bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Data Analysis of Inflammatory Conditions Associated With Optic Neuritis
Authors: Davis James B. , Henderson Amanda D. , Carey Andrew R.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Previous studies in the United States established multiple sclerosis (MS) as the most common cause of optic neuritis (ON). ON can be associated with other systemic inflammatory conditions including sarcoidosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD), and lupus; however, prospective studies to establish risk of ON associated with these diseases are lacking. Furthermore, appropriate workup for ON is still debated.

Methods:

A deidentified electronic medical record of a tertiary care academic center was searched for ON and rheumatologic/neuro-inflammatory diseases in the medical history, diagnoses, and laboratory results; followed by the intersection of ON with each condition. We calculated frequency of systemic conditions among patients with ON and prevalence of ON in those conditions. We also calculated relative risk (RR) of underlying systemic conditions among patients with ON compared with the study patient population.

Results:

In 6.7 million charts, 5,344 cases of ON were identified. Among those, MS occurred most commonly (20.6%), followed by NMOSD (10.5%). Conversely, ON occurred in 98.4% of NMOSD cases, 53.3% of MOGAD, and 10.0% of MS. NMOSD (RR = 1,233), MOGAD (RR = 688), and MS (RR = 126) had the highest RR among the conditions we evaluated. The subset analysis showed similar findings.

Conclusions:

The high RR for ON among patients with NMOSD and MOGAD suggests that clinical suspicion for ON should be high among patients with these conditions presenting with vision changes. Conversely, MS and NMOSD should initially be high on the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with optic neuritis.
Efficacy of Augmented Reality Combined with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging Guided Laparoscopic Segmentectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Dehui , Hu Haoyu , Zhang Yuwei , Wu Xiwen , Zeng Xiaojun , Yang Jian , Fang Chihua
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The internal anatomy of the liver is extremely complex. Laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy requires reference to the position and alignment of intrahepatic vascular. However, the surface of the liver lacks anatomical landmarks and the liver segment boundaries cannot be identified with the naked eye. Augmented reality navigation (ARN) and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (FI) are emerging navigation tools in liver resection. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and application value of laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy guided by ARN combined with indocyanine green FI.

STUDY DESIGN:

Ninety-eight patients who were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and underwent laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy from January 2018 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the ARN-FI group (45 patients) and the non-ARN-FI group (53 patients) based on whether ARN combined with FI was applied during the operation. The differences in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference in preoperative baseline data and postoperative complication rates between the 2 groups. Compared with the non-ARN-FI group, the ARN-FI group had much lower intraoperative blood loss (100 vs 200 mL, p = 0.005) and a lower incidence of remnant liver ischemia (13.3% vs 30.2%, p = 0.046). The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates in the ARN-FI and non-ARN-FI groups were 91.01% vs 71.15% and 70.01% vs 52.46%, respectively; the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS:

The ARN-FI technology provides a more standardized approach for liver parenchyma section during laparoscopic liver resection, effectively minimizing intraoperative blood loss, reducing postoperative remnant liver ischemia, and improving oncological prognosis. This method is safe and feasible and has good clinical application prospects.
The efficiency of varying methods and degrees of time compensation for the solar azimuth
Authors: Massy Richard , Wotton Karl R.
Published: November 2023

Daytime migrants are known to orientate using the position of the sun, compensating for its changing position throughout the day with a ‘time-compensated sun compass'. This compass has been demonstrated in many migratory species, with various degrees of accuracy for the actual movement of the sun. Here, we present a model for differing levels of compensation for the solar ephemeris that shows that a high degree of efficiency, in terms of distance travelled, can be achieved without full time compensation. In our model, compensating for the sun's position had a diminishing return with an accuracy of 80% leading to only a 2% reduction in distance travelled. We compare various modes of time compensation—full, partial, time averaged and step—revealing their directional efficiency in terms of distance travelled under an autumn migration scenario. We find that the benefit of time compensation varies with latitude, with time averaging performing very well, especially at all high latitudes, but step compensation performing better at very low latitudes. Importantly, even rudimentary adjustment can dramatically increase the efficiency of migration, which suggests an easy pathway for the independent evolution of time compensation.
The expression landscape and pangenome of long non-coding RNA in the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Glad Hanna M. , Tralamazza Sabina Moser , Croll Daniel
Published: November 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory molecules interacting in a wide array of biological processes. lncRNAs in fungal pathogens can be responsive to stress and play roles in regulating growth and nutrient acquisition. Recent evidence suggests that lncRNAs may also play roles in virulence, such as regulating pathogenicity-associated enzymes and on-host reproductive cycles. Despite the importance of lncRNAs, only a few model fungi have well-documented inventories of lncRNA. In this study, we apply a recent computational pipeline to predict high-confidence lncRNA candidates in Zymoseptoria tritici, an important global pathogen of wheat impacting global food production. We analyse genomic features of lncRNAs and the most likely associated processes through analyses of expression over a host infection cycle. We find that lncRNAs are frequently expressed during early infection, before the switch to necrotrophic growth. They are mostly located in facultative heterochromatic regions, which are known to contain many genes associated with pathogenicity. Furthermore, we find that lncRNAs are frequently co-expressed with genes that may be involved in responding to host defence signals, such as oxidative stress. Finally, we assess pangenome features of lncRNAs using four additional reference-quality genomes. We find evidence that the repertoire of expressed lncRNAs varies substantially between individuals, even though lncRNA loci tend to be shared at the genomic level. Overall, this study provides a repertoire and putative functions of lncRNAs in Z. tritici enabling future molecular genetics and functional analyses in an important pathogen.
Distinct evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB and BA.2.86/JN.1 lineages combining increased fitness and antibody evasion
Authors: Planas Delphine , Staropoli Isabelle , Michel Vincent , Lemoine Frederic , Donati Flora , Prot Matthieu , Porrot Francoise , Guivel-Benhassine Florence , Jeyarajah Banujaa , Brisebarre Angela , Dehan Océane , Avon Léa , Boland William Henry , Hubert Mathieu , Buchrieser Julian , Vanhoucke Thibault , Rosenbaum Pierre , Veyer David , Péré Hélène , Lina Bruno , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Hocqueloux Laurent , Prazuck Thierry , Simon-Loriere Etienne , Schwartz Olivier
Published: November 2023

The unceasing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 leads to the continuous emergence of novel viral sublineages. Here, we isolated and characterized XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.16.1, EG.5.1.1, EG.5.1.3, XBF, BA.2.86.1 and JN.1 variants, representing >80% of circulating variants in January 2024. The XBB subvariants carry few but recurrent mutations in the spike, whereas BA.2.86.1 and JN.1 harbor >30 additional changes. These variants replicated in IGROV-1 but no longer in Vero E6 and were not markedly fusogenic. They potently infected nasal epithelial cells, with EG.5.1.3 exhibiting the highest fitness. Antivirals remained active. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses from vaccinees and BA.1/BA.2-infected individuals were markedly lower compared to BA.1, without major differences between variants. An XBB breakthrough infection enhanced NAb responses against both XBB and BA.2.86 variants. JN.1 displayed lower affinity to ACE2 and higher immune evasion properties compared to BA.2.86.1. Thus, while distinct, the evolutionary trajectory of these variants combines increased fitness and antibody evasion.
Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation and Short-burst Interval Treadmill Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shrivastav Siddhi R. , DeVol Charlotte R. , Landrum Victoria M. , Bjornson Kristie F. , Roge Desiree , Steele Katherine M. , Moritz Chet T.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) and short-burst interval locomotor treadmill training (SBLTT) on spasticity and mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We employed a single-arm design with two interventions: SBLTT only, and tSCS + SBLTT, in four children with CP. Children received 24-sessions each of SBLTT only and tSCS + SBLTT. Spasticity, neuromuscular coordination, and walking function were evaluated before, immediately after, and 8-weeks following each intervention. Spasticity, measured via the Modified Ashworth Scale, reduced in four lower-extremity muscles after tSCS + SBLTT (1.40 ± 0.22,) more than following SBLTT only (0.43 ± 0.39). One-minute walk test distance was maintained during both interventions. tSCS + SBLTT led to improvements in peak hip and knee peak extension (4.9 ± 7.3° and 6.5 ± 7.7°), that drove increases in joint dynamic range of 4.3 ± 2.4° and 3.8 ± 8.7° at the hip and knee, respectively. Children and parents reported reduction in fatigue and improved gait outcomes after tSCS + SBLTT. Improvements in spasticity and walking function were sustained for 8-weeks of after tSCS + SBLTT. These preliminary results suggest that tSCS + SBLTT may improve spasticity while simultaneously maintaining neuromuscular coordination and walking function in ambulatory children with CP. Significance: This work provides preliminary evidence on the effects of tSCS and the combination of tSCS + SBLTT in children with CP.
Validating the efficacy and value proposition of Mental Fitness Vocal Biomarkers in a psychiatric population: prospective cohort study
Authors: Larsen Erik , Murton Olivia , Song Xinyu , Joachim Dale , Watts Devon , Kapczinski Flavio , Venesky Lindsey , Hurowitz Gerald
Published: November 2023

This study represents a practical advancement in the application of vocal biomarkers for mental health tracking in real-world settings. Through a prospective cohort study involving 104 participants from an outpatient psychiatric population, we introduced a novel “Mental Fitness Vocal Biomarker” (MFVB) score, derived from eight preselected vocal features supported by literature review. Our findings demonstrate the MFVB’s efficacy in objectively stratifying individuals based on risk for elevated mental health symptom severity using the M3 Checklist for transdiagnostic assessment (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar) as reference standard. Continuous observation over time significantly improves efficacy, yielding a risk ratio of 1.53 (1.09-2.14, p=0.0138) for single 30-second voice samples to 2.00 (1.21-3.30, p=0.0068) for 2-week aggregations, depending on MFVB score. Notably, in the highly engaged subgroup (5-6 MFVB uses per week, 38% of participants), a risk ratio of 8.50 (2.31-31.25, p=0.0013) was observed, underscoring the utility of frequent and continuous observation. Participant feedback confirmed the user-friendliness of the application and perceived benefits, highlighting the MFVB’s potential as a cost-effective, scalable, and privacy-preserving adjunct to traditional psychiatric assessments. These results establish that vocal biomarkers are a promising tool for objective mental health tracking in real-world conditions, offering personalized insights into users’ mental well-being as they engage with clinical therapy or other beneficial activities that are associated with improved mental health risks and outcomes.
A retrospective analysis of climate-based dengue virus transmission suitability and demographic changes over the last four decades
Authors: Nakase Taishi , Giovanetti Marta , Obolski Uri , Lourenço José
Published: November 2023

The geographical range and intensity of dengue virus transmission have significantly increased in recent years due to changes in climate, urbanization and human movement. Using estimates of dengue transmission suitability based on historical climate data, we analyze the effects of climate and demographic changes on the global population living in high-risk areas over the last four decades. We find that climate-related stress has been greatest in the Global South, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. Although the geographic limits of dengue transmission suitability remained relatively stable in recent years, the global population at risk within those areas has grown by approximately 1.7 billion, driven by population growth in areas with historically dengue-favorable climate conditions. While many studies focus on future changes, we provide oft-overlooked evidence towards understanding how past climate and demographic change may have shaped the current global epidemiology of dengue.

Teaser

Retrospective analysis of climate and demographic changes reveals growth in global population in high-risk DENV settings.
In children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, inflammation and neuronal damage biomarkers are associated with affective and chronic fatigue symptoms
Authors: Ridhaa Maha Abdul Saheb , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Kahlol Mohammed K. , Al-Naqeeb Tabarek Hadi , Maes Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) are vulnerable to neurotoxicity due to frequent blood transfusions and the subsequent iron overload (IO) and inflammation. As a result, affective (depression and anxiety) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms may develop.

Aims

To investigate the potential association between TDT and neuronal injury, as assessed with serum concentrations of neuronal damage biomarkers, including neurofilament light (NFL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and nestin.

Methods

We investigated the associations between those CNS injury biomarkers, neuro-immune markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10), calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc, and the Fibro-Fatigue (FF), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) scores in 126 children with TDT and 41 healthy children.

Results

TDT children show significant increases in IO, FF, CDI, and SCAS scores, serum NSE, GFAP, NF-L, CRP, copper, IL-6, and IL-10, and lowered magnesium, zinc, and calcium as compared with healthy children. There were significant correlations between the CDI score and NFL, NSE and GFAP; SCAS score and NFL, and FF score and NFL and GFAP. The neuronal damage biomarkers (except nestin) were significantly associated with inflammatory, erythron (hematocrit and hemoglobin) and IO (iron and ferritin) biomarkers.

Conclusions

TDT is characterized by intertwined increases in neuronal injury biomarkers and neuropsychiatric symptoms suggesting that TDT-associated neurotoxicity plays a role in affective symptoms and CFS due to TDT. Inflammation and neurotoxicity are novel drug targets for the prevention of affective symptoms and CFS due to TDT.
Gender based disparity in performing aortic valve surgery in the united state before availability of percutaneous valve implantation
Authors: Movahed Mohammad Reza , Soltani Arman , Hashemzadeh Mehrnoosh , Hashemzadeh Mehrtash
Published: November 2023

Background

Aortic valve surgery has been performed increasingly in high-risk patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate this trend based on gender in the United States before the availability of percutaneous aortic valve replacement.

Method

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to calculate the age-adjusted utilization rate for aortic valve surgery from 1988 to 2011 in the United States using ICD-9 coding for aortic valve surgery

Results

A total population of 258, 506 patients underwent aortic valve between 1988-2011 were available for our study over the age of 20. We found that the age-adjusted rate of aortic valve surgery gradually increased from 1988 until 2009 and stabilized thereafter with a persistently higher rate for men. For men age-adjusted rate in 1988 was 13.3 per 100,000 vs. 27.0 in year in the year 2011 per 100,000. For women, the age-adjusted rate in 1988 was 6.07 per 100,000 vs. 11.4 in year 2011 per 100.000).

Conclusion

Aortic valve surgery utilization has stabilized in recent years in both genders in the United States. However, this rate has been persistently more than double in men. The cause of this higher utilization in males needs further investigation.
Head Direction Cells and Grid Cells as the Core Components of the Core-periphery Structure
Authors: Qian Ruixin , Chen Yunxiang , Wang Tao , Wang Wei , Liu Feng
Published: November 2023

Head direction cells and grid cells are neuron types defined by their regular firing patterns in standard experimental arenas. As technology advances, we can record extensive neuronal firing activity over time using electrophysiological or calcium imaging methods. The covariance matrix is a critical measure of this neural population’s discharge activity. We developed a method to identify a core-periphery structure in the covariance matrix, highlighting the central role of grid cells and head direction cells in firing correlations. This method effectively redefines these cell types in terms of firing activity correlations, with core nodes exhibiting a higher mutual information rate for spatial variables. Additionally, we developed a periodic spring network algorithm, which uses the covariance matrix alone to estimate the spatial phases of both head direction cells and grid cells due to their periodic properties. This approach offers a new perspective on utilizing the covariance matrix of the neural population to better understand and identify these specialized cell types, even when traditional firing pattern-based definitions are challenging to apply.
Expanded detection and impact ofBAP1alterations in cancer
Authors: Sturgill Ian R. , Raab Jesse R. , Hoadley Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

Aberrant expression of theBAP1tumor suppressor gene is a prominent risk factor for several tumor types and is important in tumor evolution and progression. Here we performed integrated multi-omic analyses using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for 33 cancer types and over 10,000 individuals to identify alterations leading toBAP1disruption. We combined existing variant calls and new calls derived from ade novolocal realignment pipeline across multiple independent variant callers, increasing somatic variant detection by 41% from 182 to 257, including 11 indels ≥40bp. The expanded detection of mutations highlights the power of new tools to uncover longer indels and impactful mutations. We developed an expression-basedBAP1activity score and identified a transcriptional profile associated withBAP1disruption in cancer.BAP1has been proposed to play a critical role in controlling tumor plasticity and normal cell fate. Leveraging human and mouse liver datasets,BAP1loss in normal cells resulted in lowerBAP1activity scores and lower scores were associated with a less-differentiated phenotype in embryonic cells. Together, our expandedBAP1mutant samples revealed a transcriptional signature in cancer cells, supportingBAP1’sinfluences on cellular plasticity and cell identity maintenance.
How compromised is reproductive performance in the endangered North Atlantic right whale? A proposed method for quantification and monitoring
Authors: Frasier Timothy R. , Hamilton Philip K. , Pace Richard M.
Published: November 2023

The endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) showed limited recovery from the cessation of industrial whaling until 2011, and has since been in decline. Research is therefore focused on identifying what factors are limiting recovery and what conservation actions will be most effective. A compromised reproductive rate is one of the primary reasons for this lack of recovery, yet there is no consensus on how to quantify reproductive performance. As one potential solution, we propose a relatively simple approach where we calculate the theoretical maximum number of calves each year. Comparing this expected number to those observed provides a means to quantify the degree to which reproduction is being compromised and trends thereof over time. Implementing this approach shows that, between 1990 and 2017, the number of calves born never came close to the theoretical maximum, resulting in overall reproductive performance being only about 27% of that expected. In addition to quantifying the magnitude of the reproductive problem, this approach should also be useful for quantifying the role of reduced reproductive performance in limiting species recovery, and for aiding research programs focused on identifying what factors are compromising reproduction.
Efficient construction of Markov state models for stochastic gene regulatory networks by domain decomposition
Authors: Yousefian Maryam , Frank Anna-Simone , Weber Marcus , Röblitz Susanna
Published: November 2023

Background

The dynamics of many gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is characterized by the occurrence of metastable phenotypes and stochastic phenotype switches. The chemical master equation (CME) is the most accurate description to model such stochastic dynamics, whereby the long-time dynamics of the system is encoded in the spectral properties of the CME operator. Markov State Models (MSMs) provide a general framework for analyzing and visualizing stochastic multistability and state transitions based on these spectral properties. Until now, however, this approach is either limited to low-dimensional systems or requires the use of high-performance computing facilities, thus limiting its usability.

Results

We present a domain decomposition approach (DDA) that approximates the CME by a stochastic rate matrix on a discretized state space and projects the multistable dynamics to a lower dimensional MSM. To approximate the CME, we decompose the state space via a Voronoi tessellation and estimate transition probabilities by using adaptive sampling strategies. We apply the robust Perron cluster analysis (PCCA+) to construct the final MSM. Measures for uncertainty quantification are incorporated. As a proof of concept, we run the algorithm on a single PC and apply it to two GRN models, one for the genetic toggle switch and one describing macrophage polarization. Our approach correctly identifies the number and location of metastable phenotypes with adequate accuracy and uncertainty bounds. We show that accuracy mainly depends on the total number of Voronoi cells, whereas uncertainty is determined by the number of sampling points.

Conclusions

A DDA enables the efficient computation of MSMs with quantified uncertainty. Since the algorithm is trivially parallelizable, it can be applied to larger systems, which will inevitably lead to new insights into cell-regulatory dynamics.
Preserving functional network structure under anesthesia in the marmoset monkey brain
Authors: Ortiz-Rios Michael , Sirmpilatze Nikoloz , König Jessica , Boreitus Susann
Published: November 2023

Initiatives towards acquiring large-scale neuroimaging data in non-human primates promise improving translational neuroscience and cross-species comparisons. Crucial among these efforts is the need to expand sample sizes while reducing the impact of anesthesia on the functional properties of brain networks. Yet, the effects of anesthesia on non-human primate brain networks remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that isoflurane anesthesia induces a variety of brain states in the marmoset brain with dramatically altered functional connectivity profiles. As an alternative, we recommend using a continuous infusion of the sedative medetomidine, supplemented with a low concentration of isoflurane. With this protocol, we observed robust visual activation during flickering light stimulation and identified resting-state networks similar to the awake state. In contrast, isoflurane alone led to a suppressed visual activation and the absence of awake-like network patterns. Comparing states using a graph-theoretical approach, we confirmed that the structure of functional networks is preserved under our proposed anesthesia protocol but is lost using isoflurane alone. We believe that the widespread adoption of this protocol will be a step towards advancing translational neuroscience initiatives in non-human primate neuroimaging. To promote the shared use of neuroimaging resources, we share our datasets on the Marmoset connectome project.

Highlights

Medetomidine combined with isoflurane is an effective protocol for driving visual BOLD responses compared to isoflurane-only anesthesia.

Independent component analysis revealed similar resting-state networks for medetomidine-isoflurane anesthesia and awake states.

The structure of resting-state networks was maintained under medetomidine-isoflurane but lost under isoflurane-only anesthesia.
GABAergic circuits reflect different requirements for emergent perception in postnatal mouse neocortex
Authors: Ghezzi Filippo , Baruchin Liad J. , Ha Ngoc T. , Shah-Ostrowski Mark J. , Chama Alessandra G. Ciancone , Stacey Jacqueline A. , Butt Simon J.B.
Published: November 2023

Information transfer in the mammalian cerebral cortex is dependent on locally-projecting GABAergic interneuron circuits that are widely assumed to be uniform across neocortical areas. We demonstrate that this does not hold true during the highly dynamic period of postnatal life prior to the onset of active sensory exploration. During this time, a subset of interneuron defined by expression of the neuropeptide somatostatin differentially contribute to sensory-evoked activity in primary somatosensory and visual cortices. This functional divergence between the two areas is explained by differences in the composition of somatostatin interneuron subtypes and the transient circuits formed by these cells; the somatosensory circuit representing an adaptation to control early neonatal touch information. Understanding such area-dependent differences will promote our endeavours to understand the aetiology of developmental psychiatric disorders.

Summary Sentence

Cortical circuits are adapted to the local information processing demands of the developing brain
Characterization of methylation status of the nuclear hormone receptorDAX-1in human cancer
Authors: Riedstra Caroline P. , Heskett Michael B. , Tzagarakis-Foster Christina
Published: November 2023

The orphan receptor DAX-1 plays an essential role in human development, steroid hormone synthesis and the maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Recent studies have demonstrated DAX-1 is involved in cancer development, and, depending on the specific cancer type, has a negative or positive effect on cancer growth. In order to better understand the mechanism ofDAX-1gene regulation in various cancer cell lines, the epigenetic regulation ofDAX-1was investigated. Following confirming levels of DAX-1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, the overall methylation status of theDAX-1gene was probed using methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme analysis. To determine the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation of theDAX-1gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified key methylating proteins that localize to specific CpG islands in theDAX-1promoter. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that methylation of key cytosine residues in CpG islands within theDAX-1promoter play a central role in regulatingDAX-1expression and varying degrees of methylation result in differences inDAX-1expression in human cancer cell lines.
Is there a nexus between NFT, DeFi and carbon allowances during extreme events?
Authors: Ghosh Bikramaditya , Gubareva Mariya , Zulfiqar Noshaba , Bossman Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The authors target the interrelationships between non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi) and carbon allowances (CA) markets during 2021–2023. The recent shift of crypto and DeFi miners from China (the People's Republic of China, PRC) green hydro energy to dirty fuel energies elsewhere induces investments in carbon offsetting instruments; this is a backdrop to the authors’ investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantile vector autoregression (VAR) approach is employed to examine extreme-quantile-connectedness and spillovers among the NFT Index (NFTI), DeFi Pulse Index (DPI), KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF price (KRBN) and the Solactive Carbon Emission Allowances Rolling Futures Total Return Index (SOLCARBT).

Findings

At bull markets, DPI is the only consistent net shock transmitter as NFTI transmits innovations only at the most extreme quantile. At bear markets, KRBN and SOLCARBT are net shock transmitters, while NFTI is the only consistent net shock receiver. The receiver-transmitter roles change as a function of the market conditions. The increases in the relative tail dependence correspond to the stress events, which make systemic connectedness augment, turning market-specific idiosyncratic considerations less relevant.

Originality/value

The shift of digital asset miners from the PRC has resulted in excessive fuel energy consumption and aggravated environmental consequences regarding NFTs and DeFi mining. Although there exist numerous studies dedicated to CA trading and its role in carbon print reduction, the direct nexus between NFT, DeFi and CA has never been addressed in the literature. The originality of the authors’ research consists in bridging this void. Results are valuable for portfolio managers in bull and bear markets, as the authors show that connectedness is more intense under such conditions.
Career planning and turnover intention: a moderated moderation model of career plateau and risk-taking propensity
Authors: Ng Chin Tung Stewart , Chen Hsien-Chun , Chen I-Heng , Wu Chieh-Yin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article aims to examine the boundary conditions of the relationship between career planning and turnover intention and the joint moderating effects of career plateau and risk-taking propensity on the relationships between career plateau and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this paper is collected from 231 employees from Taiwanese organizations with more than four years of work experience.

Findings

The results indicate that career plateau significantly moderates the relationships between career planning and turnover intention. The relationships between career planning and turnover intention are weaker when career plateau and risk-taking propensity are low in the three-way interaction effect.

Originality/value

The article examined the moderated moderation model of career planning and turnover intention using career plateau and risk-taking propensity as moderators.
Mahesh Foundation – care for the uncared
Authors: Bapat Gautam Surendra , Nerlekar Varsha Shriram
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this case study are to identify the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in social upliftment of developing countries, understand the functioning of NGOs, understand the challenges faced by the NGOs in day-to-day operations and discuss the probable solutions for the same, appreciate the role of leader and leadership in an NGO, study the working style of NGO leaders, appreciate the importance of having a formal organizational structure for these informal organizations (NGOs) to ensure the sustainability of their ventures and design a sustainable organization structure having a proper succession plan for the NGOs.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study is about one NGO – Mahesh Foundation – located in a small town named Belagavi, nestled in the state of Karnataka, India. Mahesh Foundation worked towards the upliftment of poor children infected with HIV. Today, fighting against all odds, Mahesh Foundation is a safe shelter home for 45 HIV-infected children in the age group of 6–18 years and has reached more than 2,000 beneficiaries from the time of its inception (2008). In addition, Mahesh Foundation also provides skill-based education to the HIV-infected, slum and underprivileged children. The foundation also supported the livelihood of underprivileged women and till date has supported more than 1,500 needy women. Mr Mahesh Jadhav, the founder member of Mahesh Foundation, has been successful in overcoming different challenges faced by the NGO, may it be the requirement for funds or shelters or social agitation. However, Jadhav was worried about the succession planning of his organisation. Mahesh Foundation, being run as a one-man show, Jadhav was bothered about its sustainability after him. The case study therefore highlights and discusses the importance of having a formal organization structure for such informal organizations, thereby having a proper succession plan to ensure their perpetual existence.

Complexity academic level

This case study is best taught as part of a graduate and postgraduate Business Administration (BBA/MBA) programme, Management Development Programme or Executive MBA Programme.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Livestock Wealth: crowd farming for wealth creation
Authors: Bowen Amanda , Beswick Claire , Thomson Richard
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this case study, students should be able to apply lessons learned in core readings, analysis and discussion to a specific case study dealing with a current, real-world situation, specifically: critically assess Livestock Wealth’s case facts and present and justify their point of view – based on attentive reading, critical analysis and engagement – about the company; use a range of strategic tools such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, PESTLE analysis and the Ansoff matrix to thoroughly evaluate Livestock Wealth’s internal and external business environment for developing strategic options for business growth and improvements to marketing strategy; use strategic thinking to develop a range of creative solutions to guide the company’s business growth and improvements to marketing strategy; and assess their own growth and development in terms of personal preparation and organisation, collaboration, critical thinking, decision-making skills, participation and problem-solving.

Case overview/synopsis

By February 2022, Ntuthuko Shezi, the founder and chief executive officer of Livestock Wealth, had turned his idea of “crowd farming”, which enables anyone to invest in living farm assets and earn a profit at harvest, into a full-fledged business that was creating wealth for both investors and farmers. Underpinning this case study is Shezi’s vision of an African continent where there is “no ground that is not planted with something of value”, local economies are created in those areas, communities are wealthy, there is abundance, there is money for children to attend school and ultimately where “cows (and agricultural produce in general) are seen as money”. Shezi had grown up in a rural area with grandparents who owned a couple of cows, realizing that the cows were the bedrock of the family’s finances. Describing his business, he says, “Cattle are like a walking bank, and we see ourselves as the bank of the future, where every person who owns a cow can access financial services through Livestock Wealth, just like it has always been in Africa.” This case study describes the two key decisions that Shezi needed to make – what direction to take in terms of business growth and how to improve his marketing strategy (with a limited budget) to attract sufficient investment into Livestock Wealth to make his dreams a reality.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for use for a post-graduate diploma in business, master of business administration or master’s in management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Do emissions reduction initiatives improve financial performance? Empirical analysis of moderating factors
Authors: Issa Ayman
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, it explores potential moderating variables, such as corporate social responsible (CSR) strategy and corporate governance practices, that may strengthen the link between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is conducted using 1,740 firm-year observations from UK firms listed on the FTSE 350. Data on carbon emissions and firm-specific characteristics are obtained from the Refinitiv Eikon database for the period 2011–2020. Various econometric techniques, including ordinary least squares and system generalized method of moments, are used to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, alternative samples are used to further explore this relationship.

Findings

The author observes a significantly positive association between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance in this study. Additionally, the significance of this relationship is found to be present specifically after the announcement of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, a channel analysis reveals that moderating factors like CSR strategy and corporate governance quality influence this relationship.

Practical implications

The study underscores the importance of carbon reduction initiatives for sustainable business growth and financial performance. Managers can use these insights to prioritize investments in sustainable practices. Policymakers should consider implementing supportive regulations to incentivize companies to adopt carbon reduction strategies.

Originality/value

This study adds value to the existing body of literature by empirically examining the moderating role of CSR strategy and best corporate governance practices in the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how these factors interact and influence the outcomes.
CEO vs. celebrity: the effect of streamer types on consumer engagement in brands' self-built live-streaming
Authors: Wei Keshan (Sara) , Xi Wanyu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

With the development of social media, live-streaming has become an indispensable marketing activity for firms, especially in China. From the initial cooperation with the influencer, firms begin to create their own live-streaming channel, namely, the brands' self-built live-streaming. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of consumer engagement in the brands' self-built live-streaming.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises two experimental studies. Study 1 examined the effect of streamer types (CEO vs. celebrity) on consumer engagement. Study 2 investigated the moderating effects of product innovativeness.

Findings

Results showed that CEO streamers could enhance consumer engagement by increasing consumers' cognitive trust, and celebrity streamers could enhance consumer engagement by increasing consumers' emotional trust. In addition, consumer engagement was higher for really new products (vs. incremental new products) in CEO streamers' (vs. celebrity streamers') live-streaming.

Originality/value

Compared with previous studies that focused on streamers based on the influencer marketing, this study expands the scope of research on the live-streaming ecosystem by exploring the effect of different streamer types on the brands' self-built live-streaming. By investigating consumer engagement, this study gives implications for the sustainable traffic issue in live-streaming e-commerce.
Civic education and the pedagogy of sports films
Authors: McClure Donald R. , Halvorsen Anne-Lise , Thomas III Daniel J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study explores the value of sports films for engaging youth in issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty. The authors analyze how two sports films, 42 and Battle of the Sexes, have pedagogical potential and value in secondary social studies methods classes, as well as what criteria educators might use when selecting films (and television series) for classroom use.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the authors respond to the following questions: (1) What critical themes related to civic education surface in the sports films 42 and Battle of the Sexes? and (2) What framework might guide the use of selecting sports films and sports film clips for educators' civic educational use?

Findings

Five themes surfaced in the films 42 and Battle of the Sexes: economics as a force for social change; racism and anti-Blackness, athletes as more than athletes, resisting oppression, and sexism and homophobia. Instruction related to these themes has the potential to engage students in critical, awareness-based approaches to civic education.

Originality/value

Sports films show promise for engaging youth due to their interests in the medium of film and in sports, both as participants and spectators. Across the world, athletes face questions and issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty on courts, fields, tracks and rinks, These questions and issues are deeply embedded in civic education. This study is among the first of its kind to explore the pedagogical potential of sports films.
Barnes & Noble, Inc.: charting the growth strategy
Authors: Bodhanwala Shernaz , Sanghvi Vandita
Published: November 2023

Research methodology

The case is written based on publicly available data from primary sources like the company’s annual reports and presentations and from secondary sources, as indicated in the references.

Case overview/synopsis

Barnes & Noble Inc. (B&N), one of the oldest and largest American retail booksellers founded in 1917, was facing a grim business situation underpinned by a fall in demand, a change in consumer preference and stiff competition. After almost a century of being in the business, B&N was experiencing a fall in market share and weak stock market performance. In 2019, the company was sold to Elliot Advisors – a hedge fund – for US$638m. With the appointment of new chief executive officer (CEO) James Daunt in August 2019, a man known for the turnaround of similar businesses, B&N expected its business’s revival and reorganization strategy to turn profitable. Its long-term strategy of beating competitors with its offerings’ sheer volume and low prices was no longer viable. The turmoil was compounded by top management crises with the repeated changes and ousting of several CEOs in a short span, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Daunt was considering how to overcome the crisis and act fast to reposition the company and regain the loyalty of its customers. Was there more that the company could do to improve the company’s position and restore profitability?

Complexity academic level

The case can be used in strategic management and entrepreneurship classes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The case can be used in an investment analysis and management course to teach students the industry analysis technique using Porter’s five forces model.
Lower urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio predicted all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in Chinese population with diabetes and prediabetes—The Shanghai Changfeng cohort study
Authors: Chen Lingyan , Wu Li , Li Qian , Ma Hui , Liu Ting , Li Jing , Pan Baisheng , Hu Yu , Lin Huandong , Gao Xin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Elevated urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) was associated with increased mortality in general population and diabetic patients. However, whether the association remains similar in the subjects with different status of glucose metabolism was unclear. The optimal level of UACR in predicting mortality also remained unknown. This study aims to investigate the relationship between UACR with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in population with different status of glucose metabolism and explore the predictive cutoff point of UACR.

Methods

Six thousand three hundred and eighty‐six community‐dwelling individuals aged ≥45 years were enrolled and followed for an average of 5.3 years. Cox proportional hazards model was performed to analysis the association of baseline UACR and all‐cause as well as cardiovascular mortality according to the status of glucose metabolism. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to explore the optimal predictive cutoff point of UACR.

Results

With UACR increasing, both the prevalence of all‐cause and cardiovascular death increased. Cox analyses showed baseline UACR independently predicted the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in the patients with prediabetes mellitus (pre‐DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) but not in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). When divided by quartiles of UACR, the cumulative survival rate decreased acrossing the quartiles. Compared to the subjects with lowest quartile of UACR, participants with UACR ≥7.40 mg/gCr had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality, and participants with UACR ≥16.60 mg/gCr had an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in all hyperglycemia subjects. The optimal predictive cutoff point of UACR was about 17 mg/gCr.

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Conclusion

UACR was an independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in population with pre‐DM and DM but not in the subjects with NGT. The optimal predictive cutoff point of UACR is about 17 mg/gCr, which was far below the diagnostic cutoff point of microalbuminuria. Earlier interventions of albuminuria should be initiated from very early stage of hyperglycemia to reduce the burden of death in all patients whose glucose metabolism are impaired.
The Future of Work and U.S. Public Opinion on Noncompete Law: Evidence from a Conjoint Experiment
Authors: Dinkel Christopher P.
Published: November 2023

Although policymakers have recently shown a keen interest in noncompete reform, a gap exists in the literature concerning what the U.S. public's preferences are regarding noncompetes. Therefore, this article presents the empirical findings of a nationally‐representative survey of the American public on the noncompete law governing employees. Based on the results of a conjoint experiment within the survey, this article finds that the U.S public prefers that noncompetes be used to protect any types of confidential information, rather than simply customer lists or employee training investments. Additionally, the findings do not show clear support either for or against noncompete exemptions based on an employee's earnings level. However, this article finds that the U.S. public prefers a noncompete exemption for physicians, a shorter maximum duration for the noncompete period, and a legal mandate that departing employees subject to noncompetes receive some compensation from the employer during the noncompete period. Consequently, this article argues that employers should engage in greater self‐regulation if they would like to mitigate the risk not only that legislators will respond to public sentiment favoring more employee‐friendly policies by enacting a total or near‐total ban on noncompetes, but also that judges will find the noncompetes to be unreasonable.