Examining generational differences as a moderator of extreme-context perception and its impact on work alienation organizational outcomes: Implications for the workplace and remote work transformation.

There is no doubt that extreme contexts (e.g., war zones and pandemics) represent substantial disruptions that force many companies to rethink the way they do business. With so much of the workforce now working remotely and concerns about resulting work alienation, we must ask this question: How can this be translated into the generational divide in workplaces based in extreme contexts? Using COVID-19 as an example trigger of extreme-context experience, therefore, we investigate generation as a moderator of the effects of extreme-context perception upon anxiety leading to alienation with subsequent behavioral outcomes on job insecurity, job satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). A time-lagged survey procedure yielded 219 valid responses from a three-generation sample of employees working in multiple service organizations. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our analysis suggested that intense extreme-context perception led to elevated anxiety and alienation, which, in turn, heightened job insecurity and worsened job satisfaction and OCB outcomes. Finally, during the experience of extreme-context times, generation was found to moderate our model, such that both Generation Y and Generation Z experienced higher anxiety due to extreme-context perception and hence higher job insecurity due to alienation compared with Generation X respondents. Our results endorse the criticality of implementing agile and generationally non-sectarian management for effectively functioning generationally diverse workforces in pandemic times.

Optimizing an Optical Cavity-Based Biosensor for Enhanced Sensitivity.

The rapid advancement of biosensor technology has revolutionized healthcare, offering improved sensitivity, specificity, and portability. We have developed an optical cavity-based biosensor (OCB) as a promising solution due to its label-free detection, high sensitivity, real-time monitoring, multiplexing capability, and versatility. The OCB consists of an optical cavity structure (OCS), optical components, and a low-cost camera. The OCS is created by two partially reflective surfaces separated by a small gap, where the interaction between target analytes and immobilized receptors leads to a shift in the resonance transmission spectrum, caused by minute changes in the local refractive index (RI). In our previous work, we successfully detected these small changes with a simple OCS and cost-effective components using a differential detection method. Building upon these achievements, this study focuses on optimizing the OCS, improving the camera settings, and enhancing the differential detection approach. By increasing the reflectance of the surfaces and optimizing the optical cavity widths correspondingly, we achieved an improved limit of detection (LOD). We also investigated how the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera shutter time affects the LOD. Additionally, we introduced a new differential equation to further enhance the sensitivity of our system. Through these advancements, we could improve the LOD of the OCB by 7.2 times, specifically for an OCS with a cavity thickness of 9.881 µm and a silver thickness of 46.87 nm. These findings not only contribute to the ongoing effort of optimizing the OCB, but also pave the way for the development of advanced point-of-care biosensors with enhanced detection capabilities.

Oligoclonal bands: clinical utility and interpretation cues.

Oligoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) bands (OCBs) are a useful diagnostic tool to detect a central humoral response. In particular, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-restricted OCBs represent a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS), where they can be detected in > 90% of cases and support its diagnosis, although a specific causative agent inducing B cell activation has not yet been identified. The determination of intrathecal IgM, including IgM/lipid-specific IgM OCBs, on the other hand, seems to be of prognostic relevance and is associated with a more aggressive disease course. OCBs can also be present in other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including antibody-mediated, inflammatory, infectious, and neurodegenerative conditions, as well as in both chronic and early disease stages, suggesting the occurrence of primary or concomitant immune-mediated processes. Finally, intrathecal humoral immune response can also occur, although rarely, in patients with peripheral neuropathies, particularly in those of inflammatory origin, as a possible consequence of blood-spinal nerve root barrier (BSNRB) damage. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) on agarose gels followed by immunoblotting is the technique recommended for OCB detection, analyzing paired undiluted CSF and serum samples. However, technical issues including blot, staining, and IEF reproducibility as well as operator-dependent pattern interpretations decrease reproducibility, causing misinterpretations of results, with significant diagnostic implications. These technical issues can lead to difficulties in distinguishing between negative results (type 1 pattern = absence of OCBs in serum and CSF and type 4 pattern = presence of identical OCBs in both serum and CSF) and results indicating intrathecal IgG synthesis (pattern 2 = presence of OCBs in CSF and type 3 = presence of OCBs in CSF and additional identical OCBs in both serum and CSF). Corrective measures and identification of specialized laboratories with expertise in the field are fundamental to applying this useful technique in clinical practice. In this context, recent research has focused on the automated assessment of CSF kappa free light Ig chains as a more sensitive, non-operator-dependent marker of intrathecal Ig synthesis. We herein review central and peripheral nervous system conditions associated with OCBs and discuss their relation with pathogenetic mechanisms.

Analysis of factors correlated with spinal clinically isolated syndrome conversion to multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to explore the factors influencing spinal clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients diagnosed with spinal CIS from January 2010 to November 2020 were divided into a non-progressing (CIS) group with 27 patients, and a conversion to MS (MS) group with 34 patients, based on whether they had converted to MS. The clinical presentation at onset, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before and after steroid therapy, the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-OCB), and the evoked potentials (EPs) were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Differences in gender and age were not statistically significant between the MS and CIS groups. The median time to relapse was 12 months for the MS group, with an upper quartile of 23.7 months, and 91.2% of patients relapsed within three years. In univariate analysis, patients with CIS beginning with sensory symptoms had a lower level of progression to MS (OR = 0.311). Patients with Kurtzke Functional Systems Scores (FSSs) of pyramidal functions ≥ 2 (OR = 3.582) and positive CSF-OCB (OR = 5.208) quickly progressed to MS. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of spinal cord lesions < 3 vertebral segments, gadolinium enhancing lesions, or abnormal EPs. The difference in the EDSS scores before and after steroid therapy was higher in the MS group than in the CIS group (p = 0.001). Differences of ≥ 1.5 in the EDSS scores before and after steroid therapy were risk factors for CIS conversion to MS (OR = 9.333). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with spinal CIS with pure sensory abnormalities at onset were less likely to convert to MS (OR = 0.311), and the risk factors were, in order of risk, the difference in EDSS score before and after steroid therapy (≥ 1.5; OR = 9.333), positive CSF-OCB (OR = 5.208), and those with an FSS of the pyramidal functions score ≥ 2; OR = 3.582). The present study serves as a simple 'first step'. Any potential predictors identified should be validated via future prospective studies.

How to get through hard times: Principals' listening buffers teachers' stress on turnover intention and promotes organizational citizenship behavior.

When principals listen to their teachers, they may foster an open and receptive work environment that helps teachers adapt during stressful times. Two studies examined the role of perceived principals' listening to teachers on workplace outcomes. Study 1 (N = 218) was conducted during the first nationwide lockdown in Israel. Study 2 (N = 247) was conducted during a later lockdown and controlled for social support to test the independent effects of the two distinct interpersonal experiences. Findings supported our hypothesis that principals' listening would relate to lower teacher turnover intention. In addition, in line with our hypothesis, teachers high on perceived stress generally reported higher turnover intentions. However, the detrimental effect of perceived stress was not observed when teachers evaluated their principals as good listeners. Finally, we anticipated and found that principal listening is associated with organizational citizenship behavior. Specifically, teachers were more likely to help one another when feeling listened to by their principals.

Who's more vulnerable? A generational investigation of COVID-19 perceptions' effect on Organisational citizenship Behaviours in the MENA region: job insecurity, burnout and job satisfaction as mediators.

BACKGROUND: This paper is an empirical investigation that examines a path model linking COVID-19 perceptions to organisational citizenship behaviour (OCBs) via three mediators: job insecurity, burnout, and job satisfaction. The research examines the path model invariance spanning Generations X, Y, and Z. Three countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were the focus of the study. METHODS: The data was collected from a sample of employees in service companies (n = 578). We used a Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that COVID-19 perceptions positively predict job insecurity, which positively impacts burnout levels. Burnout negatively predicts job satisfaction. The findings established that job satisfaction positively predicts OCBs. The mediation analysis determined that job insecurity, burnout and job satisfaction convey the indirect effects of COVID-19 perceptions onto OCBs. Finally, our hypothesised model is non-equivalent across Generations X, Y and Z. In that regard, our multi-group analysis revealed that the indirect effects of COVID-19 perceptions on OCBs were only valid amongst younger generations, i.e., Generation Y and Generation Z. Specifically, younger generations are substantially more vulnerable to the indirect effects of COVID-19 perceptions on their engagement in OCBs than Generation X whose job satisfaction blocks the effects of COVID-19 perceptions on OCBs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study extends our knowledge of workplace generational differences in responding to the perceptions of crises or pandemics. It offers evidence that suggests that burnout, job attitudes and organisational outcomes change differently across generations in pandemic times.

A motivational standpoint of job insecurity effects on organizational citizenship behaviors: A generational study.

Our research reports an empirical analysis of a path model linking job insecurity to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) via two mediators, that is, intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction. The aim is to evaluate the path model invariance across three generational cohorts, that is, generation X, generation Y, and generation Z. A sample of employees in service companies based in Canada was surveyed. We utilized a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, which included path analysis and multi-group analysis (MGA) to test proposed hypotheses. We found that job insecurity negatively predicted intrinsic motivation which positively related to job satisfaction. Job satisfaction influenced OCBs positively. Both intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction mediated the indirect effects of job insecurity onto OCBs. Generation X was more pronounced in their reaction to job insecurity than later generations given the strong negative effects on intrinsic motivation and hence on their job. However, generation Z employees followed their parents from generation X regarding engaging more in OCBs when they are satisfied with their job than generation Y. In general, therefore, it should come as no surprise that generation X employees' OCBs can be expected to plummet due to the elevated levels of job insecurity during pandemic times (e.g., COVID-19) more intensely than Generation Y. Clearly, with COVID-19 having led many organizations around the world to adopt virtual workplace environments, generational differences amongst employees have to be considered as a matter of crucial concern for these organizations.

Kappa free light chains is a valid tool in the diagnostics of MS: A large multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To validate kappa free light chain (KFLC) and lambda free light chain (LFLC) indices as a diagnostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We performed a multicenter study including 745 patients from 18 centers (219 controls and 526 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)/MS patients) with a known oligoclonal IgG band (OCB) status. KFLC and LFLC were measured in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples. Gaussian mixture modeling was used to define a cut-off for KFLC and LFLC indexes. RESULTS: The cut-off for the KFLC index was 6.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.2-138.1). The cut-off for the LFLC index was 6.9 (95% CI = 4.5-22.2). For CIS/MS patients, sensitivity of the KFLC index (0.88; 95% CI = 0.85-0.90) was higher than OCB (0.82; 95%CI = 0.79-0.85; p < 0.001), but specificity (0.83; 95% CI = 0.78-0.88) was lower (OCB = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89-0.96; p < 0.001). Both sensitivity and specificity for the LFLC index were lower than OCB. CONCLUSION: Compared with OCB, the KFLC index is more sensitive but less specific for diagnosing CIS/MS. Lacking an elevated KFLC index is more powerful for excluding MS compared with OCB but the latter is more important for ruling in a diagnosis of CIS/MS.

The effects of high performance work systems in employees' service-oriented OCB.

The present research investigates the effects of "High Performance Work Systems (HPWS)" on employees' "work engagement" and "service-oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB)", through the development of a social and justice climate. In doing so, "Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)" was applied based on a convenient sample of 448 customer-contact hotel employees across ten Greek hotel organizations. In summary, the study reveals first the valuable contribution of HPWS towards the development of a justice and service climate, which in turn influence positively employees' work engagement. As a consequence, employees respond by exhibiting extra role behaviors and by engaging in service-oriented OCB. Overall, the findings clarify the mechanism behind the HPWS process, known as the "black-box", a valuable knowledge for professionals practicing Human Resource Management (HRM).

Baló's concentric sclerosis is immunologically distinct from multiple sclerosis: results from retrospective analysis of almost 150 lumbar punctures.

BACKGROUND: Baló's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system characterised by concentric layers of demyelination. It is unclear whether BCS is a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) or a disease entity in its own right. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features of BCS to those of MS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the CSF profile of all patients with BCS reported in the medical literature between 1980 and 2017. RESULTS: In total, the results of 146 lumbar punctures (LP) in 132 patients were analysed. The most striking finding was a lack of CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCB) in 66% (56/85) of all LP in the total BCS group, in 74% (14/19) in the subgroup of patients with both MRI and histological evidence for BCS, and in 82% (18/22) in the subgroup of patients with highest radiological confidence (high MRI quality, ≥ 3 layers of demyelination). OCB disappeared in 1/2 initially OCB-positive patients. These findings are in stark contrast to MS, in which OCB are present in ≥ 95% of patients and are thought to remain stably detectable over the entire course of disease (p < 0.000001). OCB frequency was low both in 'historic' patients (1980-2009; 37%) and in more recent patients (2010-2017; 31%). OCB-positive and OCB-negative patients did not differ significantly with regard to age, sex, disease duration, number of Baló-like lesions on MRI, number of relapses, treatment or final outcome. In accordance with the high rate of OCB negativity, Link's IgG index was negative in 63% of all tested samples (p < 0.000001 vs. MS). CSF pleocytosis was present in 28% (27/96; p < 0.000001 vs. MS) and elevated CSF total protein levels in 41% (31/76) of samples. CONCLUSION: OCB and IgG index frequencies in BCS are much more similar to those reported in neuromyelitis optica or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated encephalomyelitis than to those in MS. Our findings suggest that in most cases BCS-like lesions denote the presence of a disease entity immunologically distinct from MS. In addition, we provide data on the demographics, clinical course and radiological features of BCS based on the largest cohort analysed to date.

Multiple sclerosis biomarkers: Helping the diagnosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex heterogeneous disease. Diagnostic criteria are based on symptoms, biomarkers, MRI data and exclusion of differential diagnoses. Over the past few years, the usefulness of biomarkers has progressively decreased with the development of new MRI criteria, yet dozens of new biomarkers, especially in cerebrospinal fluid, for MS diagnosis and prognosis have been described. Large-scale studies validating some of these new biomarkers have also provided confirmation of a restricted set of biomarkers (presented here in this review) as having potential value for different stages of the disease, including as early as clinically isolated syndrome and radiologically isolated syndrome. However, differentiating progressive forms of MS from relapsing-remitting MS remains a genuine challenge, and could help to predict future conversion to secondary-progressive MS. In addition, new approaches combining multiple biomarkers might allow us to unravel the complexity of the disease and determine disease stages more precisely. Moreover, recent technological developments allowing analysis of biomarkers in plasma have also provided less invasive analysis of MS, and should serve to predict MS evolution and therapeutic responses during follow-up.

The Role of Organizational Control Systems in Employees' Organizational Trust and Performance Outcomes.

This study examined how organizational control is related to employees' organizational trust. We specifically focus on how different forms of control (process, outcome, and normative) relate to employees' trust in their employing organizations and examine whether such trust in turn relates positively to employee job performance (task performance and organizational citizenship behavior). In addition, and in response to the recommendations of past research, we examined these relationships in a high control and compliance-based cultural context. Using data from 105 employee-supervisor dyads from professional services firms in Singapore, we find support for our hypothesized model. The implications of the results for theory and practice, and directions for future research, are discussed.

Increased cortical lesion load and intrathecal inflammation is associated with oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis patients: a combined CSF and MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Although IgG oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are a frequent phenomenon in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, their relationship with grey matter lesions, intrathecal/meningeal inflammation and clinical evolution has not been clarified yet. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between the OCBs, the inflammatory/neurodegenerative CSF profile at diagnosis, the cortical lesion load and the clinical evolution after 10 years. METHODS: This is a 10-year observational, cross-sectional study based on a combined MRI, cognitive and CSF profiling of the examined patients. Forty consecutive OCB-negative (OCB-) and 50 OCB-positive (OCB+) MS patients were included in this study. Both groups had mean disease duration of 10 years and were age and gender matched. Each patient underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluation and 3-T MRI. Analysis of the presence and levels of 28 inflammatory mediators was performed in the CSF obtained from 10 OCB- MS, 11 OCB+ MS and 10 patients with other neurological conditions. RESULTS: Increased number of CLs was found in OCB+ compared to OCB- patients (p < 0.0001), whereas no difference was found in white matter lesion (WML) load (p = 0.36). The occurrence of OCB was also associated with increased levels of neurofilament light chains and of several inflammatory mediators linked to B lymphocyte activity and lymphoid-neogenesis (CXCL13, CXCL12, CXCL10, TNFSF13, TNFSF13B, IL6, IL10) and other pro-inflammatory molecules, such as IFN-γ, TNF, MMP2, GM-CSF, osteopontin and sCD163. Finally, the occurrence of OCB was found associated with poor prognosis, from both physical and cognitive points of view. CONCLUSIONS: OCB at MS onset are associated with more severe GM pathology and with a more severe physical disability and cognitive impairment after 10 years. Increased levels of cytokines linked to B cell activation, lymphoid-neogenesis, and pro-inflammatory immune response in the CSF of OCB+ patients support the hypothesis of crucial role played by compartmentalized, intrathecal B cell response in the pathogenesis of CLs and OCB production.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome According to McDonald 2010: Intrathecal IgG Synthesis Still Predictive for Conversion to Multiple Sclerosis.

While the revised McDonald criteria of 2010 allow for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in an earlier stage, there is still a need to identify the risk factors for conversion to MS in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Since the latest McDonald criteria were established, the prognostic role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) in CIS patients is still poorly defined. We conducted a monocentric investigation including patients with CIS in the time from 2010 to 2015. Follow-ups of 120 patients revealed that 42% converted to MS. CIS patients with positive oligoclonal bands (OCB) were more than twice as likely to convert to MS as OCB negative patients (hazard ratio = 2.6). The probability to develop MS was even higher when a quantitative intrathecal IgG synthesis was detected (hazard ratio = 3.8). In patients with OCB, VEP did not add further information concerning the conversion rate to MS. In patients with optic neuritis and negative OCB, a significantly higher rate converted to MS when VEP were delayed. In conclusion, the detection of an intrathecal IgG synthesis increases the conversion probability to MS. Pathological VEP can help to predict the conversion rate to MS in patients with optic neuritis without an intrathecal IgG synthesis.

McDonald Criteria 2010 and 2005 Compared: Persistence of High Oligoclonal Band Prevalence Despite Almost Doubled Diagnostic Sensitivity.

The 2010 McDonald criteria were developed to allow a more rapid diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) by only one MRI of the brain. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not a mandatory part of the latest criteria, the evidence of an intrathecal humoral immunoreaction in the form of oligoclonal bands (OCB) is crucial in the diagnostic workup. To date, the impact of the 2010 McDonald criteria on the prevalence of OCB has not been investigated. We retrospectively evaluated data of 325 patients with a clinical relapse suggestive of demyelination that were treated in a German university hospital between 2010 and 2015. One hundred thirty-six patients (42%) were diagnosed with MS and 189 patients with CIS when the criteria of 2010 were applied. The criteria of 2005 allowed only 70 patients (22%) to be designated as MS. In contrast, the prevalence of OCB was marginal affected in MS patients with 96% for the criteria of 2010 and 98.5% for the criteria of 2005. In conclusion, OCB are prevalent in most MS patients and reflect the chronic inflammatory nature of the disease. We recommend CSF examination to exclude alternative diagnoses and reevaluation of the diagnosis MS in patients with negative OCB.

Servant Leadership, Organisational Citizenship Behavior and Creativity: The Mediating Role of Team-Member Exchange.

Using a multi-source field study design with 184 unique triads of employees-supervisor dyads, this paper examines whether servant leaders install a serving attitude among employees. That is, servant leaders aim to encourage employees to take responsibility, to cooperate and to create high quality interactions with each other (team-member exchange; TMX). We hypothesise that servant leadership will have an influence on Organisational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) and creativity through team-member exchange. Two facets of OCB are distinguished: organisational citizenship behaviour towards individuals (OCBI), on the one hand, and taking up extra tasks that benefit the organisation (OCBO), on the other hand. The results show that servant leadership is positively related to team-member exchange, and that team-member exchange is positively related to OCBI, OCBO and creativity. The bootstrapping estimates indicated significant indirect effects of servant leadership on the three target variables through team-member exchange. The study's findings add to the body of literature on servant leadership, OCB and creativity at the workplace, and underline the importance of creating favourable working conditions that foster positive and high quality team-member exchange. This study also broadens our understanding on the importance of co-workers on the relation between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and creativity.

Antibody biomarkers in CNS demyelinating diseases - a long and winding road.

Over several decades, studies sought potential markers to diagnose and to predict the clinical course of central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disorders, especially in multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Reliable biomarkers would ensure correct diagnoses, determine future disease evolvements, stratify patients for appropriate treatments and monitor disease activity and treatment effects - in summary, meet the longing for personalized medicine in these diseases. Out of a plethora of potential biomarker candidates antibodies have turned (again) into the scientific focus, due to pivotal immunological and neuropathological findings in the past 20 years. A major breakthrough and stimulus for further research was the identification of anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies in neuromyelitis optica. Various other myelin and non-myelin antigens were investigated in detail for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, such as antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein or to the potassium channel KIR4.1. Further, the use of biopharmaceutical treatments in multiple sclerosis led to intense research activities to identify anti-treatment neutralizing antibodies and their clinical consequences. This review briefly summarizes the current knowledge on antibodies in the diagnosis, prognosis, disease and treatment monitoring of CNS demyelinating disorders.

Central cholinergic transmission affects the compulsive-like behavior of mice in marble-burying test.

The presence of the cholinergic system in the brain areas implicated in the precipitation of obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCB) has been reported but the exact role of the central cholinergic system therein is still unexplored. Therefore, the current study assessed the effect of cholinergic analogs on central administration on the marble-burying behavior (MBB) of mice, a behavior correlated with OCB. The result reveals that the enhancement of central cholinergic transmission in mice achieved by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of acetylcholine (0.01 µg) (Subeffective: 0.1 and 0.5 µg), cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 µg/mouse) and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, nicotine (0.1, 2 µg/mouse) significantly attenuated the number of marbles buried by mice in MBB test without affecting basal locomotor activity. Similarly, central injection of mAChR antagonist, atropine (0.1, 0.5, 5 µg/mouse), nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine (0.1, 0.5, 3 µg/mouse) per se also reduced the MBB in mice, indicative of anti-OCB like effect of all the tested cholinergic mAChR or nAChR agonist and antagonist. Surprisingly, i.c.v. injection of acetylcholine (0.01 µg), and neostigmine (0.1 µg) failed to elicit an anti-OCB-like effect in mice pre-treated (i.c.v.) with atropine (0.1 µg), or mecamylamine (0.1 µg). Thus, the findings of the present investigationdelineate the role of central cholinergic transmission in the compulsive-like behavior of mice probably via mAChR or nAChR stimulation.

Prognostic factors of tumefactive demyelinating lesions and differential features for multiple sclerosis in etiology.

BACKGROUND: Many different pathologies may underlie tumefactive demyelinating lesions. Identifying clinical and radiologic distinguishing features before pathologic examination is essential for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical and radiologic features affecting the etiology and disease course of patients with tumefactive lesions (TDL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 35 clinicoradiologically or histologically diagnosed TDL patients in our center over 11 years. Patient records were retrospectively evaluated and recorded. Clinical features, cerebral neuroimaging, and histologic biopsy preparations, if any, were assessed by three independent neurologists, two neuroradiologists, and two pathologists at admission and follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with TDL was 40.02±14.40 years. Symptom onset was 15 (1-365) days. The most common complaints at initial presentation were hemiparesis or hemiplegia, sensory complaints, and cognitive impairment (aphasia or apraxia). The lesions were most commonly localized in the frontal lobe (42.9 %). Mass effect was 17.1 %, edema 60 %, diffusion restriction 62.1 %, and contrast enhancement 71.9 % (mostly ring-shaped (68.8 %)) on MR images. Acute onset and OCB type-2 positivity were associated with MS diagnosis. On the other hand, CSF protein levels above 45 mg/dL were found to be related to non-MS etiologies. Only the predominance of aphasia or apraxia at onset was a risk factor for early high disability (EDSS>4; 3rd month). Subacute-chronic onset, being older than 40 years, or having brainstem symptoms at onset were independent risk factors for late high disability (2nd year). CONCLUSION: Acute onset or OCB type 2 positivity is a clue for early diagnosis of MS, while elevated CSF protein is a clue for demyelinating diseases other than MS. Presentation with cognitive dysfunction at onset is an independent risk factor for early disability, while age above 40 years, subacute-chronic presentation and brainstem findings at presentation are independent risk factors for late disability.

ESG activity recognition enhances organizational commitment and service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior among insurance call center staff.

Service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior refers to service workers' helping, cooperating, sharing, and donating actions that benefit others at a cost to themselves. Based on ethical climate theory, this research investigates whether corporations adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management enhance service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (SO OCB) among service employees. A total of 230 surveys were collected from call center workers in the insurance industry, and STATA 14.0 was used to analyze the 204 responses with useable data. The results show that employees' recognized ESG activities enable SO OCB through organizational commitment. Additionally, ESG activity recognition has a positive relationship with self-efficacy and empowerment, which helps service employees regulate external expectations. Thus, this finding is significant for call center workers experiencing emotional labor. Furthermore, the results suggest that firms can contribute to employees' SO OCB by practicing ESG activities. Firms should inform employees of their ESG management efforts as employees' recognition of an ethical climate can enhance their willingness to perform service-oriented behavior. Finally, ESG activity recognition can increase employees' organizational commitment, an important predictor of employee satisfaction and negative turnover rates.