bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acidosis regulation of epithelial barrier function and immune signaling
Authors: Cartwright Ian M. , Hanson Camila , Dowdell Alexander S. , Steiner Calen A. , Colgan Sean P.
Published: May 2022

A common but often underappreciated aspect of the inflammatory microenvironment is extracellular acidification. As with other chronic inflammatory diseases, tissue acidification has been observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Colonic pH as low as 4 have been reported in IBD patients. In contrast, the pH of a healthy colon is between a pH of 7.0‐7.4. Recently, we identified an adaptive tissue response in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) which buffered extracellular acidification during neutrophil transepithelial migration, suggesting pH homeostasis is an important aspect of acute inflammation. Extensions of these studies identified a previously undescribed CREB‐dependent pathway for sensing extracellular pH and a unique acidosis gene signature in IEC. The full impact of acidosis on IEC function remains unclear. To better understand the impact of chronic extracellular acidification on IEC function, we investigated changes in IEC immune signaling and barrier function in the setting of acute and chronic exposure to acidosis. We initially examined barrier function in T84 IEC cultured under acidic conditions and observed a significant decrease in barrier function, as determined by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular flux, in cells exposed to acidosis in a pH range of 6.0 – 7.4. Interestingly, following acute acidification, treatment with low pH for less than 8hr, barrier function recovered within 16hr. However, following chronic acidification, treatment with low pH beyond 16hr resulted in an appreciable barrier dysfunction for several days. We extended these studies to examine expression and localization of tight‐junction proteins in IEC exposed to acidosis and observed a time and dose‐dependent decrease in ZO‐1 and E‐cadherin expression, with almost complete loss of expression after 72hr at a pH of 6.0. Likewise, expression and localization of claudins 1, 2, and 4 decreased over time. In parallel to a loss of barrier function, IEC exposed to chronic acidosis revealed a prominent increase in the expression of inflammatory markers including several chemokines (IL‐8, CCL20, TNF) as well as anti‐microbial peptides (mucins and beta‐defensins).

Thus, chronic extracellular acidosis induces the loss of IEC tight junction function, while inducing the expression of several pro‐inflammatory chemokines and the production of various anti‐microbial peptides. These results identify extracellular acidification as significant signaling mechanism which induces a loss of epithelial features and the acquisition of a more immune‐like phenotype. Furthering our understandings of the mechanisms involved in acidosis induced phenotype switching in IEC has the potential to uncover novel therapeutic drug targets.
Intermicrovillar adhesion complex assembly requires Myosin 5b
Authors: Engevik Kristen , Digrazia Jessica , Kaji Izumi , Engevik Amy C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Intestinal enterocytes have a complex apical membrane consisting of actin rich protrusions known as microvilli. Microvilli increase the surface area of the intestine and facilitate absorption of nutrients and water. Enterocytes have approximately 1000 microvilli lining their apical membrane which is collectively known as the brush border. To accommodate a multitude of microvilli on a single cell, the microvilli must be densely packed and highly organized. The brush border assembly is tightly regulated by the intermicrovillar adhesion complex (IMAC). IMAC forms physical adhesion links at the tips of microvilli, connecting the distal tips of adjacent microvilli to control packing and microvillar length. IMAC is composed of protocadherins, such as protocadherin 24 (CDHR2) and mucin like protocadherin (CDHR5), and scaffolding proteins USH1C, ANKS4B and Myosin 7b (Myo7b). Defects in IMAC complexes results in stunted microvilli and has been linked in the ileum to Crohn's disease (a subset of inflammatory bowel disease). Myosin 5b (Myo5b) is a molecular motor that is critical for the delivery of diverse cargo to the apical membrane of enterocytes. We hypothesized that loss of Myo5b in vivo would result in alterations in the localization of key proteins involved in the IMAC.

Methods

We used germline Myo5b KO mice, littermate controls and adult intestinal specific tamoxifen inducible VillinCreERT2;Myo5bflox/flox(Myo5b KO) mice and Myo5bflox/flox(control mice) to determine the localization of IMAC proteins following loss of Myo5b in the small intestine.

Results

RNA sequencing revealed decreased expression of CDHR2, CDHR5, USH1C and ANKS4B in both germline and adult inducible Myo5b KO mice compared to control mice. Myo7b mRNA expression was unchanged between Myo5b KO mice and control mice. Immunostaining for CDHR2 in neonatal germline Myo5b KO mice showed loss of apical CDHR2 in the brush border compared to littermate controls. CDHR5 localized to the brush border in neonatal control mice, but in neonatal germline Myo5b KO mice CDHR5 was detected below the apical membrane in the subapical compartment. In neonatal control mice, USH1C was observed to localize to the tips of microvilli as identified by gamma actin staining to delineate the actin rich brush border. USH1C was observed on the apical membrane of germline Myo5b KO mice however, USH1C did not appear to be enriched at the tips of microvilli. ANKS4B had decreased apical expression in germline M‐‐‐yo5b KO mice compared to littermate control mice. Similarly, there was a decrease in Myo7b staining on the apical membrane of germline Myo5b KO mice and adult inducible Myo5b KO mice compared to control mice.

Conclusions

These data indicate that Myo5b plays a key role in proper brush border formation and packing of microvilli in vivo and suggests‐‐‐ that mutations in Myo5b likely impact intestinal barrier function.
Total knee arthroplasty versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in management of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alkersh Ahmed Abd El Samad , Osman Wael Samir , Abdeldayem Sherif Mostafa , Metwaly Radwan G. , Awad Mohamed El Sayed , Zakaria Zeiad M.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Both total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are options to manage anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. This study’s aim was to determine the functional outcome, time taken to walk without support, and postoperative complications after either TKA or UKA in treatment of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

A prospective randomized cohort study was performed at a level 1 academic center on 60 patients with mean age of 56.2 yr who had isolated anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. Thirty patients were managed by UKA (group 1), and the other thirty patients were managed by TKA (group 2). Diagnosis was confirmed by plain radiographs (anteroposterior standing, lateral, skyline, stress varus, and valgus views). Follow-up was done for at least 12 mo postoperatively.

Results:

Mean preoperative functional Knee Society Score (KSS) was 65.83 and 62.67 for group 1 and group 2, respectively. Mean functional KSS after 1 yr was 86.3 for group 1 and 84.6 for group 2. In group 1, one patient developed lateral joint line pain, and another patient developed postoperative blood loss of more than 400 mL. In group 2, one patient developed pattelofemoral pain, and another patient developed postoperative blood loss of more than 400 mL. The mean time that it took for patients to walk without support was 1.6 wk in group 1 and 1.93 wk for group 2.

Conclusions:

Both UKA and TKA have the same functional outcome for treatment of anteromedial knee osteoarthritis and the same rate of complications, but early postoperative rehabilitation is better in patients managed by UKA.

Level of Evidence:

Level I.
Electronic Health Record Maturity Matters! Texas Nurses Speak Out in Their Second Statewide Study
Authors: McBride Susan , Tietze Mari , Thomas Laura , Hanley Mary Anne
Published: May 2022

With the passage of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act in 2009, Texas nurses were faced with the rapid uptake of technology driven by this legislation. Texas Nurses Association and Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership formed a partnership to collectively track the impact on practicing nurses. The Health IT Committee was commissioned to evaluate the changing health information technology environment and associated solutions. As such, a study in 2015, entitled “Statewide Study Assessing the Experiences of Nurses with their Electronic Health Records,” was conducted. The follow-up study in 2020 was conducted to compare 2015 and 2020 findings to identify improvements made on nurses' satisfaction with EHRs and identify improvement opportunities. The study design was an exploratory descriptive comparative analysis with a cross-sectional survey from a random sample of Texas nurses for the two study periods of 2015 (n = 1177) and 2020 (n = 1117). The Clinical Information Systems Implementation Evaluation Scale and a demographic survey including the Meaningful Use Maturity-Sensitive Index were the measurement instruments. Results and key covariates are discussed along with recommendations for achieving more mature EHRs and more mature organizational culture and leadership.
Operative Planning of Chest Wall Reconstructions Illustrated by a Large Defect in a Child
Authors: André-Lévigne Dominik , Modarressi Ali , Karenovics Wolfram , Joseph Jean-Marc , Wilde Jim C.H. , Pittet-Cuénod Brigitte
Published: May 2022

Reconstruction of large chest wall defects is challenging. Here we discuss the process of decision-making in planning chest wall reconstruction, considering the requirements of tumor removal, stabilization of the chest wall, and soft tissue coverage, illustrated by a case of a hemi-chest wall defect in a child. Ewing sarcoma measuring 10 × 9 × 13 cm was resected in a 9-year-old boy, followed by stabilization using a Gore-Tex patch. Due to extension of the oncologic resection far into the superomedial quadrant of the chest, tension-free coverage with a classical latissimus-dorsi flap could not be achieved. Integrating the serratus-anterior muscle into the flap creating a chimeric latissimus-dorsi/serratus-anterior flap allowed for excellent soft tissue coverage of the foreign body. As the skin could be preserved, careful incision planning was necessary to allow for best possible exposure during oncologic resection and flap harvest, while ensuring skin vascularization impaired by underlying tumor resection. Two vertical skin incisions were chosen, one presternal and a second in the mid-axillary fold delineating a large bipedicled skin flap. Postoperative recovery was excellent. Solid skin vascularization and adequate soft tissue coverage of the alloplastic material allowed for the patient to receive two cycles of postoperative radiotherapy without developing wound dehiscence. Careful interdisciplinary planning of skin incisions allowed for good exposure for tumor resection and flap harvest while preserving skin vascularization. Choosing a chimeric latissimus-dorsi/serratus-anterior flap provided larger coverage than a classical latissimus-dorsi flap with minimal additional donor site morbidity. Taken together, we here present a pragmatic solution to a complex problem.
Structural imaging studies of patients with chronic pain: an anatomical likelihood estimate meta-analysis
Authors: Henn Alina T. , Larsen Bart , Frahm Lennart , Xu Anna , Adebimpe Azeez , Scott J. Cobb , Linguiti Sophia , Sharma Vaishnavi , Basbaum Allan I. , Corder Gregory , Dworkin Robert H. , Edwards Robert R. , Woolf Clifford J. , Habel Ute , Eickhoff Simon B. , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Wagels Lisa , Satterthwaite Theodore D.
Published: May 2022

Neuroimaging is a powerful tool to investigate potential associations between chronic pain and brain structure. However, the proliferation of studies across diverse chronic pain syndromes and heterogeneous results challenges data integration and interpretation. We conducted a preregistered anatomical likelihood estimate meta-analysis on structural magnetic imaging studies comparing patients with chronic pain and healthy controls. Specifically, we investigated a broad range of measures of brain structure as well as specific alterations in gray matter and cortical thickness. A total of 7849 abstracts of experiments published between January 1, 1990, and April 26, 2021, were identified from 8 databases and evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Overall, 103 experiments with a total of 5075 participants met the preregistered inclusion criteria. After correction for multiple comparisons using the gold-standard family-wise error correction (P < 0.05), no significant differences associated with chronic pain were found. However, exploratory analyses using threshold-free cluster enhancement revealed several spatially distributed clusters showing structural alterations in chronic pain. Most of the clusters coincided with regions implicated in nociceptive processing including the amygdala, thalamus, hippocampus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and inferior frontal gyrus. Taken together, these results suggest that chronic pain is associated with subtle, spatially distributed alterations of brain structure.
Corneal shape changes after vitreoretinal surgery with fluid–gas exchange
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Ninomiya Wakana , Mizobuchi Kei , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Nakano Tadashi
Published: May 2022

To investigate changes in the corneal shape caused by fluid–gas exchange after vitrectomy.

This retrospective case-control study included 43 eyes that underwent a combination of cataract surgery and vitrectomy. The corneal shape was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography CASIA2. The corneal shape measurements were performed preoperatively, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. After calculating the real K value from the actual measured values of the posterior shape of the corneal refracting power and the single posterior corneal refracting power value, Fourier analysis values were examined. Fluid–gas exchange was performed in 23 eyes (gas group), while it was not performed in 20 eyes (nongas group).

There was a significant increase in the real K value in the regular and asymmetry components (0.61 ± 0.36, 0.82 ± 0.64) in the gas group only on the first day after surgery (Steel–Dwass test; P < .05). There was also a significant increase in the real K value in the higher-order irregular astigmatism components (Steel–Dwass test; P < .05) for longer periods in the gas versus the nongas group. The shape of the posterior cornea increased in all components in the gas group on the first day after surgery (spherical power −6.35 ± 0.20, regular astigmatism 0.32 ± 0.12, asymmetry 0.22 ± 0.13, and higher-order irregular astigmatism 0.12 ± 0.05, Steel–Dwass test; P < .05).

Postoperative changes caused by surgical invasion in the corneal shape appeared to be greater in the gas versus the nongas group, in addition to affecting the time periods of the postoperative corneal shape changes.
The severity and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Badedi Mohammed , Muhajir Abdulrahman , Alnami Awaji , Darraj Hussain , Alamoudi Aymn , Agdi Yasir , Mujayri Ahoud , Ageeb Atif
Published: May 2022

Background:

The objectives of the current study were to assess the severity and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 412 patients with COVID-19 selected randomly from the Health Electronic Surveillance Network system, which contains the primary data on COVID-19 infections in Jazan.

Results:

COVID-19 disease duration was significantly longer in patients with T2DM (mean = 10.7 days) compared with those without T2DM (mean = 8.3 days) (P = .01). Six (7%) patients experienced an increase in blood glucose concentrations and had to escalate their total daily insulin dose accordingly. Median fasting and random blood glucose levels increased after infection with COVID-19 (pre-COVID median = 119 and 172 mg/dL, respectively; post-COVID median = 148 and 216 mg/dL, respectively) (P = .02). The total insulin dose pre-COVID (median = 42 units/d) increased after infection with COVID-19 (median = 58 units/d) (P = .01). Most patients with T2DM had clinical COVID-19 symptoms (91%) and the remainder (9%) were asymptomatic. A large proportion (80%) of T2DM patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms self-isolated at home. COVID-19 patients with T2DM (11%) who had an oxygen saturation of ≤ 90% and admitted to the intensive care unit were higher than those without T2DM (5%) (P =  < .001). COVID-19 patients with T2DM (9%) had higher mortality rate than COVID-19 patients without T2DM (1%) (P =  < .001).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 patients with T2DM were associated with a higher risk of admission to the intensive care unit and mortality than COVID-19 patients without T2DM.
Relationship between metabolic syndrome and follicle-stimulating hormone in postmenopausal women
Authors: Lee Suk Woo , Hwang In Sun , Jung Gyul , Kang Hee Jin , Chung Yoo Hyun
Published: May 2022

Depletion of ovarian reserve during menopausal transition raises follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) markedly and menopause is related to an increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study examined the relationship between FSH and MetS in postmenopausal women.

We evaluated the anthropometric values, lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum adipokines levels in 219 postmenopausal women. Serum FSH and estradiol levels were significantly lower in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group. An inverse correlation was observed between FSH with body fat mass (BFM), and HOMA-IR, and a positive correlation was found between FSH and adiponectin level after adjustment for age, years since menopause, BMI, and serum estradiol.

The odds ratio for MetS was higher significantly in the lowest quartile of FSH level than the highest quartile of FSH level (odd ratio = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.09–1.75). Our study showed an increased FSH level favored insulin sensitivity with a higher adiponectin and lower HOMA-IR as well as a lower incidence of MetS in postmenopausal women.

These findings suggest a new approach to the role of FSH for regulating energy metabolism and for use as a biomarker of MetS risk in postmenopausal women.

This systematic review is based on published researches, so there is no ethical approval required.
Case Study of an African American Woman With Heart Failure
Authors: Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L. , Stallings Devita T.
Published: May 2022

Heart failure affects an estimated 6.2 million adults in the United States. African Americans have a higher incidence of heart failure at an earlier age and more rapid disease progression than other ethnicities. African Americans also often receive lower-quality, end-of-life care and less often receive palliative and advanced-care planning than Whites. Several barriers exist for effective heart failure evaluation and treatment among African Americans, including ineffective patient-provider communication, mistrust, health care providers' lack of understanding of palliative care services, and potential downstream effects of social determinants of health (eg, access barriers to healthy food and community health promotion resources). Despite the recognized benefits of palliative care, few adults with heart failure are receiving early discussions about palliative and advanced care planning to ensure delivery of goal-concordant care. This article presents a fictitious case study focused on an African American woman, Ms T, with heart failure who has been given 6 months to live. Racial inequities are presented surrounding Ms T's inadequate access to necessary health care resources and in receiving delayed communication about palliative and advanced care services. The case study also highlights ethical principles of concern, the role of an interdisciplinary team approach for patients with heart failure, and the advocacy role of nurses.
Etiological Surveillance of Genital Ulcer Syndrome in South Africa: 2019 to 2020
Authors: Kularatne Ranmini , Venter Johanna M. E. , Maseko Venessa , Muller Etienne , Kufa Tendesayi
Published: May 2022

Background

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been the leading cause of genital ulcer syndrome (GUS) in South Africa for more than a decade, and acyclovir therapy is incorporated into syndromic management guidelines. We conducted surveillance at 3 sentinel sites to define the common sexually transmitted etiologies of GUS and to determine whether current syndromic management is appropriate. Secondary objectives of surveillance were to determine the seroprevalence of coinfections (HIV, syphilis, HSV-2) in persons presenting with GUS.

Methods

Consecutive, consenting adult men and women presenting with visible genital ulceration were enrolled between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Genital ulcer swab and blood specimens were collected and transported to a central sexually transmitted infection reference laboratory in Johannesburg.

Results

Among 190 participants with GUS, HSV-2 was the most frequently detected ulcer pathogen (49.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41.9%–56.1%). The relative prevalence of the second most common ulcer-derived pathogen, Treponema pallidum, was 26.3% (95% CI, 20.5%–33.1%), with 90% of primary syphilis cases having a positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer. Male sex was independently associated with primary syphilis compared with herpetic ulcers, after adjusting for the effect of casual sex partners and other exposures (adjusted odds ratio, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.35–9.21; P = 0.010). The overall HIV prevalence among participants was 41.3% (78 of 189; 95% CI, 34.2%–48.6%).

Conclusions

Herpes simplex virus 2 remains the predominant cause of GUS, justifying the continued use of acyclovir in syndromic guidelines. Adequate supplies of benzathine penicillin G for syphilis treatment are essential at primary health care level, in addition to the provision of syphilis and HIV risk reduction services.
Etiological Surveillance of Vaginal Discharge Syndrome in South Africa: 2019 to 2020
Authors: Kularatne Ranmini , Muller Etienne , Maseko Venessa , Dias Bianca Da Costa , Kufa Tendesayi
Published: May 2022

Background

The syndromic management of vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) is challenging because of the prevalence of mixed infection with sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens and non-STI causes, such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis (CA). We aimed to determine the relative prevalence of VDS etiologies in women presenting to sentinel primary health care clinics in South Africa. Secondary objectives were to ascertain the predictive value of speculum findings for the presence of STI pathogens and the proportion of women presenting with clinical features of CA who had identifiable yeast on vaginal smear microscopy.

Methods

Consecutive, consenting women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge were enrolled between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Genital discharge swab and blood specimens were collected and transported to a central STI reference laboratory in Johannesburg.

Results

A total of 364 women were enrolled at 3 sentinel sites. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common cause of VDS (163 of 361 [45.2%]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.1%–50.3%); however, a significant proportion had STI coinfection (71 of 163 [43.6%]; 95% CI, 35.8%–51.5%). The predominant STI etiology was Chlamydia trachomatis (73 [20.2%]; 95% CI, 16.4%–24.7%). An abnormal speculum finding had poor predictive value for STIs, and Gram stain microscopy showed yeast in only 37.2% of vaginal smears from women with CA symptoms.

Conclusions

Bacterial vaginosis is the predominant cause of VDS in South Africa; however, STI coinfection is common. Clinical findings are poorly predictive of STI etiologies or candidiasis; therefore, a rapid and accurate STI point-of-care test would be useful in optimizing VDS management.
Patient perspectives of pain and function after knee replacement: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Taylor Carrie E.V. , Murray Carolyn M. , Stanton Tasha R.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Joint replacement surgery typically results in good clinical outcome, although some people experience suboptimal pain relief and functional improvement. Predicting surgical outcome is difficult.

Objectives:

There is merit in better understanding patients' perspectives of pain and function to identify avoidable problems perceived to contribute to their outcome, to inform prognostic expectations, and to identify potential cointerventions to sit alongside surgery that might mitigate pain/functional problems. Here, we aimed to synthesise the available literature exploring perspectives of people with knee osteoarthritis about their pain and function following joint replacement.

Methods:

Six electronic databases and 2 websites were searched. Two independent reviewers completed study inclusion, quality assessment, and data extraction. Data were iteratively synthesised using first-, second-, and third-order analyses.

Results:

Twenty-eight studies were included. Four themes were identified; perceptions of pain and function were inseparable. Theme 1 addressed experiences of recovery after surgery, which often differed from expectations. Theme 2 described the challenges of the pain experience and its functional impact, including the difficulty navigating medication use in context of personal beliefs and perceived stigma. Theme 3 articulated the toll of ongoing problems spanning pain–function–mood, necessitating the need to “endure.” Theme 4 encompassed the importance of clinical/social interactions on mood and pain, with reports of concerns dismissed and practical support missing.

Conclusions:

Together, these findings show that numerous individual considerations beyond the technical aspects of surgery influence experiences of pain and function. A tailored approach addressing these considerations from the patient perspective could provide a basis for improved success of knee replacement surgery.
Description and characterization of three endophytic Bacillaceae from the halophyte Suaeda salsa: Paenalkalicoccus suaedae gen. nov., sp. nov., Cytobacillus suaedae sp. nov., and Bacillus suaedae sp. nov
Authors: Xu Lian , Huang Xiao-Xian , Wang Hai-Tao , Tang Shu-Kun , Shen Biao , Sun Ji-Quan
Published: May 2022

Three strains of members of the family

Bacillaceae

, which can inhibit the growth of some Gram-stain-positive strains, designated M4U3P1T, HD4P25T and RD4P76T, were isolated from Suaeda salsa halophytes in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, PR China. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and the whole genome sequences revealed that HD4P25T clustered with

Cytobacillus luteolus

YIM 93174T with a similarity of 98.4 %, and RD4P76T shared the highest similarity of 16S rRNA gene with

Bacillus mesophilus

SA4T (97.5 %). M4U3P1T clustered with strains of genera

Salipaludibacillus

and

Alkalicoccus

based on whole-genome sequence analyses, but its 16S rRNA gene had the highest similarity to '

Evansella tamaricis

' EGI 80668 (96.1 %). The average nucleotide’s identity by blast (ANIb) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of the three isolated strains to their close relatives were well below the threshold value for identifying a novel species.On the basis of the phylogenetic, physiological and phenotypic results, Paenalkalicoccus suaedae gen. nov., sp. nov. [type strain M4U3P1T (=CGMCC 1.17076T=JCM 33851T)], Cytobacillus suaedae sp. nov. [type strain HD4P25T (=CGMCC 1.18651T =JCM 34524T)], and Bacillus suaedae sp. nov. [type strain RD4P76T (=CGMCC 1.18659T=JCM 34525T)] were proposed, respectively. All three species are ubiquitous in the bulk saline–alkaline soils, but only the species represented by strain RD4P76T was widely distributed in the rhizosphere soil, the above-ground part and the roots of S. salsa. The species represented by M4U3P1T can be detected in the roots of S. salsa, and rarely detected in the above-ground parts of S. salsa. The species represented by HD4P25T was rarely detected in the interior of S. salsa. The three strains could inhibit some of the Gram-stain-positive bacteria (i.e. members of the genera

Planococcus

,

Zhihengliuella

and

Sanguibacter

) in the saline–alkali soil. A genomic analysis of these three strains revealed that they can synthesize different antagonistic compounds, such as aminobenzoate and bacitracin or subtilisin.
Pararoseburia lenta gen. nov., sp. nov. isolated from human faeces
Authors: Abdugheni Rashidin , Wang Yu-Jing , Li Dan-Hua , Du Meng-Xuan , Liu Chang , Zhou Nan , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: May 2022

A strictly anaerobic, motile bacterium, designated as strain NSJ-9T, was isolated from human faeces. Cells were Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-pigmented, and spiral-shaped or slightly curved rods with flagella. Optimal growth in M2GSC medium was observed at 37 °C (growth range 30–45 °C) and pH 6.5–7.0 (growth range 6.5–7.5) under anaerobic conditions. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain NSJ-9T formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage that reflects a new genus in the family

Lachnospiraceae

, with high levels of similarity to

Roseburia hominis

A2-183T (95.2 %),

Roseburia cecicola

ATCC 33874T (95.2 %),

Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis

DSM 9787T (95.2 %),

Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivorans

MZ 5T (94.8%) and

Roseburia faecis

M72/1T (94.4 %). Genomic similarity (average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization) values between strain NSJ-9T and its phylogenetic neighbours were below 71 and 31 %, respectively, indicating that strain NSJ-9T represented a novel species. The average amino acid identity and the percentage of conserved proteins between strain NSJ-9T and other related members of the family

Lachnospiraceae

were below 63 and 50 %, respectively, supporting that strain NSJ-9T was a member of a new genus. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain NSJ-9T were C16 : 0 and C17 : 0 2-OH, and major polar lipids were glycolipids. The end products of glucose fermentation were acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate and valerate. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic lineage, pairwise determined genome identity analysis suggested that strain NSJ-9T represents a novel genus in the family

Lachnospiraceae

. The genome size of strain NSJ-9T is 2.56 Mbp with 44.9 mol% G+C content. Collectively, the genotypic and phenotypic differences between phylogenetic relatives suggested strain NSJ-9T represented a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Pararoseburia lenta gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Pararoseburia lenta is NSJ-9T (=CGMCC 1.32469T=KCTC 15957T).
The internationalization of meatpacking firms: a competence-based approach
Authors: Santos Alexandre Borges , Batalha Mário Otávio
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study seeks to empirically and theoretically show how and why food chain specific advantages along with country-specific and firm-specific advantages impact the development of competences and shape distinct strategies for international growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were conducted with three Brazilian meatpacking firms with solid global operations. Top managers in charge of international operations were interviewed and documents were collected. Data were coded and submitted to triangulation. Content analysis was used as data analysis technique.

Findings

Results suggest that a meso-level of analysis is important to understand the development of competences and strategies for internationalization of meatpacking firms. Additionally, it was found that the internationalization process of meatpacking firms are supported by four supportive competences, namely: technical, production, sales and logistics competences. Findings also reveal that these companies tend to pursue either a raw material seeker or local taste supplier strategy.

Originality/value

International business scholars have struggled to incorporate meso-level characteristics into mainstream literature. This paper tries to fill in this gap by incorporating distinctive features from the food supply chain in the analysis. Two novel international strategy typologies were introduced by considering firm-, food chain- and country-specific advantages. It also proposes sound theoretical and managerial evidence to support public and private decision-making.
Risk management and corporate governance of Islamic banks: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Reyad Sameh , Chinnasamy Gopalakrishnan , Madbouly Araby
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of risk management and corporate governance (CG) practices followed in Islamic banks (IBs) of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Hence, they are considered as critical performance indicators for financial institutions and IBs. Though the IBs are growing, there are still challenges associated with their operations because of Shariah noncompliance risks, governance, capital adequacy ratio and other risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method approach, gathering qualitative data from senior risk managers of chosen IBs via semi-structured interviews and quantitative data from selected IBs financial reports using capital IQ resources. The information was gathered for a considerable time (2013–2019), and the CAMELS rating system was used to analyze it.

Findings

The results showed that GCC IBs manage their business risks well through effective CG except in certain areas like asset quality management and liquidity.

Practical implications

The result of this study can provide support to the banks’ top management, chief executives, regulators and government, in all practices related to risk assessment, management and mitigation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing knowledge in risk management and CG practices. Furthermore, this study is a new attempt in knowing the risk management and CG practices followed in IBs in GCC countries using the mixed-method approach.
Boardroom characteristics and forward-looking information disclosure: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Effah Nana Adwoa Anokye , Kyei Baffour Tutu , Kyeremeh Gabriel , Ekor Nash William Kudjo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Amid growing stakeholder needs, this study aims to assess the effect of boardroom characteristics on the disclosure of forward-looking information by listed firms on the Ghana stock exchange (GSE). Further, it investigates the mediating role of firm size in the relationship between boardroom characteristics and forward-looking information disclosure (FLID).

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the annual reports of a sample of firms on the GSE in 2019 and multiple regression analysis, the effect of boardroom characteristics on the disclosure of forward-looking information is ascertained.

Findings

The results depict that board gender diversity, i.e. female representation on the board, is positive and significantly related to firms’ disclosure levels on the GSE. Similarly, board independence and auditor type have a positive and significant relationship with FLID, whereas profitability and financial leverage do not affect disclosure levels. The further analysis depicts that the relationship between board size and FLID is mediated by firm size.

Practical implications

This study’s findings would aid management, market regulators and investors in Ghana and other developing contexts assess mechanisms that would increase FLID among firms to satisfy stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the extent of FLID after the setbacks and subsequent rejuvenation of Ghana’s financial and nonfinancial system. Specifically, this paper adds to the few studies on the African continent that examined the influence of boardroom characteristics on FLID.
Artificial intelligence in learning and development: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bhatt Parag , Muduli Ashutosh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The presented research explored artificial intelligence (AI) application in the learning and development (L&D) function. Although a few studies reported AI and the people management processes, a systematic and structured study that evaluates the integration of AI with L&D focusing on scope, adoption and affecting factors is mainly absent. This study aims to explore L&D-related AI innovations, AI’s role in L&D processes, advantages of AI adoption and factors leading to effective AI-based learning following the analyse, design, develop, implement and evaluate approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented research has adopted a systematic literature review method to critically analyse, synthesise and map the extant research by identifying the broad themes involved. The review approach includes determining a time horizon, database selection, article selection and article classification. Databases from Emerald, Sage, Francis and Taylor, etc. were used, and the 81 research articles published between 1996 and 2022 were identified for analysis.

Findings

The result shows that AI innovations such as natural language processing, artificial neural networks, interactive voice response and text to speech, speech to text, technology-enhanced learning and robots can improve L&D process efficiency. One can achieve this by facilitating the articulation of learning module, identifying learners through face recognition and speech recognition systems, completing course work, etc. Further, the result also shows that AI can be adopted in evaluating learning aptitude, testing learners’ memory, tracking learning progress, measuring learning effectiveness, helping learners identify mistakes and suggesting corrections. Finally, L&D professionals can use AI to facilitate a quicker, more accurate and cheaper learning process, suitable for a large learning audience at a time, flexible, efficient, convenient and less expensive for learners.

Originality/value

In the absence of any systematic research on AI in L&D function, the result of this study may provide useful insights to researchers and practitioners.
Determinants of research performance of university academics and the moderating and mediating roles of organizational culture and job crafting
Authors: Mohd Rasdi Roziah , Tauhed Siti Zainab , Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Ahrari Seyedali
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the role of organizational and individual factors in predicting the research performance of academics when job crafting is a mediator variable and organizational culture is a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted by collecting responses from academics at five Malaysian research-based universities. The sample size was 273. Standard questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The most significant predictors of research performance were organizational culture, individual effort and professional development, whereby job crafting was most optimally predicted by work engagement and transformational leadership. While organizational culture moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and research performance, the mediating role of job crafting was insignificant between work engagement and research performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have important implications for human resource development practitioners (HRD) in terms of improving overall academic research performance. Practical interventions are suggested to assist academics in enhancing their performance. This study highlights how academic performance can be managed more effectively.

Originality/value

The findings extend the HRD literature in higher education and offer a framework that enhances the understanding of the organizational and individual factors that influence academics' research performance within a specific context of research universities in a non-Western context.
Beyond “good company”: The mediating role of innovation in the corporate social responsibility and corporate firm performance relationship
Authors: Yoo Changsok , Yeon Jihwan , Lee Seoki
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate firm performance (CFP) has been extensively studied, but a significant research gap remains when considering potential mediating factors that can provide a more comprehensive and complete picture of the CSR-CFP link. Among the possible mediators, innovation is one of the most noteworthy factors, but previous studies have found inconsistent results between CSR and innovation in the service industry context. Existing studies have reported an insignificant or negative relationship between CSR and innovation in the service industry, including the hospitality industry. To clarify this controversy, this study aims to propose the positive mediating role of innovation to explain the CSR-CFP link in the hotel and casino industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To discover the relationship among CSR, innovation and CFP, a panel data analysis, the two-way fixed-effects model, is used with robust standard errors. Particularly, to examine the mediating role of innovation, this study conducts Sobel, Aroian and Goodman tests. The sample period is from 2000 to 2017, consisting of 342 firm-year observations.

Findings

With a sample of publicly traded US hotel and casino firms, this study confirms the mediating role of innovation and suggests a strategic direction of CSR, highlighting the importance of innovation in the hospitality industry.

Practical implications

This study presents an important piece of evidence regarding non-technological innovation and proposes a strategic direction of CSR in the hotel and casino industry to achieve competitive advantages.

Originality/value

Adopting a new measurement method of innovation using data envelopment analysis, this study serves as a reference for a better understanding of a role of innovation in the CSR-CFP link for hospitality scholars.
Biophilic design for urban hotels – prospective hospitality employees’ perspectives
Authors: Guzzo Renata Fernandes , Suess Courtney , Legendre Tiffany S.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a holistic way of incorporating biophilic building design that creates a restorative environment attractive to prospective urban hotel employees. This study additionally examines the role of perceived well-being from nature attributes and associated impacts on emotions and likelihood to choose to work for a hotel with nature attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a conjoint analysis to detect the most resotrative individual and combinations of biophilic attributes that can improve employee well-being. In addition, nature attributes influence on emotions and intentions to work for a hotel were analyzed.

Findings

Results showed that not all nature attributes are equally evaluated by urban hotel prospective employees. In this study, the authors found that natural lighting, outdoor green views and indoor landscaping are important factors in the evaluation of an urban hotel with biophilic features. However, this tendency varies when the sample was divided by prospective employees’ who perceived higher or lower levels of well-being would be influenced by nature attributes.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, the authors tested a multiattribute design and results demonstrate the perceived restorative effect of nature attributes in an environment on prospective employees. In addition to extending the biophilic design in hospitality literature, the authors provide practical suggestions to urban hotels incorporating biophilic design and propose that specific elements have the propensity to enhance the well-being of prospective employees and reinforce positive emotions and intentions to work for urban hotels that incorporate them.
A comparative study of novice and habitual entrepreneur’s choice for founding team member
Authors: Das Willy , Das Satyasiba
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare what criteria novice and habitual entrepreneurs use while adding members to the founding team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses conjoint analysis (CA) to provide the order of preference for the “choice attributes.” The logic of CA is that even if two or more attributes influence the choice, it is unlikely that those attributes will have equal importance for founders with different entrepreneurial experiences.

Findings

This paper found a significant difference in the ranking of the attributes by novice and habitual entrepreneurs. In novice entrepreneurs, the effect of direct ties in the form of kinship ties has the highest preference, followed by prior social contact and prior work relations. However, personal friendships and resource dependency received lesser importance than interpersonal attraction because of the similarity in vision, beliefs and values. Habitual entrepreneurs, however, valued resource dependency and prior work relations more than kinship ties. Also, unlike novice entrepreneurs, habitual entrepreneurs sought cofounders from their indirect ties.

Practical implications

There has been an explosion of interest and funding for programs that help entrepreneurs establish a cofounding team. The authors inform these programs related to the decision concerning assisting novice and habitual entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

While prior studies examined a single attribute at a time, the strength of this study lies in simultaneously tapping all attributes, along with multiple indicators for each attribute. Additionally, this study distinguishes the selection criteria of cofounders based on the entrepreneurial expertise of the lead founder.