bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Favipiravir for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019; a propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Alattar Rand A. , Abdalla Shiema , Abdallah Tasneem A.K. , Kazman Rashid , Qadmour Aseelah , Ibrahim Tawheeda B. H. , Alhariri Bassem , Shaar Shahd H. , Bajwa Abeer , Alimam Abeir B. , Qazi Rabia , Ben Abid Fatma , Daghfal Joanne , Eldeeb Ali M. , Shukri Kinda , Elsayed Ahmed , Rustom Fatima , Alsamawi Musaed , Abdelmajid Alaaeldin , Basulto Miguel A. P. , Cobian Armando A. R. , Abukhattab Mohamed , Almaslamani Muna A. , Alkhal Abdullatif , Omrani Ali S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated clinical outcomes of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodsPatients who between 23 May 2020 and 18 July 2020 received ≥24 hours of favipiravir were assigned to the favipiravir group, while those who did not formed the non-favipiravir group. The primary outcome was 28-day clinical improvement, defined as two-category improvement from baseline on an 8-point ordinal scale. Propensity scores (PS) for favipiravir therapy were used for 1:1 matching. Cox regression was used to examine associations with the primary endpoint.ResultsThe unmatched cohort included 1,493 patients, of which 51.7% were in the favipiravir group, and 48.3% were not receiving supplemental oxygen at baseline. Favipiravir was started within a median of 5 days from symptoms onset. Significant baseline differences between the two unmatched groups existed, but not between the PS-matched groups (N = 774). After PS-matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion with 28-day clinical improvement (93.3% versus 92.8%, P 0.780), or 28-day all-cause mortality (2.1% versus 3.1%, P 0.360). Favipiravir was associated with more viral clearance by day 28 (79.8% versus 64.1%, P <0.001). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, favipiravir therapy was not associated 28-day clinical improvement (adjusted hazard ratio 0.978, 95% confidence interval 0.862 –1.109, P 0.726). Adverse events were common in both groups, but the 93.9% were Grades 1–3.ConclusionFavipiravir therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia is well tolerated but is not associated with an increased likelihood of clinical improvement or reduced all-cause mortality by 28 days.
Increased Brain Volumetric Measurement Precision from Multi-Site 3D T1-weighted 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Correcting Geometric Distortions
Authors: Nanayakkara Nuwan D. , Arnott Stephen R. , Scott Christopher J.M. , Solovey Igor , Liang Shuai , Fonov Vladimir S. , Gee Tom , Broberg Dana N. , Haddad Seyyed M.H. , Ramirez Joel , Berezuk Courtney , Holmes Melissa , Adamo Sabrina , Ozzoude Miracle , Theyers Athena , Sujanthan Sujeevini , Zamyadi Mojdeh , Casaubon Leanne , Dowlatshahi Dar , Mandzia Jennifer , Sahlas Demetrios , Saposnik Gustavo , Hassan Ayman , Swartz Richard H. , Strother Stephen C. , Szilagyi Gregory M. , Black Sandra E. , Symons Sean ,   ONDRI Investigators, Bartha Robert 
Published: November 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner-specific geometric distortions may contribute to scanner induced variability and decrease volumetric measurement precision for multi-site studies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether geometric distortion correction increases the precision of brain volumetric measurements in a multi-site multi-scanner study. Geometric distortion variation was quantified over a one-year period at 10 sites using the distortion fields estimated from monthly 3D T1-weighted MRI geometrical phantom scans. The variability of volume and distance measurements were quantified using synthetic volumes and a standard quantitative MRI (qMRI) phantom. The effects of geometric distortion corrections on MRI derived volumetric measurements of the human brain were assessed in two subjects scanned on each of the 10 MRI scanners and in 150 subjects with cerebrovascaular disease (CVD) acquired across imaging sites.Geometric distortions were found to vary substantially between different MRI scanners but were relatively stable on each scanner over a one-year interval. Geometric distortions varied spatially, increasing in severity with distance from the magnet isocenter. In measurements made with the qMRI phantom, the geometric distortion correction decreased the standard deviation of volumetric assessments by 35% and distance measurements by 42%. The average coefficient of variance decreased by 16% in gray matter and white matter volume estimates in the two subjects scanned on the 10 MRI scanners. Geometric distortion correction using an up-to-date correction field is recommended to increase precision in volumetric measurements made from MRI images.
Mammalian octopus cells are direction selective to frequency sweeps by synaptic sequence detection
Authors: Lu Hsin-Wei , Smith Philip , Joris Philip 
Published: November 2021

SummaryOctopus cells are remarkable projection neurons of the mammalian cochlear nucleus, with extremely fast membranes and wide frequency tuning. They are considered prime examples of coincidence detectors but are poorly characterized in vivo. We discover that octopus cells are selective to frequency sweep direction, a feature that is absent in their auditory nerve inputs. In vivo intracellular recordings reveal that direction selectivity does not derive from cross-channel coincidence detection but hinges on the amplitudes and activation sequence of auditory nerve inputs tuned to clusters of “hotspot” frequencies. A simple biophysical model of octopus cell excited with real nerve spike trains recreates direction selectivity through interaction of intrinsic membrane conductances with activation sequence of clustered inputs. We conclude that octopus cells are sequence detectors, sensitive to temporal patterns across cochlear frequency channels. The detection of sequences rather than coincidences is a much simpler but powerful operation to extract temporal information.
Fast maturation of splenic dendritic cells upon TBI is associated with FLT3/FLT3L signaling
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Zhenghui , Chandrasekar Akila , Li Shun , Ludolph Albert , Boeckers Tobias , Huber-Lang Markus , Roselli Francesco , Heuvel Florian olde 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSystemic inflammatory consequences remain a significant burden after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with almost all organs affected. The spleen is connected with the brain by autonomic innervation and by soluble mediators, and the cross-talk between brain and spleen may be important to establish the systemic inflammatory response to TBI. Ethanol intoxication, the most common comorbidity of TBI, is posited to influence the peripheral inflammatory response either directly or through the brain-spleen cross-talk. Here we show that TBI causes a substantial change in transcription of genes associated with dendritic cells activation in the spleen, in particular a FLT3/FLT3L induction 3h after TBI, which was enhanced by EI. The FLT3L induction was associated with the phosphorylation of FLT3 receptor in CD11c+ dendritic cells, which enhanced the protein synthesis of a subset of mRNAs, as shown by the increase in pS6, peIF2A levels in dendritic cells. This corresponded to the upregulation of proteins associated with maturation process and immunostimulatory properties such MHC-II, LAMP1 and CD68, and of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα. Notably, EI enhanced the maturation of dendritic cells. However, whereas TBI decreases expression of the adrenergic 2b receptors on dendritic cells, EI increased it, thus augmenting the chances of cross-talk regulation of immune function by the autonomic system. In conclusion, this data indicates that TBI induces a fast maturation of the immunomodulatory functions of dendritic cells which is associated by FLT3/FLT3L signaling and which is enhanced by EI prior to TBI.
Increased expression of viral sensor MDA5 in pancreatic islets and in hormone-negative endocrine cells in recent onset type 1 diabetic donors
Authors: Nigi Laura , Brusco Noemi , Grieco Giuseppina E. , Fignani Daniela , Licata Giada , Formichi Caterina , Aiello Elena , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Krogvold Lars , Jorgensen Knut Dahl , Sebastiani Guido , Dotta Francesco 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe interaction between genetic and environmental factors determines the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Some viruses are capable of infecting and damaging pancreatic β-cells, whose antiviral response could be modulated by specific viral RNA receptors and sensors such as Melanoma Differentiation Associated gene 5 (MDA5), encoded by the IFIH1 gene. MDA5 has been shown to be involved in pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory outcomes, thus determining the response of pancreatic islets to viral infections. Although the function of MDA5 has been previously well explored, a detailed immunohistochemical characterization of MDA5 in pancreatic tissues of non-diabetic and T1D donors is still missing. In the present study we used multiplex immunofluorescence imaging analysis to characterize MDA5 expression and distribution in pancreatic tissues obtained from 22 organ donors (10 non-diabetic autoantibody-negative, 2 autoantibody-positive, 8 recent-onset and 2 long-standing T1D).In non-diabetic control donors, MDA5 was expressed both in α- and in β-cells. The colocalization rate imaging analysis showed that MDA5 was preferentially expressed in α-cells.In T1D donors, we observed an increased colocalization rate MDA5-glucagon respect to MDA5-insulin in comparison to non-diabetic controls; such increase was more pronounced in recent onset respect to long standing T1D donors. Of note, an increased colocalization rate MDA5-glucagon was found in insulin-deficient-islets (IDI) respect to insulin containing islets (ICI).Strikingly, in T1D donors we detected the presence of MDA5-positive/hormones-negative endocrine islet-like clusters, putatively deriving from dedifferentiation or neogenesis phoenomena. These clusters were exclusively identified in recent onset donors and not detected in autoantibody-positive non-diabetic or T1D long-standing ones.In conclusion, we showed that MDA5 is preferentially expressed in α-cells and its expression is increased in recent onset T1D donors. Finally, we observed that MDA5 may also characterize the phenotype of dedifferentiated or newly forming islet cells, thus opening to novel roles for MDA5 in pancreatic endocrine cells.
Structural and functional organization of visual responses in the inferior olive of larval zebrafish
Authors: Felix Rita , Markov Daniil A , Renninger Sabine L. , Tomás Raquel , Laborde Alexandre , Carey Megan R , Orger Michael B , Portugues Ruben 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe olivo-cerebellar system plays an important role in vertebrate sensorimotor control. According to a classical theory of cerebellar cortex, the inferior olive (IO) provides Purkinje cells with error information which drives motor learning in the cerebellum. Here we investigate the sensory representations in the IO of larval zebrafish and their spatial organization. Using single-cell labeling of genetically identified IO neurons we find that they can be divided into at least two distinct groups based on their spatial location, dendritic morphology, and axonal projection patterns. In the same genetically targeted population, we recorded calcium activity in response to a set of visual stimuli using 2-photon imaging. We found that most IO neurons showed direction selective and binocular responses to visual stimuli and that functional properties were spatially organized within the IO. Light-sheet functional imaging that allowed for simultaneous activity recordings at the soma and axonal level revealed tight coupling between soma location, axonal projections and functional properties of IO neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that anatomically-defined classes of inferior olive neurons correspond to distinct functional types, and that topographic connections between IO and cerebellum contribute to organization of the cerebellum into distinct functional zones.
Mechanism of FtsZ assembly dynamics revealed by filament structures in different nucleotide states
Authors: Ruiz Federico M. , Huecas Sonia , Santos-Aledo Alicia , Prim Elena A. , Andreu José M. , Fernández-Tornero Carlos 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTreadmilling protein filaments perform essential cellular functions by growing from one end while shrinking from the other, driven by nucleotide hydrolysis. Bacterial cell division relies on the primitive tubulin homolog FtsZ, a target for antibiotic discovery that assembles into single treadmilling filaments that hydrolyse GTP at an active site formed upon subunit association. We determined high-resolution filament structures of FtsZ from the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in complex with different nucleotide analogues and cations, including mimetics of the ground and transition states of catalysis. Together with mutational and biochemical analyses, our structures reveal interactions made by the GTP γ-phosphate and Mg2+ at the subunit interface, a K+ ion stabilizing loop T7 for co-catalysis, new roles of key residues at the active site and a nearby crosstalk area, and rearrangements of a dynamic water shell bridging adjacent subunits upon GTP hydrolysis. We propose a mechanistic model that integrates nucleotide hydrolysis signalling with assembly-associated conformational changes and filament treadmilling. Equivalent assembly mechanisms may apply to more complex tubulin and actin cytomotive filaments that share analogous features with FtsZ.
Identification of susceptibility loci for adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in the Japanese population: A web-based genome-wide association study
Authors: Nogawa Shun , Kanamori Hajime , Tokuda Koichi , Kawafune Kaoru , Chijiiwa Miyuki , Saito Kenji , Takahashi Shoko 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly worldwide. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, mRNA-based vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b1) and Moderna (mRNA-1273) have been widely used worldwide, including in Japan. Various adverse events after COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations have been reported, with differences observed among individuals. However, the analysis on the genetic background for susceptibility to side effects has been limited. In the present work, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for self-reported adverse events of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in 4,545 Japanese individuals and identified 14 associated loci. Among these, 6p21 was associated with 37.5°C or higher fever, 38 °C or higher fever, and muscle pain. Our results may enable one to prepare for and manage side effects by knowing their susceptibility to the occurrence of adverse events. Furthermore, we obtained valuable data that can lead to the understanding of the mechanism of action of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
How does group-buying website quality for social commerce affect repurchase intention? Evidence from Chinese online users
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Zhao Hong , Wang Zongshui 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe success of social commerce group-buying information system (IS) is not a simple accumulation of functions, but a complex process of system integration that makes it difficult to design a high-quality website to improve the conversion rate of users has become a top priority for online companies. The purpose of this study is to further improve the IS success model to adapt to the new research scenarios and explore the boundary conditions between different satisfaction and repurchase intention.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the users who have used the group-buying website quality for social commerce in the last 6 months are the objects of this study. Finally, 436 valid data were collected by questionnaire survey and analyzed by Smart PLS.FindingsThe results indicate that the four dimensions of website quality enhance consumers' economic satisfaction and social satisfaction, except that the path of system quality and social satisfaction is not significant. Economic satisfaction and social satisfaction also have a significant positive effect on repurchase intentions. Besides, the interactive effect of customer involvement and economic satisfaction has no significant impact on repurchase intention, but customer involvement plays a moderate role in the path of social satisfaction on repurchase intention.Originality/valuen order to make the IS success model better evaluate the characteristics of social commerce sites comprehensively, this present research introduces the measurement construct of interaction quality. Moreover, this study examines the effect of mechanism of economic satisfaction and social satisfaction on repurchase intention from the perspective of practical benefit and psychology. Finally, the boundary conditions of the effect of satisfaction on repurchase intention are explored.
The effect of brand experiences on brand loyalty through perceived quality and brand trust: a study on sports consumers
Authors: Akoglu Halil Erdem , Özbek Oğuz 
Published: November 2021

PurposeAdopting the brand resonance approach, this research aimed to reveal the effect of emotional (perceived quality) and rational (brand trust) factors between brand experience and brand loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses the brand resonance model to examine the above-mentioned relationship. The sample of the study consisted of 385 sports consumers between the ages of 18 and 65 years. An online survey was used to collect data and surveys were delivered to sports consumers via social media. Using SmartPLS 3.0 software, a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was conducted in this study.FindingsThe results support the hypotheses and demonstrate the importance of quality and trust in building customer loyalty for companies in the sports industry. Brand experience has a positive direct effect on perceived quality, brand trust and brand loyalty. It has been revealed that there is an important intermediary role of perceived quality and brand trust that manages the relationship between customers' brand experience and brand loyalty.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are essential for brands that want to develop and are included in the sports industry in the online shopping environment, which increases with the development of technology to create long-term loyalty in customers.Originality/valueIt reveals two mediating roles in the relationship between brand experience and brand loyalty, namely perceived quality and brand trust. These research results help to understand the processes of shaping the loyalty of sports consumers towards sports brands. Unlike previous studies, it examines this relationship in the sports industry by adding new mediator variables and contributes to the development of the model.
Organic global cryptocurrency: towards a stable international monetary system that is closer to Maqāṣid Sharīʿah
Authors: Rahman Abdurrahman Arum 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe most prominent and persistent problems of our global monetary system are instability and imbalances. We propose an international monetary model to solve these problems while at the same time move the model closer to Maqāṣid Sharīʿah (objectives of Sharīʿah). We name this an organic global monetary model or abbreviated as OGM. OGM is an international monetary model directly built on the national monetary system of each member country so that the two can co-exist.Design/methodology/approachModel design, theory and literature.FindingsThe model can eliminate interest rates at the central bank level, create non-tradable international money, and make a more stable international monetary system.Originality/valueOriginal.
Service quality of Islamic banks: satisfaction, loyalty and the mediating role of trust
Authors: Haron Razali , Abdul Subar Noradilah , Ibrahim Khairunisah 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe objective of this study is to examine the impact of PAKSERV model on customers' satisfaction, loyalty and trust in Malaysian Islamic banks. These comprehensive measures concern on the cultural dimension of service quality by focusing on the mediating role of trust in the Malaysian context.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted involving 401 customers of Islamic banks in the states of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. The data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model employing AMOS 23 and SPSS 23.FindingsThe study found positive relationship of PAKSERV dimensions of service quality, customers' satisfaction, customers' loyalty and the mediating role of trust in enhancing customers' loyalty. This study provides new evidence on how trust can act as a partial mediation on the relationship between customers' satisfaction and customers' loyalty in the cultural context of Islamic banking in Malaysia.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can be used as a framework for other Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in improving services to its customers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge in enhancing the understanding on customers' satisfaction, loyalty and trust in Islamic banks in Malaysia. This study also covers a broad range of respondents, hence representing a good diversity of Islamic banks' customers.
An exploration of the role of intuitive forms of planning in the succession process: the explanatory power of effectuation theory
Authors: Bloemen-Bekx Mira , Lambrechts Frank , Van Gils Anita 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis study explores how and when intuitive forms of planning can be used in a family firm's succession process.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an extended focus group meeting, consisting of individual, group and subgroup discussions with seven highly experienced external family business advisors in the Netherlands to gain a holistic understanding of the succession process and its underlying logic. The study also employs pre- and post-group questionnaires.FindingsThis study reveals that advisors perceive intuitive forms of planning as an integral part of the succession process, with the latter containing both intuitive and formal logic and activities. Both logics are used situationally and flexibly to deal with the uniqueness and unpredictability of the succession process and to build strong relations and manage relational dynamics in business families to address tasks, dilemmas and contingencies.Originality/valueThe succession process is an important part of business families' achievement of transgenerational intent. Creating commitment among potential successors begins when they are children, and understanding the role of the more intuitive forms of planning during the succession process will provide us with a more holistic perspective on its dynamics.