bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-Demand Fully-Enclosed Superhydrophobic-Optofluidic Device Enabled by High Precision Microstereolithography
Authors: Chang Yu , Bao Mengdi , Waitkus Jacob , Cai Haogang , Du Ke
Published: June 2022

Superhydrophobic surface-based optofluidics have been introduced to biosensors and unconventional optics with unique advantages such as low light loss and power consumption. However, most of these platforms were made with planar-like micro- and nano-structures, which may cause bonding issues and resulting in significant waveguide loss. Here, we introduce a fully-enclosed superhydrophobic-based optofluidics system, enabled by a one-step high precision microstereolithography procedure. Various micro-structured cladding designs with a feature size down to 100 μm were studied and a “T-type” overhang design exhibits the lowest optical loss, regardless of the excitation wavelength. Surprisingly, the optical loss of superhydrophobic-based optofluidics is not solely decided by the solid area fraction at the solid/water/air interface, but also the cross-section shape and the effective cladding layer composition. We show that this fully-enclosed optofluidic system can be used for CRISPR-labeled quantum dot quantification, intended for in vitro and in vivo CRISPR therapeutics.
Vaccination saves lives: How do patients with chronic diseases and severe COVID-19 fare? Analysis from India’s National Clinical registry for COVID-19
Authors: Mukherjee Aparna , Kumar Gunjan , Turuk Alka , Bhalla Ashish , Bingi Thrilok Chander , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Baruah Tridip Dutta , Mukherjee Subhasis , Talukdar Arunansu , Ray Yogiraj , John Mary , Khambholja Janakkumar R , Patel Amit H. , Bhuniya Sourin , Joshi Rajnish , Menon Geetha R , Sahu Damodar , Rao Vishnu Vardhan , Bhargava Balram , Panda Samiran
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aims to describe the demographic and clinical profile and ascertain the determinants of outcome among hospitalised COVID-19 adult patients enrolled in the National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 (NCRC).

Methods

NCRC is an on-going data collection platform operational in 42 hospitals across India. Data of hospitalized COVID-19 patients enrolled in NCRC between 1st September 2020 to 26th October 2021 were examined.

Results

Analysis of 29,509 hospitalised, adult COVID-19 patients [mean (SD) age: 51.1 (16.2) year; male: 18752 (63.6%)] showed that 15678 (53.1%) had at least one comorbidity. Among 25715 (87.1%) symptomatic patients, fever was the commonest symptom (72.3%) followed by shortness of breath (48.9%) and dry cough (45.5%). In-hospital mortality was 14.5% (n=3957). Adjusted odds of dying were significantly higher in age-group ≥60 years, males, with diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, chronic liver disease, malignancy, and tuberculosis, presenting with dyspnea and neurological symptoms. WHO ordinal scale 4 or above at admission carried the highest odds of dying [5.6 (95% CI: 4.6, 7.0)]. Patients receiving one [OR: 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4, 0.7)] or two doses of anti-SARS CoV-2 vaccine [OR: 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3, 0.7)] were protected from in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

WHO ordinal scale at admission is the most important independent predictor for in-hospital death in COVID-19 patients. Anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination provides significant protection against mortality.
Assessing the Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effect of Minocycline in Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Morrissey Erin J. , Alshelh Zeynab , Knight Paulina C. , Saha Atreyi , Kim Minhae , Torrado-Carvajal Angel , Zhang Yi , Edwards Robert R. , Pike Chelsea , Locascio Joseph J. , Napadow Vitaly , Loggia Marco L.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Chronic pain is an extremely prevalent public health issue. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, thus limiting effective treatment options. Both preclinical studies, and more recent clinical imaging studies, suggest that glia-mediated neuroinflammation may be implicated in chronic pain, and therefore might be a potential treatment target. However, it is currently unknown whether modulating neuroinflammation effectively alleviates pain in humans. This trial tests the hypothesis that minocycline, an FDA-approved tetracycline antibiotic and effective glial cell inhibitor in animals, reduces neuroinflammation and may reduce pain symptoms in humans with chronic low back pain.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects, aged 18-65, with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic (≥ six months) low back pain (cLBP) and a self-reported pain rating of at least four out of ten (for at least half of the days during an average week) are enrolled via written, informed consent. Eligible subjects are randomized to receive a 14-day course of either active drug (minocycline) or placebo. Before and after treatment, subjects are scanned with integrated Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) using [11C]PBR28, a second-generation radiotracer for the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is highly expressed in glial cells and thus a putative marker of neuroinflammation. Pain levels are evaluated via daily surveys, collected seven days prior to the start of medication, and throughout the 14 days of treatment. General linear models are used to assess pain levels and determine the treatment effect on brain (and spinal cord) TSPO signal.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board (Protocol Number: 2017P000179) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (IND Number: 142546). The results of the study will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences globally, and through various media.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03106740)

Strengths and limitations of this study

This is the first project to image the potential neuro-inflammatory effect of minocycline in a chronic pain condition.

The use of simultaneous PET/MRI allows us to collect additional, ancillary MRI data that can be used to perform a comprehensive neurophysiological assessment of subjects.

The sample size (n∼50 per group) is relatively small to detect a clinical response. An additional limitation is the relatively short treatment duration (i.e., 2-weeks).
Dam Site and Vegetation Selection by Reintroduced Beaver (Castor canadensis) on the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Arizona
Authors: Radke Marcia F.
Published: June 2022

Beaver (Castor canadensis) were reintroduced on the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) after having been extirpated. The two most obvious effects from this keystone species, dam construction and herbivory, have not been studied on the SPRNCA. The purpose of this research was to determine any preference for dam sites, vegetation preferences, or if beaver may travel longer distances for preferred food or dam materials. Individual dams remained or were rebuilt in the same location on average every 2.4 years. Dam building was disproportionate to availability of sites, with beaver more commonly building dams at the confluence of the San Pedro River and tributaries. The size of areas with impacts to vegetation from beaver herbivory averaged 0.34 ha (2.5 ac), containing an average of 40.7 trees. Beaver exhibited a preference for smaller-sized cottonwood (Populus fremontii) trees over larger cottonwood trees and smaller or larger Goodding’s willow (Salix gooddingii), both in terms of whether trees were eaten and left standing or felled, and distance beaver travelled from water to the tree. Management implications include continued research on effects of beaver, management of invasive plant species, use of cottonwood genotypes with high tannin levels during restoration projects, further augmentation of beaver, use of beaver-dam analogues, and continued closure to hunting and trapping of beaver.
Direct Assessment of Nitrative Stress in Lipid Environments: Applications of a Designer Lipid-Based Biosensor for Peroxynitrite
Authors: Gutierrez Bryan , Aggarwal Tushar , Erguven Huseyin , Stone M. Rhia L. , Guo Changjiang , Bellomo Alyssa , Abramova Elena , Stevenson Emily R. , Gow Andrew J. , Izgu Enver Cagri
Published: June 2022

Lipid environments can be chemically impacted by peroxynitrite (ONOO−), a reactive species generated under nitrative stress. Molecular tools used for investigating ONOO−reactivity in biological membranes remain underdeveloped, available probes lack the ability of subcellular localization, and the standard methods for detecting ONOO−in vivoare indirect. Here we investigated ONOO−in diverse lipid environments (biomimetic giant vesicles, live mammalian cells, and within the lung lining) using a biocompatible and membrane-localized phospholipid namedDPPC-TC-ONOO−. This designer lipid and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine self-assemble to giant vesicles that respond to ONOO−by generating fluorescence. These vesicles remain intact after sensing ONOO−and exhibit excellent selectivity against other redox species. We deliveredDPPC-TC-ONOO−into live HeLa and RAW cells via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Cytokine-induced nitrative stress led to enhanced fluorescence of the lipid clusters, primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum. These LNPs allowed the detection of ONOO−reactivity and nitrative stress around bronchioles within precision cut lung slices in response to acute lung injury (ALI). Furthermore, the use of the LNPs allowed for the detection of pulmonary macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage following ALI in C57BL6/J but not inNos2−/–mice. These investigations revealed significant advantages ofDPPC-TC-ONOO−over its non-amphiphilic analog. Our work presents (i) an unprecedented function for biomimetic membranes, (ii) the potential of LNPs for delivering designer lipids into cells and tissues, (iii) real-time imaging of endogenous ONOO−at the organelle level in mammalian cells, and (iv) a direct method of studying nitrative stress due to ALIex vivoandin vivo.
Large Volume Micro-CT scanning of the dentoalveolar complex as a tool to evaluate dental health in an archaeological sample compared with traditional methods
Authors: Gurr Angela , Higgins Denice , Henneberg Maciej , Kumaratilake Jaliya , Brook O'Donnell Matthew , McKinnon Meghan , Brook Alan Henry
Published: June 2022

Background
Archaeological investigations of human skeletal material require non-destructive techniques. Large Volume Micro-Computed Tomography (LV Micro-CT) scanning systems allow acquisition of data from complete skulls. This study aims to determine 1) whether LV Micro-CT scanning can as a single technique provide adequate data for the analysis of the dentoalveolar complex, 2) how its outputs of dental and alveolar bone analyses compare to those of macroscopic and radiographic methods, and 3) how it compares with Small Volume Micro-Computed Tomography (SV Micro-CT), for analysis of individual teeth?
Material and Methods: Five archaeological human skulls were investigated. These represented both sexes and a broad age range. Large Volume Micro-CT, Macroscopic and Radiographic methods and SV Micro-CT scanning were used. Statistical analysis of intra and inter-operator reproducibility using five observers was undertaken.
Results: Large Volume Micro-CT as a stand-alone technique provided results across the full range of dentoalveolar complex categories measured. By combining traditional techniques similar results were obtained. There were high levels of reproducibility for intra-operator scoring and good inter-operator agreement from 4 operators with 1 operator whose results were outliers.
Discussion: The LV Micro-CT was the only technique to singularly provide a full range of measurements. A combination of the other techniques covered a similar range of categories, but the use of multiple methods was more time consuming. For some specific measurements, SV Micro-CT provided more detailed information.
Conclusion: This first study confirms the value of LV Micro-CT scanning for the analysis of the dentoalveolar complex of archaeological samples. Findings demonstrate the advantage of LV Micro-CT, which provided a comprehensive range of data as a stand-alone technique rather than combing modalities to achieve the same result. The SV Micro-CT provided higher resolution analysis for loose individual teeth due to the small size of the specimens but could not study the alveolar bone.
AIM1-dependent high basal SA accumulation modulates stomatal aperture in rice
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Junbin , Wang Xuming , Jia Xianqing , Xu Zhuang , Li Ruili , Jiang Kun , Chen Zhixiang , Luo Jie , Xie Xiaodong , Yi Keke
Published: June 2022

The basal levels of salicylic acid (SA), an important plant hormone, vary dramatically among plant species. In the shoot, for example, the monocot plant rice contains almost 100 times higher SA levels than the dicot model plant Arabidopsis. Despite its high basal levels, neither the biosynthetic pathway nor the biological functions of SA is well understood in rice. Here, we report that the synthesis of basal SA in rice shoot is not altered in the mutant for the ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE (ICS) gene, but drastically reduced in the mutant for OsAIM1, which encodes a beta-oxidation enzyme in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) pathway. Analogous to its role in thermogenesis, compromised SA accumulation in the Osaim1 mutant led to a lower shoot temperature than wild-type plants. However, this shoot temperature defect was resulted from increased transpiration due to elevated steady-state stomatal aperture in the mutant. Furthermore, the high basal shoot SA level is required for sustained expression of WRKY45 to modulate the steady-state stomatal aperture and shoot temperature in rice. Taken together, these results provide the direct genetic evidence for the critical role of the PAL pathway in the biosynthesis of high levels of basal SA, which play an important role in the regulation of steady-state stomatal aperture to promote fitness under both normal and stress conditions.
Common mechanism of activated catalysis in P-loop fold nucleoside triphosphatases -in varietate concordia
Authors: Kozlova Maria I. , Shalaeva Daria N. , Dibrova Daria V. , Mulkidjanian Armen Y
Published: June 2022

Although P-loop foldnucleoside triphosphatases (also known as Walker NTPases) are ubiquitous, their catalytic mechanism remains obscure. Based on a comparative structural analysis of 3136 Mg-NTP-containing catalytic sites, we propose a common scheme of activated catalysis for P-loop NTPases where a hydrogen bond (H-bond) between the strictly conserved, Mg-coordinating Ser/Thr of the Walker A motif ([Ser/Thr]WA) and the conserved aspartate of the Walker B motif (AspWB) plays the key role. We found that this H-bond is very short in the structures with bound transition state (TS) analogs. We suggest that the proton affinities of these two residues reverse in the TS so that the proton relocates from [Ser/Thr]WAto AspWB. The anionic [Ser/Thr]WAwithdraws then a proton from the (catalytic) water molecule, and the nascent hydroxyl anion attacks gamma-phosphate. When the gamma-phosphate group breaks away, the trapped proton relays from AspWB, via [Ser/Thr]WA, to beta-phosphate and compensates for its developing negative charge.
I Am A Scientist: Overcoming implicit bias in STEM through explicit representations of diversity in lectures
Authors: Henri Dominic , Coates Kirra , Hubbard Katharine
Published: June 2022

The lack of diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a significant issue for the sector. Many organisations and educators have identified lack of representation of historically marginalised groups within teaching materials as a potential barrier to students feeling that a STEM career is something that they can aspire to. A key barrier to addressing the issue is providing accessible and effective evidence-based approaches for educators to implement. In this study, we explore the potential for adapting presentation slides within lectures to ‘humanise’ the scientists involved, presenting their full names and photographs alongside a Harvard style reference. We adopt a questionnaire based methodology, and survey 161 undergraduates and postgraduates at a UK civic university. We first establish that students project implicit biases onto a hypothetical reference, with over 50% of students assuming the scientist was male and Western. We then explore what students think of the ‘humanised’ slide design, concluding that most students see it as good pedagogical practice, with some students positively changing their perceptions about diversity in science. We were unable to compare responses by ethnicity, but find evidence that female and non-binary students are more likely to see this as good pedagogical practice, perhaps reflecting white male fragility in being exposed to initiatives designed to highlight diversity. We conclude that humanised powerpoint slides are a potentially effective tool to highlight diversity of scientists within existing research-led teaching, but highlight that this is only a small intervention that needs to sit alongside more substantive work to address the lack of diversity in STEM.
Limited Role of Antithrombin Deficiency in Nephrotic Syndrome-Associated Hypercoagulopathy
Authors: Abdelghani Eman , Waller Amanda P. , Wolfgang Katelyn J. , Stanek Joseph R. , Parikh Samir V. , Rovin Brad H. , Smoyer William E. ,   the PNRC Investigators,   the NEPTUNE Investigators, Kerlin Bryce A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with an acquired hypercoagulopathy thought to drive its predisposition for venous thromboembolism. Previous studies have suggested that urinary antithrombin loss leading to acquired antithrombin deficiency is the primary mechanism underlying this hypercoagulopathy, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. The objectives of this study were to test the influence of antithrombin levels on hypercoagulopathy in nephrotic syndrome patient samples and perform meta-analyses to evaluate the likelihood of antithrombin deficiency in nephrotic syndrome patients.

Design

Samples from 3 independent nephrotic syndrome cohorts were analyzed. Antithrombin antigen and activity assays were performed using ELISA and amidolytic assays, respectively. Plasma thrombin generation, albumin, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratios were determined using established methods. Meta-analyses were performed by combining these new data with previously published data.

Results

Antithrombin levels were not consistently related to either plasma albumin or proteinuria. Antithrombin was quantitatively related to hypercoagulopathy in adult nephrotic syndrome. Whereas antithrombin activity was inconsistently associated with hypercoagulopathy in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Notably, hypercoagulopathy did not differ between patients with normal antithrombin levels and those with levels below the threshold used to define clinical antithrombin deficiency (<70%). Moreover, ex vivo antithrombin supplementation did not significantly alter hypercoagulopathy in antithrombin deficient plasma samples. Moreover, the meta-analyses demonstrated that antithrombin deficiency is not a uniform feature of nephrotic syndrome but may be more common in children than adults.

Conclusions

These data suggest that antithrombin deficiency plays only a limited role in the mechanisms underlying the acquired hypercoagulopathy of nephrotic syndrome. Moreover, antithrombin deficiency is not present in all nephrotic syndrome patients and is more likely in children than adults despite the higher risk for venous thromboembolism in adults than children. Future studies should focus on identifying antithrombin-independent mechanisms that better explain the pathophysiology of hypercoagulopathy in nephrotic syndrome.
The 2020 U.S. cancer screening deficit and the timing of adults' most recent screen: A population-based quasi-experiment
Authors: Semprini Jason , Ranganathan Radhika
Published: June 2022

In 2020, cancer screenings declined, then rebounded, resulting in a cancer screening deficit. The significance of this deficit, however, has yet to be quantified from a population health perspective. Our study addresses this evidence gap by examining how the pandemic changed the timing of American adults' most recent cancer screen. We obtained population-based, cancer screening data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies were each specified as a variable of mutually exclusive categories to indicate the timing since the most recent screening (never, 0-1 years, 1-2 years, 3+ years). Our quasi-experimental design restricts the sample to adults surveyed in January, February, or March. We then leverage a quirk in the BRFSS implementation and consider adults surveyed in the second year of each survey wave as the quasi-treatment cohort. Next, we constructed Linear and Logistic regression models which control for exogenous sociodemographic characteristics, state fixed effects, and temporal trends. Our results suggest that the deficit in 2020 was largely due to a one year delay among adults who receive annual screening, as the proportion of adults reporting a cancer screen in the past year declined by a nearly identical proportion of adults reporting their most recent cancer screen 1-2 years ago (3\% to 4\% points). However, the relative change was higher for mammograms and pap smears (17\%) than colonoscopies (4\%). We also found some evidence that the proportion of women reporting never having completed a mammogram declined in 2020, but the mechanisms for this finding should be further explored with the release of future data. Our estimates for the pandemic's effect on cancer screening rates are smaller than prior studies, but because we account for temporal trends we believe prior studies overestimated the effect of the pandemic and underestimated the overall downward trend in cancer screenings across the country leading up to 2020.
Diagnostic accuracy and limit of detection of ten malaria parasite lactate dehydrogenase-based rapid tests for Plasmodium knowlesi and P. falciparum
Authors: Tan Angelica F. , binti Sakam Sitti Saimah , Rajahram Giri S. , William Timothy , Isnadi Mohammad Faruq Abd Rachman , Daim Sylvia , Barber Bridget E , Kho Steven , Sutherland Colin J. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Yerlikaya Seda , van Schalkwyk Donelly A , Grigg Matthew J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi causes zoonotic malaria across Southeast Asia. First-line diagnostic microscopy cannot reliably differentiate P. knowlesi from other human malaria species. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) designed for P. falciparum and P. vivax are used routinely in P. knowlesi co-endemic areas despite potential cross-reactivity for species-specific antibody targets.

Methods

Ten RDTs were evaluated: nine to detect clinical P. knowlesi infections from Malaysia, and nine assessing limit of detection (LoD) for P. knowlesi (PkA1-H.1) and P. falciparum (Pf3D7) cultures. Targets included Plasmodium-genus parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pan-pLDH) and P. vivax (Pv)-pLDH.

Results

Samples were collected prior to antimalarial treatment from 127 patients with microscopy-positive PCR-confirmed P. knowlesi mono-infections. Median parasitaemia was 788/µL (IQR 247-5,565/µL). Pan-pLDH sensitivities ranged from 50.6% (95% CI 39.6–61.5) (SD BIOLINE) to 87.0% (95% CI 75.1–94.6) (First Response® and CareStart™ PAN) compared to reference PCR. Pv-pLDH RDTs detected P. knowlesi with up to 92.0% (95% CI 84.3-96.7%) sensitivity (Biocredit™). For parasite counts ≥200/µL, pan-pLDH (Standard Q) and Pv-pLDH RDTs exceeded 95% sensitivity. Specificity of RDTs against 26 PCR-confirmed negative controls was 100%. Sensitivity of the 6 highest performing RDTs were not significantly different when comparing samples taken before and after (median 3 hours) antimalarial treatment. Parasite ring stages were present in 30% of pre-treatment samples, with ring stage proportions (mean 1.9%) demonstrating inverse correlation with test positivity of Biocredit™ and two CareStart™ RDTs.

For cultured P. knowlesi, CareStart™ PAN demonstrated the lowest LoD at 25 parasites/µL; LoDs of other pan-pLDH ranged from 98 to >2000 parasites/µL. Pv-pLDH LoD for P. knowlesi was 49 parasites/µL. P. falciparum-pLDH or histidine-rich-protein-2 channels did not react with P. knowlesi.

Conclusion

Selected RDTs demonstrate sufficient performance for detection of all human malaria species including P. knowlesi in co-endemic areas where microscopy is not available, particularly for higher parasite counts, although cannot reliably differentiate among non-falciparum malaria.
Compliant citizens, defiant rebels or neither? Exploring changing COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and decisions in Bradford, UK: Findings from a follow-up qualitative study
Authors: Lockyer Bridget , Moss Rachael H , Endacott Charlotte , Islam Shahid , Sheard Laura
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID-19 vaccines have been the central pillar of the public health response to the pandemic, intended to enable us to ‘live with Covid’. It is important to understand COVID-19 vaccines attitudes and decisions in order to maximise uptake through an empathetic lens.

Objective

To explore the factors that influenced people’s COVID-19 vaccines decisions and how attitudes towards the vaccines had changed in an eventful year.

Design and participants

This is a follow up study that took place in Bradford, UK one year after the original study, between October 2021 and January 2022. In-depth phone interviews were conducted with 12 (of the 20 originally interviewed) people from different ethnic groups and areas of Bradford. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

11 of the 12 participants interviewed had received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and most intended to have a booster dose. Participants described a variety of reasons why they had decided to have the vaccines, including: feeling at increased risk at work; protecting family and others in their communities, unrestricted travel and being influenced by the vaccine decisions of family, friends and colleagues. All participants discussed ongoing interaction with COVID-19 misinformation and for some this meant they were uneasy about their decision to have the vaccine. They described feeling overloaded by and disengaged from COVID-19 information, which they often found contradictory and some felt mistrustful of the UK government’s motives and decisions during the pandemic.

Conclusions

The majority of participants had managed to navigate an overwhelming amount of circulating COVID-19 misinformation and chosen to have two or more COVID-19 vaccines, even if they had been previously said they were unsure. However, these decisions were complicated, and demonstrate the continuum of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. This follow up study underlines that vaccine attitudes are changeable and contextual.

Patient or Public Contribution

The original study was developed through a rapid community and stakeholder engagement process in 2020. Discussion with the Bradford Council Public Health team and the public through the Bradford COVID-19 Community Insights Group was undertaken in 2021 to identify important priorities for this follow up study.
Coating formulation change is the root cause for inferior bioefficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bubun Nakei , Anetul Evodia , Koinari Melanie , Freeman Tim , Karl Stephan
Published: June 2022

Abstract/Summary

In a study published in Nature Communications in August 2020, we demonstrated an abrupt decrease in the bioefficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for malaria prevention delivered to Papua New Guinea (PNG) between 2012 and 2013. This coincided with a rise in malaria cases in the country. At the time of publication of the original article, we were unable to pinpoint the exact reasons for the observed shift towards inferior product performance and stated that ‘further studies are required to determine the underlying cause of the observed reduced bioefficacy of these LLINs’ 1. Due to the potentially significant public health implications (hundreds of millions of this specific LLIN product had been distributed globally), our study led to discussions and speculation among stakeholders. Here, we present data unequivocally showing that the observed reduction in the ability to kill mosquitoes of these LLINs is a direct result of a manufacturing change that occurred at the same time.
Dissecting the invasion of Galleria mellonella by Yersinia enterocolitica reveals metabolic adaptations and a role of a phage lysis cassette in insect killing
Authors: Sänger Philipp-Albert , Wagner Stefanie , Liebler-Tenorio Elisabeth , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: June 2022

The human pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica strain W22703 is characterized by its toxicity towards invertebrates that requires the insecticidal toxin complex (Tc) proteins encoded by the pathogenicity island Tc-PAIYe. Molecular and pathophysiological details of insect larvae infection and killing by this pathogen, however, have not been dissected. Here, we applied oral infection of Galleria mellonella (Greater wax moth) larvae to study the colonisation, proliferation, tissue invasion, and killing activity of W22703. We demonstrated that this strain is strongly toxic towards the larvae, in which they proliferate by more than three orders of magnitude within six days post infection. Deletion mutants of genes tcaA and tccC were atoxic for the insect. W22703 ΔtccC, in contrast to W22703 ΔtcaA, initially proliferated before being eliminated from the host, thus confirming TcaA and TccC as membrane-binding Tc subunit and ADP-ribosylating enzyme, respectively. Time course experiments revealed a Tc-dependent infection process starting with midgut colonisation that is followed by invasion of the hemolymph where the pathogen elicits morphological changes of hemocytes and strongly proliferates. The in vivo transcriptome of strain W22703 shows that the pathogen undergoes a drastic reprogramming of central cell functions and gains access to numerous carbohydrate and amino acid resources within the insect. Strikingly, a mutant lacking a phage-related holin/endolysin (HE) cassette, which is located within Tc-PAIYe, resembled the phenotypes of W22703 ΔtcaA, suggesting that this dual lysis cassette is an example for a phage-related function that has been adapted for the release of a bacterial toxin.
One regulator: diversified Shariah governance practices, why?
Authors: Alam Md. Kausar , Islam Mohammad Shofiqul , Islam Fakir Tajul , Tabash Mosab I. , Sahabuddin Mohammad , Alauddin Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the reasons behind the growing diverse practices of Shariah governance (SG) among Islamic banks in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Data has been collected through a semi-structured interview process from the concerned authorities (Shariah supervisory board members, Shariah department officers, central bank executives and banking professional experts) related to SG and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The data has been analyzed by NVivo software.

Findings

The results of the study show that SG mechanisms are different due to the lack of unique comprehensive SG guidelines and the absence of a Centralized Shariah Supervisory Board (CSSB) under the Central Bank. The self-developed practices, the diversified opinions and viewpoints of the Board of Directors (BOD), banks' policies, business motivations and profit intention are also responsible for diversified SG practices. The diverse understandings and explanations of Shariah, Madhab (school of thought) and rulings are also responsible for the different practices of SG in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

The study has unique implications for the regulatory authorities and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The study explored the diverse reasons for numerous applications of SG guidelines which will be beneficial for the central bank and regulators to resolve the issues by outlying unique SG guidelines.

Originality/value

This study outlines the reasons for dissimilar practices of SG by the Islamic banks in Bangladesh, which will be beneficial for Islamic banks and the central bank of Bangladesh.
Factors affecting organizational resilience in megaprojects: a leader–employee perspective
Authors: Wang Dedong , Zhao Xiaoru , Zhang Kangning
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The increasingly uncertain and unstable factors in the internal and external environments of megaprojects lead to more potential crises and challenges, hence increasing the importance of improving organizational resilience. This study aimed to explore the effects of transformational leadership and employee self-efficacy on organizational resilience from a leader–employee perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining the perspectives of leaders and employees, this study constructed a development mechanism of the organizational resilience of megaprojects. Organizational climate and organizational learning were selected as two organizational resources to study the mediating roles of leaders and employees. A partial least-squares structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses based on data collected from 243 respondents.

Findings

Results show that transformational leadership and employee self-efficacy positively affect organizational resilience and organizational resources. Organizational learning positively mediates the effects of leader–employee factors on organizational resilience, whereas organizational climate does not.

Originality/value

This study verifies the positive role of transformational leadership and employee self-efficacy in organizational resilience and reveals the development mechanism of using organizational resources to build organizational resilience. This paper enlightens project managers and employees on how to well respond to the uncertainty and complexity of megaprojects.
Performance measurement and evaluation: applying return on investment (ROI) to human capital investments
Authors: Dadd Deneise , Hinton Matthew
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the growing use of financial metrics (such as return on investment [ROI]) to measure performance and evaluate human capital (HC) investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed an embedded case study approach, examining how one ROI approach was applied to evaluating HC investments, across three sectors (corporate, public health and international development).

Findings

Three major findings emerged in this study: First, interpretations of ROI can lead to ambiguity during implementation. ROI is interpreted trichotomously – metaphorically, as a desire for value; literally, as a metric; and procedurally, as a method for planning and evaluating HC investments. Second, understanding, measuring and tracking the domains of people performance (cognitive, affective and psychomotor) is vital to evaluating the impact of HC investments because this is where the change in behavior occurs. Third, although the logic model measures the change in process following an intervention (input-activity-output-outcome-impact), other approaches measure the change in behavior of people in the intervention (people performance).

Practical implications

These findings provide clarity for practitioners about challenges when applying ROI.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore how the ROI financial metric is applied in a new domain by first examining its interpretation. It elucidates the use of ROI in practice, as well as the different purposes of key ROI approaches.
Effects of organizational culture, affective commitment and trust on knowledge-sharing tendency
Authors: Ng Keith Yong Ngee
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Prevailing corporate culture coupled with affective trust in co-workers and affective organizational commitment may promote or hinder the tendency for people to share knowledge. This study aims to determine whether knowledge-sharing tendency varies from one form of organizational culture to another by examining the concurrent mediation of affective trust in co-workers and affective organizational commitment and provide insights for appropriate knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Adult learners (N= 408) enrolled in the MBA and MSc postgraduate programs at five private universities in Singapore participated in a two-part self-administered anonymous survey. Data were analyzed with SmartPLS partial-least squares structural equation modeling using a two-stage analytical technique that examined the measurement and structural models.

Findings

The concurrent effects of affective trust in co-workers and affective organizational commitment complementarily mediated the relationship of organizational culture on the knowledge-sharing tendency for adhocracy, clan and market cultures but fully mediated for hierarchy culture.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for managers to understand the characteristics of their organizational culture and choose appropriate practices for improving knowledge-sharing tendency among its employees.

Originality/value

A model is established to determine the type of organizational culture that facilitates knowledge-sharing tendency. It offers new theoretical insights into how and why affective trust in co-workers and affective organizational commitment impact the relationship of organizational culture on knowledge-sharing tendency. Understanding these relationships can provide valuable insights into various strategies for different organizational cultures to increase employees’ knowledge-sharing tendency.
Responding to COVID‐19: International nonprofits' stakeholder channels, resource pressures and governance responses
Authors: Willems Emma L. , Van Puyvelde Stijn , Jegers Marc , Raeymaeckers Peter
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) health crisis imposes severe pressures on nonprofit organizations, which must be resilient to respond effectively to extreme environmental tensions. We combined resource dependence theory with stakeholder theory to frame to what extent nonprofits experienced resource pressures through various stakeholder channels and the nonprofit governance responses. We empirically investigated international medical research and education nonprofits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our results indicate resource decreases in nearly all stakeholder channels. In response, nonprofit boards increased activity levels by mainly focusing on adapting organizational offerings and increasing support to the organization. Managerial executives also increased their activity levels, by focusing on safeguarding financial stability, planning and adapting operations to confinement measures.
Classification of fired cartridge cases using 3D image capture and a comparison of database correlation method performance
Authors: Kara Ilker , Karatatar Alihan
Published: June 2022

When firearms are used, they leave unique marks on the fired bullets and shells. Examining these marks gives clues about the crime scene and the weapon of the crime. However, due to the increase in the number of incidents in which firearms are used, the increase in the amount of evidence makes ballistic investigations very difficult and prolongs the analysis time of the evidence. With the automatic image analysis and identification system, ballistic evidence can be examined very quickly and used to classify possible matching evidences. In this study, we present an approach based on Image Similarity Measurement for forensic examination of cartridges from automatic pistols. For this purpose, we used 500 images of 9 × 19 mm and 500 images of 7.65 × 17 mm cartridge cases obtained from 20 different brands and models of pistols. We divided the images of bullet cartridges into four different categories as breech face, firing pin, ejector mark, and combined evaluation, and we obtained these images from the BALİSTİKA 2010 system. We investigated the classification and matching performance of the obtained four category images using 4 different methods: Structural Similarity (SSIM), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Universal Image Quality Index (UQI). The results show that our Structural Similarity (SSIM) approach is effective in classifying and matching ballistic evidence.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of gynaecologic emergencies: A pictorial essay
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Gynaecologic emergencies include diseases resulting from adnexal and uterine disorders. Some emergencies are life threatening; however, they often have non‐specific symptoms and physical findings. Thus, imaging diagnosis is important for evaluating these conditions. The first‐choice modality for obstetrics and gynaecology is ultrasonography; however, some cases require computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for correct diagnosis. Treatment options for gynaecologic emergencies vary from conservative therapy to emergency surgery, thus a correct diagnosis is critical. The purpose of this article is to describe notable CT and MRI findings of gynaecologic emergencies, which will help emergency department physicians arrive at the correct diagnosis and thus facilitate optimal treatment for patients.
Strategic Entry Decisions, Accounting Signals, and Risk Management Disclosure*
Authors: Zou Youli
Published: June 2022

This study provides evidence that hedge accounting information under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, is related to rivals' market entry decisions. Documenting accounting information's relevance to competition decisions requires context‐specific settings. Using data for the airline industry in the United States, I predict and find that entrants are less likely to enter routes in which incumbents report higher accumulated other comprehensive income from fuel hedging, an indication of lower future operating costs. As predicted, this relation is stronger after the adoption of SFAS 161, Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, in 2008, a systemic shock that significantly increases risk management disclosure requirements. The findings illustrate the product market relevance of hedge accounting signals and disclosure in the US airline industry and extend the understanding of SFAS 133 and SFAS 161 beyond the capital markets.
Genetic trade‐offs between complex diseases and longevity
Authors: Hu Dingxue , Li Yan , Zhang Detao , Ding Jiahong , Song Zijun , Min Junxia , Zeng Yi , Nie Chao
Published: June 2022

Longevity was influenced by many complex diseases and traits. However, the relationships between human longevity and genetic risks of complex diseases were not broadly studied. Here, we constructed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for 225 complex diseases/traits and evaluated their relationships with human longevity in a cohort with 2178 centenarians and 2299 middle‐aged individuals. Lower genetic risks of stroke and hypotension were observed in centenarians, while higher genetic risks of schizophrenia (SCZ) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) were detected in long‐lived individuals. We further stratified PRSs into cell‐type groups and significance‐level groups. The results showed that the immune component of SCZ genetic risk was positively linked to longevity, and the renal component of T2D genetic risk was the most deleterious. Additionally, SNPs with very small p‐values (p ≤ 1x10‐5) for SCZ and T2D were negatively correlated with longevity. While for the less significant SNPs (1x10‐5 < p ≤ 0.05), their effects on disease and longevity were positively correlated. Overall, we identified genetically informed positive and negative factors for human longevity, gained more insights on the accumulation of disease risk alleles during evolution, and provided evidence for the theory of genetic trade‐offs between complex diseases and longevity.
Porcine spleen as a model organ for blunt injury impact tests: An experimental and histological study
Authors: Kochová Petra , Malečková Anna , Pálek Richard , Liška Václav , Bońkowski Tomasz , Horák Miroslav , Grajciarová Martina , Tonar Zbyněk
Published: June 2022

The spleen is a large and highly vascularized secondary lymphatic organ. Spleen injuries are among the most frequent trauma‐related injuries in the abdominal region. The aims of the study were to assess the volume fractions of the main splenic tissue components (red pulp, white pulp, trabeculae and reticular fibres) and to determine the severity of splenic injury due to the experimental impact test. Porcine spleens (n = 17) were compressed by 6.22 kg wooden plate using a drop tower technique from three impact heights (50, 100 and 150 mm corresponding to velocities 0.79, 1.24 and 1.58 m/s). The pressure was measured via catheters placed in the splenic vein. The impact velocity was measured using lasers. The severity of induced injuries was analysed on the macroscopic level. The volume fractions of splenic components were assessed microscopically using stereology. The volume fraction of the red pulp was 76.4%, white pulp 21.3% and trabeculae 2.7% respectively. All impact tests, even with the low impact velocities, led to injuries that occurred mostly in the dorsal extremity of the spleen, and were accompanied by bleeding, capsule rupture and parenchyma crushing. Higher impact height (impact velocity and impact energy) caused more severe injury. Porcine spleen had the same volume fraction of tissue components as human spleen, therefore we concluded that the porcine spleen was a suitable organ model for mechanical experiments. Based on our observations, regions around hilum and the diaphragmatic surface of the dorsal extremity, that contained fissures and notches, were the most prone to injury and required considerable attention during splenic examination after injury. The primary mechanical data are now available for the researchers focused on the splenic trauma modelling.
Carotid body responses to O2 and CO2 in hypoxia‐tolerant naked mole rats
Authors: Peng Ying‐Jie , Nanduri Jayasri , Wang Ning , Khan Shakil A. , Pamenter Matthew E. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Naked mole rats (NMRs) exhibit blunted hypoxic (HVR) and hypercapnic ventilatory responses (HCVR). The mechanism(s) underlying these responses are largely unknown. We hypothesized that attenuated carotid body (CB) sensitivity to hypoxia and hypercapnia contributes to the near absence of ventilatory responses to hypoxia and CO2 in NMRs.

Methods

We measured ex vivo CB sensory nerve activity, phrenic nerve activity (an estimation of ventilation), and blood gases in urethane‐anesthetized NMRs and C57BL/6 mice breathing normoxic, hypoxic, or hypercapnic gases. CB morphology, carbon monoxide, and H2S levels were also determined.

Results

Relative to mice, NMRs had blunted CB and HVR. Morphologically, NMRs have larger CBs, which contained more glomus cells than in mice. Furthermore, NMR glomus cells form a dispersed pattern compared to a clustered pattern in mice. Hemeoxygenase (HO)‐1 mRNA was elevated in NMR CBs, and an HO inhibitor increased CB sensitivity to hypoxia in NMRs. This increase was blocked by an H2S synthesis inhibitor, suggesting that interrupted gas messenger signaling contributes to the blunted CB responses and HVR in NMRs. Regarding hypercapnia, CB and ventilatory responses to CO2 in NMRs were larger than in mice. Carbonic anhydrase (CA)‐2 mRNA is elevated in NMR CBs, and a CA inhibitor blocked the augmented CB response to CO2 in NMRs, indicating CA activity regulates augmented CB response to CO2.

Conclusions

Consistent with our hypothesis, impaired CB responses to hypoxia contribute in part to the blunted HVR in NMRs. Conversely, the HCVR and CB are more sensitive to CO2 in NMRs.