bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VACUUM-ASSISTED FASCIAL CLOSURE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OPEN ABDOMEN. THE OPTIMAL FOAM’S POSITION
Authors: Zanellato A
Published: May 2024

Often surgeons face complex situations when leaving the abdomen open temporarily is the best and quickest option that save lives. In 1986, a novel therapy using negative pressure with marlex mesh cover by op-site wound dressing, called the “sandwich technique” was described by Schein. This case report significantly changed the management of open abdomen. Several trial were performed with different meshes (Polypropylene, Dexon, Gore-Tex, Polyethilene, Poliglactin) in combination with silicone bags, or not, with high mortality and high rate of massive hernias but promising results. On 90’s the term planned hernia was widely used. Miller in 2004 demonstrate that was possible vacuum-assisted fascial closure (VAFC) which enables late fascial closure in open abdomen patients up to a month after initial laparotomy by substituting the surgical towels with polyurethane sponge and attached a special drain and pump for liquid aspiration. Complication rates did not differ from patients with planned hernia, and the need for future abdominal wall reconstruction was avoided. Following this pre-packed dressing system was introduced. Some authors combined VAC with the Bogotá bag and others with mesh. The system was designed to actively manage the open abdomen by removing fluid and helping reduce visceral oedema. The system evolved to the advanced model when they fenestrated the foam increasing the medial traction, but can fascial traction be improved? The author presents in this video how the position of dressing can improve medial traction and closure.
SUITABLE MESH FOR ADULT GROIN HERNIA TEP REPAIR BASED ON PELVIC 3D-CT SCAN MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Zuiki T , Oki J , Ui T , Hayakawa S
Published: May 2024

Background

The totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for groin hernia, performed at Yuki Hospital between 2006 and Dec 2023 on 542 patients, could avoid complications associated with entering the peritoneal cavity. Recurrence occurred in seven patients due to the use of small-sized mesh. The purpose of this study is to identify suitable mesh sizes for TEP repair.

Method

206 consecutive patients (104 males, 102 females) who underwent abdominal CT scans were included. The Pelvic bone structures were reconstructed using 3DCT scanning, and the curved length from the pubic tubercle to the anterior iliac spine was measured by a radiologist. This length corresponds to the actual length covered by the mesh during laparoscopic TEP groin hernia repair.

Results

Patient ages ranged from 18–86 years, median 70. The curved length from the pubic tubercle to the anterior iliac spine averaged 163.6 ± 10.9 mm for male and 160.0 ± 7.7 mm for female, demonstrating a correlation with height (male: 167.2 ± 7.6 cm, correlation coefficient (r) = 0.68, female: 153.2 ± 7.2 cm, r = 0.50). We usually utilize a standard 10.8 × 16 cm 3D large size mesh in TEP repair, which covers 98% of the average curved length for male.

Conclusion

The curved length from the pubic tubercle to the anterior superior iliac spine can be preoperatively estimated using 3D CT scans. The large size 3D mesh (10.8 × 16 cm) appears to be suitable for most Japanese adults undergoing TEP repair for groin hernia.
Acidic fibroblast growth factor inhibits reactive oxygen species-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation in vascular endothelial cells via the miR-155-5p/SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to promote wound healing in diabetic mice
Authors: Zhang Yue , Hei Fenghui , Xiao Yujie , Liu Yang , Han Juntao , Hu Dahai , Wang Hongtao
Published: May 2024

Background

Diabetic chronic wounds are among the most common and serious complications of diabetes and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a specific pathological state in which endothelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells in response to various stimuli, such as high glucose levels and high oxidative stress. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), which is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, possesses strong antioxidant properties and can promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into angiogenic cells. Therefore, we investigated the role of aFGF in EndMT in diabetic wounds and analysed the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A diabetic mouse model was used to verify the effect of aFGF on wound healing, and the effect of aFGF on vascular endothelial cells in a high-glucose environment was examined in vitro. We examined the expression of miR-155-5p in a high-glucose environment and the miR-155 downstream target gene SIRT1 by luciferase reporter assays.

Results

aFGF promoted wound closure and neovascularization in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. In vitro, aFGF inhibited the production of total and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular endothelial cells and alleviated epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation in a high-glucose environment. Mechanistically, aFGF promoted the expression of SIRT1 and the downstream targets Nrf2 and HO-1 by negatively regulating miR-155-5p, thereby reducing ROS generation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results suggest that aFGF inhibits ROS-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation in diabetic vascular endothelial cells via the miR-155-5p/SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis, thereby promoting wound healing.
Who are the patients who use non-pharmacological home remedies? Cross-sectional study in Switzerland and France
Authors: Sebo Paul , Winkler Neria E , Morel Marie , Moussa Mohamed Amir , Haller Dagmar M , Maisonneuve Hubert
Published: May 2024

Background

Many patients may be tempted to use non-pharmacological home remedies (NPHRs) to relieve various complaints. To the best of our knowledge, there is little data on the characteristics of patients using NPHRs. In this cross-sectional study carried out between March 2020 and July 2021, we examined the socio-demographic factors underlying their use in patient populations in Switzerland and France.

Methods

Using official registries, we randomly selected 50 primary care physicians (PCPs) in Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon/Grenoble (France). Seven research assistants consecutively recruited patients from PCP waiting rooms (20–25 patients per practice). Patients completed a paper-based questionnaire assessing the use [yes/no] of 304 NPHRs for 79 medical conditions. The NPHR list was developed by our team with input from 97 patients. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regressions, adjusting for intra-cluster correlations, to examine associations between NPHR use and patient characteristics (gender, age, practice location, nationality, education level, and self-rated health).

Results

Of the 1198 eligible patients, 1012 agreed to participate (85%). Overall, 635 patients (63%) reported using at least one of the remedies tested in the study. In multivariable analysis, women (OR = 1.7 [95%CI = 1.3–2.3], P-value < 0.001), younger patients (< 40 years: OR = 2.1 [95%CI = 1.6–2.9], P-value < 0.001), and French patients (OR = 1.6 [95%CI = 1.1–2.3], P-value < 0.001) tended to use NPHRs more often than other patients.

Conclusions

Many patients, particularly women, young people, and French patients, reported using NPHRs. This survey’s findings hold the potential to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers about the diverse preferences that shape patients’ healthcare choices.
The entrepreneurial edge: evidence of social identity and other-orientation in communities of interest
Authors: Halbinger Maria A , Reichstein Toke , Melillo Francesca
Published: May 2024

Communities of interest are heralded as hotbeds for entrepreneurship. However, the social identification members of such communities are subject to may be detrimental to their proclivity to pursuing ideas through firm foundation and, thus, their propensity to become entrepreneurs. While other-oriented members tend to be associated with firm foundation, the association is significantly reduced and even negatively associated with firm foundation when the individual strongly identifies with a community of interest with collective values due to a shift in their attention toward community engagement as opposed to firm foundation. This paper draws from field studies, a problem-solving task, and survey data to empirically support our hypotheses. The study highlights the importance of integrating social identification and other-orientation when studying communities of interest in relation to entrepreneurship.
Lower seawater pH reduces the foraging activity of the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria (Say, 1818) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Menippidae)
Authors: Jarrett Morgan L , Smith Abigail L , Langford Gabriel J , Gravinese Philip M
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic activities like habitat degradation, excess nutrient runoff, and sewage outfalls can decrease seawater pH in coastal environments. Coastal waters can also experience frequent fluctuations in seawater pH due to biological activity (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration). Commercially important species like the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria (Say, 1818), inhabit coastal waters and experience fluctuations in seawater pH on both diurnal and seasonal scales. Organisms exposed to reductions in seawater pH may have difficulty sensing chemical cues due to physiological changes and the associated metabolic stress of compensating for a more acidic environment. Here we determined the foraging activity of the Florida stone crab when exposed to reduced pH conditions (control pH 7.8, reduced pH 7.6). The impacts of reduced pH on foraging activity were determined by monitoring activity time, stress, predation attempts, and handling time when crabs were exposed to lower seawater pH for 12 hrs. Crabs exposed to reduced pH conditions experienced elevated stress levels and reduced activity than crabs in the control pH treatment. These results suggest that exposure to more extreme pH conditions may limit the foraging activity of stone crabs.
Interference of hemoglobin variants with HbA1c measurements by six commonly used HbA1c methods
Authors: Li Mingyang , Ge Song , Shu Xin , Wu Xiongjun , Liu Haiyan , Xu Anping , Ji Ling
Published: May 2024

Background

Glycated hemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serves as a crucial marker for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring its progression. We aimed to assess the interference posed by common Hb variants on popular HbA1c measurement systems.

Methods

A total of 63 variant and nonvariant samples with target values assigned by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)-calibrated methods were included. We assessed 6 methods for measuring HbA1c in the presence of HbS, HbC, HbD, HbE, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF): 2 cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods (Bio-Rad D-100 and HLC-723 G8), a capillary electrophoresis (CE) method (Sebia Capillarys 3 TERA), an immunoassay (Roche c501), an enzyme assay system (Mindray BS-600M), and a boronate affinity method (Primus Premier Hb9210).

Results

The HbA1c results for nonvariant samples from the 6 methods were in good agreement with the IFCC-calibrated method results. The Bio-Rad D-100, Capillarys 3, Mindray BS-600M, Premier Hb9210, and Roche c501 showed no interference from HbS, HbC, HbD, and HbE. Clinically significant interference was observed for the HLC-723 G8 standard mode. Elevated HbF levels caused significant negative biases for all 6 methods, which increased with increasing HbF concentration.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of HbF can severely affect HbA1c measurements by borate affinity, immunoassays, and enzyme assays.
Parsing the roles of DExD-box proteins DDX39A and DDX39B in alternative RNA splicing
Authors: Banerjee Shefali , Nagasawa Chloe K , Widen Steven G , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A
Published: May 2024

DExD-box RNA proteins DDX39A and DDX39B are highly homologous paralogs that are conserved in vertebrates. They are required for energy-driven reactions involved in RNA processing. Although we have some understanding of how their functions overlap in RNA nuclear export, our knowledge of whether or not these proteins have specific or redundant functions in RNA splicing is limited. Our previous work has shown that DDX39B is responsible for regulating the splicing of important immune transcripts IL7R and FOXP3. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether DDX39A, a highly homologous paralog of DDX39B, plays a similar role in regulating alternative RNA splicing. We find that DDX39A and DDX39B have significant redundancy in their gene targets, but there are targets that uniquely require one or the other paralog. For instance, DDX39A is incapable of complementing defective splicing of IL7R exon 6 when DDX39B is depleted. This exon and other cassette exons that specifically depend on DDX39B have U-poor/C-rich polypyrimidine tracts in the upstream intron and this variant polypyrimidine tract is required for DDX39B dependency. This study provides evidence that despite a high degree of functional redundancy, DDX39A and DDX39B are selectively required for the splicing of specific pre-mRNAs.
Separating action and knowledge
Authors: Kelley Mikayla
Published: May 2024

Intentional action is often accompanied by knowledge of what one is doing—knowledge that appears non-observational and non-inferential. G.E.M. Anscombe defends the stronger claim that intentional action always comes with such knowledge. Among those who follow Anscombe, some have altered the features, content, or species of the knowledge claimed to necessarily accompany intentional action. In this paper, I argue that there is no knowledge condition on intentional action, no matter the assumed features, content, or species of the knowledge. Further, rather than follow the usual methodology in this debate of arguing by counterexample, I present an argument that explains why we continue to find counterexamples: intentional action and knowledge are regulated by thresholds under distinct pressures; in particular, the threshold of control regulating intentional action is disparately influenced by the role of intentional action in practical normativity.
Biomechanical Comparison of Different Surgical Strategies for Skip-level Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Authors: Xu Hanpeng , Liu Ziwen , Yang Yuming , Miao Jun , Wang Bingjin , Yang Cao
Published: May 2024

Study Design:

We constructed finite element (FE) models of the cervical spine consisting of C2-C7 and predicted the biomechanical effects of different surgical procedures and instruments on adjacent segments, internal fixation systems, and the overall cervical spine through FE analysis.

Objective:

To compare the biomechanical effects between zero-profile device and cage-plate device in skip-level multistage anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data:

ACDF is often considered as the standard treatment for degenerative cervical spondylosis. However, the selection of surgical methods and instruments in cases of skip-level cervical degenerative disc disease is still controversial.

Methods:

Three FE models were constructed, which used noncontiguous 2-level Zero-P (NCZP) devices for C3/4 and C5/6, a noncontiguous 2-level cage-plate (NCCP) for C3/4 and C5/6, and a contiguous 3-level cage-plate (CCP) for C3/6. Simulate daily activities in ABAQUS. The range of motion (ROM), von Mises stress distribution of the endplate and internal fixation system, and intervertebral disc pressure (IDP) of each model were recorded and compared.

Results:

Similar to the stress of the cortical bone, the maximum stress of the Zero-P device was higher than that of the CP device for most activities. The ROM increments of the superior, inferior, and intermediate segments of the NCZP model were lower than those of the NCCP and CCP models in many actions. In terms of the IDP, the increment value of stress for the NCZP model was the smallest, whereas those of the NCCP and CCP models were larger. Similarly, the increment value of stress on the endplate also shows the minimum in the NCZP model.

Conclusions:

Noncontiguous ACDF with zero-profile can reduce the stress on adjacent intervertebral discs and endplates, resulting in a reduced risk of adjacent segment disease development. However, the high cortical bone stress caused by the Zero-P device may influence the risk of fractures.
Biophysical mapping of TREM2-ligand interactions reveals shared surfaces for engagement of multiple AD ligands
Authors: Greven Jessica A. , Wydra Joshua R. , Greer Rory A. , Camitta Christopher , Song Yuhua , Brett Tom J. , Alexander-Brett Jennifer M.
Published: May 2024

TREM2 is a signaling receptor expressed on microglia that has emerged as an important potential drug target for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While a number of TREM2 signaling ligands have been identified, little is known regarding the structural details of how it engages them. To better understand this, we created a protein library of 28 different TREM2 variants and 11 different sTREM2 variants that could be used to map interactions with various ligands using biolayer interferometry (BLI). The variants are located in previously identified putative binding surfaces on TREM2 called the hydrophobic site, basic site, and site 2. We found that mutations to the hydrophobic site ablated binding to apoE4, oAb42, and TDP-43. Competition binding experiments further supported that apoE4 and oAb42 share overlapping binding sites on TREM2. In contrast, binding to IL-34 was mediated by the basic site at a surface centering on R76. Competition binding experiments validated a unique site for IL-34, showing little to no competition with either oAb42 or apoE4. Altogether, our results suggest that TREM2 utilizes the hydrophobic site (consisting of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3) as a common site to engage multiple ligands, and further implies that pharmaceutical strategies targeting this surface might be effective to modulate TREM2 functions.
Role of human challenge trials (HCTs) in drug development for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Authors: Kundu Prosenjit , Quinn Mark , Christensen Jared C. , Thomas Elaine , Toussi Sima S. , Alami Negar Niki , Banerjee Anindita
Published: May 2024

Human challenge trials (HCTs) are powerful in establishing early proof-of-concept for experimental drugs and understanding disease pathogenesis. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of HCTs to understand the viral load dynamics and symptom score kinetics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to facilitate drug development for RSV. We estimated viral load (VL) and symptom related measures in placebo and relative reduction (RR) of the measures in the experimental drug using a systematic search on double-blind, placebo-controlled RSV HCTs from clinical databases. We used random-effects meta-analysis, except for time to mean peak VL and time to mean peak total symptom score (TSS), where descriptive statistics were summarized. Number of studies varied across measures, from 4 (151 subjects in total) to 7 (247 subjects in total). Overall, treatment reductions of 54% (95% CI: 32% – 76%, I2= 91%) and 76% (95% CI: 68% – 85%, I2= 19%) are observed in mean VL area under curve (AUC) and mean TSS AUC, respectively. In placebo, mean time to mean peak VL/TSS was 6.99/7.09 days (95% CI: 6.24/6.06 – 7.74/8.12 days). In comparison to other viruses in HCTs, peak VL occurs earlier for influenza (1.7 days) and at similar time for SARS-nCoV-2 (7 days), whereas peak TSS occurs earlier for influenza (2.9 days) and later for SARS-nCoV-2 (7.9 days). Our findings will inform researchers on disease course and VL kinetics, critical data needed for designing RSV treatment studies and understanding implications in clinical practice.
Multiplexed single cell transcriptomics optimizes mesodermal patterning and hemogenic endothelial output from murine embryonic stem cells
Authors: Varnum-Finney Barbara , Heck Adam M. , Srivatsan Sanjay R. , Dozono Stacey , Wellington Rachel , Nourigat-McKay Cynthia , Dignum Tessa , Trapnell Cole , Hadland Brandon
Published: May 2024

Early patterning of mesodermal precursor populations is a key step of hematopoietic development in the embryo. To better understand this process, we employed sci-Plex, a high-throughput method of measuring multiplexed perturbations at the single-cell level, to evaluate the transcriptional response of mouse embryonic stem cells subjected to a gradient of two key morphogens in early mesoderm/hematopoietic development, Activin and BMP4. sci-Plex revealed varying combinations of Activin and BMP4 temporally influenced mesoderm patterning in vitro and subsequent production of cell types reflecting their in vivo counterparts. We leveraged sci-Plex data to further optimize the generation of intraembryonic-like hemogenic endothelial cells that serve as the precursors of hematopoietic lineages, including hematopoietic stem cells. This study highlights the utility of sci-Plex to dissect how dose and temporal integration of interacting signal pathways determines cell fates and serves as a resource to analyze cell fate choices in early mesoderm patterning at single cell resolution.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Regulates Beclin-1 in Hyperoxia
Authors: Harris Zachary M. , Korde Asawari , Khoury Johad , Manning Edward P. , Stanley Gail , Sun Ying , Hu Buqu , Shin Hyeon Jun , Joerns John , Clark Brian , Placek Lindsey , Unutmaz Derya , Chun Hyung , Sharma Lokesh , Sauler Maor , Rajagopalan Govindarajan , Zhang Xuchen , Wang He , Kang Min-Jong , Koff Jonathan L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

More than 300,000 patients are placed on mechanical ventilation in the ICU annually in the United States. Many of these patients will require hyperoxia (>70% oxygen) to prevent tissue hypoxia. We have previously shown that the tyrosine kinase receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates alveolar epithelial apoptosis in hyperoxia. Mice with reduced total EGFR activity (EGFRWa5/+mice) show improved survival and reduced markers of ALI compared with WT in hyperoxia. How EGFR regulates additional cell death pathways in hyperoxia remains to be explored.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that EGFR regulates the molecule coiled-coil moesin-like BCL2-interacting protein (Beclin-1 [BCN1]), which is known to induce autophagy, in hyperoxia. Effects of 100% oxygen were studied in EGFRWa5/+mice and wildtype (WT) littermates. Mice were exposed to 100% oxygen for 24, 48, and 72 hours and compared with normoxia controls. Lungs were analyzed for BCN1 via Western blot (WB), RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. Whole-lung and cell-specific analyses were completed. The specific BCN1 phosphorylation site (p-BCN1), serine residue 91 and 94 (Ser91, −94) for mouse (Ser93, −96 for human), that regulates autophagy was examined.

Results

In WT mice, hyperoxia induced increased whole-lung BCN1 compared with normoxia via WB and RT-qPCR. Whole-lung and epithelial-specific p-BCN1 was increased compared with normoxia via IHC and flow cytometry. Hyperoxia led to increased autophagy via WB and RT-qPCR. EGFRWa5/+mice showed increased BCN1 and reduced p-/total BCN1 ratios in hyperoxia compared with WT via WB. EGFRWa5/+mice also showed increased BCN1 via RT-qPCR and decreased epithelial-specific p-/total BCN1 ratios via flow cytometry, although this did not reach statistical significance. EGFRWa5/+mice showed reduced autophagy via WB compared with WT in hyperoxia.

Conclusions

Hyperoxia induced increased whole-lung and epithelial-specific BCN1 in hyperoxia and resulted in increased autophagy. Decreased EGFR activity, which leads to improved survival in hyperoxia, resulted in decreased whole-lung p-/total BCN1 ratios and decreased epithelial-specific p-/total BCN1 ratios in hyperoxiain vivo. Because BCN1 and autophagy can regulate cell death, EGFR regulation of p-BCN1 and autophagy is a mechanism in hyperoxia with therapeutic potential.
Evolutionary rewiring of the dynamic network underpinning allosteric epistasis in NS1 of influenza A virus
Authors: Gonzales James , Kim Iktae , Hwang Wonmuk , Cho Jae-Hyun
Published: May 2024

Viral proteins frequently mutate to evade or antagonize host innate immune responses, yet the impact of these mutations on the molecular energy landscape remains unclear. Epistasis, the intramolecular communications between mutations, often renders the combined mutational effects unpredictable. Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a major virulence factor of the influenza A virus (IAV) that activates host PI3K by binding to its p85β subunit. Here, we present the deep analysis for the impact of evolutionary mutations in NS1 that emerged between the 1918 pandemic IAV strain and its descendant PR8 strain. Our analysis reveal how the mutations rewired inter-residue communications which underlies long-range allosteric and epistatic networks in NS1. Our findings show that PR8 NS1 binds to p85β with approximately 10-fold greater affinity than 1918 NS1 due to allosteric mutational effects. Notably, these mutations also exhibited long-range epistatic effects. NMR chemical shift perturbation and methyl-axis order parameter analyses revealed that the mutations induced long-range structural and dynamic changes in PR8 NS1, enhancing its affinity to p85β. Complementary MD simulations and graph-based network analysis uncover how these mutations rewire dynamic residue interaction networks, which underlies the long-range epistasis and allosteric effects on p85β-binding affinity. Significantly, we find that conformational dynamics of residues with high betweenness centrality play a crucial role in communications between network communities and are highly conserved across influenza A virus evolution. These findings advance our mechanistic understanding of the allosteric and epistatic communications between distant residues and provides insight into their role in the molecular evolution of NS1.
Circadian clock neurons use activity-regulated gene expression for structural plasticity
Authors: Lymer Seana , Patel Keyur , Lennon Jennifer , Blau Justin
Published: May 2024

Drosophilas-LNv circadian pacemaker neurons show dramatic structural plasticity, with their projections expanded at dawn and then retracted by dusk. This predictable plasticity makes s-LNvs ideal to study molecular mechanisms of plasticity. Although s-LNv plasticity is controlled by their molecular clock, changing s-LNv excitability also regulates plasticity. Here, we tested the idea that s-LNvs use activity-regulated genes to control plasticity. We found that inducing expression of either of the activity-regulated transcription factors Hr38 or Sr (orthologs of mammalian Nr4a1 and Egr1) is sufficient to rapidly expand s-LNv projections. Conversely, transiently knocking down expression of eitherHr38orsrblocks expansion of s-LNv projections at dawn. We show that Hr38 rapidly induces transcription ofsif,which encodes a Rac1 GEF required for s-LNv plasticity rhythms. We conclude that the s-LNv molecular clock controls s-LNv excitability, which couples to an activity-regulated gene expression program to control s-LNv plasticity.
Genotypic identification of polyclonal plasma cells in plasma cell dyscrasias shows an aberrant single-cell phenotype with clinical implications
Authors: Da Vià Matteo Claudio , Lazzaroni Francesca , Matera Antonio , Marella Alessio , Maeda Akhiro , Magistris Claudio De , Pettine Loredana , Fabris Sonia , Pioggia Stefania , Marchetti Alfredo , Barbieri Marzia , Lonati Silvia , Cattaneo Alessandra , Tornese Marta , Scopetti Margherita , Latifinavid Nayyer , Castellano Giancarlo , Torricelli Federica , Neri Antonino , Fokkema Cathelijne , Coupedo Tom , Lionetti Marta , Passamonti Francesco , Bolli Niccolò
Published: May 2024

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is driven by clonal plasma cell (PC)-intrinsic factors and changes in the tumorigenic microenvironment (TME). To investigate if residual polyclonal PCs (pPCs) are disrupted, single-cell (sc) RNAseq and sc B-cell receptor analysis were applied in a cohort of 46 samples with PC dyscrasias and 18 healthy donors (HDs). Out of n=213,074CD138posPCs, 42,717 were genotypically identified as pPCs. Compared to HDs, we detected quantitative and qualitative differences in pPCs of patients showing immunoparesis, where we showed a pro-inflammatory status, driven by specific cellular interactions with TME. Finally, we derived a “hPC signature” that, once inferred in the CoMMpass dataset, was predictive of PFS and OS. Our findings show that genotypic, single-cell identification of pPCs in PC dyscrasias has relevant pathogenic and clinical implications.
Knowledge identification for open innovation: a case study of biotechnology firms
Authors: Bashir Naheed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Despite the increasing studies concerning external knowledge for innovative firms or for innovations, little research demonstrates as what are those capabilities that enable firms to explore and assess high-valuable knowledge. The aim of this study is to examine those capabilities that aid innovative firms to search and identify the potential knowledge for open innovation. This study is an empirical and theoretical examination of knowledge search and identification capabilities of the UK-based biotechnology firms. The literature has been drawn from the research streams into knowledge management, open innovation and dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-five semi-structured interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers were completed, and thematic analysis using NVivo 12 was performed.

Findings

Evidence from 45 interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers in the UK-based biotechnology firms and thematic analysis was used to develop a process framework capturing the key capabilities. By identifying the role and contribution of each of the capabilities in knowledge identification in the practices of open innovation, this study contributes to open innovation and knowledge management literature.

Practical implications

Managerial implications suggest knowledge-oriented leads greatly influence the development of identification capabilities. Hence, firms with knowledge-oriented leads are better crafted approaches to achieve competitive advantages in the practices of open innovation.

Originality/value

This study offers a new theoretical perspective and empirical evidence to view knowledge identification capabilities as the dynamic capabilities. This study offers a process framework of identification capabilities.
Team mindfulness
Authors: Chatterjee Aniruddha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Modern business environments present tremendous uncertainties, risks, novelties, and opportunities. Organizational teams must identify emerging cues before they grow into full-blown issues, to adapt effectively to fast-changing environments. Team mindfulness is a socio-cognitive capability that enhances the ability to detect cues and creates richer awareness of the context. This paper proposes a conceptual model highlighting that team mindfulness directly strengthens the team’s adaptive capabilities and also enhances the absorptive capacity to learn from external sources, thereby further promoting readiness toward change and transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws from mindfulness theory and team adaptive performance theory to explore how team mindfulness influences the four dimensions of absorptive capacity related to knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and utilization, which together determine how effectively teams adapt to novelty.

Findings

This paper presents a conceptual model to show that mindfulness directly affects team learning and adaptive capabilities that are specifically related to acquiring and utilizing knowledge from sources outside the team. It suggests several measures and managerial initiatives promoting mindfulness and absorptive capacity in teams.

Originality/value

Integrating research on team mindfulness, absorptive capacity, and adaptive performance, this paper provides a starting point for deeper investigations into the mechanisms through which team mindfulness may enable teams to adapt effectively to novelty and uncertainty. Further, it calls attention to the systematic development of mindfulness in organizational teams.
Enhancing knowledge graphs with microdata and LLMs: the case of Schema.org and Wikidata in touristic information
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia Lino , González-Carreño Gema , Rivas Machota Ana María , Padilla Fernández-Vega Juan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Knowledge graphs (KGs) are structured knowledge bases that represent real-world entities and are used in a variety of applications. Many of them are created and curated from a combination of automated and manual processes. Microdata embedded in Web pages for purposes of facilitating indexing and search engine optimization are a potential source to augment KGs under some assumptions of complementarity and quality that have not been thoroughly explored to date. In that direction, this paper aims to report results on a study that evaluates the potential of using microdata extracted from the Web to augment the large, open and manually curated Wikidata KG for the domain of touristic information. As large corpora of Web text is currently being leveraged via large language models (LLMs), these are used to compare the effectiveness of the microdata enhancement method.

Design/methodology/approach

The Schema.org taxonomy was used as the source to determine the annotation types to be collected. Here, the authors focused on tourism-related pages as a case study, selecting the relevant Schema.org concepts as point of departure. The large CommonCrawl resource was used to select those annotations from a large recent sample of the World Wide Web. The extracted annotations were processed and matched with Wikidata to estimate the degree to which microdata produced for SEO might become a valuable resource to complement KGs or vice versa. The Web pages themselves can also serve as a context to produce additional metadata elements using them as context in pipelines of an existing LLMs. That way, both the annotations and the contents itself can be used as sources.

Findings

The samples extracted revealed a concentration of metadata annotations in only a few of the relevant Schema.org attributes and also revealed the possible influence of authoring tools in a significant fraction of microdata produced. The analysis of the overlapping of attributes in the sample with those of Wikidata showed the potential of the technique, limited by the disbalance of the presence of attributes. The combination of those with the use of LLMs to produce additional annotations demonstrates the feasibility of the approach in the population of existing Wikidata locations. However, in both cases, the effectiveness appears to be lower in the cases of less content in the KG, which are arguably the most relevant when considering the scenario of an automated population approach.

Originality/value

The research reports novel empirical findings on the way touristic annotations with a SEO orientation are being produced in the wild and provides an assessment of their potential to complement KGs, or reuse information from those graphs. It also provides insights on the potential of using LLMs for the task.
Information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition and supplementation in different communities of Pakistan
Authors: Ijaz Maryam , Ahmed Zaheer , Khalid Nauman
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition, food-related myths and taboos and supplementation among pregnant women in different communities of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional quantitative survey method was used in this study, which included 150 pregnant women from various locations in Lahore and Faisalabad.

Findings

Most participants were between the ages of 25 and 29, having 14 years of education. Regardless of age or number of children, all selected women had the same dietary awareness. Regarding myths and taboos, highly significant values (p = 0.001) were found in various studied variables. No significant difference was observed in knowledge level between age and number of children. It was observed that food myths and taboos significantly (p = 0.001) impact pregnant women’s dietary choices.

Research limitations/implications

This survey experienced limited representativeness; many participants provided incomplete food and nutritional information. This research was conducted in two major districts of Pakistan, i.e. Lahore and Faisalabad; therefore, the results can be generalized for a population of pregnant women living in the northeastern region of Pakistan.

Practical implications

This study can provide helpful insight for health-care professionals to improve pregnant women’s nutritional status and knowledge.

Social implications

The outcomes of this study can help guide how pregnant women might be educated and have better nutritional awareness at domestic and professional levels.

Originality/value

In Pakistan, there is a lack of research on pregnant women’s nutritional knowledge, and this research can assist health-care professionals in providing diversified knowledge to promote maternal health.
From boredom to bliss: unravelling the influence of biophilic office design on gen Z’s mental well-being and contentment
Authors: Choudhary Himani , Pandita Deepika
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the connection between biophilic workplace design and its effect on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and job contentment. The aim is to provide insights for the top management to acknowledge and implement biophilic workplaces to create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study is supported by a literature review of 45 peer-reviewed papers. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, Jstor and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria for the study are limited to articles published between 2013 and 2024. The review results provide insights into the current state of research on biophilic office spaces and their impact on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and productivity.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal how biophilic office design positively impacts the mental well-being and job contentment of Gen Z employees, leading to increased productivity. It demonstrates that being around elements of nature at work can reduce stress and enhance cognitive function, leading to increased job contentment.

Originality/value

Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic-designed offices on Gen Z employees, a cohort increasingly becoming the dominant workforce. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of biophilic design for Gen Z employees.
Uncorking the virtual frontier of wine experiences: interest drivers and potential consumers’ profile
Authors: Gastaldello Giulia , Schamel Guenter , Streletskaya Nadia , Rossetto Luca
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Virtual wine experiences (VWEs) replaced in-person wine experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to be offered by some actors. This study aims to investigate the factors driving interest in VWEs and identify relevant traits of potential consumers to help assess VWEs long-term potential.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative sample of 399 Oregon and California wine consumers answered a structured online survey. The authors combine ordered logistic regression and qualitative techniques to analyze the data.

Findings

VWEs may effectively attract potential wine consumers and tourists. High interest in VWEs is associated with strong wine involvement and intentions to visit wine regions. Digitization, aversion to travel-related risk and convenience are other relevant drivers of VWE interest. The segmentation analysis revealed that consumers with a potentially higher interest in VWE have distinct traits.

Practical implications

Wineries and wine tourism destinations could leverage VWEs to attract wine tourists and consumers. The authors discuss specific characteristics of high-interest consumers.

Originality/value

Participants in VWEs interact with hosts and explore products in real time. This engagement has long-term marketing potential for attracting them as customers or visitors. The study provides strategic information for practitioners and academics on VWE interest drivers and potential demand, which is currently missing from the literature.
Family firms in government lobbies
Authors: Onjewu Adah-Kole Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Although the outcomes arising from firms’ interaction with policymakers is a developed theme, family firms’ political credentials and lobbying remain unexplored. To ignite this discourse, the extent to which these factors influence family firms’ tax experience and perception of corruption obstacles is estimated, as well as the impact on sales performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data from Turkish family firms are examined by a structural equation model. The sample is comprised of 588 family firms spanning 12 regions.

Findings

The paths revealed that family firms’ political credentials do not inherently yield a positive tax experience. Rather, membership of a business association provides a medium to engage in lobbying activity. In turn, this leads to a more positive tax experience but also a greater exposure to corruption. Likewise, informed lobbying increases sales performance while corruption has the reverse effect.

Originality/value

The significant influences of political credentials and lobbying make a novel contribution to organisational field theory. Practically, the study appeals to family firms seeking to ease their tax experience while increasing sales and bypassing corruption.
The effect of green supply chain management practices on carbon-neutral supply chain performance: the mediating role of logistics eco-centricity
Authors: Naz Farheen , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Kazancoglu Yigit , Kumar Vikas , Upadhyay Arvind
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Using the lens of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, this study investigates the effect of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices such as green manufacturing (GM), eco-design (ED), green purchasing (GP) and investment recovery (IR) on the carbon-neutral supply chain (CNSC) performance of firms through the mediating influence of logistics eco-centricity (LE).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework that hypothesizes the relationship between GSCM practices, LE and the CNSC performance of firms is developed. Key GSCM practices are then identified using experts’ opinions. Furthermore, we collected responses from logistics companies to validate the conceptual framework using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method.

Findings

Through this study, we found that GSCM practices significantly improve a firm's CNSC performance, and the relationships between GSCM practices and CNSC performance are positively mediated by LE.

Practical implications

The implications of the study suggest that logistics managers can benefit from the findings of this study to comprehend the impact of various GSCM techniques on LE and CNSC from the viewpoint of the NRBV paradigm.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable perspectives for managers and supply chain (SC) practitioners in their quest for sustainable and environmentally responsible SC operations through an extensive and novel analysis of the connection between GSCM practices, LE and CNSC performance.
Too-much-of-a-good-thing? Is employee engagement always constructive and disengagement always destructive?
Authors: Davis Amanda S. , Van der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

An employee engagement/disengagement typology is presented to visually illustrate their possible constructive and destructive effects within the workplace, and identify some of the contextual drivers that may lead to these occurrences.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative literature review was conducted during 2020–2023 to gain a comprehensive overview of employee engagement and disengagement processes and theories since 1990. Content analysis enabled the findings to be grouped into their destructive and constructive behavioural effects to produce a new typology.

Findings

The typology shows that not all employee engagement is constructive and that not all disengagement is destructive. This more accurately reflects organisational life. Destructive employee engagement in particular, demonstrates that there can be “too-much-of-a-good-thing”.

Research limitations/implications

The typology may help inform future research designs to further understand the impact of contextual factors on both constructs, the pluralist interests involved and which interventions are likely to encourage constructive engagement and disengagement within specific contexts.

Practical implications

It is recommended that employee engagement and disengagement are incorporated into leadership and management training and that practices to foster constructive employee engagement (or permit temporary constructive disengagement to allow recovery) endorse the principles of mutuality and reciprocity. Interventions to prevent destructive employee engagement and disengagement are also advisable, particularly when there are adverse internal and external contextual issues which risk disengagement.

Originality/value

The typology is the first to classify engaged and disengaged behaviours within the workplace across two dimensions. In doing so, this helps to evaluate employee engagement and disengagement theory by challenging the normative assumptions held within these constructs. This categorisation more accurately represents both constructs and visually illustrates that within the workplace, not only is employee engagement sometimes destructive but also that sometimes disengagement is constructive. Furthermore, it demonstrates that purposive destructive employee disengagement responses may be passive or active.
Content analysis of press releases from the Norwegian serious fraud office: what do the messages say about focal concerns?
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article reviews 69 press releases published by the Norwegian Økokrim from June 2022 to November 2023. The presented research applies the theory of focal concerns to identify the main themes in the press releases.

Design/methodology/approach

Serious fraud offices such as the Norwegian national authority for investigation and prosecution of economic and environmental crime (Økokrim) are facing many challenges when combating white-collar and corporate crime. Press releases represent an element of facing such challenges, as the messages are an important vehicle for the organization to disclose organizational activities to the public.

Findings

Three themes emerged: offender conviction, impression management and crime deterrence. Offender prosecution followed by offender conviction is at the core of Økokrim's business. Impression management serves the purpose of emphasizing the important role of the national authority in society. The subjective perception of detection and prosecution by potential offenders can be influenced by crime deterrence messages.

Research limitations/implications

Press releases are signals that may be interpreted in other ways.

Practical implications

When politicians are to review national authorities, they may want a slightly different serious fraud office.

Social implications

The deterrence effect is often not real for alleged white-collar crime.

Originality/value

Understanding a national authority in terms of its focal concerns based on press releases from the authority.