bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining development inStreptomycesbacteria: integrating exploration into the classical sporulating life cycle
Authors: Shepherdson Evan M.F. , Elliot Marie A.
Published: August 2023

Two growth modes have been described for the filamentousStreptomycesbacteria. Their classic developmental life cycle culminates in the formation of dormant spores, where movement to new environments is mediated through spore dispersal. In contrast, exploratory growth proceeds as a rapidly expanding vegetative mycelium that leads to extensive surface colonization and is associated with the release of volatile compounds that promote alkalinization (and reduced iron bioavailability) of its surrounding environment. Here we report that exploratory growth can proceed in tandem with classic sporulating development in response to specific nutritional cues. Sporulating exploration is not accompanied by a rise in environmental pH but has the same iron acquisition requirements as conventional exploration. We found that mutants that were defective in their ability to sporulate were unaffected in exploration, but mutants undergoing precocious sporulation were compromised in their exploratory growth and this appeared to be mediated through premature activation of the developmental regulator WhiI. Cell envelope integrity was also found to be critical for exploration, as mutations in the cell envelope stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function sigma factor SigE led to a failure to explore robustly under all exploration-promoting conditions. Finally, in expanding the known exploration-promoting conditions, we discovered that the model speciesStreptomyces lividansexhibited exploration capabilities, supporting the proposal that exploration is broadly conserved throughout the streptomycetes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Streptomycesbacteria have evolved diverse developmental and metabolic strategies to thrive in dynamic environmental niches. Here, we report the amalgamation of previously disparate developmental pathways, showing that colony expansion via exploration can proceed in tandem with colony sporulation. This developmental integration extends beyond phenotype to include shared genetic elements, with sporulation-specific repressors being required for successful exploration. Comparing this new exploration mode with previously identified strategies has revealed key differences (e.g. no need for environmental alkalinization), and simultaneously allowed us to define unifying requirements forStreptomycesexploration. The ‘reproductive exploration’ phenomenon reported here represents a unique bet-hedging strategy, with theStreptomycescolony engaging in an aggressive colonization strategy while transporting a protected genetic repository.
ACD15, ACD21 and SLN regulate accumulation and mobility of MBD6 to silence genes and transposable elements
Authors: Boone Brandon A. , Ichino Lucia , Wang Shuya , Gardiner Jason , Yun Jaewon , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , Sha Jihui , Mendoza Cristy P. , Steelman Bailey J. , van Aardenne Aliya , Kira-Lucas Sophia , Trentchev Isabelle , Wohlschlegel James A. , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: August 2023

DNA methylation mediates silencing of transposable elements and genes in part via recruitment of the Arabidopsis MBD5/6 complex, which contains the methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins MBD5 and MBD6, and the J-domain containing protein SILENZIO (SLN). Here we characterize two additional complex members: α-crystalline domain containing proteins ACD15 and ACD21. We show that they are necessary for gene silencing, bridge SLN to the complex, and promote higher order multimerization of MBD5/6 complexes within heterochromatin. These complexes are also highly dynamic, with the mobility of complex components regulated by the activity of SLN. Using a dCas9 system, we demonstrate that tethering the ACDs to an ectopic site outside of heterochromatin can drive massive accumulation of MBD5/6 complexes into large nuclear bodies. These results demonstrate that ACD15 and ACD21 are critical components of gene silencing complexes that act to drive the formation of higher order, dynamic assemblies.

One-Sentence Summary

Arabidopsis ACD21 and ACD15 drive accumulation of MBD5/6 complex silencing assemblies at methyl-CG sites and recruit SLN to maintain protein mobility in these assemblages.
Accurate and fast graph-based pangenome annotation and clustering with ggCaller
Authors: Horsfield Samuel T. , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Croucher Nicholas J. , Lees John A.
Published: August 2023

Bacterial genomes differ in both gene content and sequence mutations, which underlie extensive phenotypic diversity, including variation in susceptibility to antimicrobials or vaccine-induced immunity. To identify and quantify important variants, all genes within a population must be predicted, functionally annotated, and clustered, representing the “pangenome.” Despite the volume of genome data available, gene prediction and annotation are currently conducted in isolation on individual genomes, which is computationally inefficient and frequently inconsistent across genomes. Here, we introduce the open-source software graph-gene-caller (ggCaller). ggCaller combines gene prediction, functional annotation, and clustering into a single workflow using population-wide de Bruijn graphs, removing redundancy in gene annotation and resulting in more accurate gene predictions and orthologue clustering. We applied ggCaller to simulated and real-world bacterial data sets containing hundreds or thousands of genomes, comparing it to current state-of-the-art tools. ggCaller has considerable speed-ups with equivalent or greater accuracy, particularly with data sets containing complex sources of error, such as assembly contamination or fragmentation. ggCaller is also an important extension to bacterial genome-wide association studies, enabling querying of annotated graphs for functional analyses. We highlight this application by functionally annotating DNA sequences with significant associations to tetracycline and macrolide resistance inStreptococcus pneumoniae, identifying key resistance determinants that were missed when using only a single reference genome. ggCaller is a novel bacterial genome analysis tool with applications in bacterial evolution and epidemiology.
Chemogenetic activation of the ventral subiculum–BNST pathway reduces context fear expression
Authors: Kopaeva Leeza , Yakimov Alexandrina , Urien Louise , Bauer Elizabeth P.
Published: August 2023

An inability to reduce fear in nonthreatening environments characterizes many anxiety disorders. The pathway from the ventral subiculum (vSUB) to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is more active in safe contexts than in aversive ones, as indexed by FOS expression. Here, we used chemogenetic techniques to specifically activate the vSUB–BNST pathway during both context and cued fear expression by expressing a Cre-dependent hM3D(Gq) receptor in BNST-projecting vSUB neurons. Activation of the vSUB–BNST pathway reduced context but not cued fear expression. These data suggest that the vSUB–BNST pathway contributes to behavioral responses to nonaversive contexts.
How country image of an exporting country buffers against the impact of food safety incidents on consumer trust and purchase intention: an experimental study
Authors: Feng Ningning , Zhang Airong , van Klinken Rieks Dekker , Cui Lijuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The present experimental study aims to investigate when a food safety incident occurs, how country image influences consumers' trust and purchase intention, as well as the relationship between trust and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (N = 1,590) were randomly allocated into one of the eight conditions [(country competence: high vs low) × (country warmth: high vs low) × (clean green image: high vs low)], read the corresponding country image descriptions, and rated measures on trust in food safety and quality, and purchase intention of fruit imported from this exporting country before and after reading a fictional food safety incident scenario.

Findings

Results showed that the food safety incident led to a significant decrease in trust and purchase intention across all conditions. However, trust in food safety and quality, and purchase intention were still higher in high competence, warmth or clean green image conditions. The decreased magnitude of trust in food safety was larger when country competence and clean green image was high, and when country warmth was low. Food safety incident caused purchase intention to become more dependent on trust in food safety than food quality.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel insight into the impacts of food safety incidents on consumers' responses in different country image contexts including the human-related and environment-related dimensions.
Sustainable and circular practices in the hotel industry in Southern Italy: opportunities, barriers and trends in food waste management
Authors: Lagioia Giovanni , Amicarelli Vera , Strippoli Rossana , Bux Christian , Gallucci Teodoro
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The hotel industry is one of the leading producers of waste worldwide, and more than one-third of that waste is food. The purpose of this study is to investigate hotel managers' awareness of sustainable and circular practices, with a focus on their attitude toward and perception of food waste in Apulia, Southern Italy. The region has a tourist vocation, accounts for 3.3 million tourists per year and plays a key role in the Italian tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to ten hotel managers located in Apulia. In light of the Checkup Tool Speditivo, a sustainability score indicates managers' awareness of and attitude toward sustainability and circularity, distinguishing between “beginner” (0–25 points), “concerned” (26–50 points), “proactivist” (51–75 points) and “sustainable” (76–100 points). The results have been analyzed using descriptive statistic tools.

Findings

The average sustainability score indicating the level of awareness of sustainable and circular practices among hotel managers in Apulia was 84, whereas the average score associated with their attitude toward food waste management strategies was 65. The greater the number of stars, the higher the sustainability scores. However, the greater the number of rooms, the lower the attitude toward food waste management strategies.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the main opportunities, barriers and trends in the field of food waste management, highlighting the food commodities which are wasted the most and proposing further strategies to improve circularity and sustainability in hotels. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first on such topics in Southern Italy and could represent the basis for future research on the topic.
Difficulties and challenges in the modernization of a production cell with the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies
Authors: Contieri Pedro G.S. , Hassui Amauri , Santa-Eulalia Luis A. , Sigahi Tiago F.A.C. , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Anholon Rosley
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The heterogeneous character of Industry 4.0 opens opportunities for studies to understand the difficulties and challenges found in the transformation process of manufacturers. This article aims to present a critical analysis of the modernization process of an Industry 3.0 automated cell into a fully autonomous cell of Industry 4.0. The objective is to elucidate the difficulties found in this transition process and the possible ways to overcome the challenges, focusing on the management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, the needed steps for the technology transition were defined and the main I4.0 enabling technologies were applied, such as the application of machine learning algorithms to control quality parameters in milling.

Findings

The main challenges found were related to the obsolescence of the equipment present in the cell, challenges in data integration and communication protocols, in addition to the training of people who work actively in the project team. The difficulties faced were discussed based on similar studies in the literature and possible solutions for each challenge.

Originality/value

This understanding of possible barriers in the modernization process, and the step-by-step defined for this transition, can be important references for professionals working in manufacturing industries and researchers who aim to deepen their studies in this important and disruptive stage of world industrialization.
The State Railway of Siam and the origin of tourism public relations in Thailand (1917–1941)
Authors: Tantivejakul Napawan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the origin of tourism public relations (PR) in Thailand as practiced by the State Railway of Siam (SRS) prior to the Second World War when rail travel was still a new form of transportation in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study approach is documentary research involving an in-depth examination of both published and unpublished documents of a special collection of the SRS archives conducted in a fact-based and descriptive manner.

Findings

In the first half of the 20th century, a period of global economic uncertainty, the SRS performed the role of the government's PR division, with one of its important tasks being to promote travel and tourism in the country among both Thais and foreigners. The SRS incorporated the use of PR materials including advertisements, films, guidebooks, speeches, events, pre-arranged press activities and sales promotions in its activities. The current study explores the SRS's strategies employed in the creation of integrated and place communication campaigns to promote its train service and tourism throughout Thailand via its railway network.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study reveal the PR efforts carried out by the SRS, which utilized a variety of communication tools in tourism promotion. This can lead to a better understanding of global tourism PR history and more specifically the development of tourism PR in Thailand and throughout South-East Asia.

Practical implications

The results add to the body of knowledge of how integrated marketing communication, place branding and professional PR activities evolved in Thailand.

Originality/value

The research fills a gap in the history of tourism PR and its relation to broader social and economic structures in Siam prior to the 21st century. It also reveals the little explored topic of how the railway engaged in historical path of PR practices and how they relate to a country's specific PR development outside of the highly researched U.S. context.
Analysis of automated guided vehicles performance based on process mining techniques
Authors: Ramos-Soto Alejandro , Dacal-Nieto Angel , Martín Alcrudo Gonzalo , Mosquera Gabriel , Areal Juan José
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Process mining has emerged in the last decade as one of the most promising tools to discover and understand the actual execution of processes. This paper addresses the application of process mining techniques to analyze the performance of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) in one of the Body in White circuits of the factory that Stellantis has in Vigo, Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Standard process mining discovery and conformance algorithms are applied to analyze the different AGV execution paths, their lead times, main sources and identify any unexpected potential situations, such as unexpected paths or loops.

Findings

Results show that this method provides very useful insights which are not evident for logistics technicians. Even with such automated devices, where the room for decreased efficiency can be apparently small, process mining shows there are cases where unexpected situations occur, leading to an increase in circuit times and different variants for the same route, which pave the road for an actual improvement in performance and efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence of the usefulness of applying process mining in manufacturing processes. Practical applications of process mining have traditionally been focused on processes related to services and management, such as order to cash and purchase to pay in enterprise resource planning software. Despite its potential for use in industrial manufacturing, such contributions are scarce in the current state of the art and, as far as we are aware of, do not fully justify its application.
Mutual funds marketing: a hybrid review and framework development
Authors: Thakker Niket , Kalro Hitesh , Joshipura Mayank , Mishra Prashant
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines current dynamics, consolidates current knowledge, elicits trends, identifies and analyzes primary research clusters, and offers future research directions for mutual fund marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Using bibliographic information from the SCOPUS database, this study used sequential bibliometric (143 documents) and content analyses (37 documents). Bibliometric analysis aids descriptive analysis and science mapping, while content analysis facilitates identifying and analyzing research clusters and provides future research directions.

Findings

The study identifies publication trends, the most relevant authors, and journal articles and unveils the knowledge structures of the field. Analysis of bibliographic coupling reveals the following significant clusters: (1) socially responsible investing and investor preferences, (2) investor factors and traits and investment decisions; (3) external factors, mutual funds' performance and proxy information; (4) the role of disclosures and ratings in shaping investment choices, and (5) cognitive biases, information processing errors and investor behavior. Finally, it offers future research directions.

Research limitations/implications

Using different databases, bibliometric analysis tools, study periods or article screening criteria for the study might yield different results. However, this study's significant findings are robust to such alternatives.

Practical implications

This study summarizes primary clusters and identifies gaps in the current literature, which helps scholars, practitioners, regulators and policymakers understand the nuances of mutual funds marketing. Future studies may focus on the role of online and offline integration, using neuroscience for data m and contemporary investment behavior models.

Originality/value

This is the first study to apply a two-stage sequential hybrid review of articles published over the last decade in high-quality journals, enabling an analysis of the depth and breadth of mutual funds marketing research.
The impact of international money transfer cost transparency on remittance flows to emerging economies
Authors: Gurira Primrose
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of cost transparency introduced by the Remittance Prices Worldwide (RPW) online transaction cost comparison tool on remittance inflows of remittance recipient countries in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel fixed-effect model was employed to test the hypothesis focussing on the period five years before and five years after the adoption of the RPW tool. Macroeconomic determinants of international remittances were also included in the model, and the study focused on 115 emerging economies.

Findings

The econometric results reveal that financial development, gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation encourage remittance inflows, whereas interest rate and age dependency ratio discourage remittances. Political stability and migrant stock seem not to influence remittances flowing into emerging markets.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence corroborates the hypothesis that an increase in cost transparency boosts remittance flows. The findings suggest cost transparency is another lever for policymakers to target in boosting remittance flows.
Situated rationalities in response to institutional complexity: the role of management accounting practices
Authors: de Oliveira Fabiano Siqueira , Mendonça Neto Octávio Ribeiro de , Oyadomari Jose Carlos Tiomatsu , Wanderley Claudio de Araújo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how management accounting practices act as drivers of organizational change in situations of institutional complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was carried out in a small company with a strongly rooted social culture, which was acquired by a large conglomerate and underwent a process of strategic change as part of a new control logic. Based on this, the study analyzes the evolution of this change, with a particular focus on the efforts to construct the meaning of the performance through the inscription of objects from the cultural system to which it is attached and the “situated rationality” of the managers who are involved in its production.

Findings

The authors show how managers link their own concepts of performance to accounting practices. At the same time, the authors show how accounting practices unfold through representational gaps that their production generates.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges that bias may arise from reliance on retrospective views of past processes and events, gathered primarily through interviews, documentation and observations.

Practical implications

This study highlights that the way in which the performance concept is presented by accounting practices can have a constructive effect on the organization through the aspirations that its representations entail, thus having the potential to stimulate change in organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the organizational literature by clarifying that accounting practices drive change by providing spaces for debates and questions that affect the way organizations understand and report their performance.
Reduce supply chain financing risks through supply chain integration: dual approaches of alleviating information asymmetry and mitigating supply chain risks
Authors: Qiao Ruilei , Zhao Lindu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Information asymmetry and poor solvency caused by uncertainties in supply chains are the root causes of supply chain financing risks (SCFR). The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of supply chain integration on reducing SCFR by incorporating the mechanisms of information sharing and controlling supply chain risks (SCR).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes hypothesis to discuss the impact of integration on SCFR and the mediating roles of alleviating information asymmetry and mitigating SCR, aiming at discovering factors and mechanisms to reduce SCFR. The research model was validated by applying structural equation modeling on survey data from 321 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

Integration significantly reduces SCFR by dual approaches of information sharing and mitigating SCR, confirming that alleviating information asymmetry to reach information transparency and controlling SCR to reduce uncertainties facilitate less SCFR.

Research limitations/implications

SMEs should enhance integration capability to reduce SCFR as it greatly influences the evaluation of financial service providers on SMEs and the sustainable financing capacity of SMEs. Additionally, any other methods that can improve information sharing and reduce SCR should be attached if possible.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering attempt to analyze the impact of integration on reducing SCFR by exploring the specific mechanisms of alleviating information asymmetry and mitigating SCR. Meanwhile, few prior empirical studies have highlighted the importance of SCFR.
Machiavellian leadership in organisations: a review of theory and research
Authors: Liyanagamage Nilupulee , Fernando Mario
Published: August 2023

Purpose

During the past decade, there has been a steep increase in the scholarly literature on Machiavellian leadership. However, no systematic literature review has been conducted to synthesise, analyse and identify the trends, tensions and gaps in Machiavellian leadership. Therefore, the authors examine empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2000, with an impact factor of Q2 or above in the SCImago ranking list. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the systematic literature review approach, a review protocol was developed to define the focus of the study, the search strategy and the criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies in the review process. The authors developed a keyword search query using terms “Machiavellian” OR “Dark Triads” and “leadership”. The authors’ search was limited to publications in the English language and with the search terms in either the abstract or keywords of the publication. The review consisted of 576 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles, out of which 53 articles were selected for the final analysis.

Findings

The analysis reveals how the unidimensional nature of most studies and limited contextual and ontological orientations curtail the development of the relational perspective of Machiavellian leadership. The authors propose a way forward, new insights and opportunities for future research in the field.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic literature review on Machiavellian leadership. Although the research in Machiavellian leadership is reaching a stage of maturity, this review exposes limitations and gaps in research.
Hierarchical sliding mode-based adaptive fuzzy control for uncertain switched under-actuated nonlinear systems with input saturation and dead-zone
Authors: Yue Shuai , Niu Ben , Wang Huanqing , Zhang Liang , Ahmad Adil M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the issues of adaptive fuzzy control for a category of switched under-actuated systems with input nonlinearities and external disturbances.

Design/methodology/approach

A control scheme based on sliding mode surface with a hierarchical structure is introduced to enhance the responsiveness and robustness of the studied systems. An equivalent control and switching control rules are co-designed in a hierarchical sliding mode control (HSMC) framework to ensure that the system state reaches a given sliding surface and remains sliding on the surface, finally stabilizing at the equilibrium point. Besides, the input nonlinearities consist of non-symmetric saturation and dead-zone, which are estimated by an unknown bounded function and a known affine function.

Findings

Based on fuzzy logic systems and the hierarchical sliding mode control method, an adaptive fuzzy control method for uncertain switched under-actuated systems is put forward.

Originality/value

The “cause and effect” problems often existing in conventional backstepping designs can be prevented. Furthermore, the presented adaptive laws can eliminate the influence of external disturbances and approximation errors. Besides, in contrast to arbitrary switching strategies, the authors consider a switching rule with average dwell time, which resolves control problems that cannot be resolved with arbitrary switching signals and reduces conservatism.
Early preservice teachers' development of social studies inquiry projects
Authors: McParker Matthew C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Preservice teachers (PSTs) typically have few opportunities to observe social studies instruction in PSTs' elementary field placements. To practice effective integration as a pathway to include more social studies instruction, PSTs developed a unit plan based on inquiry during an undergraduate methods course. The purpose of this study was to explore what scaffolds were effective in PSTs' development of social studies inquiry projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a multiple case study approach, examining initial submissions, feedback and resubmissions as PSTs developed PSTs' inquiry projects. The data were analyzed with an eye on PSTs' ability to plan a unit according to the four dimensions of the C3 Framework's inquiry arc (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013).

Findings

The author analyzed data related to PSTs’ area of highest need from PSTs' initial submissions: staging the task, formative tasks and resources. PSTs were able to develop inquiry projects after being supported in their (1) organization, (2) clarity, (3) alignment and (4) developmental appropriateness.

Originality/value

This study shows that novice teachers can create high-quality social studies learning experiences in elementary school when provided appropriate supports (in this case, feedback about organization, clarity, alignment and developmental appropriateness). With the tools to develop such projects, new teachers may be able to increase the amount of social studies taught in elementary classrooms.
Application of natural fining agents to clarify fruit juices
Authors: Shirvani Atefe , Mirzaaghaei Marzieh , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein
Published: August 2023

The consumption of fruit juices has been increasingly growing all over the world. The clarification process is considered as one of the most important stages in fruit juice production, which can provide the products with desired clear visual appearance. Nowadays, the tendency of consumers to use the natural‐clarified fruit juices encourages the researchers to allocate much attention on utilization of natural clarifying agents to clarify different fruit juices. This review article has first introduced the most frequent causes of turbidity in fruit juices including polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, starch, and pectic substances), proteins and polyphenols (especially tannins) as well as their removal mechanisms. After that, a comprehensive summary of research on natural fining agents, including clay minerals, polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes (free and immobilized forms), and activated carbon is provided with a focus on their application in the juice clarification process. The chemical composition of natural substances, their efficiency on reduction of turbidity‐causing compounds and the changes in properties of clarified juices such as turbidity (clarity), total phenolic content, total anthocyanins, viscosity, and sensory evaluation followed by their stability during the storage have been deeply discussed.
Postmortem genetic testing in sudden unexplained death: A public health laboratory experience
Authors: Rohrer Charles T. , Lager Angela M. , Brooks Erin G. , Horner Vanessa L.
Published: August 2023

Sudden unexplained death in the young poses a diagnostically challenging situation for practicing autopsy pathologists, especially in the absence of anatomic and toxicological findings. Postmortem genetic testing may identify pathogenic variants in the deceased of such cases, including those associated with arrhythmogenic channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is a state‐run public health laboratory which performs postmortem genetic testing at no cost to Wisconsin medical examiners and coroners. The current study examines sequencing data from 18 deceased patients (ages 2 months to 49 years, 5 females) submitted to WSLH, from 2016 to 2021. Panel‐based analysis was performed on 10 cases, and whole exome sequencing was performed on the most recent 8 cases. Genetic variants were identified in 14 of 18 decedents (77.8%), including 7 with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (38.9%). Whole exome sequencing was more likely to yield a positive result, more variants per decedent, and a larger number of variants of uncertain significance. While panel‐based testing may offer definitive pathogenic variants in some cases, less frequent variants may be excluded. Whole exome testing may identify rare variants missed by panels, but increased yield of variants of uncertain significance may be difficult to interpret. Postmortem genetic testing in young decedents of sudden unexplained death can provide invaluable information to autopsy pathologists to establish accurate cause and manner of death and to decedent's relatives to allow appropriate management. A public health laboratory model may be a financially advisable alternative to commercial laboratories for medical examiner's/coroner's offices.
Clinical and laboratory predictors and prevalence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in patients with Whipple's disease
Authors: Gregorio Virginia , Albrizio Alessandra , Maimaris Stiliano , Scalvini Davide , Scarcella Chiara , Cambieri Patrizia , Biagi Federico , Schiepatti Annalisa
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare and potentially fatal infectious disease caused by Tropheryma whipplei. It is characterized by a long prodromal phase that mimics a rheumatological disease, often leading to immunosuppressant treatment. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is currently the most important complication of WD, requiring prompt recognition and treatment as it can be fatal. However, epidemiological data on IRIS are scarce. We aimed to identify the clinical and laboratory predictors of IRIS at WD diagnosis and to evaluate whether the prevalence of IRIS has changed over time.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with WD (mean age 52 ± 11 years; 10 females) were followed up between January 2000 and December 2021. Clinical and laboratory data at WD diagnosis were retrospectively collected and compared among patients who developed IRIS and those who did not.

Results

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 33.4 ± 11.8 mm/h vs 67.1 ± 26.3 mm/h, P < 0.01), platelet (PLT; 234 × 109/L vs 363 × 109/L, P < 0.01), and body mass index (22.0 ± 2.0 kg/m2 vs 19.8 ± 3.0 kg/m2, P = 0.04) differed significantly between patients who subsequently developed IRIS and those who did not. ROC analysis identified ESR ≤46 mm/h (AUROC 0.88, 95% CI 0.72–1.00) and PLT ≤ 327 × 109/L (AUROC 0.85, 95% CI 0.70–1.00) as optimal cut‐off values to discriminate WD patients at a high risk of developing IRIS. Prevalence of IRIS remained stable (22.2%) over time.

Conclusions

Low ESR and PLT count at diagnosis help identify WD patients at high risk of developing IRIS. Instead, a greater inflammatory response suggests a lower risk of IRIS. Prevalence of IRIS did not change over two decades.
The physiologic complexity of beat‐to‐beat blood pressure is associated with age‐related alterations in blood pressure regulation
Authors: Jiang Xin , Mang Xiaoying , Zhou Huiting , Chen Jingmei , Tan Huiying , Ren Huixia , Huang Baofeng , Zhong Lilian , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Manor Brad , Guo Yi , Zhou Junhong
Published: August 2023

The fluctuations in resting‐state beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP) are physiologically complex, and the degree of such BP complexity is believed to reflect the multiscale regulation of this critical physiologic process. Hypertension (HTN), one common age‐related condition, is associated with altered BP regulation and diminished system responsiveness to perturbations such as orthostatic change. We thus aimed to characterize the impact of HTN on resting‐state BP complexity, as well as the relationship between BP complexity and both adaptive capacity and underlying vascular characteristics. We recruited 392 participants (age: 60–91 years), including 144 that were normotensive and 248 with HTN (140 controlled‐ and 108 uncontrolled‐HTN). Participants completed a 10‐min continuous finger BP recording during supine rest, then underwent measures of lying‐to‐standing BP change, arterial stiffness (i.e., brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity), and endothelial function (i.e., flow‐mediated vasodilation). The complexity of supine beat‐to‐beat systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP was quantified using multiscale entropy. Thirty participants with HTN (16 controlled‐HTN and 14 uncontrolled‐HTN) exhibited orthostatic hypotension. SBP and DBP complexity was greatest in normotensive participants, lower in those with controlled‐HTN, and lowest in those in uncontrolled‐HTN (p < 0.0005). Lower SBP and DBP complexity correlated with greater lying‐to‐standing decrease in SBP and DBP level (β = −0.33 to −0.19, p < 0.01), greater arterial stiffness (β = −0.35 to −0.18, p < 0.01), and worse endothelial function (β = 0.17–0.22, p < 0.01), both across all participants and within the control‐ and uncontrolled‐HTN groups. These results suggest that in older adults, BP complexity may capture the integrity of multiple interacting physiologic mechanisms that regulate BP and are important to cardiovascular health.
Alterations of lipid‐mediated mitophagy result in aging‐dependent sensorimotor defects
Authors: Oleinik Natalia , Albayram Onder , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Atilgan F. Cansu , Walton Chase , Karakaya Eda , Kurtz John , Alekseyenko Alexander , Alsudani Habeeb , Sheridan Megan , Szulc Zdzislaw M. , Ogretmen Besim
Published: August 2023

The metabolic consequences of mitophagy alterations due to age‐related stress in healthy aging brains versus neurodegeneration remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ceramide synthase 1 (CerS1) is transported to the outer mitochondrial membrane by the p17/PERMIT transporter that recognizes mislocalized mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) via 39‐FLRN‐42 residues, inducing ceramide‐mediated mitophagy. P17/PERMIT‐CerS1‐mediated mitophagy attenuated the argininosuccinate/fumarate/malate axis and induced d‐glucose and fructose accumulation in neurons in culture and brain tissues (primarily in the cerebellum) of wild‐type mice in vivo. These metabolic changes in response to sodium‐selenite were nullified in the cerebellum of CerS1to/to (catalytically inactive for C18‐ceramide production CerS1 mutant), PARKIN−/− or p17/PERMIT−/− mice that have dysfunctional mitophagy. Whereas sodium selenite induced mitophagy in the cerebellum and improved motor‐neuron deficits in aged wild‐type mice, exogenous fumarate or malate prevented mitophagy. Attenuating ceramide‐mediated mitophagy enhanced damaged mitochondria accumulation and age‐dependent sensorimotor abnormalities in p17/PERMIT−/− mice. Reinstituting mitophagy using a ceramide analog drug with selenium conjugate, LCL768, restored mitophagy and reduced malate/fumarate metabolism, improving sensorimotor deficits in old p17/PERMIT−/− mice. Thus, these data describe the metabolic consequences of alterations to p17/PERMIT/ceramide‐mediated mitophagy associated with the loss of mitochondrial quality control in neurons and provide therapeutic options to overcome age‐dependent sensorimotor deficits and related disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Neurophysiological error processing and addiction self‐awareness correlates of reduced insight in cannabis use disorder
Authors: Macatee Richard J. , Schermitzler Brandon S. , Minieri Jessica B. , Moeller Scott J. , Afshar Kaveh , Preston Thomas J.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) prevalence has increased, while perceived risks of cannabis use and CUD treatment need have decreased. Chronic cannabis use may also impair the neural and behavioral mechanisms of insight, further hampering treatment‐seeking. This study aimed to measure whether CUD is characterized by reduced self‐monitoring in drug‐related contexts (objectively‐assessed insight), subserved by functional neural abnormalities in error‐processing and manifested clinically as decreased awareness of the need to change.

Design

Case–control laboratory study was used.

Setting

University setting was in Alabama, USA.

Participants

There were 42 CUD participants and 47 age‐, sex‐, and nicotine use‐matched controls.

Measurements

Participants completed a probabilistic choice task, adapted for the first time for CUD, in which they selected pleasant, unpleasant, neutral, and cannabis‐related images according to their preference. Reduced versus accurate insight was operationalized as the correspondence between self‐reported and actual most chosen image type. Neurophysiological error‐processing during an inhibitory control task was recorded using electroencephalography. Participants with CUD completed measures of cannabis problem recognition and motivation to change.

Findings

Compared with controls, the CUD group made significantly more cannabis selections on the choice task (mean difference [MD] = 8.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] [4.88 11.35], p < 0.001) and had significantly reduced insight into cannabis choice (odds ratio [OR] = 9.69, 95% CI [1.06 88.65], p = 0.04). CUD participants with reduced insight on the choice task had significantly decreased neurophysiological reactivity to errors on the inhibitory control task (error‐related negativity) compared with CUD participants with accurate insight (MD = 2.64 μV, 95% CI [0.74 μV 4.54 μV], p = 0.008) and controls (MD = 4.05 μV, 95% CI [1.29 μV 6.80 μV], p = 0.005). Compared with CUD participants with accurate insight on the choice task, CUD participants with reduced insight reported significantly less agreement that they had a cannabis problem (MD = ‐5.06, 95% CI [−8.49–1.62], p = 0.003).

Conclusions

People with CUD who show reduced insight on a drug‐related choice task may also have decreased early neural error‐processing and less cannabis problem recognition.
Physicians' assessment of complications after gynecological surgery in Sweden: The GYNCOM survey
Authors: Collins Elin , Liv Per , Strandell Annika , Ehrström Sophia , Pålsson Mathias , Darelius Anna , Magarakis Leonidas , Idahl Annika
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Complications after gynecological surgery in Sweden are registered in the well‐established Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery, GynOp. The aim of this study was to analyze interrater reliability in assessing complications according to the methods in GynOp, and to explore physicians' perceptions of registering complications.

Material and methods

A digital survey was sent to gynecologists and residents in gynecology in Sweden. Participating clinics were recruited through the Swedish network for national clinical studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology, SNAKS. Twenty fictional cases, intended to represent normal postoperative course, failure to cure, and varying degrees of complications, were developed by the research group. The clinical scenarios included abdominal and laparoscopic surgery of the uterus and adnexa, vaginal hysterectomies, as well as hysteroscopy. The respondents graded each case on the presence of a complication (yes/no). Type of complication, severity, and what action the complication required according to Clavien‐Dindo was registered if a complication was acknowledged, according to the method in GynOp. Interrater reliability and the opinions of the respondents were presented descriptively. More than 80% of respondents making the same assessment was considered as agreement.

Results

The response rate was 41%, with 104 responding physicians from 16 gynecological clinics. Type and severity of complication was considered relevant to register by 88% and 89% of respondents, respectively. Agreement on whether the case described a complication was >80% in 85% (17/20) of cases and agreement using the Clavien‐Dindo classification was >90% in 80% (16/20) of cases. There was high agreement in assessments of classically severe complications, such as pulmonary embolism and ureteral damage, in both presence of complication and severity, as well as Clavien‐Dindo (>90% for all methods). Cases with agreement <80% on whether the case described a complication were bordering between normal postoperative course and minor complication.

Conclusions

This study provides validation for the methods used to register complications after gynecological surgery according to the GynOp register, including the use of Clavien‐Dindo in gynecology. However, the results indicate a need to define what should be considered symptoms inherent to each type of surgery.
Generalized joint hypermobility and the risk of pregnancy‐related pelvic girdle pain: Is body mass index of importance?—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ahlqvist Kerstin , Bjelland Elisabeth Krefting , Pingel Ronnie , Schlager Angela , Peterson Magnus , Olsson Christina B. , Nilsson‐Wikmar Lena , Kristiansson Per
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects approximately 50% of pregnant women. The mechanisms are multifactorial but not fully understood. Women with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) may be vulnerable to load in the pelvic joints during pregnancy. Our aim was to investigate if women with GJH had an increased risk of PGP and higher pain intensity during and after pregnancy, compared with women with normal joint mobility. We also studied if body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy influenced that risk.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort study of 356 women, whose data were collected by self‐reports and clinical examinations in early and in late pregnancy and 9 months after childbirth. GJH was present with ≥5/9 points on the Beighton score. PGP was defined by a pain drawing and ≥1 positive test. Pain intensity was measured with a visual analogue scale (0–100 mm). We adjusted for age and origin in logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results

In early pregnancy, 47.1% of the women with GJH had PGP vs 32.6% of women with normal joint mobility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–3.62) and had higher odds of reporting higher pain intensity (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.02–4.07). The odds of PGP were highest for women with GJH and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR 6.88; 95% CI 1.34–35.27) compared with women with normal joint mobility and BMI <25 kg/m2. The estimated associations were weaker and not statistically significant in late pregnancy or after childbirth.

Conclusions

Women with GJH did not have an increased risk of PGP during or after pregnancy but reported higher pain intensity in early pregnancy compared with women with normal joint mobility. Since women with combined GJH and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had the highest odds of PGP in early pregnancy, our results may suggest that health care needs to pay attention to and develop methods to reduce the risk of PGP and delay the onset of pain during pregnancy in women with this combination.
The role of leader favoritism, unfairness, and employability in employee psychological withdrawal behavior
Authors: Shamsudin Faridahwati Mohd , Bani‐Melhem Shaker , Abukhait Rawan , Pillai Rekha , Quratulain Samina
Published: August 2023

Given the adverse consequences of destructive leadership at work, we examine leader favoritism prevalent in contemporary organizations. Our study builds on previous research on unethical leadership behaviors and extends social exchange theory by assessing whether leader favoritism contributes to employee psychological withdrawal behavior at work and whether perceived unfairness explains this link, addressing a gap in the literature on this topic. In addition, we investigate the condition of perceived employability to seek whether the influence of perceived unfairness due to leader favoritism on psychological withdrawal behavior at work is strengthened when employees think they can secure alternative employment elsewhere. The study utilizes a two‐wave data collection approach to gather responses from 206 front end customer service employees working in the hospitality and tourism firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study findings offer empirical support for the proposed mediated moderation model. Specifically, the results demonstrate that leader favoritism directly, indirectly (via perceived unfairness), and positively influence employee withdrawal behaviors. This influence is stronger among employees who believe they can easily find alternative employment options. Our findings highlight the relevance of incorporating social exchange theory into the unethical leadership behaviors and withdrawal behaviors literature and provide valuable insights for managers into how to mitigate the practice of leader favoritism because of its adverse consequences on employees' work attitudes and behavior.