bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual feedback and age affect upper limb reaching accuracy and kinematics in immersive virtual reality among healthy adults
Authors: Everard Gauthier J. , Lejeune Thierry M. , Batcho Charles S.
Published: June 2023

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the effect of visual feedback, age and movement repetition on the upper limb (UL) accuracy and kinematics during a reaching task in immersive virtual reality (VR). Fifty-one healthy participants were asked to perform 25 trials of a reaching task in immersive VR with and without visual feedback of their hand. They were instructed to place, as accurately and as fast as possible, a controller held in their non-dominant hand in the centre of a virtual red cube of 3 cm side length. For each trial, the end-point error (distance between the tip of the controller and the centre of the cube), a coefficient of linearity (CL), the movement time (MT), and the spectral arc length of the velocity signal (SPARC), which is a movement smoothness index, were calculated. Multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to assess the influence of visual feedback, age and trial repetition on the average end-point error, SPARC, CL and MT, and their time course throughout the 25 trials. Providing visual feedback of the hand reduced average end-point error (P < 0.001) and MT (P = 0.044), improved SPARC (P < 0.001) but did not affect CL (P = 0.07). Younger participants obtained a lower mean end-point error (P = 0.037), a higher SPARC (P = 0.021) and CL (P = 0.013). MT was not affected by age (P = 0.671). Trial repetition increased SPARC (P < 0.001) and CL (P < 0.001), and reduced MT (P = 0.001) but did not affect end-point error (P = 0.608). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that providing visual feedback of the hand and being younger improves UL accuracy and movement smoothness in immersive VR. UL kinematics but not accuracy can be improved with more trial repetitions. These findings could guide the future development of protocols in clinical rehabilitation and research.
Changes in physical activity in older adult patients with postoperative hip fractures in convalescent rehabilitation wards during rehabilitation time and during daily activities in the ward: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shimizu Tomoko , Kanai Chiaki , Asakawa Yasuyoshi
Published: June 2023

As the older adult population increases, the number of patients with hip fractures is expected to increase. Hip fractures are a major factor in bedridden patients and decreased activities of daily living. Older adults may have multiple comorbidities, and improving their physical function under comprehensive care is better to meet their needs. Convalescent rehabilitation wards provide comprehensive care and aim to improve the activities of daily living and physical activity in older adults. This study aimed to identify the time of day, including rehabilitation, when physical activities improve in inpatients with subacute postoperative hip fracture, among the many comorbidities of older adults, in comprehensive care, including rehabilitation. This prospective cohort study was conducted in a comprehensive care setting in a subacute rehabilitation ward in a Japanese hospital. Older adult inpatients with a musculoskeletal disease in a subacute rehabilitation ward were divided into the postoperative hip fracture and non-hip fracture patients to examine age, frailty, activities of daily living, and longitudinal physical activity data from objective measures at admission and discharge. Physical activity increased in older adult inpatients with postoperative hip fractures not only during personalized rehabilitation time (P < 0.001) but also during free activity in the ward (P < 0.001), despite their tendency to be older, frailer, and lower activities of daily living. In conclusion, postoperative hip fracture inpatients may improve their fitness after receiving comprehensive care.
Indocyanine green guided near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) enhances vascular anatomy in robotic assisted DIEP flap harvest
Authors: Nelson William , Murariu Daniel , Moreira Andrea A
Published: June 2023

ICG-NIRF imaging has gained clinical acceptance lately. This technology can be particularly advantageous in the case of robotic flap harvest. This paper presents a new approach to deep epigastric pedicle dissection using ICG-NIRF in the setting of robotic assisted DIEP flaps.
Do Socioeconomic Status and Race Impact the Safety and Efficacy of Breast Reconstruction?
Authors: Soto Edgar , Fang H. Amanda , Bond Grant , Bosworth Jeremy W. , Clark Ashlynn , Garcia Natalie , Garcia Alex , Patcha Prasanth , Fix R. Jobe , Myers Rene P. , de la Torre Jorge I. , King Timothy W.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy has increased in recent years when compared with delayed reconstruction. Despite this encouraging trend, racial and socioeconomic disparities in the receipt of postmastectomy breast reconstruction have been well documented. We sought to assess the effect of race, socioeconomic status, and patient comorbidities on muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous outcomes at our safety net hospital institution in the southeast.

Methods

The database of a tertiary referral center was queried for patients who received free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps for immediate reconstruction after mastectomy meeting inclusion criteria from 2006 to 2020. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared based on socioeconomic status. The primary outcome (reconstructive success) was defined as breast reconstruction without flap loss. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and χ2 tests were appropriate using Rstudio.

Results

Three-hundred fourteen patients were included in the study, with 76% White, 16% Black, and 8% other. Overall complication rate at our institution was 17% and reconstructive success was 94%. Non-White race, older age at time of breast cancer diagnosis, higher body mass index, and presence of comorbid conditions including current smoking and hypertension were all associated with low socioeconomic status. Despite this, surgical complication rates were not predicted by non-White race, older age, or presence of diabetes mellitus. When analyzing major and minor complications based on radiation received or reconstructive success, there was no significant difference regardless of radiation treatment with the group overall achieving a 94% success rate (P = 0.229).

Conclusions

This study aimed to characterize the impact of socioeconomic status and race/ethnic status of patients on breast reconstruction outcomes at an institution in the South. We found that despite the greater morbidity in low income and ethnic/minority patients that when treated by a comprehensive safety net institution, they had excellent reconstructive outcomes due to low complications and minimal reoperations.
Same Day Discharge After Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Brantley Rebecca A. , Thuman Jenna , Hudson Todd , Gregoski Mathew J. , Scomacao Isis , Herrera Fernando A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Currently, overnight admission after immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is the standard of care. Our study aims to analyze the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of immediate IBR with same-day discharge as compared with the standard overnight stay.

Methods

The 2015–2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was reviewed to identify all patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate IBR for malignant breast disease. Patients were stratified into study (patients discharged day of surgery) and control (patients admitted after surgery) groups. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, implant type, wound complications, readmission, and reoperation rates were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of same-day discharge versus admission. In addition, Pearson χ2 test was used for comparison of proportions and t test was used for continuous variables unless distributions required subsequent nonparametric analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a P value less than 0.05.

Results

A total of 21,923 cases were identified. The study group included 1361 patients discharged same day and the control group included 20,562 patient s admitted for average of 1.4 days (range, 1–86). Average age was 51 years for both groups. Average body mass index for the study group 27 and 28 kg/m2 for the control group, respectively. Total wound complication rates were similar (4.5% study, 4.3% control, P = 0.72). Reoperation rates were lower with same-day discharge (5.7% study, 6.8% control, P = 0.105), though not statistically significant. However, same-day discharge patients had a significantly lower readmission rate compared with the control (2.3% study, 4.2% control, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data analysis over a 6-year period reveals that immediate IBR with same-day discharge is associated with a significantly lower readmission rate when compared with the standard overnight stay. The comparable complication profiles show that immediate IBR with same-day discharge is safe, potentially benefiting both patients and hospitals.
Creatinine Clearance Predicts the Goal Enoxaparin Dose in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Park Greigory , Dhillon Navpreet K. , Fierro Nicole M. , Drevets Peter , Stupinski John , Ley Eric J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recent guidelines recommend starting TBI patients on enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily and then considering weight-based dosing. Creatinine clearance may be better than weight for patients when considering high and low enoxaparin dose requirements. We hypothesize that creatinine clearance (CrCl) predicts goal enoxaparin dose better than weight-based dosing.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients admitted to an urban, academic Level 1 trauma center from August 2017 to February 2020. Patients were included if greater than 18 years, admitted longer than 48 hours, and head and neck AIS ≥ 3. Patients were excluded if they did not have TBI, if they received DVT prophylaxis other than enoxaparin q12 hour dosing, if no anti-Xa levels were drawn, or if the goal anti-Xa level was not reached. Patients were grouped into dosing cohorts based on dose of enoxaparin required to reach goal. Pearsons correlation was used to compare mean CrCl and mean weight across dosing cohorts.

Results

A total of 120 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria, mean age was 47 years and 68% of patients were male. The mean hospital length of stay was 24 days. There were 5 (4.2%) DVT, no pulmonary embolism, and 5 (4.2%) patients died. Mean CrCl increased significantly with increased dosing of enoxaparin, Pearsons correlation coefficient of 0.484 (p < 0.001). Weight on admission also increased with increasing enoxaparin dose requirements, with Pearsons correlation coefficient of 0.411 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CrCl predicts goal enoxaparin dose in TBI better than a weight-based dosing strategy. Further research with a larger patient population is required to further validate CrCl values to guide enoxaparin dosing.

Level of Evidence

Level 3, retrospective study.
The acute care surgery model and elective surgery
Authors: Spain David A. , Cryer H. Gill
Published: June 2023

Two senior surgeons with active elective surgery practices call on their personal experiences to encourage acute care surgery programs to explore ways to incorporate elective surgery into their practice models. Although there are obstacles, these are not insurmountable problems, potential solutions exist, and this may help protect against burnout.
Botulinum Toxins and Zinc: From Theory to Practice—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mallat Farid , Kaikati Jerome , Kechichian Elio
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aims of this study were to determine whether zinc supplementation affects botulinum toxin's effect and longevity and to establish a transition from the molecular to the clinical aspect.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review in which we included all published studies on PubMed and Embase using the combination of the following terms: “zinc” AND (botox OR botulinum OR onabotulinumtoxinA OR abobotulinumtoxinA OR incobotulinumtoxinA).

Results

From the 260 yielded articles, 3 randomized control trials and 1 case report were retained. Three of them found a significant improvement with zinc supplementation in the toxin's effect and longevity. This was observed in neurological conditions and cosmetic uses.

Conclusions

Zinc supplementation could be an interesting asset in the potentialization of botulinum neurotoxin effect and longevity. Larger clinical trials and objective measurement tools should be used to further defining the role of zinc in maximizing botulinum neurotoxin effect.
Aripiprazole-Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Case Study
Authors: Coulson Christian J. , Yrastorza-Daghman Marie
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The use of medications in management of disease is an integral part of treatment to patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting; however, these medications often have risk of adverse effects associated with their benefits of use. Adverse cutaneous reactions are one of the most frequent types of adverse drug reactions. Two major phenotypes of cutaneous adverse drug reactions are toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug with a well-documented profile of adverse effects for physicians to be aware of; however, SJS/TEN is not known to be included in that profile.

Methods

The authors encountered a case of aripiprazole-induced SJS/TEN and used the electronic medical records from this encounter to summarize this novel case in detail. Existing literature was reviewed using public databases for evaluation of similar cases.

Results

We present a case of SJS/TEN induced by aripiprazole use for bipolar disorder, type 1, which is not an adverse effect of the drug that has been documented in the literature. We include patient history, hospital course, images, and treatment of disease throughout admission as well as a thorough discussion of the topic.

Conclusions

We present a case of an adverse drug reaction that has not previously been documented in the literature with the goal of informing readers of the potential for this life-threatening atypical effect and the severity of disease it may cause.
Molecular Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance in Central Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: DIKOUMBA Annicet-Clotaire , ONANGA Richard , MANGOUKA Laurette G. , BOUNDENGA Larson , NGOUNGOU Edgard-Brice , GODREUIL Sylvain
Published: June 2023

Background:  In Central Africa, it is difficult to fight against antibiotic resistance, because of  a  lack of data and information on bacterial resistance, due to the low number of studies carried out in the field. To fill this gap, we carried out a systematic review of the various studies, and devise a molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance from humans, animals and the environmental samples.Method:  A systematic search of all publications from 2005 to 2020 on bacterial resistance in Central Africa was performed on Pubmed, Google scholar and African journals online. All circulating resistance genes, prevalence and genetic carriers of these resistances were collected. The study area was limited to the 9 countries of Central Africa. Results:  Five hundred seventeen studies were identified through a literature search, and sixty studies carried out in 8 countries were included. Among all articles included, 43 articles were from human. Our study revealed not only the circulation of beta-lactamase and carbapenemase genes, but also several other types of resistance genes. To finish, we noticed that some studies reported mobile genetic elements such as integrons, transposons, plasmids, or chromosomes.Conclusion:  The scarcity of data poses difficulties in the implementation of effective strategies in the fight against antibiotic resistance, which requires a health policy in a "One Health" approach.
Using visual attention estimation on videos for automated prediction of autism spectrum disorder and symptom severity in preschool children
Authors: de Belen Ryan Anthony J. , Eapen Valsamma , Bednarz Tomasz , Sowmya Arcot
Published: June 2023

Atypical visual attention in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been utilised as a unique diagnosis criterion in previous research. This paper presents a novel approach to the automatic and quantitative screening of ASD as well as symptom severity prediction in preschool children. We develop a novel computational pipeline that extracts learned features from a dynamic visual stimulus to classify ASD children and predict the level of ASD-related symptoms. Experimental results demonstrate promising performance that is superior to using handcrafted features and machine learning algorithms, in terms of evaluation metrics used in diagnostic tests. Using a leave-one-out cross-validation approach, we obtained an accuracy of 94.59%, a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 76.47% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 96% for ASD classification. In addition, we obtained an accuracy of 94.74%, a sensitivity of 87.50%, a specificity of 100% and an AUC of 99% for ASD symptom severity prediction.
Protocol for piloting a phone-based web survey to elicit barriers to accessing triage camps within community-based, Peek-powered eye screening programmes
Authors: Allen Luke , Mishra Sailesh , Tlhajoane Malebogo , Ratshaa Bakgaki , Macleod Dave , Chroston Hannah , Nkomazana Oathokwa , Bastawrous Andrew
Published: June 2023

Pilot study summary

Title

Piloting a phone-based web survey to elicit barriers to accessing triage camps within community-based, Peek-powered eye screening programmes

Design

Pilot test of an online survey sent via SMS to 1,600 parents/guardians of children who did not attend eye clinics having been found to have an eye need at school screening. We will perform the same pilot twice; once in Botswana and once in Nepal

Aims

To quantify the response rate among 16 different subgroups of recipients according to gender, location, wealth and assets.

Note that we are not concerned with the responses at this pilot phase – only the suitability of the medium.

Population

Parents/guardians of children who did not attend screening within Botswana’s Peek-powered national school-based ‘Pono Yame’ programme, and participants in Nepal’s Peek-powered community screening programme

Intervention

A four-question online survey exploring barriers to attendance. The hyperlink will be sent via SMS. Non-responders will receive a single follow-up reminder 7 days later.

Outcome measure

Cumulative survey completion rates over the 31 days that follow the original SMS invitation.

Duration

All survey invitations will be sent on the same day. As such, the pilot will last 31 days.
Effects of participatory organizational interventions on mental health and work performance: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iida Mako , Sakuraya Asuka , Imamura Kotaro , Asaoka Hiroki , Arima Hideaki , Ando Emiko , Inoue Akiomi , Inoue Reiko , Iwanaga Mai , Eguchi Hisashi , Otsuka Yasumasa , Kobayashi Yuka , Komase Yu , Kuribayashi Kazuto , Sasaki Natsu , Tsuno Kanami , Hino Ayako , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Ebara Takeshi , Shimazu Akihito , Kawakami Norito , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Participatory organizational interventions to improve psychosocial working conditions are important for a safe and healthy work environment. However, there are few systematic reviews or meta-analyses investigating the effects of these interventions on workers’ mental health and work-related outcomes. We apply the protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of participatory organizational intervention on mental health and work performance.

Methods and analysis

The participants, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes (PICO) of the studies in this systematic review and meta-analysis were defined as follows: (P) inclusion of all workers, (I) participatory organizational intervention, (C) treatment as usual or no intervention (including waitlist control), and (O) mental health and work performance. Published studies will be searched using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society. Study selection and the risk of bias assessment will be performed independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis will be performed to statistically synthesize the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethical approval. The findings and results will be submitted to and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

Registration details

The study protocol was registered at the UMIN registry (registration number: UMIN000049453).
Timing and Predictors of Loss of Infectivity among Healthcare Workers with Primary and Recurrent COVID-19: a Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Dzieciolowska Stefka , Charest Hugues , Roy Tonya , Fafard Judith , Carazo Sara , Levade Ines , Longtin Jean , Parkes Leighanne , Beaulac Sylvie Nancy , Villeneuve Jasmin , Savard Patrice , Corbeil Jacques , Serres Gaston De , Longtin Yves
Published: June 2023

Background

There is a need to understand the duration of infectivity of primary and recurrent COVID-19 and identify predictors of loss of infectivity.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study with serial viral culture, rapid antigen detection test (RADT) and RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal specimens of healthcare workers with COVID-19. The primary outcome was viral culture positivity as indicative of infectivity. Predictors of loss of infectivity were determined using multivariate regression model. The performance of the US CDC criteria (fever resolution, symptom improvement and negative RADT) to predict loss of infectivity was also investigated.

Results

121 participants (91 female [79.3%]; average age, 40 years) were enrolled. Most (n=107, 88.4%) had received ≥3 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses, and 20 (16.5%) had COVID-19 previously. Viral culture positivity decreased from 71.9% (87/121) on day 5 of infection to 18.2% (22/121) on day 10. Participants with recurrent COVID-19 had a lower likelihood of infectivity than those with primary COVID-19 at each follow-up (day 5 OR, 0.14; p<0.001]; day 7 OR, 0.04; p=0.003]) and were all non-infective by day 10 (p=0.02). Independent predictors of infectivity included prior COVID-19 (adjusted OR [aOR] on day 5, 0.005; p=0.003), a RT-PCR Ct value <23 (aOR on day 5, 22.75; p<0.001), but not symptom improvement or RADT result.

The CDC criteria would identify 36% (24/67) of all non-infectious individuals on Day 7. However, 17% (5/29) of those meeting all the criteria had a positive viral culture.

Conclusions

Infectivity of recurrent COVID-19 is shorter than primary infections. Loss of infectivity algorithms could be optimized.
The Transcriptomics Pain Signature Database
Authors: Jahangiri Esfahani Sahel , Parisien Marc , Surbey Calvin , Diatchenko Luda
Published: June 2023

The availability of convenient tools is critical for the efficient analyses of fast-generated omics-wide-level studies. Here, we describe the creation, characterization, and applications of the Pain Signatures Database (TPSDB), a comprehensive database containing the results of differential gene expression analyses from 338 full transcriptomic datasets for pain-related phenotypes. The database allows searching for a specific gene(s), pathway(s), or SNP(s), or downloading the raw data for hypothesis-free analysis. We took advantage of this unique dataset of multiple pain transcriptomics in several ways. The pathway analyses found the cytokine production regulation and innate immune response the most frequently shared pathways across tissues and conditions. A machine learning-based approach across datasets identified RNA biomarkers for inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) with high certainty. Finally, functional annotation of pain-related GWAS results demonstrated that differentially expressed genes can be more informative than the general tissue-specific genes from DRG or spinal cord in partitioning heritability analyses.
Modified Technique for Dissection of Working Space in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Cheng Wen , Liu Zhe , Shi Changjie , Da Jianping , Zhou Xiumin , Ge Jingping
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The existing techniques to creat working space for retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery are often accompanied by air leakage or poor visibility due to blood and fat tissues smudging during dissection.This single-center experience describes a modified dissection technique to create a retroperitoneal working space during laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and Methods

From May 2021 to December 2022, we performed a modified dissection technique to create a retroperitoneal working space prior retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in 47 patients. During the procedure, laparoscopic dissection is successively performed. The retroperitoneum is initially accessed by puncturing the trocar through a 10-mm transverse skin incision in the midaxillary line. Under endoscopic monitoring, the tip of the trocar is adjusted to a relative avascular layer between the transversus abdominis muscle and the pararenal fat. Laparoscopic dissection is performed to develop until the working space is fully established. All data referring to patient demographics, surgery, dilation-related complication, and perioperative outcomes were collected retrospectively.

Results

In all cases, a satisfactory retroperitoneal space was created for surgery. The median time of creating retroperitoneal working space was 6 (IQR:5,7) minutes. No dissection-related complications were noted within a median follow-up period of 9 (IQR:7,15) months.

Conclusion

Modified retroperitoneal dissection with laparoscopy is a safe, simple, effective, and minimally invasive technique. It provides an adequate working space and an excellent view without obvious bleeding.
Is there an association between clinician behavioural factors, and the experience of pain in a dental setting? A Scoping Review
Authors: Tang Belinda , Ting Jasmine , Brown Rachel , Nathan Sandhya , Ashton-James Claire , Sadr Atieh , Gholamrezaei Ali
Published: June 2023

Background

Effective management of pain is critical in a dental setting, and insufficient pain management can lead to anxiety in patients and hesitancy to seek further dental help. Currently, there are no existing scoping or systematic reviews discussing the impact of clinician behavioural factors on pain perception, thus highlighting the need for it.

Aims

The aim of this scoping review is two-fold: to analyse the scope of current evidence surrounding the association between clinician behaviour and pain experienced in the dental setting, and to identify areas where further research is needed.

Methodology

A list of search terms and subject headings was developed for Pubmed, PsycINFO and Embase to conduct pilot searches. Duplicate articles were removed, and each article screened in accordance with pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant articles were assessed using a data extraction form. Information was analysed to determine the scope of current evidence and areas where further study is needed.

Results

Dentist behaviour has a significant impact on the patient’s pain experience, and techniques to minimise pain include empathy, being calm and non-judgemental, and providing clear information to patients about treatment. Following up the patient after treatment, via a phone call or text message, reduces pain experience. Increased levels of dental anxiety have been shown to increase dental pain, and therefore it is important that clinicians implement behaviours to reduce dental anxiety in order to reduce pain.

Conclusion

Numerous studies have shown the association between clinician behavioural factors and the perception of pain in the dental setting. There are various techniques dentists can utilise to improve the pain experience for their patients, including displaying a warm empathetic demeanour, appropriately managing dentally anxious patients, and utilising non-judgemental communication skills. However, there are some areas where further research is needed.

Highlights

Clinician behaviour can be modified to alter the perception of pain in a dental setting

Various studies outline techniques that a dentist can use to improve a patient’s pain experience

Further research is required for chronic orofacial pain, phobic patients and patients with special needs
The TOR signaling pathway regulates vegetative development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and pathogenicity inAspergillus flavus
Authors: Li Guoqi , Cao Xiaohong , Tumukunde Elisabeth , Zeng Qianhua , Wang Shihua
Published: June 2023

The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway is highly conserved and plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. Despite its significance, the underlying mechanism of the TOR pathway inA. flavusremains elusive. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the TOR signaling pathway inA. flavusby identifying and characterizing nine genes that encode distinct components of this pathway. The FK506-binding protein Fkbp3 and its lysine succinylation are important for aflatoxin production and rapamycin resistance. The TorA kinase plays a pivotal role in the regulation of growth, spore production, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and responses to rapamycin and cell membrane stress. As a significant downstream effector molecule of the TorA kinase, the Sch9 kinase regulates aflatoxin B1(AFB1) synthesis, osmotic and calcium stress response inA. flavus,and this regulation is mediated through its S_TKc, S_TK_X domains, and the ATP binding site at K340. We also showed that the Sch9 kinase may have a regulatory impact on the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signaling pathway. TapA and TipA, the other downstream components of the TorA kinase, play a significant role in regulating cell wall stress response inA. flavus. Moreover, the members of the TapA-phosphatase complexes, SitA and Ppg1, are important for various biological processes inA. flavus, including vegetative growth, sclerotia formation, AFB1biosynthesis, and pathogenicity. We also demonstrated that SitA and Ppg1 are involved in regulating lipid droplets (LDs) biogenesis and cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathways. In addition, another phosphatase complex, Nem1/Spo7, plays critical roles in hyphal development, conidiation, aflatoxin production, and lipid droplets biogenesis. Collectively, our study has provided important insight into the regulatory network of the TOR signaling pathway and has elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin biosynthesis inA. flavus.
Small RNA Sequencing Reveals a Distinct MicroRNA Signature between Glucocorticoid Responder and Glucocorticoid Non-responder Primary Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells after Dexamethasone Treatment
Authors: Kathirvel Kandasamy , Fan Xiaochen , Haribalaganesh Ravinarayanan , Bharanidharan Devarajan , Sharmila Rajendrababu , Krishnadas Ramasamy , Muthukkaruppan Veerappan , Willoughby Colin E. , Senthilkumari Srinivasan
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to understand the role of miRNAs in differential glucocorticoid (GC) responsiveness in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells using small RNA sequencing. For this, total RNA was extracted from cultured HTM cells with known GC responsiveness using Human organ-cultured anterior segment (HOCAS) (GC-responder GC-R; n=4) and GC-non-responder (GC-NR; n=4) after treatment with either 100nM dexamethasone (DEX) or ethanol (ETH) for 7 days. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIRs) were compared among 5 groups and validated by RT-PCR. There were 13 and 21 DEMIRs identified in Group #1 (ETH vs DEX-treated GC-R) and Group #2 (ETH vs DEX-treated GC-NR) respectively. Seven miRNAs were found as common miRNAs dysregulated in both GC-R and GC-NR (Group #3). There were 6 and 14 unique DEMIRs were identified in GC-R (Gropu#4) and GC-NR (Group#5) HTM cells respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified enriched pathways and biological processes associated with differential GC responsiveness in HTM cells. Integrative analysis of miRNA-mRNA of the same set of HTM cells revealed several molecular regulators for GC non-responsiveness. This is the first study revealed a unique miRNA signature between GC-R and GC-NR HTM cells which raises the possibility of developing new molecular targets for the management of steroid-OHT/glaucoma.
The BharatPe debacle: growth at the cost of governance?
Authors: Datta Shyamal , Goyal Sonu
Published: June 2023

Learning outcomes

The case is aimed at providing students with an opportunity to understand various aspects of corporate governance and the consequences of poor corporate governance. The case addresses the following objectives: The students need to assess the role of the board in implementing corporate governance. The students should be able to explain the conflicts experienced by various stakeholders in an organization. The students need to evaluate the balancing act of growth and governance in a startup. The students should be able to determine the current state of business sustainability of the high-growth startups in India.

Case overview/synopsis

The case presents the challenges faced by the CEO of BharatPe, Suhail Sameer. Beginning in 2022, Bharatpe was in deep trouble as there were allegations of financial mismanagement, toxic work culture and widening losses. Co-founder Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri had to leave the company following charges against them. As Grover was the face of the company, Sameer would have to quickly act on filling the void and reassuring investors. Because of the uncertainty, scores of employees had already quit or were looking for other jobs. Questions were also raised about the board’s inaction and lack of proactive measures. After a meteoric rise for three years, BharatPe was struggling to survive the whole episode and put its focus back on business.

Complexity academic level

The case is intended for MBA students in corporate governance, organizational behaviour, business ethics and strategic management areas. As the case reveals the impact of poor corporate governance, it can also be used for executive training purposes on corporate sustainability, governance and leadership with a special focus on Indian startups.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Do financial anxiety and generalized anxiety mediate the effect of perceived organizational support on service employees’ career commitment?
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Çolakoğlu Ülker , Yurcu Gülseren , Kaya Şule
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore financial anxiety and generalized anxiety as the serial mediators linking perceived organizational support (POS) to career commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 388 managerial and nonmanagerial employees in diverse service areas, such as restaurants, airlines and hotels in Turkey. The direct and mediating effects were tested via the PROCESS macro.

Findings

Financial anxiety partly mediates the impact of POS on career commitment. The findings further reveal that financial anxiety and generalized anxiety serially mediate the effect of POS on career commitment.

Practical implications

Management should work with mentors to provide employees with psychosocial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. When employees perceive that the firm really cares about them and values their contribution during these challenging days, they display lower anxiety and higher career commitment. Management should also retain employees who are high on career commitment because such employees possess a sense of calling and are unlikely to quit. These implications may not be considered new. However, management would need such employees concerning the firm’s performance recovery after COVID-19.

Originality/value

Workers in the service industries suffer from financial and generalized anxieties and display reduced career commitment during COVID-19. However, little is known about the antecedents and outcomes of financial anxiety among hospitality and tourism workers. More importantly, no empirical piece has tested these anxiety variables as the mediators linking POS to career commitment in the pertinent literature so far.
The “dark side” of Industry 4.0: How can technology be made more sustainable?
Authors: Dieste Marcos , Orzes Guido , Culot Giovanna , Sartor Marco , Nassimbeni Guido
Published: June 2023

Purpose

A positive outlook on the impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) on sustainability prevails in the literature. However, some studies have highlighted potential areas of concern that have not yet been systematically addressed. The goal of this study is to challenge the assumption of a sustainable Fourth Industrial Revolution by (1) identifying the possible unintended negative impacts of I4.0 technologies on sustainability; (2) highlighting the underlying motivations and potential actions to mitigate such impacts; and (3) developing and evaluating alternative assumptions on the impacts of I4.0 technologies on sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a problematization approach, a systematic literature review was conducted to develop potential alternative assumptions about the negative impacts of I4.0 on sustainability. Then, a Delphi study was carried out with 43 experts from academia and practice to evaluate the alternative assumptions. Two rounds of data collection were performed until reaching the convergence or stability of the responses.

Findings

The results highlight various unintended negative effects on environmental and social aspects that challenge the literature. The reasons behind the high/low probability of occurrence, the severity of each impact in the next five years and corrective actions are also identified. Unintended negative environmental effects are less controversial than social effects and are therefore more likely to generate widely accepted theoretical propositions. Finally, the alternative hypothesis ground is partially accepted by the panel, indicating that the problematization process has effectively opened up new perspectives for analysis.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to systematically problematize the assumptions of the I4.0 and sustainability literature, generating research propositions that reveal several avenues for future research.
A resource orchestration perspective of organizational big data analytics adoption: evidence from supply chain planning
Authors: Xu Jinou , Pero Margherita Emma Paola
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper investigated the organizational adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in the context of supply chain planning (SCP) to conceptualize how resources are orchestrated for organizational BDA adoption and to elucidate how resources and capabilities intervene with the resource management process during BDA adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This research elaborated on the resource orchestration theory and technology innovation adoption literature to shed light on BDA adoption with multiple case studies.

Findings

A framework for the resource orchestration process in BDA adoption is presented. The authors associated the development and deployment of relevant individual, technological and organizational resources and capabilities with the phases of organizational BDA adoption and implementation. The authors highlighted that organizational BDA adoption can be initiated before consolidating the full resource portfolio. Resource acquisition, capability development and internalization of competences can take place alongside BDA adoption through structured processes and governance mechanisms.

Practical implications

A relevant discussion identifying the capability gap and provides insight into potential paths of organizational BDA adoption is presented.

Social implications

The authors call for attention from policymakers and academics to reflect on the changes in the expected capabilities of supply chain planners to facilitate industry-wide BDA transition.

Originality/value

This study opens the black box of organizational BDA adoption by emphasizing and scrutinizing the role of resource management actions.
Theoretical and experimental study of a novel triple-magnet magnetic dynamic vibration absorber with tunable stiffness
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Leng Yonggang , Sun Fei , Su Xukun , Sun Shuailing , Xu Junjie
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The existing Nonlinear Dynamic Vibration Absorbers (NLDVAs) have the disadvantages of complex structure, high cost, high installation space requirements and difficulty in miniaturization. And most of the NLDVAs have not been applied to reality. To address the above issues, a novel Triple-magnet Magnetic Dynamic Vibration Absorber (TMDVA) with tunable stiffness, only composed of triple cylindrical permanent magnets and an acrylic tube, is designed, modeled and tested in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

(1) A novel TMDVA is designed. (2) Theoretical and experimental methods. (3) Equivalent dynamics model.

Findings

It is found that adjusting the magnet distance can effectively optimize the vibration reduction effect of the TMDVA under different resonance conditions. When the resonance frequency of the cantilever changes, the magnet distance of the TMDVA with a high vibration reduction effect shows an approximately linear relationship with the resonance frequency of the cantilever which is convenient for the design optimization of the TMDVA.

Originality/value

Both the simulation and experimental results prove that the TMDVA can effectively reduce the vibration of the cantilever even if the resonance frequency of the cantilever changes, which shows the strong robustness of the TMDVA. Given all that, the TMDVA has potential application value in the passive vibration reduction of engineering structures.
Source of funding and specialized competences: the impact on the innovative performance of start-ups
Authors: Errico Fabrizio , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Panniello Umberto , Scialpi Angelo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of two drivers, namely, the received fundings and its interaction with the specialized competences owned by the managerial board, on the R&D activities performed by start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tests hypotheses on a sample of 405 innovative start-ups established in Italy and registered into the Chamber of Commerce official database. This study uses the R&D expenses as a measure of the innovative performance of start-up, and the authors also collected the number and total amount of grants received by them and the presence of high qualified team in their management board.

Findings

The analysis reveals that both the number and total amount of grants received by start-ups positively impact the innovative performance. The same is for the integration of the total amount of grants with the presence of high qualified team in the management board.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not distinguish between different types of grants adopted by start-ups, while it would be interesting to study whether any difference does exist among them in terms of their influence on innovative performance. Also, this paper considers the total number of specialized people in the team while it would certainly be interesting to analyze people’s background and competences in relation to the innovative performances.

Practical implications

This paper allows us to offer some provisional conclusions such as having funds in the preliminary phase of start-up life cycle, and investments mainly for R&D expenses. The start-up must also leverage its skills and therefore it is necessary to invest in human capital.

Social implications

Findings suggest that policymakers should introduce integrated measures to support start-ups throughout the entire life cycle, from the creation of the idea to incubation up to industrial consolidation.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the determinants of start-up innovative performance because both external (such as political, economic, social and technological) and internal (such as organizational) influencing factors have to be considered as crucial for start-ups innovation and growth. Finally, this study is one of the few attempts exploring the phenomenon by using an empirical methodology based on real and certificated data.
Research collaboration amongst Egyptian library and information science faculty members
Authors: Mansour Essam
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential for research collaboration amongst Egyptian library and information science (LIS) faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used, which ran from the beginning of June to the middle of July 2021.

Findings

Male respondents made up slightly more than half of the total, with ages ranging from 30s to 40s and the majority holding PhDs. According to all respondents, the most important reasons for collaborating on research authorship were “to gain more experience”, followed by “to gain more knowledge”. More than half of respondents rated the collaborative research as “Good”, with “Very Good” coming in second. Almost all respondents stated the most common types of collaboration amongst the respondents were “a research paper”, “a case study”, “a review” and “a book chapter”. All faculty members stated that challenges such as “The research collaborator does not contribute equally to the same motivation” and “The research collaborator does not do what is expected of him/her to complete the research” were at the very least significant to the respondents.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have significant implications for higher education research and publishing in Egypt, particularly in terms of encouraging collaborative research amongst Egyptian researchers, particularly in the field of LIS.

Originality/value

This is nearly the first study of the kind in the Arab and Egyptian contexts. This study is described as a pioneer amongst the studies concerned with this topic that were conducted in the field of joint authorship, especially at the local and regional levels, because this study is one of the few studies on partnership and research cooperation amongst Egyptian faculty members in the field of LIS.