bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants attacked above-ground by leaf-mining flies change below-ground microbiota to enhance plant defense
Authors: Gao Yang , Yang Qiong , Chen Qiulin , He Yunchuan , He Wei , Geng Jiamei , Zhang Yunzeng , Zhou Ying , Zhu Zeng-Rong
Published: April 2024

Root-associated microbiomes play a crucial role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plants can enrich beneficial microbes to increase their stress-relieving ability. Above-ground insect herbivory is among the most detrimental stresses for plants, especially to crop production. However, few studies have explored how root-associated microbiomes respond to herbivores and influence plant-defense functions under herbivory stress. We investigate the changes and functional role of root-associated microbial communities under herbivory stress using leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as a focal system. We did this by using a combination of 16S ribosomal RNA gene profiling and metagenomic sequencing to test for differences in co-occurrence networks and functions between cowpea plants infested and noninfested with leafminers. The results demonstrated that leafminer infestation caused a shift in the rhizosphere microbiome, which was characterized by a significant variation in microbiome community structure and composition, the selection of hub microbes involved in nitrogen (N) metabolism, and functional enrichment related to N metabolism. Notably, nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium species were actively enriched and selected to be hubs in the rhizosphere. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium enhanced cowpea performance under leafminer stress and increased protease inhibitor levels to decrease leafminer fitness. Overall, our study characterized the changes of root-associated microbiota between leafminer-infested and noninfested cowpea plants and revealed the mechanisms underlying the rhizosphere microbiome shift that enhance plant performance and defense against herbivory. Our findings provide further support for the notion that plants enrich rhizosphere microbes to counteract aboveground insect herbivores.
Burn-Induced Cicatricial Eyelid Retraction: A Challenging Case and Review of Management Principles
Authors: Clauss Kevin D , Bineshfar Niloufar , Walsh Hannah L , Johnson Thomas E
Published: April 2024

Thermal and chemical burns can result in cicatricial eyelid retraction, characterized by an abnormal resting position of the eyelid margin and increased palpebral fissure height. Eyelid retraction often leads to exposure keratopathy, which can cause complications ranging from mild dry eye to globe-threatening ulceration and perforation. Prompt intervention includes aggressive lubrication, moisture chambers, eyelid tarsorrhaphy, and retraction repair surgery. Discussed here is a burn patient that developed severe cicatricial eyelid retraction and ectropion, leading to severe exposure keratopathy and infectious corneal ulceration with perforation. The patient required aggressive medical intervention, as well as 2 surgeries to restore the normal eyelid anatomy to protect the globe.
Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the liver after surgery for advanced sigmoid colon cancer: a case report
Authors: Sunamura Ken , Endo Yutaka , Hayashi Koki , Uchi Yusuke , Ozawa Soji , Shimazu Motohide
Published: April 2024

We report a case of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) mimicking colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) on preoperative workup that was clinically indistinguishable. A 78-year-old woman was found to have locally-advanced sigmoid cancer (T4), and then treated with radical sigmoidectomy. One year after the surgery, plain computed tomography (CT) revealed a low-density area in the right hepatic lobe. Metastatic liver tumors could not be ruled out with CT/ magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography–CT . Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with CRLM at S7 of the liver. The patient underwent right posterior sectionectomy. The tumor was adjacent to the right hepatic vein; however, no invasion was observed. The patient was pathologically diagnosed as having RLH. The patient showed no signs of recurrence 16 months after initial surgery. RLH is clinically indistinguishable from CRLM. Further evaluation is required to elucidate the effective strategies of detecting and treating hepatic RLH.
Embolization of left anterior descending artery due to pledget after a redo surgery
Authors: Kanemura Takeyuki , Nakahara Yoshinori , Fukushima Toshiya , Kawamoto Shuhei , Morooka Kazuki , Shimozawa Motoharu
Published: April 2024

A 53-year-old man underwent aortic root replacement for acute aortic dissection. Following this procedure, the patient developed a pseudoaneurysm at the aortic root, necessitating reoperation. The subsequent surgery was performed routinely, allowing the patient to be weaned from mechanical ventilation on the same day. Postoperative electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation, suggesting myocardial ischaemia. Coronary angiography identified 90% stenosis in the left anterior descending artery, and computed tomography revealed a high-density mass. These findings suggested an embolus from a previous surgery. A snare catheter was successfully employed to extract the embolic material, which was identified as a pledget used for aortic valve replacement in the initial operation. This case underscores the potential for complications associated with pledgets used in valve surgeries, illustrating the risk of embolization when the valve is subsequently removed.
An uninvited guest, Ascaris in the bile duct causing cholangitis successfully treated with surgery
Authors: Ramos Darwin R , Robalino Antonio S , Mogrovejo Daniel L , Suárez Doménica A , Proaño Aitana E Ross , Parrales Diana E , Molina Gabriel A
Published: April 2024

Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries—the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most Ascaris lumbricoides infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to A. lumbricoides. The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered.
Traumatic appendicitis with mass formation, a rare case report
Authors: Shawasha Bassam Adel , Awaysa Asala M , Smerat Mohammad I , Fakhouri Sulaiman Naji Fares
Published: April 2024

This case report delves into an atypical presentation of postblunt abdominal trauma in an adult male, characterized by acute appendicitis complicated by the formation of an appendicular inflammatory mass. The patient’s clinical evolution, diagnostic intricacies, and the multidisciplinary approach employed for successful management. By documenting this rare complication, our report contributes to expanding knowledge base on unusual consequences of abdominal trauma, aiming to enhance awareness and facilitate informed decision-making in clinical practice.
A huge benign gastric schwannomas presented with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report and literature review
Authors: AlAli Mohammed N , AlDayel Aya K , Alshammari Afraj T , Essa Mohamed S , AlAmodi Maha , Alrashed Muath , Amer Sadiq M , Meaigel Mohammed A , AlTahan Talal M , Ahmad Khalid S
Published: April 2024

Gastric schwannomas (GS) are rare mesenchymal tumors from Schwann cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, representing 2–6% of such tumors. We report a 52-year-old woman who experienced abdominal pain, hematemesis, and melena, initially suspected of having a GI stromal tumor through ultrasound and computed tomography abdomen. Despite no active bleeding found during an upper endoscopy, she underwent a successful open subtotal gastrectomy, with histopathology confirming GS. The diagnosis of GS, which may mimic other GI conditions, relies heavily on imaging and histopathological analysis due to its nonspecific symptomatology, including the potential for both upper and lower GI bleeding. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of GS and highlights surgical resection as the preferred treatment, generally leading to a favorable prognosis.
BET inhibition induces GDH1-dependent glutamine metabolic remodeling and vulnerability in liver cancer
Authors: Mi Wen , You Jianwei , Li Liucheng , Zhu Lingzhi , Xia Xinyi , Yang Li , Li Fei , Xu Yi , Bi Junfeng , Liu Pingyu , Chen Li , Li Fuming
Published: April 2024

Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins, which function partly through MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), are critical epigenetic readers and emerging therapeutic targets in cancer. Whether and how BET inhibition simultaneously induces metabolic remodeling in cancer cells remains unclear. Here we find that even transient BET inhibition by JQ-1 and other pan-BET inhibitors (pan-BETis) blunts liver cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. BET inhibition decreases glycolytic gene expression but enhances mitochondrial glucose and glutamine oxidative metabolism revealed by metabolomics and isotope labeling analysis. Specifically, BET inhibition downregulates miR-30a to upregulate glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GDH1) independent of MYC, which produces α-ketoglutarate for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Targeting GDH1 or OXPHOS is synthetic lethal to BET inhibition, and combined BET and OXPHOS inhibition therapeutically prevents liver tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Together, we uncover an important epigenetic-metabolic crosstalk whereby BET inhibition induces MYC-independent and GDH1-dependent glutamine metabolic remodeling that can be exploited for innovative combination therapy of liver cancer.
Impact of Gram-Negative Bacilli Resistance Rates on Risk of Death in Septic Shock and Pneumonia
Authors: Hixon Alison M , Micek Scott , Fraser Victoria J , Kollef Marin , Guillamet M Cristina Vazquez
Published: April 2024

Background

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. When selecting empiric antibiotics for sepsis, clinicians are encouraged to use local resistance rates, but their impact on individual outcomes is unknown. Improved methods to predict outcomes are needed to optimize treatment selection and improve antibiotic stewardship.

Methods

We expanded on a previously developed theoretical model to estimate the excess risk of death in gram-negative bacilli (GNB) sepsis due to discordant antibiotics using 3 factors: the prevalence of GNB in sepsis, the rate of antibiotic resistance in GNB, and the mortality difference between discordant and concordant antibiotic treatments. We focused on ceftriaxone, cefepime, and meropenem as the anti-GNB treatment backbone in sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. We analyzed both publicly available data and data from a large urban hospital.

Results

Publicly available data were weighted toward culture-positive cases. Excess risk of death with discordant antibiotics was highest in septic shock and pneumonia. In septic shock, excess risk of death was 4.53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.04%–5.01%), 0.6% (95% CI, .55%–.66%), and 0.19% (95% CI, .16%–.21%) when considering resistance to ceftriaxone, cefepime, and meropenem, respectively. Results were similar in pneumonia. Local data, which included culture-negative cases, showed an excess risk of death in septic shock of 0.75% (95% CI, .57%–.93%) for treatment with discordant antibiotics in ceftriaxone-resistant infections and 0.18% (95% CI, .16%–.21%) for cefepime-resistant infections.

Conclusions

Estimating the excess risk of death for specific sepsis phenotypes in the context of local resistance rates, rather than relying on population resistance data, may be more informative in deciding empiric antibiotics in GNB infections.
Right ventricular papillary muscle crossing the moderator band mimicked infective endocarditis: the utility of multimodal imaging
Authors: Kamiyama Masaki , Higaki Akinori , Miyabe Ryo , Higashi Haruhiko , Inoue Katsuji , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: April 2024

Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) generally carries a positive prognosis; however, it can result in complications such as heart failure, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis. While echocardiography serves as the standard diagnostic tool, it may occasionally face challenges in distinguishing between normal structures and vegetations. In this report, we present the case of a 60-year-old man diagnosed with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, alongside suspected coexisting RSIE. During both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, a rod-like mobile structure was observed adjacent to the right ventricular moderator band. However, confirming its nature as an infective vegetation proved challenging. Despite the inconclusive diagnosis of IE by echocardiography, the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) played a pivotal role in distinguishing between normal structures and vegetations. Since IE could develop life-threatening events, the role of multimodal imaging is of paramount importance. This case serves as a compelling example of the diagnostic value through the integration of PET/CT and MRI in ruling out IE.
Non-Stokesian dynamics of magnetic helical nanoswimmers under confinement
Authors: Fazeli Alireza , Thakore Vaibhav , Ala-Nissila Tapio , Karttunen Mikko
Published: April 2024

Electromagnetically propelled helical nanoswimmers offer great potential for nanorobotic applications. Here, the effect of confinement on their propulsion is characterized using lattice-Boltzmann simulations. Two principal mechanisms give rise to their forward motion under confinement: (i) pure swimming and (ii) the thrust created by the differential pressure due to confinement. Under strong confinement, they face greater rotational drag but display a faster propulsion for fixed driving frequency in agreement with experimental findings. This is due to the increased differential pressure created by the boundary walls when they are sufficiently close to each other and the particle. We have proposed two analytical relations (i) for predicting the swimming speed of an unconfined particle as a function of its angular speed and geometrical properties, and (ii) an empirical expression to accurately predict the propulsion speed of a confined swimmer as a function of the degree of confinement and its unconfined swimming speed. At low driving frequencies and degrees of confinement, the systems retain the expected linear behavior consistent with the predictions of the Stokes equation. However, as the driving frequency and/or the degree of confinement increase, their impact on propulsion leads to increasing deviations from the Stokesian regime and emergence of nonlinear behavior.
Medical Malpractice Cases Involving Medical Students
Authors: Pollock Jordan R. , Shappell Eric , Sandefur Benjamin J. , Moore M. Lane , Lindor Rachel A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study uses a large national legal database to analyze characteristics of malpractice claims involving U.S. medical students.

Method

The Westlaw database was searched in September 2023 for malpractice cases involving medical students from January 1, 1900, through September 1, 2023. Each case was independently reviewed by 2 authors, abstracting each variable. Categorical data were summarized as frequency of occurrence (i.e., number and percentage), and continuous data were summarized with means, medians, and ranges. All authors independently reviewed the dataset to identify potential themes and codes.

Results

There were 65 cases that met the inclusion criteria. Reported patient outcomes were death (19, 29%), pain (25, 38%), and disability (36, 55%). The most common specialties involved were emergency medicine (16, 25%), general surgery (14, 22%), and obstetrics and gynecology (13, 20%). The most common primary alleged errors attributed to students related to medical decision-making (30, 46%), procedural complication (24, 37%), and poor communication (11, 17%). Among 23 (35%) cases reporting year of training, 1 (4%) included a second-year student, 13 (57%) included third-year students, and 9 (39%) included fourth-year students. Of the 65 lawsuits, 28 (43%) resulted in a settlement or verdict against the medical student. The total amount paid in these cases was $78,192,612, with a mean (median) of $3,007,408 ($1,050,000) per case. Of these 28 cases, 14 (50%) cited minimal or no physician supervision.

Conclusions

Medical malpractice claims involving medical students are rare but commonly relate to medical decision-making, procedural complication, and poor communication, with a lack of supervision being frequently cited. These results can be used to guide students and supervising physicians on how to avoid scenarios that may increase vulnerability to medical malpractice lawsuits.
Long-term dynamic changes and influencing factors of corneal morphology after multiple intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs
Authors: Qi Yuanyuan , Li Chunshi , Ye Shuang , Zhang Zhijian , Li Sheng , Zhang Lijun
Published: April 2024

To observe alterations in corneal morphology caused by repeated intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Prospective cohort study. Seventy-seven eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF from June 2021 to March 2023. There were 25 eyes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), 24 eyes of diabetic macular edema (DME), and 28 eyes of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Aflibercept was used in 37 eyes and Ranibizumab was used in 40 eyes. 3 + PRN was used. Corneal endothelium and corneal thickness were measured using a corneal endothelial microscope. The data related to central corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell size, coefficient of variation (CV), proportion of hexagonal cells (Hex%) was collected. A comparison was also made between baseline and the dynamic changes of all indexes 1 year following the last injection. It was observed that in comparison to baseline, ECD and Hex% decreased significantly after the 3rd injection of Aflibercept and Ranibizumab. However, ECD did not decrease further and remained at the same level as after the last injection. Hex% and average cell size increased to a certain extent in comparison to the last injection. All the changes were found to be statistically significant (P < .01). After 3 injections, ECD in DME group was markedly lower than that in nAMD and RVO group, but the CV in DME group was higher than that in nAMD as well as RVO groups, and all the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). Following intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, DME is more likely than other disorders to result in a decrease in ECD. Repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs can reduce the Hex% and ECD to a certain extent. After the last injection, Hex% can progressively recover, and ECD can remain stable without further declining. After injections, ECD in DME group was found to be significantly lower than that in nAMD and RVO groups, but CV in DME group was significantly higher in comparison to the other 2 groups. In patients with macular edema, repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF may have certain effects on corneal morphology. Patients with diabetes mellitus in particular should pay special attention to corneal safety following repeated intravitreal injections if they have significantly reduced ECD at baseline.
MRI Dixon Fat-Corrected Look-Locker T1 Mapping for Quantification of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation—A Comparison With the Non–Fat-Corrected Shortened Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery Technique
Authors: Klaus Jeremias Bendicht , Goerke Ute , Klarhöfer Markus , Keerthivasan Mahesh Bharath , Jung Bernd , Berzigotti Annalisa , Ebner Lukas , Roos Justus , Christe Andreas , Obmann Verena Carola , Huber Adrian Thomas
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study evaluates the impact of liver steatosis on the discriminative ability for liver fibrosis and inflammation using a novel Dixon water-only fat-corrected Look-Locker T1 mapping sequence, compared with a standard shortened Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (shMOLLI) sequence, with the aim of overcoming the limitation of steatosis-related confounding in liver T1 mapping.

Materials and Methods

3 T magnetic resonance imaging of the liver including the 2 T1 mapping sequences and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was prospectively performed in 24 healthy volunteers and 38 patients with histologically proven liver fibrosis evaluated within 90 days of liver biopsy. Paired Mann-Whitney test compared sequences between participants with and without significant liver steatosis (PDFF cutoff 10%), and unpaired Kruskal-Wallis test compared healthy volunteers to patients with early (F0–2) and advanced (F3–4) liver fibrosis, as well as low (A0–1) and marked (A2–3) inflammatory activity. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed the impact of liver steatosis on both sequences.

Results

Dixon_W T1 was higher than shMOLLI T1 in participants without steatosis (median 896 ms vs 890 ms, P = 0.04), but lower in participants with liver steatosis (median 891 ms vs 973 ms, P < 0.001). Both methods accurately differentiated between volunteers and patients with early and advanced fibrosis (Dixon_W 849 ms, 910 ms, 947 ms, P = 0.011; shMOLLI 836 ms, 918 ms, 978 ms, P < 0.001), and those with mild and marked inflammation (Dixon_W 849 ms, 896 ms, 941 ms, P < 0.01; shMOLLI 836 ms, 885 ms, 978 ms, P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed slightly lower performance of the Dixon_W sequence in differentiating fibrosis (0.69 vs 0.73, P < 0.01), compensated by adding liver PDFF in the multivariate model (0.77 vs 0.75, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Dixon water-only fat-corrected Look-Locker T1 mapping accurately identifies liver fibrosis and inflammation, with less dependency on liver steatosis than the widely adopted shMOLLI T1 mapping technique, which may improve its predictive value for these conditions.
Rhinogenic Headache: The Dehiscence of Infraorbital Nerve
Authors: Cascio Filippo , Stagno d’Alcontres Ferdinando , Nicastro Viviana , Costanzo Daria , Gazia Francesco
Published: April 2024

Rhinogenic headache (RH), arising from nasal and sinus pathologies, present a diagnostic challenge due to their diverse etiologies. This study investigates a unique case where RH coincides with infraorbital nerve dehiscence, delving into the intricate relationship between sinonasal anatomy and neurovascular complications. The infraorbital nerve contacted a cyst in the maxillary sinus. Centripetal endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to open the maxillary sinus and remove the cyst. After 3 months of follow-up, the patient had a notable improvement in symptoms with a reduced headache. This case highlights the significance of considering uncommon anatomic variations, such as infraorbital nerve dehiscence, within the context of RH. Diligent history-taking and appropriate use of radiologic investigations are pivotal for guiding clinicians toward an accurate diagnosis and determining the most appropriate course of treatment.
Sex differences in vaccine induced immunity and protection againstMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Parvathy Gishnu Harikumar , Bhandiwad Dhananjay , Eggers Lars , von Borstel Linda , Behrends Jochen , Hein Martina , Hertz David , Marschner Jaqueline , Orinska Zane , Kaufmann Stefan H E , Flores-Valdez Mario Alberto , Lotter Hanna , Schneider Bianca E
Published: April 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that has evolved with humankind for millennia, causing approximately 1.3 million deaths worldwide per annum. Although increased male affliction for TB and other infections were long known from an epidemiological perspective, our mechanistic understanding of the underlying immunological divergences is relatively recent. As such, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the sexually dimorphic immune response to TB vaccines, where no accepted correlates of protection are yet available. In this context, our goal was to explore how individual sex influences the protective effects of TB vaccines. For this purpose, we vaccinated female and male C57BL/6 mice with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and two recombinant derivatives, VPM1002 and BCGΔBCG1419c, to analyse their protective efficacy against challenge withMycobacterium tuberculosisHN878. We found poor efficacy of BCG in males and the ability of next generation vaccine candidates to improve protection specifically in males. To determine the underlying mechanisms for the differences in survival upon vaccination between females and males, as well as, among different vaccine candidates, we analysed the distribution and persistence of the vaccine strains, in addition to vaccine-induced immune responses at various time points in draining lymph nodes and spleen. We identified sex specific differences in CD8 T cell proliferation in response to mycobacterial antigensex vivo, 90 days post-vaccination, that associates with vaccine mediated protection against HN878. By integrating our multi-parametric datasets into principal component analysis, followed by extraction of high-variance features, we have uncovered an additional significant association of early CD4 T cell responses with late CD8 T cell responses as well as with survival post HN878 infection. In addition, we have also identified specific clusters of responding CD8 T cells in spleen post-vaccination, that are globally deficient in males as compared to females, irrespective of the BCG strain administered.
The role of extra-striate areas in conscious motor behavior: a registered report with Fast-Optical Imaging
Authors: Colombari Elisabetta , Parisi Giorgia , Mele Sonia , Mazzi Chiara , Savazzi Silvia
Published: April 2024

Disclosing the brain areas responsible for the emergence of visual awareness and their timing of activation represents one of the major challenges in consciousness research. In particular, isolating the neural processes strictly related to consciousness from concurrent neural dynamics either related to prerequisites or post-perceptual processing has long engaged consciousness research. In this framework, the present study aims at unravelling the spatio-temporal dynamics underlying conscious vision by adopting a distinctive experimental design in which both awareness and motor response are manipulated, allowing the segregation of neural activity strictly related to awareness from response-related mechanisms. To this aim, we will employ a GO/NOGO detection task, in which participants will respond or withhold responding according to the experimental condition. Critically, during the performance of the task, participants brain activity will be recorded by means of Event-Related Optical Signal (EROS) technique, which provides accurate information about brain functions both from the temporal and spatial point of view, simultaneously. The combination of this experimental design with EROS recording will enable us to pinpoint the neural correlates underlying conscious vision and to disentangle them from processes related to the response. In addition, by coupling conventional EROS analysis with Granger Causality analysis, we will be able to clarify the potential interplay between consciousness-related extra-striate areas and response-related motor areas.
Delineating the functional activity of antibodies with cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and related sarbecoviruses
Authors: Ruiz Felicitas , Foreman Will , Lilly Michelle , Baharani Viren A , Depierreux Delphine M , Chohan Vrasha , Taylor Ashley L , Guenthoer Jamie , Ralph Duncan , Matsen Frederick A , Chu Helen Y , Bieniasz Paul D , Côté Marceline , Starr Tyler N , Overbaugh Julie
Published: April 2024

The recurring spillover of pathogenic coronaviruses and demonstrated capacity of sarbecoviruses, such SARS-CoV-2, to rapidly evolve in humans underscores the need to better understand immune responses to this virus family. For this purpose, we characterized the functional breadth and potency of antibodies targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein that exhibited cross-reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV-1 and sarbecoviruses from diverse clades and animal origins with spillover potential. One neutralizing antibody, C68.61, showed remarkable neutralization breadth against both SARS-CoV-2 variants and viruses from different sarbecovirus clades. C68.61, which targets a conserved RBD class 5 epitope, did not select for escape variants of SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV-1 in culture nor have predicted escape variants among circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, suggesting this epitope is functionally constrained. We identified 11 additional SARS-CoV-2/SARS-CoV-1 cross-reactive antibodies that target the more sequence conserved class 4 and class 5 epitopes within RBD that show activity against a subset of diverse sarbecoviruses with one antibody binding every single sarbecovirus RBD tested. A subset of these antibodies exhibited Fc-mediated effector functions as potent as antibodies that impact infection outcome in animal models. Thus, our study identified antibodies targeting conserved regions across SARS-CoV-2 variants and sarbecoviruses that may serve as therapeutics for pandemic preparedness as well as blueprints for the design of immunogens capable of eliciting cross-neutralizing responses.
The German Multicenter Registry for ME/CFS (MECFS-R)
Authors: Hieber Hannah , Pricoco Rafael , Gerrer Katrin , Heindrich Cornelia , Wiehler Katharina , Mihatsch Lorenz L. , Hägele Matthias , Schindler Daniela , Donath Quirin , Christa Catharina , Grabe Annika , Kircher Alissa , Leone Ariane , Müller Yvonne , Zietemann Hannah , Freitag Helma , Sotzny Franziska , Warlitz Cordula , Stojanov Silvia , Hattesohl Daniel B. R. , Hausruckinger Anna , Mittelstrass Kirstin , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Behrends Uta
Published: April 2024

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multi-systemic disease characterized by a complex, incompletely understood etiology. To facilitate future clinical and translational research, a multicenter German ME/CFS registry was established to collect comprehensive, longitudinal, clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data from adults, adolescents, and children in a web-based multilayer-secured database.

Here, we present the research protocol and first results of a pilot cohort of 174 ME/CFS patients diagnosed at two specialized tertiary fatigue centers, including 130 (74.7%) adults (mean age 38.4; SD 12.6) and 43 (25.3%) pediatric patients (mean age 15.5; SD 4.2). A viral trigger was identified in 160/174 (92.0%) cases, with SARS-CoV-2 in almost half of them. Patients exhibited severe functional and social impairment, as reflected by a median Bell Score of 30.0 (IQR 30.0 to 40.0) and a poor health-related quality of life assessed with the Short form-36 health survey, resulting in a mean score of 40.4 (SD 20.6) for physical function and 59.1 (SD 18.8) for mental health.

The MECFS-R provides important clinical information on ME/CFS to research and healthcare institutions and, together with a multicenter ME/CFS biobank, will pave the way for research projects addressing the pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and treatment options.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.govNCT05778006.
Why are social media users susceptible to health misinformation? A perspective from complexity theory
Authors: Mo Zuying , Guo Yiming , Pan Daqing
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Health misinformation on social media threatens public health. A critical question that sheds light on the propagation of health misinformation across social media platforms revolves around identifying the specific types of social media users susceptible to this issue. This study provides an initial insight into this matter by examining the underlying psychological mechanism that renders users susceptible to health misinformation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we developed an integrated model of susceptibility to health misinformation, drawing on the motivation-opportunity-ability theory and the elaboration likelihood model. We collected the data from a sample of 342 social media users in China. Furthermore, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was adopted to examine the proposed model and uncover the causal recipes associated with susceptibility to health misinformation.

Findings

The results indicated that there are three configural types of users that are susceptible to health misinformation: the health-consciousness core-driven type, the popularity-driven core type and the dual-driven type characterized by both high health consciousness and information popularity. Among these, high health-consciousness and the reliance on information popularity-based pathways emerge as pivotal factors influencing susceptibility to health misinformation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the social media literature by identifying various psychological traits that lead to social media users’ susceptibility to health misinformation. Additionally, the study provides comprehensive guidance on how to mitigate the spread of health misinformation.
Motivations of internal workplace coaches: what attracts them to the role? A mixed-methods study
Authors: Robson Mark , Boak George
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Internal workplace coaches are employees who, in addition to their main job, volunteer to provide coaching to work colleagues who are not their direct reports. The purpose of this paper is to explore what motivates these individuals to volunteer to be an internal workplace coach and to continue carrying out the role.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the experiences of internal coaches, a questionnaire was devised and issued; it attracted 484 responses – the largest survey response to date from this population. Following analysis of the questionnaire data, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 internal coaches from private, public and not-for-profit UK organisations. The responses were analysed in relation to motivation theory, principally self-determination theory.

Findings

Individuals were motivated to volunteer for the role, and to continue to practise as coaches, in the most part to satisfy intrinsic needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy. The research presents rich information about how coaches perceived these needs were satisfied by coaching. In general, there were only moderate or poor levels of support and recognition for individual coaches within their organisation, indicating limited extrinsic motivation.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that organisations can draw on the findings from this study to motivate individuals to volunteer to be internal coaches and to continue to act in that role.

Originality/value

Many organisations use internal coaches, but there is very little research into what motivates these volunteers.
Do Hofstede’s cultural dimensions moderate the CSR-firm performance relationship before and during the COVID-19 crisis?
Authors: Lajnef Karima , Ellouz Siwar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of varying cultural dimensions, according to Hofstede, on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the moderating impact of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions on the relationship between CSR and firm performance. The database comprises 36,295 firm-year observations from 2,135 firms operating in civil law countries.

Findings

The findings confirm that CSR investments have a positive impact on firm performance both before and after the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, it becomes evident that cultural dimensions play a moderating role in the CSR–firm performance relationship. The crisis has generated a shift in perspective, emphasizing the advantages of CSR in terms of reputation and financial well-being in the post-crisis environment.

Originality/value

The significance of this study lies in its examination of the relationship between CSR and firm performance within the framework of Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory, before and during the COVID-19 crisis.
Using survey methods to understand how environment is associated with river jetty at Sungai Batu archaeological complex (SBAC), Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Abd Halim Mohd Hasfarisham , Talib Nor Khairunnisa , Masnan Shyeh Sahibul Karamah , Saidin Mokhtar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted with the main purpose of recording primary data related to environmental factors, which has become the main criteria in the selection of the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC) as the center of the iron smelting industry and trade in ancient Kedah.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill this purpose, field studies involving drone photogrammetry mapping, augering, core drilling and geophysical mapping methods were carried out.

Findings

The results obtained through the application of the method have shown that SBAC has a good environment, which has a wide and deep river flow, the existence of Mount Jerai and the abundance of iron ores, mangrove Merbok and clay.

Research limitations/implications

Resources did not allow for environment studies of the by-products tourism sites as part of the current study.

Practical implications

The study also included a survey and mapping to obtain potential primary data around SBAC in the process of developing it as the center of the world iron industry.

Social implications

One finding is that attention to heritage policy and protection must be ongoing at all levels of government and the local community to ensure that the survey and mapping data carried out can be developed as a sustainable heritage tourism product.

Originality/value

This study reveals primary data related to the suitability of paleoenvironment in the SBAC development process as a world iron smelting industry area.
The antecedents and consequences of task–technology fit of facial recognition payment systems in the restaurant industry: cultural differences
Authors: Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Kim Jungsun (Sunny) , Joo Kyu-Hyeon , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the key predictors and outcomes of task–technology fit (TTF) of facial recognition payment systems with the moderating role of cultural differences in the restaurant industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey responses were collected from 336 South Korean and 336 US restaurant customers.

Findings

The results revealed that function significantly affected TTF in both groups. Unique to the Korean sample, emotion was found to be a significant determinant of TTF, whereas convenience and social influence were key predictors of TTF only for the US sample. TTF had significant and positive effects on the three dimensions of behavioral intentions in both groups. The result of multi-group analysis showed that cultural differences moderated the effect of convenience on TTF and the effect of emotion on TTF.

Originality/value

The authors provided recommendations for restaurant operators and technology companies seeking to improve customer TTF and acceptance of facial recognition payment systems for the first time.
Collective effort to enhance the quality of research evidence in intellectual and developmental disabilities: a case study of an academic-practice network
Authors: Grindle Corinna , Denne Louise D. , Roberts-Tyler Emily J. , Sapiets Suzi Jayne , Apanasionok Magda M. , Hughes J. Carl , Hastings Richard P. , Gore Nick , Baker Peter , McDowell Claire
Published: April 2024

Purpose

With a historic lack of attention to synthesis methods such as systematic review and meta-analysis and a lack of randomised controlled trials, the evidence base for behavioural interventions for children and adults who are autistic or are diagnosed with developmental disabilities is patchy. The Sharland Foundation Developmental Disabilities Applied Behavioural Research and Impact Network (SF-DDARIN), a network of like-minded researchers and practitioners across the UK, aims to address this. The purpose of this paper is to describe the network’s work and provide the context for the remaining articles in the special issue that exemplify network projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study paper, the authors describe how the SF-DDARIN works and is resourced, detailing the process used to maximise research opportunities by facilitating network members working together. The authors outline the progressive research steps that the SF-DDARIN has identified are needed to develop and improve the evidence base for behavioural interventions systematically and, with examples, describe how the network delivers these steps.

Findings

Since its establishment in 2016, the SF-DDARIN network members have collectively worked on more than 53 projects involving over 50 researchers, had over 120 special schools contribute to projects and have recruited over 500 participants. This has been achieved through funding from the Sharland Foundation, primarily to cover the staffing costs of a small support team and internship partnerships with external organisations. Some projects have attracted external funding.

Originality/value

SF-DDARIN may provide an innovative, effective and resource-efficient model for other groups seeking to develop and extend their evidence base in developmental disability research.
Country image and medical tourist’s trust impact on intention to revisit India
Authors: Dash Ajitabh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of cognitive and affective trust on the revisit intention of medical tourists to a developing country like India, focusing on the role of country image as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used partial least square-based structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses using data from 297 medical tourists visiting India from abroad for treatment.

Findings

The findings of this study confirmed that all the dimensions of cognitive trust, namely, perceived expertise, performance and reputation of the health-care service providers, have a positive and significant impact on the revisit intention of medical tourists to India. In contrast, none of the two dimensions of affective trust have a significant effect on the revisit intention of medical tourists to India. This study also confirmed that country image significantly moderates the relationship between performance dimensions of cognitive trust and medical tourists’ revisit intention to India.

Originality/value

The study’s findings have significant theoretical and managerial implications as they explore the effect of cognitive and affective trust on medical tourists’ the revisit intention to visit an emerging economy, considering the country’s image as a moderator.
Diversity Washing
Authors: BAKER ANDREW C. , LARCKER DAVID F. , McCLURE CHARLES G. , SARAPH DURGESH , WATTS EDWARD M.
Published: April 2024

We provide large‐sample evidence on whether U.S. publicly traded corporations use voluntary disclosures about their commitments to employee diversity opportunistically. We document significant discrepancies between companies' external stances on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and their hiring practices. Firms that discuss DEI excessively relative to their actual employee gender and racial diversity (“diversity washers”) obtain superior scores from environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating organizations and attract more investment from institutional investors with an ESG focus. These outcomes occur even though diversity‐washing firms are more likely to incur discrimination violations and have negative human‐capital‐related news events. Our study provides evidence consistent with growing allegations of misleading statements from firms about their DEI initiatives and highlights the potential consequences of selective ESG disclosures.
Central sensitivity syndrome affects the disease activity index and treatment satisfaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Seki Kazushige , Imagama Takashi , Seki Toshihiro , Okazaki Tomoya , Sakai Takashi
Published: April 2024

Aim

Many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients prioritize pain improvement in treatment. As pain can result from various causes, including noninflammatory factors such as central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), we hypothesized that CSS might impact treatment satisfaction. In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed the CSS effects on clinical disease activity and treatment satisfaction in RA patients.

Methods

In total, 220 consecutive RA patients receiving long‐term follow‐up were evaluated for clinical disease activity and treatment satisfaction. CSS was evaluated using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). An overall score of ≥40 indicates the presence of CSS. We queried “How satisfied are you with your treatment?”; answers included (a) very satisfied, (b) satisfied, (c) not satisfied, or (d) very dissatisfied. For univariate analysis, we condensed these answers into “dissatisfied” or “satisfied.” We also evaluated treatment satisfaction using the visual analog scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 mm (very dissatisfied) to 100 mm (very satisfied).

Results

Of the 220 patients, 17 (7.7%) were classified as having CSS. CSI score was significantly correlated with the clinical disease activity index (CDAI; r = .322, p < .01) and treatment satisfaction (r = −.336, p < .01). Regarding treatment satisfaction, univariate analysis revealed that patient global assessment (PtGA), pain VAS, Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with C‐reactive protein, CDAI, and CSI scores of patients who were satisfied with treatment differed significantly from those of dissatisfied patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that CSI, PtGA, and HAQ‐DI scores were associated with treatment satisfaction.

Conclusion

In RA patients, CSS may affect the disease activity index and reduce treatment satisfaction.
Historical trends of breast cancer burden attributable to metabolic factors among Chinese women, 1990–2019: A population‐based epidemiological study
Authors: Zhang Liang‐Zi , Sun Qi‐Cheng , Luan Hang‐Hang , Yuan Qian‐Qian , Deng Tong , Luo Li‐Sha , Tan Xiao‐Lin
Published: April 2024

Background

 This study aims to analyze breast cancer burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in China from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. Deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) were used for attributable burden, and age‐period‐cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the independent effects of age, period and birth cohort.

Results

In 2019, the age‐standardized mortality and DALY rates of breast cancer attributable to high BMI were 1.107 (95% UI: 0.311, 2.327) and 29.990 (8.384, 60.713) per 100 000, and mortality and DALY rates attributable to high FPG were 0.519 (0.095, 1.226) and 13.662 (2.482, 32.425) per 100 000. From 1990 to 2019, the age‐standardized mortality and DALY rates of breast cancer attributable to high BMI increased by 1.192% and 1.180%, and the trends of high FPG were not statistically significant. The APC results showed that the age effects of high BMI and high FPG‐mortality and DALY rates increased, with the highest rates in the age group over 80 years. The birth cohort effects of high BMI showed “inverted V” shapes, while high FPG showed downward trends.

Conclusions

Age was the main reason for the increase of attributable burden, and postmenopausal women were the high‐risk groups. Therefore, targeted prevention measures should be developed to improve postmenopausal women's awareness and effectively reduce the prevalence of obesity and diabetes, thereby reducing the breast cancer burden caused by metabolic factors in China.