bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Long‐Term Proficiency of Early, Middle, and Late Starters Learning English as a Foreign Language at School: A Narrative Review and Empirical Study
Authors: Baumert Jürgen , Fleckenstein Johanna , Leucht Michael , Köller Olaf , Möller Jens
Published: June 2020

Throughout Europe, there is a growing trend for students to start learning foreign languages at elementary school. Although policymakers expect early‐start programs to boost second language skills, empirical findings are mixed; recent studies have raised many questions. In this large‐scale study, we aimed to close some of these gaps. We examined the effects of early‐start English on receptive language proficiency in a random sample of 19,858 students from 1,431 Year 9 classes in Germany, comparing the reading and listening comprehension of early starters (English from Year 1), a middle group (Year 3), and late starters (Year 5), and analyzing to what extent foreign language instruction at secondary level builds on students’ existing knowledge. By Year 9, the proficiency levels of the three groups differed only slightly. We provide evidence that this lack of long‐term impact may be attributable to English teaching at secondary level being insufficiently adaptive to students’ prior knowledge.
P2P lending in China: Role and prospects for the future
Authors: Hsu Sara , Li Jianjun , Bao Hong
Published: June 2020

In the early days of development, the Chinese P2P lending industry grew rapidly due to financial constraints faced by small businesses and consumers and expanded under a lax regulatory environment. The industry filled a gap in demand for finance but was accompanied by increasing risks and poor business models. Regulation was put into place piecemeal, but large regulatory action was taken in 2018 to register P2P businesses and then, in 2019 to wind down the industry. The experience of China's P2P lending industry underscores the importance of assessing credit risk reducing operational risk under experienced financial management. Although China's P2P industry is dying away, lessons from the industry have helped to improve the structure of new fintech firms.
High‐pressure metamorphic mineralogy of the Martian crust with implications for density and seismic profiles
Authors: Semprich Julia , Filiberto Justin
Published: June 2020

Here, we calculate the mineralogy of the Martian lower crust and upper mantle as a function of pressure and temperature with depth using four bulk compositions (average crust, Gusev basalt, olivine‐phyric shergottite, and primitive average mantle). We then use this mineralogy to extract rock properties such as density and seismic velocities, describe their changes with varying conditions and geotherms, and make predictions for the crust–mantle boundary. Mineralogically, all compositions produce garnet, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene in varying proportions at high pressures, with differences in minor minerals (spinel, ilmenite, rutile, and/or K‐feldspar). According to our calculations, the average crust and Gusev basalt compositions have the potential to yield higher densities than the average mantle composition, particularly for thicker crusts and/or colder geotherms. Therefore, recycling of the Martian crust into the mantle could occur through the process of crustal delamination, if not kinetically inhibited. However, our results show that, depending on crustal thickness, the crust may not be easily distinguishable from the mantle in seismic properties.
Candidate gene SNP variation in floodplain populations of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) near the species' southern range margin: Weak differentiation yet distinct associations with water availability
Authors: Temunović Martina , Garnier‐Géré Pauline , Morić Maja , Franjić Jozo , Ivanković Mladen , Bogdan Saša , Hampe Arndt
Published: June 2020

Populations residing near species' low‐latitude range margins (LLMs) often occur in warmer and drier environments than those in the core range. Thus, their genetic composition could be shaped by climatic drivers that differ from those occurring at higher latitudes, resulting in potentially adaptive variants of conservation value. Such variants could facilitate the adaptation of populations from other portions of the geographical range to similar future conditions anticipated under ongoing climate change. However, very few studies have assessed standing genetic variation at potentially adaptive loci in natural LLM populations. We investigated standing genetic variation at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within 117 candidate genes and its links to putative climatic selection pressures across 19 pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) populations distributed along a regional climatic gradient near the species' southern range margin in southeastern Europe. These populations are restricted to floodplain forests along large lowland rivers, whose hydric regime is undergoing significant shifts under modern rapid climate change. The populations showed very weak geographical structure, suggesting extensive genetic connectivity and gene flow or shared ancestry. We identified eight (6.2%) positive FST‐outlier loci, and genotype–environment association analyses revealed consistent associations between SNP allele frequencies and several climatic variables linked to water availability. A total of 61 associations involving 37 SNPs (28.5%) from 35 annotated genes provided important insights into putative functional mechanisms in our system. Our findings provide empirical support for the role of LLM populations as sources of potentially adaptive variation that could enhance species’ resilience to climate change‐related pressures.
No beating around the bush: the impact of projected high‐latitude vegetation transitions on soil and ecosystem respiration
Authors: Baltzer Jennifer L. , Sonnentag Oliver
Published: June 2020

This article is a Commentary on Parker et al. (2020), 227: 1818–1830.
A rare single nucleotide variant in Pm5e confers powdery mildew resistance in common wheat
Authors: Xie Jingzhong , Guo Guanghao , Wang Yong , Hu Tiezhu , Wang Lili , Li Jingting , Qiu Dan , Li Yahui , Wu Qiuhong , Lu Ping , Chen Yongxing , Dong Lingli , Li Miaomiao , Zhang Huaizhi , Zhang Panpan , Zhu Keyu , Li Beibei , Deal Karin R. , Huo Naxin , Zhang Yan , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Liu Sanzhen , Gu Yong Qiang , Li Hongjie , Liu Zhiyong
Published: June 2020

Powdery mildew poses severe threats to wheat production. The most sustainable way to control this disease is through planting resistant cultivars.

We report the map‐based cloning of the powdery mildew resistance allele Pm5e from a Chinese wheat landrace. We applied a two‐step bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR‐Seq) approach in developing tightly linked or co‐segregating markers to Pm5e. The first BSR‐Seq used phenotypically contrasting bulks of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) to identify Pm5e‐linked markers. The second BSR‐Seq utilized bulks of genetic recombinants screened from a fine‐mapping population to precisely quantify the associated genomic variation in the mapping interval, and identified the Pm5e candidate genes.

The function of Pm5e was validated by transgenic assay, loss‐of‐function mutants and haplotype association analysis. Pm5e encodes a nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing (NLR) protein. A rare nonsynonymous single nucleotide variant (SNV) within the C‐terminal leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain is responsible for the gain of powdery mildew resistance function of Pm5e, an allele endemic to wheat landraces of Shaanxi province of China.

Results from this study demonstrate the value of landraces in discovering useful genes for modern wheat breeding. The key SNV associated with powdery mildew resistance will be useful for marker‐assisted selection of Pm5e in wheat breeding programs.
Phytonematode peptide effectors exploit a host post‐translational trafficking mechanism to the ER using a novel translocation signal
Authors: Wang Jianying , Dhroso Andi , Liu Xunliang , Baum Thomas J. , Hussey Richard S. , Davis Eric L. , Wang Xiaohong , Korkin Dmitry , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: June 2020

Cyst nematodes induce a multicellular feeding site within roots called a syncytium. It remains unknown how root cells are primed for incorporation into the developing syncytium. Furthermore, it is unclear how CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptide effectors secreted into the cytoplasm of the initial feeding cell could have an effect on plant cells so distant from where the nematode is feeding as the syncytium expands.

Here we describe a novel translocation signal within nematode CLE effectors that is recognized by plant cell secretory machinery to redirect these peptides from the cytoplasm to the apoplast of plant cells.

We show that the translocation signal is functionally conserved across CLE effectors identified in nematode species spanning three genera and multiple plant species, operative across plant cell types, and can traffic other unrelated small peptides from the cytoplasm to the apoplast of host cells via a previously unknown post‐translational mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) translocation.

Our results uncover a mechanism of effector trafficking that is unprecedented in any plant pathogen to date, andthey illustrate how phytonematodes can deliver effector proteins into host cells and then hijack plant cellular processes for their export back out of the cell to function as external signaling molecules to distant cells.
Atrial fibrillation post central retinal artery occlusion: Role of implantable loop recorders
Authors: Watson Ryan A. , Wellings Jennifer , Hingorani Rittu , Zhan Tingting , Frisch Daniel R. , Ho Reginald T. , Pavri Behzad B. , Sergott Robert C. , Greenspon Arnold J.
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study evaluated the risk of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) compared to those with cryptogenic stroke using implantable loop recorders (ILR).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 273 consecutive patients who had ILRs inserted at our institution for either cryptogenic stroke (n = 227) or CRAO (n = 46). Our primary endpoint was a time to event analysis for the new diagnosis of AF by ILR. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the predictors of time‐to‐AF.

Results

A total of 64 patients were found to have newly diagnosed AF by remote monitoring of the ILR. AF was detected in 57 of 227 (25%) cryptogenic stroke patients by the end of a maximum 5.1 years follow‐up and in seven of 46 (15%) CRAO patients by the end of a maximum 3.6 years follow‐up (P = .215, log‐rank test). The Kaplan‐Meier estimates for freedom from AF was 59.4% for CRAO and 66.6% for cryptogenic stroke (P = NS, log‐rank test). Baseline variables predicting AF included older patients, higher CHADS2VASC score, longer PR interval on initial EKG evaluation, and mitral annular calcification on transthoracic echocardiogram.

Conclusions

Patients with CRAO are at risk for subclinical AF, similar to those with cryptogenic stroke. Long‐term monitoring to detect AF may lead to changes in pharmacotherapy to reduce the risk for subsequent stroke.
Making Every Vote Count: The Important Role of Managerial Capacity in Achieving Better Election Administration Outcomes
Authors: Kropf Martha , Pope JoEllen V. , Shepherd Mary Jo , Mohr Zachary
Published: June 2020

A public agency's capacity to implement policy and achieve valued public outcomes has been a long‐running area of research in public administration. Many articles provide theory and empirics regarding the capacity to implement policy, but relatively few examine multiple types of agency capacity within the same analysis. This article develops a model based on the election administration literature in political science and public administration to examine the effects of managerial capacity, financial capacity, and technology on the election management outcome of the residual vote rate in North Carolina election jurisdictions. The results indicate that higher levels of management capacity and technology significantly reduce problems with voting as measured by the residual vote rate. Financial capacity shows a negative association with the residual vote rate but is not significant. The article concludes by discussing how studying election administration provides an important and uniquely good administrative context for developing administrative theory.
Social Vulnerability and Equity: The Disproportionate Impact of COVID‐19
Authors: Gaynor Tia Sherèe , Wilson Meghan E.
Published: June 2020

As the architect of racial disparity, racism shapes the vulnerability of communities. Socially vulnerable communities are less resilient in their ability to respond to and recover from natural and human‐made disasters compared with resourced communities. This essay argues that racism exposes practices and structures in public administration that, along with the effects of COVID‐19, have led to disproportionate infection and death rates of Black people. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index, the authors analyze the ways Black bodies occupy the most vulnerable communities, making them bear the brunt of COVID‐19's impact. The findings suggest that existing disparities exacerbate COVID‐19 outcomes for Black people. Targeted universalism is offered as an administrative framework to meet the needs of all people impacted by COVID‐19.
Bronchial thermoplasty: Redefining its role
Authors: Langton David , Lee Pyng
Published: June 2020

In this review, we trace (i) the origins of bronchial thermoplasty, (ii) the development of a solid evidence base for efficacy and safety, (iii) the emerging understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of action and (iv) the place in therapy today. Future challenges are then discussed.
Decent work for sustainable development inpost‐crisisNepal: Social policy challenges and a way forward
Authors: Dhakal Subas P. , Burgess John
Published: June 2020

Although the Decent Work agenda has received significant attention in the context of sustainable development, the formulation and implementation of appropriate social policies in developing countries remain an underexplored subject. This article responds to this gap and traces country‐specific Decent Work related policies and programs in Nepal—which is recovering from two major crises: a decade‐long armed conflict that ended in 2006 as well as the 2015 earthquake. Drawing on Critical Policy Analysis framework, this article examines how key tenets of the International Labour Organisation's Decent Work platform, namely creation and provision of employment, social protection, social dialogue and rights at work have manifested in Nepal. The findings indicate that while attempts have been made to embrace the Decent Work agenda into social policies and programs, structural instability of political processes means that there is a lack of strategic directions to address a capacity deficit specific to the informal sector and outbound labour migrants. The article makes broader analytical contributions towards evaluating the implementation of social policies driven by the global priority in the context of developing nations with weak governance settings. In countries like Nepal, where the majority of workers are located within the informal sector and as such the administrative reach and effectiveness of Decent Work related social policies designed for the formal sector are limited.
Public Views of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Aftermath of the Kavanaugh Confirmation
Authors: Krewson Christopher N. , Schroedel Jean R.
Published: June 2020

Objective

We analyze public views of the Supreme Court following the confirmation hearings of Brett M. Kavanaugh.

Methods

We distributed an online survey days after the Senate confirmed Kavanaugh's appointment.

Results

Supreme Court legitimacy was weak following the hearings and perceptions of legitimacy varied based on partisanship, gender, and race. However, legitimacy was not strongly related to support for Kavanaugh. Furthermore, respondents consistently ranked political characteristics as the least important attributes of a nominee. Still, those satisfied with the Senate confirmation process ranked political attributes as more important.

Conclusion

Our findings portend some challenges for the Court in the wake of the Kavanaugh confirmation. At the same time, Supreme Court legitimacy was only weakly tied to Kavanaugh, and legal qualities and moral character were more important to the public than a nominee's political attributes.
Universal molecular Clostridioides difficile screening and overtreatment in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: McCort Margaret Newman , Oehler Cassandra , Enriquez Matthew , Landon Emily , Nguyen Cynthia T. , Pettit Natasha N. , Ridgway Jessica , Pisano Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Background

Screening for Clostridioides difficile (CD) colonization can be performed using molecular testing to identify the presence of microbial DNA of the toxin gene. Colonization rates for hospitalized patients are as high as 20% and may be considerably higher in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Treatment for CD should be based on clinical disease and not colonization, yet clinicians may misinterpret a positive CD screen resulting in overtreatment.

Objectives

The objective of this analysis is to determine how often positive CD screens resulted in inappropriate treatment with oral vancomycin.

Methods

Clostridioides difficile screens were performed using the Xpert C difficile assay (Cepheid), a nucleic acid amplification testing method utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), on peri‐rectal swabs for newly admitted patients. This was a single‐center cohort study of adult patients with CD screens hospitalized between July 2015 and November 2018. The primary outcome was the rate of inappropriate oral vancomycin treatment in all patients and in SOT recipients, defined as therapy in the absence of diarrhea.

Results

Of the 47 076 total CD screens reviewed, 1,921 were positive. In the SOT cohort, 58 of 329 screens were positive (4.1% vs 17.9%, P < .01). Of all patients with a positive CD screen, 20.1% (386/1921) were treated with oral vancomycin within 48 hours of swab collection. In the SOT cohort, 39.6% (23/58) with positive CD screens were treated with oral vancomycin within 48 hours. Of the SOT patients who received oral vancomycin, 39% (9/23) did not have true CD infection.

Conclusion

Solid organ transplant recipients were more likely to have CD colonization detected by peri‐rectal screening than the general inpatient population. SOT and non‐SOT patients were treated with oral vancomycin at similar rates in response to the positive screen. Nearly half of the oral vancomycin use in SOT recipients was likely overtreatment, but this finding is limited by the low number of patients in this cohort.
Developing a STEM+M Identity in Underrepresented Minority Youth Through Biomechanics and Sports-Based Education
Authors: Marshall Brittany , Loya Amy , Drazan John , Prato Anthony , Conley Nicole , Thomopoulos Stavros , E. Reuther Katherine
Published: June 2020

A Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEM+M) identity, a form of social identity, is the extent to which an individual feels accepted in the STEM+M career fields. The development of a strong STEM+M identity hinges largely on one's perceived self-efficacy in STEM+M and can be bolstered by associating STEM+M with other areas in which an individual already exhibits self-efficacy. In this study, a basketball camp served as a platform for STEM+M education in an effort to link participants' self-efficacy in basketball to STEM+M concepts where they may feel less self-efficacious. Over the first 2 years of the program, known as the Youth Sports Lab (YSL), two cohorts of underrepresented minority (URM) middle school students attended a 4-day long basketball camp hosted at Columbia University in partnership with Harlem- and Albany-based afterschool programs. The camp consisted of basketball training, jump plate fabrication, data collection, invited speakers, and group-based research projects. Our hypotheses were that participation in the program would lead to improved (1) familiarity, (2) perceived importance, and (3) interest in STEM+M. Participant responses, gathered from a 17-question Likert-scale survey administered before and after the camp, demonstrated 10 questions with significantly increased responses due to the program. The results support the conclusion that the sports-based engineering program increased STEM+M identity in the URM cohort. Future improvements to the program will include midyear student engagement and long-term follow-up.
The Doping Dependence of the Thermal Conductivity of Bulk Gallium Nitride Substrates
Authors: Song Yiwen , Lundh James Spencer , Wang Weijie , Leach Jacob H. , Eichfeld Devon , Krishnan Anusha , Perez Carlos , Ji Dong , Borman Trent , Ferri Kevin , Maria Jon-Paul , Chowdhury Srabanti , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Foley Brian M. , Choi Sukwon
Published: June 2020

Gallium nitride (GaN) has emerged as one of the most attractive base materials for next-generation high-power and high-frequency electronic devices. Recent efforts have focused on realizing vertical power device structures such as in situ oxide, GaN interlayer based vertical trench metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (OG-FETs). Unfortunately, the higher-power density of GaN electronics inevitably leads to considerable device self-heating which impacts device performance and reliability. Halide vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) is currently the most common approach for manufacturing commercial GaN substrates used to build vertical GaN transistors. Vertical device structures consist of GaN layers of diverse doping levels. Hence, it is of crucial importance to measure and understand how the dopant type (Si, Fe, and Mg), doping level, and crystal quality alter the thermal conductivity of HVPE-grown bulk GaN. In this work, a steady-state thermoreflectance (SSTR) technique was used to measure the thermal conductivity of HVPE-grown GaN substrates employing different doping schemes and levels. Structural and electrical characterization methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Raman spectroscopy, and Hall-effect measurements were used to determine and compare the GaN crystal quality, dislocation density, doping level, and carrier concentration. Using this comprehensive suite of characterization methods, the interrelation among structural/electrical parameters and the thermal conductivity of bulk GaN substrates was investigated. While doping is evidenced to reduce the GaN thermal conductivity, the highest thermal conductivity (201 W/mK) is observed in a heavily Si-doped (1–5.00 × 1018 cm−3) substrate with the highest crystalline quality. This suggests that phonon-dislocation scattering dominates over phonon-impurity scattering in the tested HVPE-grown bulk GaN substrates. The results provide useful information for designing thermal management solutions for vertical GaN power electronic devices.
Force–Velocity–Power Profile in High-Elite Boulder, Lead, and Speed Climber Competitors
Authors: Levernier Guillaume , Samozino Pierre , Laffaye Guillaume
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To compare the force-production capacities among boulderers, lead climbers, and speed climbers during a pull-up test using a force–velocity–power profile. Methods: In total, 24 high-elite climbers (11 boulderers, 8 lead climbers, and 5 speed climbers) did 2 pull-ups at different percentages of their body mass (0%, 30%, 45%, 60%, and 70%). Force–velocity–power profile analyses were performed with the use of an accelerometer for each load. The intraclass correlation and coefficients of variation were calculated. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed with a Tukey post hoc test to assess the difference between the groups. Results: Regarding force, the coefficient of variation ranged from 1.00% to 6.18% and the intraclass correlation ranged from .98 to .99. For velocity, the coefficient of variation ranged from 2.75% to 6.62% and the intraclass correlation ranged from .84 to .95. The linear regression slope showed R2 to be between .93 and .99, confirming the high quality of the linear relationship between velocity and the external force produced during a pull-up. Boulderers presented significantly higher (P < .05) maximal power (+22.30% and +26.29%), mean power for the pull-up at body weight (+23.49% and +25.35%), and theoretical maximal velocity at zero force (+23.92% and +21.53%) than lead and speed climbers and a more significant curve increase (+35.21% compared with lead climbers). Conclusions: The reliability of the method was shown to be high. Moreover, boulderers were able to develop an important external force and had the capacity to maintain high speed when force production increased.
Evaluative Threat Increases Effort Expenditure in a Cycling Exercise: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Selimbegović Leila , Dupuy Olivier , Terache Julie , Blandin Yannick , Bosquet Laurent , Chatard Armand
Published: June 2020

Research shows that negative or threatening emotional stimuli can foster movement velocity and force. However, less is known about how evaluative threat may influence movement parameters in endurance exercise. Based on social self-preservation theory, the authors predicted that evaluative threat would facilitate effort expenditure in physical exercise. In an exploratory study, 27 young men completed a bogus intelligence test and received either low-intelligence-quotient feedback (evaluative threat) or no feedback (control). Next, they were asked to pedal on a stationary bicycle for 30 min at a constant cadence. After 10 min (calibration period), the cadence display was hidden. Findings show that participants under evaluative threat increased cadence more than control participants during the subsequent 20-min critical period. These findings underline the potential importance of unrelated evaluative threat on physical performance.
Connecting Customer Knowledge Management and Intention to Use Sport Services Through Psychological Involvement, Commitment, and Customer Perceived Value
Authors: Behnam Mohsen , Sato Mikihiro , Baker Bradley J. , Delshab Vahid , Winand Mathieu
Published: June 2020

Despite the increasing importance of customer knowledge management (CKM) as a strategic resource for sport service organizations, little sport management research has examined the link between CKM and consumers’ intention to use sport services. Using the psychological continuum model as the theoretical framework, this study examines whether CKM predicts consumers’ intention to use sport services. Participants (N = 686) were recruited from nonprofit sports clubs in Urmia, Iran. Structural equation modeling results revealed positive relationships between CKM, psychological involvement, perceived value, commitment, and intention to use. Furthermore, both CKM and psychological involvement had positive indirect effects on intention to use through perceived value and commitment. Findings from this study highlight the importance of psychological involvement and perceived value in promoting intention to use sport services at nonprofit sports clubs and CKM’s role as a key antecedent.
Constraints of Load and Posture on Coordination Variability and Marksmanship Performance
Authors: Palmer Christopher J. , van Emmerik Richard E.A.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the establishment of dynamic marksmanship performance under different load and postural configurations. Participants quickly established two postures (forward and high targets) under head, trunk, and extremity loads during marksmanship performance. With the dynamic establishment of posture, load disrupted coordinative dynamics, resulting in reduced speed and accuracy on target. Specifically, torso loads increased segmental variability while establishing posture, and smaller head and upper extremity loads extended quieting time before firing. Increased head extension at the high target further destabilized posture, with reduced accuracy across all loads. Large torso loads reduced the adaptability to modulate postural fluctuations at the foot center of pressure while establishing postures for marksmanship, as evidenced by reductions in center of pressure variability. This study expands traditional static marksmanship research, providing insight into relations between task performance, coordinative variability, and postural control while dynamically establishing precision postures.
Rapidly Correcting Frameshift Mutations in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis
orn
Gene Produce Reversible Ethambutol Resistance and Small-Colony-Variant Morphology
Authors: Safi Hassan , Lingaraju Subramanya , Ma Shuyi , Husain Seema , Hoque Mainul , Soteropoulos Patricia , Rustad Tige , Sherman David R. , Alland David
Published: June 2020

We have identified a previously unknown mechanism of reversible high-level ethambutol (EMB) resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that is caused by a reversible frameshift mutation in the
M. tuberculosis
orn
gene. A frameshift mutation in
orn
produces the small-colony-variant (SCV) phenotype, but this mutation does not change the MICs of any drug for wild-type
M. tuberculosis
. However, the same
orn
mutation in a low-level EMB-resistant double
embB-aftA
mutant (MIC = 8 μg/ml) produces an SCV with an EMB MIC of 32 μg/ml.
The Mandelate Pathway, an Alternative to the Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Pathway for the Synthesis of Benzenoids in Ascomycete Yeasts
Authors: Valera Maria Jose , Boido Eduardo , Ramos Juan Carlos , Manta Eduardo , Radi Rafael , Dellacassa Eduardo , Carrau Francisco
Published: June 2020

We present here evidence of the existence of the mandelate pathway in yeast for the synthesis of benzenoids. The link between phenylpyruvate- and 4-hydroxyphenlypyruvate-derived compounds with the corresponding synthesis of benzaldehydes through benzoylformate decarboxylation is demonstrated.
Hanseniaspora vineae
was used in these studies because of its capacity to produce benzenoid derivatives at a level 2 orders of magnitude higher than that produced by
Saccharomyces
. Contrary to what was hypothesized, neither β-oxidation derivatives nor 4-coumaric acid is an intermediate in the synthesis of yeast benzenoids. Our results might offer an answer to the long-standing question of the origin of 4-hydroxybenzoate for the synthesis of Q10 in humans.
Genome-Wide Increased Copy Number is Associated with Emergence of Dominant Clones of the Irish Potato Famine Pathogen Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Knaus Brian J. , Tabima Javier F. , Shakya Shankar K. , Judelson Howard S. , Grünwald Niklaus J.
Published: June 2020

The plant pathogen implicated in the Irish potato famine,
Phytophthora infestans
, continues to reemerge globally. Understanding changes in the genome during emergence can provide insights useful for managing this pathogen. Previous work has relied on studying individuals from the United States, South America, Europe, and China reporting that these can occur as diploids, triploids, or tetraploids and are clonal. We studied variation in sexual populations at the pathogen’s center of origin, in Mexico, where it has been reported to reproduce sexually as well as within clonally reproducing, dominant clones from the United States and Europe. Our results newly show that sexual populations at the center of origin are diploid, whereas populations elsewhere are more variable and show genome-wide variation in gene copy number. We propose a model of evolution whereby new pathogen clones emerge predominantly by increasing the gene copy number genome-wide.
Capsular Polysaccharide Cross-Regulation Modulates Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Biofilm Formation
Authors: Béchon Nathalie , Mihajlovic Jovana , Vendrell-Fernández Sol , Chain Florian , Langella Philippe , Beloin Christophe , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: June 2020

The human gut harbors a complex bacterial community that plays important roles in host health and disease, including nutrient acquisition, maturation of the immune system, and resistance to infections. The capacity to adhere to surfaces and form communities called biofilms is believed to be important for niche colonization and maintenance of gut bacteria. However, little is known about the adhesion capacity of most gut bacteria. In this study, we investigated biofilm formation in
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
, one of the most abundant bacteria of the normal mammalian intestine. We identified that
B. thetaiotaomicron
capsules, a group of eight surface-exposed polysaccharidic layers mediating important interactions with the gut environment, are also major determinants of biofilm formation that mask or unmask adhesion factors. Studying how
B. thetaiotaomicron
regulates its adhesion properties will allow us to better understand the physiology and specific properties of this important gut symbiont within anaerobic biofilms.
Roles of the EnvZ/OmpR Two-Component System and Porins in Iron Acquisition in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Gerken Henri , Vuong Phu , Soparkar Ketaki , Misra Rajeev
Published: June 2020

The work presented here solved a long-standing paradox of the negative effects of certain missense alleles of
envZ
, which codes for kinase of the EnvZ/OmpR two-component system, on the expression of ferric uptake genes. The data revealed that the constitutive
envZ
alleles activate the Feo- and OmpC-mediated ferrous uptake pathway to flood the cytoplasm with accessible ferrous iron. This activates the ferric uptake regulator, Fur, which inhibits ferric uptake system but cannot inhibit the
feo
operon due to the positive effect of activated EnvZ/OmpR. The data also revealed the importance of porins in iron homeostasis.
Stool Samples of Acute Diarrhea Inpatients as a Reservoir of ST11 Hypervirulent KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zheng Beiwen , Xu Hao , Lv Tao , Guo Lihua , Xiao Yu , Huang Chen , Zhang Shuntian , Chen Yunbo , Han Huiming , Shen Ping , Xiao Yonghong , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2020

China has been experiencing a rapid increase in the number of nosocomial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
ST11 (ST11-CRKP) for decades. The emergence of hypervirulent ST11-CRKP (ST11-CR-HvKP) strains is expected to become a serious public health issue in China, considering that carbapenem resistance and virulence have converged in an epidemic clone.
K. pneumoniae
strains that colonize the human intestinal tract may become a reservoir of virulence and carbapenemase-encoding genes. Here, we first characterized the genotypes and antimicrobial phenotypes of ST11-CR-HvKP strains isolated from diarrheal stool samples of inpatients in Zhejiang Province, China. Active surveillance approaches based on the findings of the present study should be implemented, particularly in intensive care units, to combat the spread of ST11-CR-HvKP and to improve treatment.
Management of acute extensive portal vein thrombosis: the complexity and morbidity
Authors: Chen Andy Ze Lin , Allaway Matthew George Roy , Al-Asady Rafid , Richardson Arthur
Published: June 2020

A 62-year-old patient was admitted with an acute unprovoked portal vein thrombosis with splenic and mesenteric extension. His progress was complicated by progressive small bowel ischaemia and increasing clot burden despite systemic anticoagulation. This case report describes the use of catheter-directed thrombolysis via a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, with the disease and its treatment complicated by a ruptured iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm, abdominal compartment syndrome and small bowel infarction necessitating extensive small bowel resection.
Pegloticase hypersensitivity desensitisation: an outpatient, 3-bag, 12-step protocol
Authors: Botson John K
Published: June 2020

Pegloticase is a highly effective treatment for refractory gouty arthropathy. Unfortunately, the medication is also highly immunogenic, leading to infusion reactions, loss of drug efficacy and anaphylaxis. Desensitisation, a procedure to tolerise a patient to a medication previously causing a hypersensitivity reaction, has been used successfully in oncology for chemotherapy treatment. The same principle can be applied to other specialties. Presented is a 48-year-old man who experienced multiple, severe infusion reactions to pegloticase administered for gouty arthropathy. A rapid desensitisation was performed using an outpatient, 3-bag, 12-step protocol, which allowed multiple additional pegloticase infusions to be performed without incident. This is the first reported case of a patient successfully desensitised after an infusion reaction to pegloticase. Though additional patients are needed to confirm these results, this represents a significant opportunity to recapture and continue pegloticase therapy in patients treated for refractory gouty arthropathy.
Long-term reversal of diabetes by subcutaneous transplantation of pancreatic islet cells and adipose-derived stem cell sheet using surface-immobilized heparin and engineered collagen scaffold
Authors: Kim Yang Hee , Ko Jae Hyung , Lee Song , Oh Ju Yun , Jeong Gi Seok , Park Si-Nae , Shim In Kyong , Kim Song Cheol
Published: June 2020

Objective

Esterified collagen (EC) can be functionalized with heparin to enhance islet graft stability. Growth factors secreted by human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) can bind efficiently to EC-heparin (EC-Hep), which enhances revascularization and cell protection. We investigated the therapeutic potential of a combined heparin-esterified collagen-hADSC (HCA)-islet sheet to enhance islet engraftment.

Research design and methods

This study was designed to assess the efficiency of using EC-Hep as a scaffold for subcutaneous islet transplantation in diabetic athymic mice. After the hADSC-cocultured islets were seeded in the EC-Hep scaffold, islet function was measured by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test and growth factors in the culture supernatants were detected by protein array. Islet transplantation was performed in mice, and graft function and survival were monitored by measuring the blood glucose levels. β-Cell mass and vascular densities were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The EC-Hep composite allowed sustained release of growth factors. Secretion of growth factors and islet functionality in the HCA-islet sheet were significantly increased compared with the control groups of islets alone or combined with native collagen. In vivo, stable long-term glucose control by the graft was achieved after subcutaneous transplantation of HCA-islet sheet due to enhanced capillary network formation around the sheet.

Conclusions

The findings indicate the potential of the HCA-islet sheet to enhance islet revascularization and engraftment in a hADSC dose-dependent manner, following clinical islet transplantation for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
The 6-star doctor? Physicians’ communication of poor prognosis to patients and their families in Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Caulfield Alexandra , Plymoth Amelie , Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Mölsted-Alvesson Helle
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Communication is considered a key skill for physicians globally and has formed a central part of medical curricula since the WHO identified it as a key attribute of the ‘5-star doctor’. Communication of poor prognosis to patients and caregivers is particularly challenging, yet an important example of physicians’ clinical communication, and a priority within palliative care research. Knowledge is scarce regarding the different positions physicians adopt during poor prognosis communication, especially in sub-Saharan countries.

Methods

This qualitative study took place at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana’s Central Region. Physicians in the internal medicine department, with experience in communicating poor prognosis to patients and families on a weekly basis were purposively sampled. Based on the concept of information power, a maximum variation of participants, in terms of age, sex, seniority and experience was achieved after conducting 10 semistructured interviews in March 2019. Positioning theory was used as a theoretical lens to inform study design. The data were analysed through a constructivist thematic analysis approach.

Results

Physicians adopted six positions, considered as six different themes, during their communication of poor prognosis: clinical expert, educator, counsellor, communicator, protector and mentor. Physicians’ choice of position was fluid, guided by local context and wider health system factors. Physicians’ desire to communicate with patients and families in a way that met their needs highlighted three key challenges for communication of poor prognosis: linguistic difficulties, pluralistic health beliefs and the role of family. These challenges presented ethical complexities in relation to autonomy and non-maleficence.

Conclusion

Context is key to physicians’ communication of poor prognosis. Communication of poor prognosis is multifaceted, complex and unpredictable. Physicians’ communication training should be developed to emphasise contextual circumstances and physician support, and international policy models on physicians’ roles developed to include a greater focus on social accountability.
Severe varicose veins and the risk of mortality: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Wu Nan-Chun , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Feng I-Jung , Ho Chung-Han , Chiang Chun-Yen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chang Wei-Ting
Published: June 2020

Objective

Varicose veins (VVs) are common and although considered benign may cause morbidity. However, the association between VV severity and cardiovascular and mortality risks remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with overall mortality in patients with VV.

Methods

A total of 4644 patients with newly diagnosed VV between 1999 and 2013 were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database. VV severity was classified from grade 1 to 3 according to the presentation of ulcers or inflammation. Moreover, 9497, 2541 and 5722 age-matched, sex-matched and chronic cardiovascular risk factor-matched controls, as assessed based on propensity score, were separately selected for three grading VV groups. Enrolled patients were analysed using conditional Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to estimate risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in the VV and control groups.

Results

Most patients with VV were free from systemic disease. However, compared with matched controls, patients with VV showed a 1.37 times increased risk of mortality (95% CI 1.19 to 1.57; p<0.0001). Compared with matched controls, older (age ≧65 years) (adjusted HR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.62; p=0.0001) and male patients with VV (adjusted HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.68; p=0.0001) showed increased risk of mortality. Furthermore, compared with controls, patients with VV showed 2.05 times greater risk of MACE. Compared with matched controls, population at grade 3 increased 1.83 times risk of mortality and 2.04 to 38.42 times risk of heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, ischaemic stroke and venous thromboembolism.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that patients with VV are at a risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Our findings suggest that presence of VV warrants close attention in terms of prognosis and treatment.
Study protocol for two complementary trials of non-steroidal or opioid analgesia use for children aged 6 to 17 years with musculoskeletal injuries (the No OUCH study)
Authors: Ali Samina , Rajagopal Manasi , Klassen Terry , Richer Lawrence , McCabe Christopher , Willan Andy , Yaskina Maryna , Heath Anna , Drendel Amy L , Offringa Martin , Gouin Serge , Stang Antonia , Sawyer Scott , Bhatt Maala , Hickes Serena , Poonai Naveen
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are a frequent cause for emergency department (ED) visits in children. MSK injuries are associated with moderate-to-severe pain in most children, yet recent research confirms that the management of children’s pain in the ED remains inadequate. Clinicians are seeking better oral analgesic options for MSK injury pain with demonstrated efficacy and an excellent safety profile. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of adding oral acetaminophen or oral hydromorphone to oral ibuprofen and interpret this information within the context of parent/caregiver preference.

Methods and analysis

Using a novel preference-informed complementary trial design, two simultaneous trials are being conducted. Parents/caregivers of children presenting to the ED with acute limb injury will be approached and they will decide which trial they wish to participate in: an opioid-inclusive trial or a non-opioid trial. Both trials will follow randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority-trial methodology and will enrol a minimum of 536 children across six Canadian paediatric EDs. Children will be eligible if they are 6 to 17 years of age and if they present to the ED with an acute limb injury and a self-reported verbal Numerical Rating Scale pain score ≥5. The primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of oral ibuprofen+oral hydromorphone versus oral ibuprofen+oral acetaminophen versus oral ibuprofen alone. Recruitment was launched in April 2019.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board (University of Alberta), and by appropriate ethics boards at all recruiting centres. Informed consent will be obtained from parents/guardians of all participants, in conjunction with assent from the participants themselves. Study data will be submitted for publication regardless of results. This study is funded through a Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant.

Trial registration number

NCT03767933, first registered on 07 December 2018.
Conceptualisation and measurement of adaptation within the Roy adaptation model in chronic care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wang Xiyi , Zhang Qi , Shao Jing , Ye Zhihong
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The Roy adaptation model provides a basis for developing the science of nursing. Its theoretical assumptions have been tested in empirical studies. Although several works have historically reviewed the development of this model, a refinement of its key concepts is needed. The proposed scoping review aims to describe how the concept of adaptation was defined and measured in nursing studies related to chronic health conditions.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will adopt the methodology proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Several databases, including MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Wan Fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIP net, will be selected and used to mine literature published in English and Chinese languages, up to December 2019. Key terms related to ‘Roy adaptation model’ will be identified and used for developing tailored search strategies for each database. Articles will be included in the analysis if they are primary research reports explaining the concept of adaptation within the field of chronic care. All screening and extraction of literature will be independently performed and checked by two authors, according to the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Extension for Scoping Reviews. The findings will be organised and summarised into narratives in line with the construction of conceptual–theoretical–empirical system of knowledge for further consultation and translation.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethical approval. The findings are expected to be published in peer-reviewed English or Chinese journals as well as conference proceedings in the area of chronic care.