72 negative odour samples primarily from a hospital. Each detection dog involved in the study was imprinted with the smell samples of Covid-positive people. The first experiment only involved two dogs. With the other two dogs, the phase of imprinting a specific smell was longer, possibly because these dogs were burdened with previous training. During a presentation of 100 randomised positive samples, the experimental dogs showed a 95% reliability rate. Data from this pilot study show that specially trained dogs are able to detect and identify the odour samples of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Global and regional prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with HIV: A cutting-edge systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raya Reynie Purnama , Kamila Ami , Alqahtani Jaber S , Hjazi Ahmed M , Li Amy , Oyelade Tope
Published: July 2021

Background

The relationship between HIV infection and COVID-19 clinical outcome is uncertain, with conflicting data and hypotheses. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk of severe COVID-19 and death in people living with HIV (PLWH) on the global and continental level.

Methods

Electronic databases were systematically searched in July 2021. Studies were screened and then extracted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Narratives were synthesised and data pooled for global and continental prevalence and relative risk of severity and mortality in HIV-infected COVID-19 patients using random-effect model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score, Egger’s test and presented as funnel plots.

Results

A total of 46 studies were included involving 18,034,947 COVID-19 cases of which 31,269 were PLWH. The global prevalence of PLWH with SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1% (95% CI = 0.9% -1.1%) with the highest prevalence observed in sub-Saharan Africa. The relative risk (RR) of COVID-19 severity was significant only in Africa (RR, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.08 – 1.24) while risk of COVID-19 mortality was 1.53% (95% CI = 1.45 – 2.03) globally. The prevalence of PLWH in COVID-19 cases was significantly low, and the calculated global risk ratio show that HIV infection may be linked with increased COVID-19 death. The between-studies heterogeneity was significantly high while risk of publication bias was not significant.

Conclusion

There is low prevalence of HIV-SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. HIV infection was linked with severe COVID-19 in Africa and increased risk of death globally.
Does coaching in the 3rd year of medical school affect stress, anxiety and depression?
Authors: Ross Elizabeth , Faw Timothy , Covington Kyle
Published: July 2021

Background

Medical students experience significant stress and anxiety during undergraduate education. Coaching is a possible way of supporting these students throughout this challenging time. To assess the benefits of coaching for medical students, a pilot study providing coaching was performed. This pilot assessed how coaching affected the mental health of medical students and how coaching was received by them.

Methods

Twelve third-year medical students were each given eight 30-60 minute coaching sessions. Each participant took the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) pre-, mid-and post-coaching. After coaching, there were three open-ended questions to measure the reactions to coaching and a scale to determine the likelihood of accessing coaching in the future.

Results

There was a significant effect of coaching on perceived stress(p=.023); a trend toward significant effect of coaching on anxiety(p=.057); and no effect of coaching on depression. Qualitative analysis indicated Affective responses (gaining perspective and self-awareness); Cognitive responses (goal setting and working through solving problems); and Skills responses (developing reflection abilities and critical thinking). Attributes of coaching included perceiving coaching as a positive, individualized and supportive experience that students were highly likely to access again.

Conclusions

Coaching holds promise as an intervention offered to medical students to reduce stress and anxiety, and provide positive support for students, preparing them for their professional futures.

Key Points

Appreciate the stress and anxiety that medical students manage in medical school.

Coaching is an option that holds promise to support medical students.

Coaching has possible long-term outcomes that could help future physicians navigate their professional paths more effectively.

Students value individualized, positive support during medical school
Genome Alert!: a standardized procedure for genomic variant reinterpretation and automated genotype-phenotype reassessment in clinical routine
Authors: Yauy Kevin , Lecoquierre François , Baert-Desurmont Stéphanie , Trost Detlef , Boughalem Aicha , Luscan Armelle , Costa Jean-Marc , Geromel Vanna , Raymond Laure , Richard Pascale , Coutant Sophie , Broutin Mélanie , Lanos Raphael , Fort Quentin , Cackowski Stenzel , Testard Quentin , Diallo Abdoulaye , Soirat Nicolas , Holder Jean-Marc , Duforet-Frebourg Nicolas , Bouge Anne-Laure , Beaumeunier Sacha , Bertrand Denis , Audoux Jerome , Genevieve David , Mesnard Laurent , Nicolas Gael , Thevenon Julien , Philippe Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Numerous countries have set up population genomics plans, allowing an unprecedented growth in the ability of interpreting variants in human diseases. Retrospective interpretation of sequenced data in the light of the current literature is a major concern of the field. Moreover, such reinterpretation is manual and both the human resources and the variable operating procedures are main bottlenecks.

This work describes the Genome Alert! standardized procedure. This open-source method automatically reports changes with potential clinical significance in variant classification between releases of the ClinVar database. Using ClinVar submissions across time, this method assigns gene-disease associations validity category. Genome Alert! was assessed on a retrospective 29 months multicentric series of 5,959 consecutive individuals screened by targeted or exome sequencing.

Between July 2017 and December 2019, the retrospective analysis of ClinVar submissions revealed a monthly median of 1,247 changes in variant classification with potential clinical significance and 23 new gene-disease associations. Reexamination of 4,929 targeted sequencing files highlighted 45 changes, which 89% classifications were expert validated, leading to four additional diagnoses. Genome Alert! gene-disease association catalog provided 75 high-confidence associations not available in the OMIM morbid list, where 20% became OMIM morbid 8 months later. Over 356 negative exome sequencing data that were reannotated for variants in these 75 genes, this elective approach led to a new diagnosis.

Genome Alert! (https://genomealert.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/) enables the systematic and reproducible reinterpretation of acquired sequencing data in a clinical routine with a limited human resource impact.

Graphical abstract
hnRNPA1 regulates early translation to replication switch in SARS-CoV-2 life cycle
Authors: Kumar Ram , Chander Yogesh , Khandelwal Nitin , Nagori Himanshu , Verma Assim , Pal Yash , Gulati Baldev R. , Tripathi Bhupendra N. , Barua Sanjay , Kumar Naveen
Published: July 2021

Our study suggests that methylation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA is essential for its optimal replication in the target cells. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1, an RNA-binding protein) was shown to mediate deposition of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in internal SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The levels of hNRNPA1 expression and extent of methylation varied, depending on the course of SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. The recruitment of eIF4E (translational initiation factor) facilitated viral RNA translation at 1 hour post infection (1 hpi). However, at 2 hpi, methylation of internal SARS-CoV-2 RNA recruited hNRNPA1 which facilitated viral RNA transcription but resulted in translational repression, a phenomenon contributing in understanding the early translation to replication switch in the viral life cycle. Besides, the abrogation of methylation also produced a defective 5’ cap of viral RNA which failed to interact with eIF4E, thereby resulting in a decreased synthesis of viral proteins. To conclude, methylation of the internal and 5’ cap of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was shown to regulate transcription and translation of SARS-CoV-2 in a time dependent manner.

IMPORTANCE

RNA modifications are found in all life forms and have been linked to development, health and diseases. Our study reveals that internal SARS-CoV-2 RNA methylation (m6A) is essential for interaction with hNRNPA1 to effectively synthesize viral genome. Besides, m6A-marked RNA and hRNPA1 interaction was also shown to regulate early translation to replication switch in SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Blocking SARS-CoV-2 RNA methylation resulted in reduced virus yield, suggesting epitranscriptomic machinery (methylation) facilitates SARS-CoV-2 replication and might represent potential target for new antiviral drugs against COVID-19.
Antibody persistence and neutralising activity in primary school students and staff: prospective active surveillance, June to December 2020, England
Authors: Ireland Georgina , Jeffery-Smith Anna , Zambon Maria , Hoschler Katja , Harris Ross , Poh John , Baawuah Frances , Beckmann Joanne , Okike Ifeanyichukwu O , Ahmad Shazaad , Garstang Joanna , Brent Andrew J , Brent Bernadette , Aiano Felicity , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Letley Louise , Jones Samuel E I , Kall Meaghan , Patel Monika , Gopal Robin , Borrow Ray , Linley Ezra , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Brown Kevin E , Ramsay Mary E , Ladhani Shamez N
Published: July 2021

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 serological studies have so far focused mainly on adults. Public Health England initiated prospective, longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 sero-surveillance in schools across England after the first national lockdown, which allowed comparison of child and adult responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection over time.

Methods

Staff and students had venepuncture for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in school during June, July and December 2020. Blood samples were tested for nucleocapsid (Abbott) and receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies (in-house assay), and student samples were additionally assessed for live virus neutralising activity.

Results

In June 2020, 1,344 staff and 835 students were tested. Overall, 11.5% (95% CI: 9.4-13.9) and 11.3% (95% CI: 9.2-13.6; p=0.88) of students had nucleoprotein and RBD antibodies, compared to 15.6% (95% CI: 13.7-17.6) and 15.3% (95% CI: 13.4-17.3; p=0.83) of staff. Live virus neutralising activity was detected in 79.8% (n=71/89) of nucleocapsid and 85.5% (71/83) of RBD antibody positive children. RBD antibodies correlated more strongly with neutralising antibodies (rs=0.7527; p<0.0001) than nucleocapsid antibodies (rs=0.3698; p<0.0001). A median of 24.4 weeks later, 58.2% (107/184) participants had nucleocapsid antibody seroreversion, compared to 20.9% (33/158) for RBD (p<0.001). Similar seroreversion rates were observed between staff and students for nucleocapsid (p=0.26) and RBD-antibodies (p=0.43). Nucleocapsid and RBD antibody quantitative results were significantly lower in staff compared to students (p=0.028 and <0.0001 respectively) at baseline, but not at 24 weeks (p=0.16 and p=0.37, respectively).

Conclusion

RBD antibodies correlated more strongly with live virus neutralising activity. Most seropositive students and staff retained RBD antibodies for >6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Supra-physiological levels of Gibberellins/DELLAs alter the patterning, morphology and abundance of root hairs in root tips of A. thaliana seedlings
Authors: McCarthy-Suárez Iva
Published: July 2021

In spite of the known role of gibberellins (GAs), and of their antagonistic proteins, the DELLAs, in leaf hair production, no investigations, however, have assessed their hypothetical function in the production of root hairs. To this aim, the effects of supra-physiological levels of GAs/DELLAs on the spatial patterning of gene expression of the root hair (CPC) and root non-hair (GL2, EGL3 and WER) epidermal cell fate markers, as well as on the distribution, morphology and abundance of root hairs, were studied in root tips of 5-day-old A. thaliana seedlings. Results showed that excessive levels of GAs/DELLAs impaired the spatial patterning of gene expression of the root hair/non-hair epidermal cell fate markers, as well as the arrangement, shape and frequency of root hairs, giving rise to ectopic hairs and ectopic non-hairs, two-haired cells, two-tipped hairs, branched hairs, longer and denser hairs near the root tip under excessive DELLAs, and shorter and scarcer hairs near the root tip under excessive GAs. However, when the gai-1 (GA-insensitive-1) DELLA mutant protein was specifically over-expressed at the root epidermis, no changes in the patterning or abundance of root hairs occurred. Thus, these results suggest that, in seedlings of A. thaliana, the GAs/DELLAs might have a role in regulating the patterning, morphology and abundance of root hairs by acting from the sub-epidermal tissues of the root.
A completely parameter-free method for graph-based single cell RNA-seq clustering
Authors: Zand Maryam , Ruan Jianhua
Published: July 2021

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) offers an unprecedented potential for scrutinizing complex biological systems at single cell resolution. One of the most important applications of scRNAseq is to cluster cells into groups of similar expression profiles, which allows unsupervised identification of novel cell subtypes. While many clustering algorithms have been tested towards this goal, graph-based algorithms appear to be the most effective, due to their ability to accommodate the sparsity of the data, as well as the complex topology of the cell population. An integral part of almost all such clustering methods is the construction of a k-nearest-neighbor (KNN) network, and the choice of k, implicitly or explicitly, can have a profound impact on the density distribution of the graph and the structure of the resulting clusters, as well as the resolution of clusters that one can successfully identify from the data. In this work, we propose a fairly simple but robust approach to estimate the best k for constructing the KNN graph while simultaneously identifying the optimal clustering structure from the graph. Our method, named scQcut, employs a topology-based criterion to guide the construction of KNN graph, and then applies an efficient modularity-based community discovery algorithm to predict robust cell clusters. The results obtained from applying scQcut on a large number of real and synthetic datasets demonstrated that scQcut —which does not require any user-tuned parameters—outperformed several popular state-of-the-art clustering methods in terms of clustering accuracy and the ability to correctly identify rare cell types. The promising results indicate that an accurate approximation of the parameter k, which determines the topology of the network, is a crucial element of a successful graph-based clustering method to recover the final community structure of the cell population.

Availability

ScQcut is written in both Matlab and Python and maybe be accessed through the links below.

Matlab version: cs.utsa.edu/ jruan/scQcut

Python version: https://github.com/mary77/scQcut

Contact

Jianhua.ruan@utsa.edu
Dynamic variations of resting-state BOLD signal spectra in white matter
Authors: Li Muwei , Gao Yurui , Anderson Adam W. , Ding Zhaohua , Gore John C.
Published: July 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated that the mathematical model used for analyzing and interpreting fMRI data in gray matter (GM) is inappropriate for detecting or describing blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals in white matter (WM). In particular the hemodynamic response function (HRF) which serves as the regressor in general linear models is different in WM compared to GM. We recently reported measurements of the frequency contents of resting-state time courses in WM that showed distinct power spectra which depended on local structural-vascular-functional associations. In addition, multiple studies of GM have revealed how functional connectivity between regions, as measured by the correlation between BOLD time series, varies dynamically over time. We therefore investigated whether and how BOLD signals from WM in a resting state varied over time. We measured voxel-wise spectrograms, which reflect the time-varying spectral patterns of WM time courses. The results suggest that the spectral patterns are non-stationary but could be categorized into five modes that recurred over time. These modes showed distinct spatial distributions of their occurrences and durations, and the distributions were highly consistent across individuals. In addition, one of the modes exhibited a strong coupling of its occurrence between GM and WM across individuals, and two communities of WM voxels were identified according to the hierarchical structures of transitions among modes. Moreover, the total number of transitions in each community predicts specific human behaviors. Last, these modes are coupled to the shape of instantaneous HRFs. Our findings extend previous studies and reveal the non-stationary nature of spectral patterns of BOLD signals over time, providing a spatial-temporal-frequency characterization of resting-state signals in WM.
Effect of Criminalization of Drink-Driving on Road Traffic Mortality in China
Authors: Sha Feng , Li Bingyu , Tang Jinling
Published: July 2021

To evaluate the national effect of CDD on reducing road traffic mortality, we analyzed crude road traffic mortality rates data collected between 2006 and 2016 through China’s National Disease Surveillance System. Linear regression models were fit with the pre-CDD data (2006-2011) and used to predict mortality rates in the post-CDD years (2012-2016). It is estimated that the new law was associated with 317,197 (95% CI: 280,425∼353,968) lives saved in the entire country in the first 5-years of the new law. Similar reduction in mortality rates was observed in both urban and rural areas. The decline in non-occupants was more prominent and occurred earlier than that in occupants, among whom the road traffic mortality rate did not show a statistically significant reduction in the first 4 years of the new law. Our study shows that CDD is particularly effective in protecting non-occupants and is equally effective in both rural and urban areas in China.
Fecal microbiota transplantation increases colonic IL-25 and dampens tissue inflammation in patients with recurrentClostridioides difficile
Authors: Jan Ning-Jiun , Oakland Noah , Kumar Pankaj , Ramakrishnan Girija , Behm Brian W. , Petri William A. , Marie Chelsea
Published: July 2021

Background

Clostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection in the United States. Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis is the primary cause of susceptibility and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an effective therapy for recurrence. We previously demonstrated in the mouse model of CDI that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis reduced colonic expression of IL-25, and that FMT protected in part by restoring gut commensal bacteria-mediated IL-25 signaling. Here we conducted a prospective clinical trial to test the impact of FMT on immunity, specifically testing in humans if FMT induced IL-25 expression in the colon.

Methods

Subjects received colonic biopsies and blood sampling at the time of FMT and 60-days later. Colon biopsies were assayed for IL-25 by immunoassay, for mRNA by RNAseq, and for bacterial content by 16 S rDNA sequencing. High dimensional flow cytometry was also conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells pre- and post-FMT.

Results

All 10 subjects who received FMT had no CDI recurrences over a 2 year follow-up post FMT. FMT increased alpha diversity of the colonic microbiota and was associated with several immunologic changes. The cytokine IL-25 was increased in colonic tissue. In addition, increased expression of homeostatic genes and repression of inflammatory genes was observed in colonic mRNA transcripts. Finally, circulating Th17 cells were decreased post-FMT.

Conclusion

The increase in the cytokine IL-25 accompanied by decreased inflammation is consistent with FMT acting in part to protect from recurrent CDI via restoration of commensal activation of type 2 immunity.
Sustainable use of plant protection products in heroic viticulture areas. Reducing risks to the environment and winemaking
Authors: Cortiñas J. Antonio , Fernández-Conde M. Eva
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim and objective of this article is to focus on the importance of the rational use of plant protection products to combat vine fungi and at the same time reduce their risks to human health and the environment. The integrated management of fungal diseases aims to achieve the development of healthy crops with the minimum alteration of agro-ecosystems and the promotion of natural mechanisms.

Material and methods

The study was carried out in one vineyard in Ribeira Sacra (North-West Spain) during 2018. Souto vineyard is located at 438 m above mean sea level (42° 24’ 27.67” N 7° 28’ 20.06” W; northwest-southeast orientation) in the lower terraces of the river Sil’s banks, following the contour lines and with gradients of up to 80%. The variety studied was Godello, for sampling the reproductive structures in the air (spores of Botrytis and Erysiphe and sporangia of Plasmopara), a Lanzoni VPPS-2000® spore trap (Lanzoni s.r.l., Bologna, Italy) was used.

Results

The Botrytis Seasonal Spore Integral (SSIn) was markedly higher than for the other pathogens under consideration. Taking into account the maximum daily values, a clear dominance of Botrytis spores was also found, with a maximum of 397 spores/m3 at the beginning of June, while Erysiphe and Plasmopara were recorded at around 26 and 227 spores/m3, respectively, at the beginning of august and mid-July. The statistical analysis of the spore concentrations and the main meteorological variables showed for Erysiphe that the highest Spearman’s r correlation coefficient corresponded to the rainfall, as for Plasmopara airbone sporangia, but with a negative sign, while for Botrytis spores, no significant correspondence was found for any meteorological parameter.

Conclusion

The use of plant protection products can be much more effective if fungicides are applied at the right time, at the precise doses and combined with agricultural techniques of management of the vineyards. There are sustainable and profitable alternatives that can improve vine yields while protecting the environment in areas of heroic viticulture where the vineyard, is a fundamental element of the wine-growing landscape, combining as it does historical, cultural and landscape characteristics.
PyQCstrc.ico: a computing package for structural modelling of icosahedral quasicrystals
Authors: Yamada Tsunetomo
Published: July 2021

The atomic structure of quasicrystals (QCs) is described as a section of a higher-dimensional structure that consists of a periodic arrangement of occupation domains (ODs). Determination of the shape of ODs and their partitioning is crucial in the structural analysis of QCs. However, owing to the complicated shape of ODs, building the initial structure model requires a great deal of time and effort. Thus, a computer program for building structure models of QCs is needed. Presented here is a Python3 package for structure modelling of icosahedral QCs.
Accounting, management and accountability in times of crisis: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Leoni Giulia , Lai Alessandro , Stacchezzini Riccardo , Steccolini Ileana , Brammer Stephen , Linnenluecke Martina , Demirag Istemi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the themes emerging from the first studies exploring accounting, accountability and management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and coming from a diversity of experiences, across countries, organizations and individuals. In so doing, the paper gives an overview of the most recent findings about the role of accounting and accountability in times of crisis that are hosted in this special issue of Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws together and identifies emerging themes related to the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on accounting, accountability and management practices and considers how the studies in this issue extend one’s knowledge of accounting and contribute to accounting research.

Findings

Three emerging themes are drawn and their contribution to accounting scholarship is discussed. The first theme deals with the role of accounting and numbers in supporting governmental responses to COVID-19. The second theme considers accounting practices used to make exceptional decisions at the organizational level in times of crisis. The third theme addresses a relevant frontier of research into accounting and inequalities.

Practical implications

In considering the diverse contributions of this special issue, the paper points out how uncertainty and change can impact the design, use and understanding of accounting, management and accountability practices and can be accepted by scholars and practitioners as part of such practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides a timely and comprehensive picture of the first reflections and research findings on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one’s interpretation of accounting, accountability and management practices.
Determinants of customers' intention to use online food delivery application through smartphone in Malaysia
Authors: Allah Pitchay Anwar , Ganesan Yuvaraj , Zulkifli Nurul Syifa , Khaliq Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study aims to examine factors that influence customers' intention to use online food delivery applications using a smartphone. The factors examined in this study are based on the existing theory of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, information quality, price-saving orientation and time-saving orientation towards intention to use the applications. Moreover, this research model also has been expanded with an additional dimension, attitude towards online food delivery services which lead to the intention to use online food delivery services through a smartphone. Furthermore, the present study also tested the role of age as moderator constructs between attitude towards online food delivery services and intention to use online food delivery services through a smartphone.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative method and 256 respondents participated in this study. The questionnaires are distributed using a convenience sampling technique and the data is analysed using partial least square approach.

Findings

The result shows that four (4) constructs, i.e. social influence, information quality, price-saving orientation and time-saving orientation have a positive relationship and significant effect on attitude towards online food delivery service where it enhances the intention to use the application. Attitude towards online food delivery services also has a significant effect on the intention to use. Furthermore, age was not found significant to moderate the relationship between attitude and intention to use.

Practical implications

The output of this study has several practical contributions such as enhances the existing knowledge and skillset of the shared-economy industry, online food delivery service providers as well as restaurant owners in improving the quality of life of the customers. It also provides contextual knowledge and a deeper understanding of online food delivery applications for customers in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The findings provide a guiding principle for improving the present determinant factors, attitude towards online food delivery service and intention to use online food delivery applications.
The Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
Authors: Lynch Luann J. , Coleman Almand R. , Cutro Cameron , Cutro Cameron
Published: July 2021

In September 2015, VW had admitted to United States regulators that it had deliberately installed “defeat devices” in many of its diesel cars, which enabled the cars to cheat on federal and state emissions tests, making them able to pass the tests and hit ambitious mileage and performance targets while actually emitting up to 40 times more hazardous gases into the atmosphere than legally allowed. The discovery had prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt final certification of VW’s 2016 diesel models, and VW itself had halted sales of its 2015 models. As fallout from the defeat devices developed, VW posted its first quarterly loss in more than 15 years, and its stock plummeted. Top executives were replaced, and VW abandoned its goal of becoming the world’s largest automaker. Stakeholders around the world had been asking since the scandal broke: “How could this have happened at Volkswagen?”
Offshore outsourcing of R&D to emerging markets: information systems as tools of neo-colonial control
Authors: Sayed Zehra , Agndal Henrik
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper analyzes how information systems (IS) can serve as tools of neo-colonial control in offshore outsourcing of research and development work. It draws on critical work examining business and knowledge process outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports an empirical study of how laboratory information management systems (LIMS) shape offshore outsourcing practices involving Western client firms and Indian contract research organizations (CROs) in the pharmaceutical industry. The study adopted a multi-actor perspective, involving interviews with representatives of Western clients, Indian CROs, system validation auditors, and software vendors. The analysis was iterative and interpretative, guided by postcolonial sensitivity to themes of power and control.

Findings

The study found that LIMS act as tools of neo-colonial control at three levels. As Western clients specify particular brands of LIMS, they create a hierarchy among local CROs and impact the development of the local LIMS industry. At inter-organizational level, LIMS shape relationships by allowing remote, real-time and retrospective surveillance of CROs’ work. At individual level, the ability of LIMS to support micro-modularizing of research leads to routinization of scientific discovery, negatively impacting scientists’ work satisfaction.

Originality/value

By examining multiple actors’ perceptions of IS, this paper looks beyond the rhetoric of system efficiency characteristic of most international business research. As it explores dynamics of power and control surrounding IS, it also questions the proposition that outsourcing of high-end work will move emerging economies upstream in the value chain.
Rays your mental health: for a transformed mindset – a case study of Rahaf Kobeissi
Authors: Faridi Mohammad Rishad , Kobeissi Rahaf Raef , Ebad Ryhan
Published: July 2021

Learning outcomes

This case discussion will enable learners to: demonstrate how the adoption of entrepreneurial leadership could aid the overwhelmed youth to successfully bounce back. Summarize various events and challenges faced. Demonstrate mindful entrepreneurial qualities to be effective. Identify various coping strategies in balancing a commercial viable model with a compassionate approach. Establish a roadmap for a healthy sustainable business model.

Case overview/synopsis

Ms Rahaf Raef Kobeissi was a 33-year solopreneur, mental health coach and personal development trainer who resided in Dubai. She encountered dilemmas while attempting to offer commercial, as well as empathy and compassion-based services. She tried to strike a balance between her own broken past life challenges and managing her clients’ healing journey. Another challenge was to assess whether she should adopt inductive counseling or deductive counseling principles, especially during a Covid-19 scenario. She needed to ensure a healthy work/life balance to prevent herself from suffering from burnout. Her personal journey to becoming a solopreneur was filled with grief and hardship over the years, which she endured with little support. She had the arduous task of dealing with a series of shocking incidents and events, which pushed her down through the cracks, leading to her attempting to take her own life three times when overwhelmed by tragedy. At the age of 23, Rahaf lost her father to suicide – they found him hanging in his apartment. Her abusive mother had several breakdowns due to severe depression and her drug addict brother accidentally killed his friend in her apartment with an overdose injection. The challenge before her was to strike a reasonable balance between managing the highest levels of clinical depression with suicidal tendencies and finding the right path and purpose for her own life. This was the very reason she chose to battle depression through therapy and bounced back as a stronger and more resilient woman.

Complexity academic level

This case has been focused on undergraduate and postgraduate-early stage level students pursuing business or psychology programs. Particularly those specializing in entrepreneurial, organizational behavioral and positive psychology courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Innovative outcome through exploration and exploitation – Enablers, barriers and industrial property
Authors: Vargas Nancy , Lloria M. Begoña , Salazar Addisson , Vergara Luis
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research aims to study the effect of R&D (research and development) enablers and barriers as well as industrial property on exploration, their influence on exploitation and finally the possible impact on innovative outcome (IO) as a result variable. The IO can be defined as the orientation towards new or improved products, services and processes, as well as towards penetration and greater market share, which the company has obtained as a result of innovative processes.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a new relationship model is defined, which is empirically contrasted in a quantitative study. We use a sample of large firms from different economic sectors with a high level of investment in R&D.

Findings

The results indicate a close relationship between exploration and exploitation processes, as well as a positive impact on the innovative outcome. Moreover, the type of relationship that R&D enablers and barriers have with exploration is demonstrated and the lack of a positive effect of industrial property on exploration.

Practical implications

These results may lead to new markets opening up and the creation or improvement of new products, services or processes in diverse sectors of highly innovative firms.

Originality/value

This research aims to study the effect of R&D enablers and barriers and industrial property on learning flows and, finally, the possible impact on the innovative outcome. A new theoretical model of relationships is defined, and it is the first time that it is empirically tested.

研究目的

本研究旨在探討研究與開發的推動者、研發的障礙和工業產權對探索與開發的影響，並最終探究出其可能對作為結果變項的創新成果帶來的影響。創新成果可解釋為邁向新的或改良的產品，服務和流程的定向，以及邁向滲透和更大的市場份額的定向，而這更大的市場份額是企業的創新流程所帶來的。

研究的設計/方法/理念

為達研究目的，我們解說了一個新的關聯模型, 並使用於一項量化研究，進行以實驗為依據的對比。我們使用的樣本，包括來自不同經濟領域，並於研發投放高水平投資的大企業。

研究結果

研究結果顯示，探索與開發是兩個關係密切的流程；研究結果亦顯示對創新成果的影響是正面的。而且，結果展示了研發推動者、研發障礙兩者與探索的關聯，以及工業產權對探索是欠缺正面作用的。

實際的意義

研究結果或會帶來新市場的開拓，以及在不同領域、高度創新的企業內，帶來新的產品，服務與流程的創造和改良。

研究的原創性和價值

本研究旨在探討研發推動者，研發障礙和工業產權對學習心流的影響，並最終探究出其對創新成果可能帶來的影響。研究解說了一個新的、純理論的關聯模型，而這個模型於此是首次憑實驗而被測試的。
The interplay between digital transformation and governance mechanisms in supply chains: evidence from the Italian automotive industry
Authors: Paolucci Emilio , Pessot Elena , Ricci Riccardo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of specific subsets of digital technologies and governance mechanisms (i.e. relational and contractual) on the efficiency of the automotive supply chain (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the Transaction Costs Economic (TCE) theory, and on the literatures on the governance and Digital Transformation of SCs, the research employs a multi-respondent survey on a sample of 101 Italian automotive suppliers. It analyses the interplay between investments in network and physical–digital interface technologies and buyer–supplier relationship governance models in a joint product development effort. The related effects on costs, from the automotive suppliers' perspective, are considered.

Findings

The results confirm the TCE assumptions on governance mechanisms being appropriate to enhance cost performance, but in particular show that digital technologies shape the governance of buyer–supplier relationships with different patterns. The features of synchronisation and accessibility, as ensured by network technologies, are found to strengthen the impact of contractual governance, while the adoption of physical–digital interface technologies, and their enhanced features of virtualisation and traceability, further enhance the impact of relational governance on the efficiency improvements of suppliers.

Practical implications

SC actors need to recognise the importance of long-term collaboration and superior coordination through investments in specific subsets of digital technologies, to ensure a higher product and production data codifiability, transparency and thus integration at both an intra- and an inter-firm level.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to have considered Digital Transformation in SCs from the suppliers' perspective and its implications on the efficiency of relationship governance with buyers.