bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest of IgG and IgM antiprothrombin autoantibodies in the exploration of antiphospholipid syndrome: a 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Bertin Daniel , Beziane Abdelouahab , Resseguier Noemie , Pelissier Morgane , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Mege Jean Louis , Bardin Nathalie
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Non-conventional aPL have been described in patients presenting clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome but negative for conventional markers. Among them, detection of autoantibodies against prothrombin has been proposed to improve diagnosis and management of these patients. However autoantibodies against prothrombin are heterogeneous and their use in clinical practice still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of IgG and IgM autoantibodies directed against the prothrombin only (aPT).

Methods

We retrospectively studied IgM and IgG aPT results, conventional antiphospholipid syndrome markers and clinical data of a large cohort of 441 patients referred for antiphospholipid syndrome exploration with aPT detection over a period of 5 years.

Results

We observed a total prevalence of 17% of aPT-positive patients (75/441). A significant association was found between aPT and thrombosis (P = 0.035), with 70% of patients having unexplained thrombosis, aPT representing the sole aPL detected. aPT positivity was significantly more frequent in venous thrombosis than in arterial thrombosis (P = 0.004). Interestingly, we demonstrated for the first time that aPT IgG levels were higher in recurrent thrombosis than in isolated thrombosis (P = 0.013), leading us to propose a predictive level of recurrence for thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our results show that aPT are associated with thrombosis and demonstrate the interest of assessing both IgG and IgM aPT, in particular in venous thrombosis when conventional markers are negative. Quantification of aPT could predict recurrence of thrombosis and influence subsequent treatment strategy. Prospective clinical studies are now required to confirm these results.
Transitioning From a Traditional to a Concept-Based Curriculum: Faculty’s Experience
Authors: Wilhelm Susan , Rodehorst-Weber T. Kim , Longoria Alexa
Published: September 2019

Nursing education is transforming from traditional systems paradigms to concept-based curricula. We explored how this change impacts faculty using focus groups with questions adapted from Bridges' transitions model. Results revealed that many faculty did not feel there was a clear vision for the transition and felt inadequately prepared for the change. Uncertainty about their new role led some to feel displaced. To ease future transitions, we suggest that leadership clearly communicate the rationale for the change, ensure that there is a shared vision, provide an appropriate timeline for the transition, and support faculty as their roles are redefined.
Simultaneous Bilateral Thrombosed Orbital Varices: A Case Report
Authors: Arun Jain , Peter A. D. Rubin
Published: September 2019

Orbital varices are thin-walled venous structures that are asymptomatic in most individuals. Sometimes thrombosis of an orbital varix is the initial presentation of a previously unknown orbital varix. The authors present a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with sudden onset of pain and proptosis of his right eye over a period of 2–3 hours, possibly secondary to asphyxiation. A CT scan of the orbits revealed bilateral orbital masses in the posterior inferior orbit consistent with thrombosed orbital varix. A follow-up CT scan 3 weeks later confirmed the diagnosis. Conservative management led to complete resolution of symptoms.

The authors describe a case report of simultaneous bilateral thrombosed orbital varices secondary to asphyxiation.
Red and Fissured Plaques Found Within the Inguinal Folds
Authors: Kearns Donovan , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: September 2019

Teledermatology is a term to describe the provision of dermatologic medical services through telecommunication technology. This is a teledermatology case of red and fissured plaques found within the inguinal folds.
Reducing Artifacts in Intracochlear Pressure Measurements to Study Sound Transmission by Bone Conduction Stimulation in Humans
Authors: Borgers Charlotte , Fierens Guy , Putzeys Tristan , van Wieringen Astrid , Verhaert Nicolas
Published: September 2019

Hypothesis:

Intracochlear pressure (ICP) measurements during bone conduction (BC) stimulation may be affected by motion of the pressure sensor relative to the cochlear promontory bone, demonstrating the need to cement the sensor firmly to the cochlear bone.

Background:

ICP is a promising measurement tool for investigating the cochlear drive in BC transmission, but its use is not yet standardized. Previous ICP studies have reported artificially increased pressure due to motion of the sensor relative to the temporal bone. The artifact can be reduced by firmly cementing the sensor to the bone, but this is destructive for the sensor. Previous studies used a custom-made sensor; the use of commercially available sensors, however, is more generic, but also more challenging to combine with the cement. Therefore, the goals of the current study are: firstly, to evaluate a non-destructive cementing method suitable for a commercially available sensor, and secondly, to investigate ICP measurements during BC stimulation in more detail.

Methods:

To study the effect of sensor cementing, three fixation conditions were investigated on six fresh-frozen temporal bones: 1) alginate, 2) alginate and dental composite, 3) alginate and dental composite, released from micromanipulators. Pressures in scala tympani and vestibuli were measured simultaneously, while velocity measurements were performed on the cochlear promontory and sensor. The ratio between sensor and promontory bone velocity was computed to quantify the relative motion.

Results:

For air conduction stimulation, results were in line with those from previous ICP studies, indicating that baseline measurements were valid and could be used to interpret the results obtained with BC stimulation. Results showed that cementing the sensors and releasing them from the micromanipulators is crucial for valid ICP measurements. When the sensors were only sealed with alginate, the pressure was overestimated, especially at low and mid-frequencies. When the sensors were cemented and held in the micromanipulators, the pressure was underestimated. Compared with the scala tympani measurements, ICP measurements showed a lower scala vestibuli pressure below 1 kHz, and a higher pressure above 1 kHz.

Conclusion:

Dental composite is effective as a cement to attach commercially available sensors to the cochlear promontory bone. When sensors are firmly attached, valid ICP measurements can be obtained with BC stimulation.
Novel potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kourkoulis P. , Kapizioni C. , Michalopoulos G. , Andreou N.P. , Papaconstantinou I. , Karamanolis G. , Gazouli M.
Published: September 2019

Unambiguously, great progress has been achieved in the unraveling of more pathological pathways implicated in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis during the last decades. Novel effective drugs that have augmented the management armamentarium have been developed alongside this growing comprehension of the disease, rendering mucosal healing not only a feasible but the optimal goal of every therapy. Clinical evaluation, colonoscopy and biomarkers are the tools used by practitioners for the diagnosis and assessment of the status of the disease in order to achieve clinical remission and mucosal healing for their patients. Among these tools, colonoscopy is the gold method for the cause but is still an invasive, high-cost procedure with possible adverse events such as perforation. While clinical evaluation entails much subjectivity, biomarkers are objective, easily reproducible, non-invasive, cheap and potent surrogate tools of mucosal inflammation. Unfortunately, the well-established, currently in use serum biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and others, do not display sufficiently acceptable sensitivity and specificity rates for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and, most importantly, do not represent precisely the mucosal inflammation status of the disease. Therefore, the discovery of new serum biomarkers has been the cause of several studies attempting to discover an “optimal” serum biomarker during the recent years. After thorough research, collection and examination of current data, this review focuses on and selectively presents promising, potential, novel serum biomarkers of ulcerative colitis as they are indicated by studies on the patient over the last years.
Advances in the Pharmacogenomics of Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Akhtar Tauseef , Bandyopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Ghosh Raktim K. , Aronow Wilbert S. , Lavie Carl J. , Yadav Neha
Published: September 2019

Background:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a highly thrombotic state, and a sustained antiplatelet effect is vital to the prevention of thrombotic complications. Clopidogrel, the most widely used oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist in ACS, has attracted considerable attention because of significant variability in antiplatelet effect depending on the presence of CYP2C19 allele. Other P2Y12 receptor antagonists offer sustained and more predictable antiplatelet effects than clopidogrel albeit at an increased cost. Several studies have demonstrated the promising application of pharmacogenetics in choosing personalized antiplatelet therapy using the point-of-care genotype assays.

Areas of Uncertainty:

Guidelines regarding the genotype-guided approach to the selection of antiplatelet therapy have been conflicting, and studies evaluating the effect of pharmacogenetic-guided selection of antiplatelet therapy on the outcomes have demonstrated mixed results.

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies reporting the association of pharmacogenetic-guided selection of antiplatelet therapy and the outcomes in patients with ACS until December 2018.

Results:

Presence of specific CYP2C19 allele significantly influences clopidogrel metabolism and associated outcomes in patients with ACS. Thrombotic and bleeding complications are more common in patients with loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) alleles, respectively. Although the pharmacogenetic-guided approach to the selection of antiplatelet therapy appears promising in ACS, studies have shown conflicting results, and direct randomized evidence linking this approach with the better outcomes is lacking.

Conclusions:

Genotype-guided selection of antiplatelet therapy is expected to be useful in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a high risk of adverse outcomes. The patient–physician discussion should be an essential part of this decision-making process. Large-scale multicenter randomized controlled trials using the point-of-care genotype assay are needed to investigate this approach further before its use can be recommended in all comers.
RN-to-BSN Students' Intent to Become Faculty
Authors: Bond Diana K. , Peery Annette I. , VanRiel Yolanda M. , Gazza Elizabeth A. , Phillips Beth Cusatis , Winters-Thornburg Carol E. , Swanson Melvin S.
Published: September 2019

Background

A nursing faculty shortage means fewer nurses, exacerbating nursing shortages.

Purpose

The purpose was to determine RN-to-BSN students' intent for a future nurse faculty role. A secondary purpose was to evaluate differences between students who indicated high and low intent to pursue a faculty role.

Methods

The study was multisite and multimethod using 5 instruments.

Results

Of 137 RN-to-BSN students who completed the online survey, 20% indicated they intended to pursue a future faculty role. Students with high intent to pursue a faculty role reported higher self-efficacy and interests in faculty activities. Only 6 of the high-intent students had been encouraged to pursue a future faculty role.

Conclusions

RN-to-BSN students may be receptive to encouragement to consider a nursing faculty role in the future.
Becoming Trauma Informed: Validating a Tool to Assess Health Professional’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice
Authors: King Simmy , Chen Kuan-Lung Daniel , Chokshi Binny
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

To effectively address the negative health effects of early childhood trauma and adversity, healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions must understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma on health. This study aimed to validate a tool to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of trauma-informed care among interdisciplinary pediatric healthcare staff.

Methods:

A 36-item survey tool, “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Trauma-Informed Practice,” was adopted and modified with permission from the author. We administered the survey electronically to 2,659 staff at a pediatric healthcare institution. To assess the tool’s reliability and validity, internal consistency reliability testing, content validity, and construct validity assessments were conducted.

Results:

A total of 592 surveys were collected, representing a 22.3% response rate. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that 21 items provided the strongest internal consistency reliability for the overall tool and each factor. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the 21-item tool was 0.86, with 0.84 for the knowledge factor, 0.74 for the attitude factor, and 0.78 for the practice factor. The goodness of fit based on this analysis was good to adequate, with a 0.077 root mean square error of approximation.

Conclusions:

Healthcare professionals and organizations are in a unique position to improve the health and well-being of their patients by implementing a trauma-informed approach to minimize the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma. This validated tool will allow organizations to identify gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice among staff to subsequently begin developing pointed strategies to achieve a culture of trauma-informed practice.
Saccular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Karthaus Eleonora G. , Tong Thaïs M. L. , Vahl Anco , Hamming Jaap F.
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The aim of this was to analyze differences between saccular-shaped abdominal aortic aneurysms (SaAAAs) and fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysms (FuAAAs) regarding patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome, to advise a threshold for intervention for SaAAAs.

Background:

Based on the assumption that SaAAAs are more prone to rupture, guidelines suggest early elective treatment. However, little is known about the natural history of SaAAAs and the threshold for intervention is not substantiated.

Methods:

Observational study including primary repairs of degenerative AAAs in the Netherlands between 2016 and 2018 in which the shape was registered, registered in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA). Patients were stratified by urgency of surgery; elective versus acute (symptomatic/ruptured). Patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome were compared between SaAAAs and FuAAAs.

Results:

A total of 7659 primary AAA-patients were included, 6.1% (n = 471) SaAAAs and 93.9% (n = 7188) FuAAAs. There were 5945 elective patients (6.5% SaAAA) and 1714 acute (4.8% SaAAA). Acute SaAAA-patients were more often female (28.9% vs 17.2%, P = 0.007) compared with acute FuAAA-patients. SaAAAs had smaller diameters than FuAAAs, in elective (53.0 mm vs 61 mm, P = 0.000) and acute (68 mm vs 75 mm, P = 0.002) patients, even after adjusting for sex. In addition, 25.2% of acute SaAAA-patients presented with diameters <55 mm and 8.4% <45 mm, versus 8.1% and 0.6% of acute FuAAA-patients (P = 0.000). Postoperative outcomes did not significantly differ between shapes in both elective and acute patients.

Conclusions:

SaAAAs become acute at smaller diameters than FuAAAs in DSAA patients. This study therefore supports the current idea that SaAAAs should be electively treated at smaller diameters than FuAAAs. The exact diameter threshold for elective treatment of SaAAAs is difficult to determine, but a diameter of 45 mm seems to be an acceptable threshold.
Interspecies comparison of sea star adhesive proteins
Authors: Lengerer Birgit , Algrain Morgane , Lefevre Mathilde , Delroisse Jérôme , Hennebert Elise , Flammang Patrick
Published: September 2019

Sea stars use adhesive secretions to attach their numerous tube feet strongly and temporarily to diverse surfaces. After detachment of the tube feet, the adhesive material stays bound to the substrate as so-called ‘footprints’. In the common sea star species
Asterias rubens
, the adhesive material has been studied extensively and the first sea star footprint protein (Sfp1) has been characterized. We identified Sfp1-like sequences in 17 additional sea star species, representing different taxa and tube foot morphologies, and analysed the evolutionary conservation of this protein. In
A. rubens
, we confirmed the expression of 34 footprint proteins in the tube foot adhesive epidermis, with 22 being exclusively expressed in secretory cells of the adhesive epidermis and 12 showing an additional expression in the stem epidermis. The sequences were used for BLAST searches in seven asteroid transcriptomes providing a first insight in the conservation of footprint proteins among sea stars. Our results highlighted a high conservation of the large proteins making up the structural core of the footprints, whereas smaller, potential surface-binding proteins might be more variable among sea star species.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
Identification of proteins in the adhesive trails of the diatom
Amphora coffeaeformis
Authors: Lachnit Martina , Buhmann Matthias T. , Klemm Jennifer , Kröger Nils , Poulsen Nicole
Published: September 2019

Throughout all kingdoms of life, a large number of adhesive biomolecules have evolved to allow organisms to adhere to surfaces underwater. Proteins play an important role in the adhesion of numerous marine invertebrates (e.g. mussels, sea stars, sea urchins) whereas much less is known about the biological adhesives from marine plants, including the diatoms. Diatoms are unicellular microalgae that together with bacteria dominate marine biofilms in sunlit habitats. In this study we present the first proteomics analyses of the diatom adhesive material isolated from the tenacious fouling species
Amphora coffeaeformis
. We identified 21 proteins, of which 13 are diatom-specific. Ten of these proteins share a conserved C-terminal domain, termed GDPH domain, which is widespread yet not ubiquitously present in all diatom classes. Immunofluorescence localization of a GDPH domain bearing protein (Ac629) as well as two other proteins identified in this study (Ac1442, Ac9617) demonstrated that these are components of the adhesive trails that are secreted by cells that glide on surfaces.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
Identifying adhesive components in a model tunicate
Authors: Zeng Fan , Wunderer Julia , Salvenmoser Willi , Ederth Thomas , Rothbächer Ute
Published: September 2019

Tunicates populate a great variety of marine underwater substrates worldwide and represent a significant concern in marine shipping and aquaculture. Adhesives are secreted from the anterior papillae of their swimming larvae, which attach and metamorphose into permanently adhering, filter-feeding adults. We recently described the cellular composition of the sensory adhesive organ of the model tunicate
Ciona intestinalis
in great detail. Notably, the adhesive secretions of collocytes accumulate at the tip of the organ and contain glycoproteins. Here, we further explore the components of adhesive secretions and have screened for additional specificities that may influence adhesion or cohesion of the
Ciona
glue, including other carbohydrate moieties, catechols and substrate properties. We found a distinct set of sugar residues in the glue recognized by specific lectins with little overlap to other known marine adhesives. Surprisingly, we also detect catechol residues that likely originate from an adjacent cellular reservoir, the test cells. Furthermore, we provide information on substrate preferences where hydrophobicity outperforms charge in the attachment. Finally, we can influence the settlement process by the addition of hydrophilic heparin. The further analysis of tunicate adhesive strategies should provide a valuable knowledge source in designing physiological adhesives or green antifoulants.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
Three-dimensional structure of
Megabalanus rosa
Cement Protein 20 revealed by multi-dimensional NMR and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Mohanram Harini , Kumar Akshita , Verma Chandra S. , Pervushin Konstantin , Miserez Ali
Published: September 2019

Barnacles employ a protein-based cement to firmly attach to immersed substrates. The cement proteins (CPs) have previously been identified and sequenced. However, the molecular mechanisms of adhesion are not well understood, in particular, because the three-dimensional molecular structure of CPs remained unknown to date. Here, we conducted multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of recombinant
Megabalanus rosa
Cement Protein 20 (
r
MrCP20). Our NMR results show that
r
MrCP20 contains three main folded domain regions intervened by two dynamic loops, resulting in multiple protein conformations that exist in equilibrium. We found that 12 out of 32 Cys in the sequence engage in disulfide bonds that stabilize the
β
-sheet domains owing to their placement at the extremities of
β
-strands. Another feature unveiled by NMR is the location of basic residues in turn regions that are exposed to the solvent, playing an important role for intermolecular contact with negatively charged surfaces. MD simulations highlight a highly stable and conserved
β
-motif (
β
7-
β
8), which may function as nuclei for amyloid-like nanofibrils previously observed in the cured adhesive cement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the tertiary structure of an extracellular biological adhesive protein at the molecular level.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
Adhesion of acorn barnacles on surface-active borate glasses
Authors: Fears Kenan P. , Barnikel Andrew , Wassick Ann , Ryou Heonjune , Schultzhaus Janna N. , Orihuela Beatriz , Scancella Jenifer M. , So Christopher R. , Hunsucker Kelli Z. , Leary Dagmar H. , Swain Geoffrey , Rittschof Daniel , Spillmann Christopher M. , Wahl Kathryn J.
Published: September 2019

Concerns about the bioaccumulation of toxic antifouling compounds have necessitated the search for alternative strategies to combat marine biofouling. Because many biologically essential minerals have deleterious effects on organisms at high concentration, one approach to preventing the settlement of marine foulers is increasing the local concentration of ions that are naturally present in seawater. Here, we used surface-active borate glasses as a platform to directly deliver ions (Na
+
, Mg
2+
and BO
4
3−
) to the adhesive interface under acorn barnacles (
Amphibalanus
(
=Balanus
)
amphitrite
). Additionally, surface-active glasses formed reaction layers at the glass–water interface, presenting another challenge to fouling organisms. Proteomics analysis showed that cement deposited on the gelatinous reaction layers is more soluble than cement deposited on insoluble glasses, indicating the reaction layer and/or released ions disrupted adhesion processes. Laboratory experiments showed that the majority (greater than 79%) of adult barnacles re-attached to silica-free borate glasses for 14 days could be released and, more importantly, barnacle larvae did not settle on the glasses. The formation of microbial biofilms in field tests diminished the performance of the materials. While periodic water jetting (120 psi) did not prevent the formation of biofilms, weekly cleaning did dramatically reduce macrofouling on magnesium aluminoborate glass to levels below a commercial foul-release coating.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
The expression and characterization of recombinant cp19k barnacle cement protein from
Pollicipes pollicipes
Authors: Tilbury Maura A. , McCarthy Sean , Domagalska Magdalena , Ederth Thomas , Power Anne Marie , Wall J. Gerard
Published: September 2019

Adhesive proteins of barnacle cement have potential as environmentally friendly adhesives owing to their ability to adhere to various substrates in aqueous environments. By understanding the taxonomic breath of barnacles with different lifestyles, we may uncover commonalities in adhesives produced by these specialized organisms. The 19 kDa cement protein (cp19k) of the stalked barnacle
Pollicipes pollicipes
was expressed in
Escherichia coli
BL21 to investigate its adhesive properties. Initial expression of hexahistidine-tagged protein (rPpolcp19k-his) yielded low levels of insoluble protein. Co-overproduction of
E. coli
molecular chaperones GroEL-GroES and trigger factor (TF) increased soluble protein yields, although TF co-purified with the target protein (TF-rPpolcp19k-his). Surface coat analysis revealed high levels of adsorption of the TF-rPpolcp19k-his complex and of purified
E. coli
TF on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, while low levels of adsorption were observed for rPpolcp19k-his. Tag-free rPpolcp19k protein also exhibited low adsorption compared to fibrinogen and Cell-Tak controls on hydrophobic, neutral hydrophilic and charged self-assembled monolayers under surface plasmon resonance assay conditions designed to mimic the barnacle cement gland or seawater. Because rPpolcp19k protein displays low adhesive capability, this protein is suggested to confer the ability to self-assemble into a plaque within the barnacle cement complex.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems’.
Translational bioadhesion research: embracing biology without tokenism
Authors: Waite J. Herbert
Published: September 2019

Bioadhesion has attracted a sizable research community of scientists and engineers that is striving increasingly for translational outcomes in anti-fouling and bioinspired adhesion initiatives. As bioadhesion is highly context-dependent, attempts to trivialize or gloss over the fundamental physical, chemical and biological sciences involved will compromise the relevance and durability of translation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.
Bacterial Swarmers exhibit a Protective Response to Intestinal Stress
Authors: Chen Weijie , De Arpan , Li Hao , Wright Justin R. , Lamendella Regina , Lukin Dana J. , Szymczak Wendy , Sun Katherine , Kelly Libusha , Ghosh Subho , Kearns Daniel B. , He Zhen , Jobin Christian , Luo Xiaoping , Byju Arjun , Chatterjee Shirshendu , San Yeoh Beng , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Tang Jay X. , Mani Sridhar
Published: September 2019

Bacterial swarming, a collective movement on a surface, has rarely been associated with human pathophysiology. Here, we report for the first time that bacterial swarmers are associated with protection against intestinal inflammation. We show that bacterial swarmers are highly predictive of intestinal stress in mice and humans. We isolated a novel Enterobacter swarming strain, SM3, from mouse feces. SM3 and other known commensal swarmers contrast to their respective swarming-deficient, but swimming-competent isogenic strains abrogated intestinal inflammation in mice. Treatment of colitic mice with SM3, but not its mutants, enriched beneficial fecal anaerobes belonging to the family, Bacteroidales S24-7. We observed SM3 swarming associated pathways in the in vivo fecal metatranscriptomes. In vitro growth of S24-7 was enriched in presence of SM3 or its mutants conjecturing that bacterial swarming in vivo might influence SM3’s access to S24-7 in the intestines. Overall, our work identifies a new paradigm in which intestinal stress allows for the emergence of swarming bacteria, which can counterintuitively heal intestinal inflammation.
Notch signaling regulates Akap12 expression and primary cilia length during renal tubule morphogenesis
Authors: Mukherjee Malini , Ratnayake Ishara , Janga Madhusudhana , Fogarty Eric , Scheidt Shania , Grassmeyer Justin , deRiso Jennifer , Chandrasekar Indra , Ahrenkiel Phil , Kopan Raphael , Surendran Kameswaran
Published: September 2019

Alagille syndrome patients present with loss of function mutations in either JAG1 or NOTCH2. About 40-50% of patients have kidney abnormalities, with multi-cystic, dysplastic kidneys being one of the more frequent kidney defects. Additionally, gain-of-function mutations in NOTCH2 are associated with cystic kidneys in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome patients. Conditional inactivation of Notch1, Notch2, or RBPJ within the nephrogenic lineage impairs nephrogenesis and produces proximal tubule cysts in mice. How perturbations in Notch signaling cause renal tubular cysts remains unclear. Here we have determined that inhibition of Notch signaling in the kidney increases Akap12 expression. Ectopic expression of Akap12 in renal epithelia results in abnormally long primary cilia similar to those observed in Notch-signal-deficiency. Both loss of Notch signaling and elevated Akap12 expression disrupt the ability of renal epithelial cells to form spherical structures with a single lumen when grown embedded in matrix. We conclude that Notch signaling regulates Akap12 expression to ensure normal primary cilia length and renal epithelial morphogenesis, and suggest that diseases associated with defective Notch signaling, such as Alagille syndrome, maybe mechanistically related to ciliopathies.

Translational Statement

The current study examines how a reduction in Notch signaling results in abnormal renal tubule formation, as occurs in Alagille Syndrome patients with mutations in JAG1 or NOTCH2. The finding that reduced Notch signaling results in abnormally long cilia is suggestive that some of the clinical manifestations in Alagille Syndrome, such as small cystic kidneys, may originate due to defective cilia function. Linking Notch to primary cilia also opens up the possibility that coinheritance of mutations in ciliopathy genes along with a mutation in JAG1 or NOTCH2 may enhance the severity of the clinical phenotypes such as cystic kidney disease and may explain the variable occurrence and onset of kidney disease among Alagille Syndrome patients.
Social Media and citizen science provide valuable data for behavioural ecology research: Are cuttlefish using pursuit-deterrent signals during hunting?
Authors: Gordon Dražen , Pugh Philip , Cooke Gavan M
Published: September 2019

Obtaining robust, analysable data sets from wild marine animals is fraught with difficulties, dangers, expense, often without success. Scientists are becoming increasingly reliant on citizen scientists to help fill in gaps where they exist, especially in the area of biodiversity. Here, uniquely, we use social media and citizen science videos to investigate the behavioural ecology of hunting in five cuttlefish species –Metasepia pfefferi(N = 24),Sepia apama(N = 13),Sepia latimanus(N = 8),Sepia officinalis(N = 17), andSepia pharaonis(N = 23). We find that hunting strategies and prey type differ between species as do the types of behaviours used by the five species studied here. We also use kinematic permutation analysis to elucidate chains of behaviours, finding that cuttlefish significantly use a mixture of predator behaviours but also prey-like behaviours, such as warning signals and possibly even a ‘pursuit-deterrent signal’ during the final moments of hunting. We also show and discuss significant intraspecific differences.
Genomic expansion of archaeal lineages resolved from deep Costa Rica sediments
Authors: Farag Ibrahim F. , Biddle Jennifer F. , Zhao Rui , Martino Amanda J. , House Christopher H. , León-Zayas Rosa I.
Published: September 2019

Numerous archaeal lineages are known to inhabit marine subsurface sediments, although their distributions, metabolic capacities and interspecies interactions are still not well understood. Abundant and diverse archaea were recently reported in Costa Rica (CR) margin subseafloor sediments recovered during IODP Expedition 334. Here, we recover metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of archaea from the CR-margin and compare them to their relatives from shallower settings. We describe 31 MAGs of 6 different archaeal lineages (Lokiarchaeota, Thorarchaeota, Heimdallarchaeota, Bathyarcheota, Thermoplasmatales and Hadesarchaea) and thoroughly analyze representative MAGs from the phyla Lokiarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota. Our analysis suggests the potential capabilities of Lokiarchaeota members to anaerobically degrade aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. We show it is genetically possible and energetically feasible for Lokiarchaeota to degrade benzoate if they associate with organisms using nitrate, nitrite and sulfite as electron acceptors, which suggests a possibility of syntrophic relationships between Lokiarchaeota and nitrite and sulfite reducers. The novel Bathyarchaeota lineage possesses an incomplete methanogenesis pathway lacking the methyl co-enzyme M reductase complex and encodes a non-canonical acetogenic pathway potentially coupling methylotrophy to acetogenesis via the methyl branch of Wood-Ljundahl pathway. These novel metabolic characteristics suggest the potential of this Bathyarchaeota lineage to be a transition between methanogenic and acetogenic Bathyarchaeota lineages. This work substantially expands our knowledge about the metabolic function repertoire of marine benthic archaea.
Wheat Seed Proteins: Factors Influencing Their Content, Composition, and Technological Properties, and Strategies to Reduce Adverse Reactions
Authors: Rustgi Sachin , Shewry Peter , Brouns Fred , Deleu Lomme J. , Delcour Jan A.
Published: September 2019

Wheat is the primary source of nutrition for many, especially those living in developing countries, and wheat proteins are among the most widely consumed dietary proteins in the world. However, concerns about disorders related to the consumption of wheat and/or wheat gluten proteins have increased sharply in the last 20 years. This review focuses on wheat gluten proteins and amylase trypsin inhibitors, which are considered to be responsible for eliciting most of the intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms experienced by susceptible individuals. Although several approaches have been proposed to reduce the exposure to gluten or immunogenic peptides resulting from its digestion, none have proven sufficiently effective for general use in coeliac‐safe diets. Potential approaches to manipulate the content, composition, and technological properties of wheat proteins are therefore discussed, as well as the effects of using gluten isolates in various food systems. Finally, some aspects of the use of gluten‐free commodities are discussed.
A Quantitative Assessment of Zygomatic Projection for Ancestry Estimation
Authors: Cataldo‐Ramirez Chelsea , Garvin Heather M. , Cabo Luis
Published: September 2019

Anterior zygomatic projection (ZP) is historically referenced as a useful trait in ancestry estimation, particularly when differentiating between Native Americans and U.S. Whites and Blacks. However, methods of assessing ZP vary, are susceptible to multiple interpretations, and have not been quantitatively validated. This study uses 228 3D surface scans of U.S. Whites, U.S. Blacks, and Native Americans to quantitatively test the ZP methods published by Rhine in 1990 (Skeletal attribution of race: methods for forensic anthropology, Albuquerque, NM, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, 1990) and Bass in 1995 (Human osteology: a laboratory and field manual, Columbia, MO: Missouri Archaeological Society, 1995). Two ZP angles and two distances, representing method interpretations, were collected and analyzed via ANOVA and discriminant function analyses. Although significant ancestry differences were found across all variables, only the Bass inferior zygomatic distance successfully differentiated the pooled Native American group from pooled U.S. Whites/Blacks (73.7% correct). Arctic Native Americans, displaying the most projecting zygomas, are driving group differences. Significant overlap in measurement distributions were observed between groups in all variables, indicating limited forensic utility.
Markers for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy—A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yefet Enav , Jeda Elad , Tzur Ayellet , Nachum Zohar
Published: September 2019

Background

To examine possible markers for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in early‐onset gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of women with GDM diagnosed prior to the 24th week, who delivered between 2005 and 2018, was conducted. The results of the 50‐g glucose challenge test, 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and the first available glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were examined as markers for type 2 diabetes diagnosed 6 to 12 weeks post pregnancy, which is suggestive of pregestational diabetes. This was done by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each marker. These markers and additional ones were evaluated for independency by stepwise multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 69 417 pregnancies, 3321 (5%) pregnancies were with GDM. Of them, in 261 (8%) women GDM was diagnosed prior to the 24th week, and 219 (84%) women had available data for analysis. Among them, 11 (5%) women had type 2 diabetes post pregnancy. Elevated HbA1c was the most accurate marker for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (AUC 91% with 95% CI [81%‐100%]) and the only independent marker for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 19; 95% CI [3.2‐109], C statistic = 88%). Using the ROC curve, a cutoff of 5.8% predicted type 2 diabetes with 89% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 99.4% negative predictive value, and 23% positive predictive value.

Conclusions

Early‐onset GDM with HbA1c ≥ 5.8% should be managed as type 2 diabetes. Definitive diagnosis should be done after delivery.
Executives' Legal Records and the Deterrent Effect of Corporate Governance
Authors: Davidson Robert H. , Dey Aiyesha , Smith Abbie
Published: September 2019

We study whether the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms varies depending on the characteristics of the executives subject to these mechanisms, namely their “psychological type,” as proxied by their history of legal infractions. In particular, we examine insider trading, where we can compare the trading behavior of different types of executives in the same firm. We find that “recordholder” executives, that is, those with prior legal infractions, earn significantly higher profits from purchases and sales than nonrecordholder executives. Furthermore, the profitability of both purchases and sales is significantly increasing in the severity of the infraction. Governance mechanisms, such as blackout policies, lower profits of executives with only traffic infractions; however, profits for executives with serious infractions appear insensitive to blackout policies. Insiders with serious infractions are also more likely to trade during blackout periods and before large information events and are more likely to report their trades to the SEC after the filing deadline. Collectively, our evidence suggests that while governance mechanisms can discipline executives with minor offenses, they appear largely ineffective for those with more serious infractions.
The Role of Auditor Narcissism in Auditor‐Client Negotiations: Evidence from China
Authors: Church Bryan K. , Dai Narisa Tianjing , Kuang Xi (Jason) , Liu Xuejiao
Published: September 2019

This paper reports the results of three studies (archival, experimental, and qualitative) designed to examine the effects of auditor narcissism on auditor‐client negotiations in China. We contend that narcissistic characteristics fuel auditors' competitiveness and embolden them to stand firm in negotiations, potentially lengthening the negotiation process but leading to more conservative negotiation outcomes. As predicted, our archival results suggest that auditor narcissism is positively associated with audit delay and negatively associated with clients' absolute and positive discretionary accruals. Our experimental results document that narcissistic auditors are more likely to be involved in negotiations that reach an impasse or take longer to resolve and that narcissistic auditors negotiate reported asset values that reflect less aggressive reporting choices. Our qualitative results from field interviews with practicing audit partners corroborate our archival and experimental findings. Overall, the data collected using three different research methods yield consistent results in support of our theory. Our findings shed light on factors that influence audit efficiency and quality in China. We discuss the key cultural and contextual differences between China and the West as well as the implications of these differences for future research.
“They take a lot of pressure off us”: Volunteers reducing staff and family care burden and contributing to quality of care for older patients with cognitive impairment in rural hospitals
Authors: Blair Annaliese , Bateman Catherine , Anderson Katrina
Published: September 2019

Objectives

1Explore the ability of trained volunteers to provide person‐centred care focusing on nutrition/hydration support, hearing/visual aids and activities in rural hospitals for older patients with dementia and/or delirium. 2Explore the impacts and challenges of volunteer care for family carers and hospital staff.

Methods

Staff were surveyed about their confidence, stress and satisfaction at 6 months post‐implementation. Focus groups with staff and interviews with families explored program successes, challenges and enabling factors.

Results

Volunteers integrated themselves into the care team, providing person‐centred care, increased safety and quality of care for patients and a reduced burden for staff and families. Key enablers were clear processes for screening, training and supporting volunteers. Key challenges included initial role delineation, staff/volunteer trust and sustainability.

Conclusion

The program is reported by families and staff as being effective in addressing the main barriers to providing person‐centred care for older adults with cognitive impairment in rural acute hospitals.
Keep the cat, change the care pathway: A transformational approach to managing Fel d 1, the major cat allergen
Authors: Satyaraj Ebenezer , Wedner Harold James , Bousquet Jean
Published: September 2019

Background

Allergies to cats are the most common animal‐origin allergy, and affect approximately 1 in 5 adults worldwide. The prevalence of allergy to furry animals has been increasing, and allergy to cats is a major risk factor for the development of asthma and rhinitis. The diagnosis of cat allergy is now well established. The exact significance of component‐resolved diagnosis in the diagnosis of cat allergy remains to be fully understood. Allergen avoidance is effective but often has a psychologic impact. Allergen immunotherapy is not well demonstrated. There is a need for innovative approaches to better manage cat allergens. Next‐generation care pathways for asthma and rhinitis will define the place of cat allergen avoidance.

Methods and Results

This manuscript, based on content presented at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress 2019, provides information on the prevalence and impact of cat allergies and the molecular biology of Fel d 1, the major cat allergen.

Discussion

The authors present the scientific basis of a novel care pathway that utilizes anti‐Fel d 1 IgY antibodies to safely and effectively neutralize Fel d 1 after its production by the cat but before human exposure.

Conclusion

Efficacy of a feline diet with an egg product ingredient containing anti‐Fel d 1 IgY antibodies was demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, and further validated by a pilot exposure study involving cat‐allergic human participants.
Brugada phenocopy secondary to extensive inferior wall ischemia induced by coronary steal effect
Authors: Guamán Valdivieso Carlos , Ferrando‐Castagnetto Federico , Marichal Pablo , Acquistapace Federico , Trujillo Pedro , Baranchuk Adrián
Published: September 2019

The diagnosis of Brugada syndrome is usually made with a typical ECG pattern. However, different disorders can emulate this pattern (Brugada phenocopies). Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain controversial. We describe the development of type‐1 Brugada ECG pattern associated with extensive coronary steal effect during myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery and severe proximal stenosis in distally occluded left circumflex artery were confirmed by coronary angiogram. Brugada ECG pattern can be a reversible sign associated with inferior left ventricular and right ventricular ischemia. Its presence during acute ischemia deserves appropriate risk stratification.
Comparative study of outcomes for elderly hip fractures presenting directly to a referral hospital versus those transferred from peripheral centres
Authors: Butler Stephen A. , Salipas Andrew , van der Rijt Adrian
Published: September 2019

Background

The geography of rural Australia poses a myriad of logistical dilemmas, including the provision of timely access to emergency orthopaedic hip fracture surgery. Current guidelines support surgery within 48 h, and delays to transfer to a referral hospital may result in worse outcomes and increase mortality rates. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of transfer delays on the clinical outcomes of hip fractures in a rural setting.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 265 hip fracture patients who underwent surgical management between 2013 and 2015 at a rural referral hospital. Factors such as age, time to surgery, delay to surgery, preoperative clinical deterioration, preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram, American Society of Anesthesiologists class and 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates were examined. Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated for statistically significant primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

The mean delay to transfer was 19.9 h. Patients were 6.76 times more likely to undergo surgery within 48 h if they presented to the referral hospital first. Surgery within 48 h was more likely in those who presented to the referral hospital first, had no preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram and did not experience a preoperative clinical deterioration. The 30‐day mortality rates were significantly higher in those who had surgery after 48 h or underwent a preoperative clinical deterioration.

Conclusion

Increased time to hip fracture surgery was associated with increased mortality rates. Transfer delays from a peripheral hospital had a significant bearing on time to surgery. Early transfer to a referral hospital is recommended.