bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does omega-3 lower blood pressure?
Authors: Tao Li-Yu , Wang Yi-Ru , Zhang Yi-Fan , Liu Ping , Chen Xiao-Hong
Published: August 2020

Background:

Hypertension is a clinically common cardiovascular disease, resulting in many complications. Omega-3 might be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. This protocol will be performed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 on blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Methods:

We will search both the electronical databases and paper-published journals. Endnote software will be used to complete study screening and data extraction by 2 reviewers independently. Review Manager software will be used to synthesize the data. The primary outcomes are systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Secondary outcome is the adverse effects.

Results:

The results of this study will propose a trustworthy evidence to evaluate the effects of omega-3 on blood pressure of hypertensive patients.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of our systematic review will reply whether omega-3 is an effectual intervention to lower blood pressure of hypertensive patients.

Ethics:

This review does not require ethical approval because all of the data analyzed in this review have been published.

Registration number:

INPLASY202070103 (DOI number: 10.37766/inplasy2020.7.0103)
Pediatric gastritis and its impact on hematologic parameters
Authors: Săsăran Maria Oana , Meliţ Lorena Elena , Mocan Simona , Ghiga Dana Valentina , Dobru Ecaterina Daniela
Published: August 2020

Non-invasive biomarkers, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios, may predict inflammation in various disorders, including gastritis, according to recent data. Nevertheless, various studies reported an association between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and immune thrombocytopenia in both adults and pediatric patients. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of pediatric gastritis, caused or not by H pylori infection on erythrocytes, their parameters, thrombocytes, mean platelet volume, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

We performed a prospective, case–control study on 151 patients aged between 1 and 17 years who presented with chronic dyspeptic symptoms. An upper digestive endoscopy with gastric biopsies and a complete blood count was performed in each case.

Control group consisted of 67 patients with normal histological findings, while the two study groups were divided into group 1—H pylori-induced gastritis (31 patients) and group 2—non-H pylori-induced gastritis (53 patients). Children from the rural area were more likely to develop both types of gastritis (P < .01). No significant difference was found between either of the study groups and control group in terms of platelets, mean platelet volume, NLR and PLR (P > .05). However, significantly higher values of lymphocytes were associated with non-H pylori-induced gastritis (P < .01). Comparison of the two study groups did not reflect any significant differences in terms of hematological parameters. When assessing these constants in relation to gastritis severity, severe gastritis led to a compelling decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Htc) levels. The comparison of parameters between severe, moderate, and mild gastritis did not reveal any significant results.

Childhood and adolescent gastritis does not produce a significant effect upon platelet counts, their mean volume, PLR or NLR, according to our study. An important increase in lymphocyte count might predict non-H pylori pediatric gastritis. Moreover, severe gastritis might result in an important decrease in Hb and Htc levels.
Traditional Chinese medicine Xiaosheng Powder for dry eye disease
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Shuntai , Hao Xiaofeng , Wu Gaiping , Wang Shihui , Yuan Hang , Jin Qi , Sun Mei , Xie Like
Published: August 2020

Background:

Dry eye disease (DED) has shown a significant increase in recent years, which seriously affects people's work and life. Xiaosheng Powder, a traditional Chinese medicine decoction, has been widely used in treating DED. However, there is no systematic review of the results of the study on this therapeutic effect. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Xiaosheng Powder in the treatment of DED.

Methods and Analysis:

The electronic databases to be searched will include MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Papers in English or Chinese published from inception to 2020 will be included without any restrictions. Improvement in Ocular Surface Disease Index will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Tear break-up time, Schirmer I test, fluorescent, adverse events, and the recurrence rate after at least 3 months of the treatment will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. We will conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial if possible. The methodological qualities, including the risk of bias, will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, while confidence in the cumulative evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and Dissemination:

It is not necessary for a formal ethical approval because the data is not individualized. The results of this review will offer implications for the use of Xiaosheng Powder as a treatment for DED. This knowledge will inform recommendations by ophthalmologist and researchers who are interested in the treatment of DED. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trail registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020147709.
Prescribed Walking for Glycemic Control and Symptom Management in Patients Without Diabetes Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Hammer Marilyn J. , Eckardt Patricia , Cartwright Frances , Miaskowski Christine
Published: August 2020

Background

Hyperglycemia may potentiate symptom experiences. Exercise is a nonpharmacological intervention that can potentially improve glycemic control and mitigate symptom experiences in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the feasibility of patients engaging in a walking exercise study for 6 months. We also evaluated the effects of a prescribed walking program on glycemic control and for changes over time in the severity of pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbance in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

A randomized pilot intervention study was conducted to evaluate differences within and between a prescribed walking program intervention group and a control group. All patients were followed for 6 months, had glycosylated hemoglobin A1c measured at enrollment and 6 months, and completed symptom questionnaires at enrollment, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance.

Results

Most of the patients who enrolled completed the 6-month study. The few who withdrew expressed feeling overwhelmed. The sample was predominately non-Hispanic White female patients with breast cancer with a normal-to-slightly-overweight body mass index. The intervention group had a slight decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c at 6 months. In addition, at 6 months, compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly less sleep disturbance and depression. No other within- or between-group differences were found.

Discussion

It is feasible for patients undergoing chemotherapy to participate in a prescribed walking program. Exercise, such as walking, may decrease hyperglycemia and symptom severity. Additional research with larger samples is warranted.
Muscle Flap Closure following Complex Spine Surgery: A Decade of Experience
Authors: Wright Matthew A. , Weinstein Andrew L. , Bernstein Jaime L. , Franck Philipp , Lara Daniel O. , Samadi Arash , Cohen Leslie E. , Härtl Roger , Baaj Ali A. , Spector Jason A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Advances in surgical technology and adjuvant therapies along with an aging and increasingly morbid U.S. population have led to an increase in complex spine surgery. With this increase comes an elevated risk of complications, including those related to the surgical wound, with some studies demonstrating wound complication incidences approaching 45 percent. The authors hypothesize that immediate muscle flap closure improves outcomes in high-risk patients.

Methods:

Three hundred one consecutive index cases of spinal wound closure using local muscle flaps performed by the senior author at a single institution between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed. The primary outcome was major wound complication (reoperation and/or readmission because of surgical-site infection, late infection, dehiscence, seroma, or hematoma). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of this endpoint.

Results:

Major wound complications occurred in 6.6 percent of patients (reoperation, 3.6 percent; readmission, 3.0 percent), with a 6.0 percent infection rate and five cases requiring instrumentation removal because of infection. Risk factors identified included radiotherapy (OR, 5.9; p = 0.004), age 65 years or older (OR, 2.8; p = 0.046), and prior spine surgery (OR, 4.3; p = 0.027). The incidence of major wound complication increased dramatically with each additional risk factor. Mean drain dwell duration was 21.1 ± 10.0 days and not associated with major wound complications, including infection (OR, 1.04; p = 0.112).

Conclusions:

Immediate local muscle flap closure following complex spine surgery on high-risk patients is associated with an acceptable rate of wound complications and, as these data demonstrate, is safe and effective. Consideration should be given to immediate muscle flap closure in appropriately selected patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Airway Management of COVID-19 Positive Patients Aboard USNS COMFORT Mission to New York City
Authors: Meyer Charles D. , Capra Gregory G. , Strange Robert G. , Weimerskirch Brian P. , Santiago Gabriel F.
Published: August 2020

During the USNS Comfort mobilization to New York City in response to the pandemic, the ship's medical team cared for over 35 mechanically ventilated corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients. Due to the better than expected mortality rates of these patients, tracheotomy for prolonged intubation or other indicated interventional bronchoscopies were performed on 7 COVID positive patients, as well as 2 with negative screening tests. No member of the health care team subsequently became symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19. This was in part due to the formation of a dedicated surgical airway team, use of standardized procedural techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE), and construction of a negative pressure operating room within the COVID-19 isolation ward on the ship. This experience shows that tracheotomies and other aerosolizing procedures can be performed with due concern for patient and provider safety, regardless of patient's COVID status.
External Validation of the DCD-N Score and a Linear Prediction Model to Identify Potential Candidates for Organ Donation After Circulatory Death: A Nationwide Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Nijhoff Maaike F. , Pol Robert A. , Volbeda Meint , Kotsopoulos Angela M.M. , Sonneveld Johan P.C. , Otterspoor Luuk , Abdo Wilson F. , Silderhuis Vera M. , El Moumni Mostafa , Moers Cyril
Published: August 2020

Background.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is a procedure in which after planned withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST), the dying process is monitored. A DCD procedure can only be continued if the potential organ donor dies shortly after WLST. This study performed an external validation of 2 existing prediction models to identify potentially DCD candidates, using one of the largest cohorts.

Methods.

This multicenter retrospective study analyzed all patients eligible for DCD donation from 2010 to 2015. The first model (DCD-N score) assigned points for absence of neurological reflexes and oxygenation index. The second model, a linear prediction model (LPDCD), yielded the probability of death within 60 min. This study determined discrimination (c-statistic) and calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow test) for both models.

Results.

This study included 394 patients, 283 (72%) died within 60 min after WLST. The DCD-N score had a c-statistic of 0.77 (95% confidence intervals, 0.71-0.83) and the LPDCD model 0.75 (95% confidence intervals, 0.68-0.81). Calibration of the LPDCD 60-min model proved to be poor (Hosmer and Lemeshow test, P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

The DCD-N score and the LPDCD model showed good discrimination but poor calibration for predicting the probability of death within 60 min. Construction of a new prediction model on a large data set is needed to obtain better calibration.
Polygenic basis for adaptive morphological variation in a threatened Aotearoa | New Zealand bird, the hihi (
Notiomystis cincta
)
Authors: Duntsch Laura , Tomotani Barbara M. , de Villemereuil Pierre , Brekke Patricia , Lee Kate D. , Ewen John G. , Santure Anna W.
Published: August 2020

To predict if a threatened species can adapt to changing selective pressures, it is crucial to understand the genetic basis of adaptive traits, especially in species historically affected by severe bottlenecks. We estimated the heritability of three hihi (
Notiomystis cincta
) morphological traits known to be under selection (nestling tarsus length, body mass and head–bill length) using 523 individuals and 39 699 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a 50 K Affymetrix SNP chip. We then examined the genetic architecture of the traits via chromosome partitioning analyses and genome-wide association scans (GWAS). Heritabilities estimated using pedigree relatedness or genomic relatedness were low. For tarsus length, the proportion of genetic variance explained by each chromosome was positively correlated with its size, and more than one chromosome explained significant variation for body mass and head–bill length. Finally, GWAS analyses suggested many loci of small effect contributing to trait variation for all three traits, although one locus (an SNP within an intron of the transcription factor
HEY2
) was tentatively associated with tarsus length. Our findings suggest a polygenic nature for the morphological traits, with many small effect size loci contributing to the majority of the variation, similar to results from many other wild populations. However, the small effective population size, polygenic architecture and already low heritabilities suggest that both the total response and rate of response to selection are likely to be limited in hihi.
Revealing regional disparities in the transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 from interventions in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lim Jue Tao , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , Choo Esther Li Wen , Chew Lawrence Zheng Xiong , Koo Joel Rui Han , Tam Clarence , Park Minah , Cook Alex R
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a new pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Southeast Asia was the first region to be affected outside China, and although COVID-19 cases have been reported in all countries of Southeast Asia, both the policies and epidemic trajectories differ substantially, potentially due to marked differences in social distancing measures that have been implemented by governments in the region. This paper studies the across-country relationships between social distancing and each population’s response to policy, the subsequent effects of these responses to the transmissibility and epidemic trajectories of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis couples COVID-19 case counts with real-time mobility data across Southeast Asia to estimate the effects of host population response to social distancing policy and the subsequent effects on the transmissibility and epidemic trajectories of SARS-CoV-2. A novel inference strategy for the time-varying reproduction number is developed to allow explicit inference of the effects of social distancing on the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 through a regression structure. This framework replicates the observed epidemic trajectories across most Southeast Asian countries, provides estimates of the effects of social distancing on the transmissibility of disease and can simulate epidemic histories conditional on changes in the degree of intervention scenarios and compliance within Southeast Asia.
Transient receptor potential channels: current perspectives on evolution, structure, function and nomenclature
Authors: Himmel Nathaniel J. , Cox Daniel N.
Published: August 2020

The transient receptor potential superfamily of ion channels (TRP channels) is widely recognized for the roles its members play in sensory nervous systems. However, the incredible diversity within the TRP superfamily, and the wide range of sensory capacities found therein, has also allowed TRP channels to function beyond sensing an organism's external environment, and TRP channels have thus become broadly critical to (at least) animal life. TRP channels were originally discovered in
Drosophila
and have since been broadly studied in animals; however, thanks to a boom in genomic and transcriptomic data, we now know that TRP channels are present in the genomes of a variety of creatures, including green algae, fungi, choanoflagellates and a number of other eukaryotes. As a result, the organization of the TRP superfamily has changed radically from its original description. Moreover, modern comprehensive phylogenetic analyses have brought to light the vertebrate-centricity of much of the TRP literature; much of the nomenclature has been grounded in vertebrate TRP subfamilies, resulting in a glossing over of TRP channels in other taxa. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure and evolutionary history of TRP channels, and put forth a more complete set of non-vertebrate-centric TRP family, subfamily and other subgroup nomenclature.
Genome size evolution: towards new model systems for old questions
Authors: Blommaert Julie
Published: August 2020

Genome size (GS) variation is a fundamental biological characteristic; however, its evolutionary causes and consequences are the topic of ongoing debate. Whether GS is a neutral trait or one subject to selective pressures, and how strong these selective pressures are, may remain open questions. Fundamentally, the genomic sequences responsible for this variation directly impact the potential evolutionary outcomes and, equally, are the targets of different evolutionary pressures. For example, duplications and deletions of genic regions (large or small) can have immediate and drastic phenotypic effects, while an expansion or contraction of non-coding DNA is less likely to cause catastrophic phenotypic effects. However, in the long term, the accumulation or deletion of ncDNA is likely to have larger effects. Modern sequencing technologies are allowing for the dissection of these proximate causes, but a combination of these new technologies with more traditional evolutionary experiments and approaches could revolutionize this debate and potentially resolve many of these arguments. Here, I discuss an ambitious way forward for GS research, putting it in context of historical debates, theories and sometimes contradictory evidence, and highlighting the promise of combining new sequencing technologies and analytical developments with more traditional experimental evolution approaches.
Revealing the hidden diversity of marine fungi in Portugal with the description of two novel species, Neoascochyta fuci sp. nov. and Paraconiothyrium salinum sp. nov.
Authors: Gonçalves Micael F.M. , Esteves Ana C. , Alves Artur
Published: August 2020

Fungi are ubiquitous organisms with a wide distribution in almost all ecosystems, including marine environments. Coastal and estuarine ecosystems remain poorly unexplored as fungal habitats, potentially harbouring a hidden diversity with important ecological roles. During an extensive survey of marine fungi in coastal and estuarine Portuguese environments, a collection of 612 isolates was obtained from water, algae, sponges and driftwood. From these, 282 representative isolates were selected through microsatellite-primed PCR (MSP-PCR) fingerprinting analysis, which were identified based on DNA sequence data. The collection yielded 117 taxa from 38 distinct genera, which were identified using DNA sequence analysis. Overall, fungal community composition varied with host/substrate, but the most abundant taxa in the collection wereCladosporium cladosporioides,Penicillium terrigenum,Penicillium brevicompactumandFusarium equiseti/incarnatumcomplex. The occurrence of a high fungal diversity harbouring novel species was disclosed. Through a multilocus phylogeny based on ITS,tub2andtef1-αsequences, in conjunction with morphological and physiological data, we proposeNeoascochyta fucisp. nov. andParaconiothyrium salinumsp. nov.
Virulence genes and previously unexplored gene clusters in four commensal Neisseria spp. isolated from the human throat expand the neisserial gene repertoire
Authors: Calder Alan , Menkiti Chukwuma Jude , Çağdaş Aylin , Lisboa Santos Jefferson , Streich Ricarda , Wong Alice , Avini Amir H. , Bojang Ebrima , Yogamanoharan Karththeepan , Sivanesan Nivetha , Ali Besma , Ashrafi Mariam , Issa Abdirizak , Kaur Tajinder , Latif Aisha , Mohamed Hani A. Sheik , Maqsood Atifa , Tamang Laxmi , Swager Emily , Stringer Alex J. , Snyder Lori A.S.
Published: August 2020

Commensal non-pathogenic

Neisseria

spp. live within the human host alongside the pathogenic

Neisseria meningitidis

and

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

and due to natural competence, horizontal gene transfer within the genus is possible and has been observed. Four distinct

Neisseria

spp. isolates taken from the throats of two human volunteers have been assessed here using a combination of microbiological and bioinformatics techniques. Three of the isolates have been identified as

Neisseria subflava

biovar perflava and one as

Neisseria cinerea

. Specific gene clusters have been identified within these commensal isolate genome sequences that are believed to encode a Type VI Secretion System, a newly identified CRISPR system, a Type IV Secretion System unlike that in other

Neisseria

spp., a hemin transporter, and a haem acquisition and utilization system. This investigation is the first to investigate these systems in either the non-pathogenic or pathogenic

Neisseria

spp. In addition, the

N. subflava

biovar perflava possess previously unreported capsule loci and sequences have been identified in all four isolates that are similar to genes seen within the pathogens that are associated with virulence. These data from the four commensal isolates provide further evidence for a

Neisseria

spp. gene pool and highlight the presence of systems within the commensals with functions still to be explored.
Comparing serotyping with whole-genome sequencing for subtyping of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica: a large-scale analysis of 37 serotypes with a public health impact in the USA
Authors: Elnekave Ehud , Hong Samuel L. , Lim Seunghyun , Johnson Timothy J. , Perez Andres , Alvarez Julio
Published: August 2020

Serotyping has traditionally been used for subtyping of non-typhoidal

Salmonella

(NTS) isolates. However, its discriminatory power is limited, which impairs its use for epidemiological investigations of source attribution. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis allows more accurate subtyping of strains. However, because of the relative newness and cost of routine WGS, large-scale studies involving NTS WGS are still rare. We aimed to revisit the big picture of subtyping NTS with a public health impact by using traditional serotyping (i.e. reaction between antisera and surface antigens) and comparing the results with those obtained using WGS. For this purpose, we analysed 18 282 sequences of isolates belonging to 37 serotypes with a public health impact that were recovered in the USA between 2006 and 2017 from multiple sources, and were available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for each serotype using the core genome for the identification of genetic subpopulations. We demonstrated that WGS-based subtyping allows better identification of sources potentially linked with human infection and emerging subpopulations, along with providing information on the risk of dissemination of plasmids and acquired antimicrobial resistance genes (AARGs). In addition, by reconstructing a phylogenetic tree with representative isolates from all serotypes (n=370), we demonstrated genetic variability within and between serotypes, which formed monophyletic, polyphyletic and paraphyletic clades. Moreover, we found (in the entire data set) an increased detection rate for AARGs linked to key antimicrobials (such as quinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins) over time. The outputs of this large-scale analysis reveal new insights into the genetic diversity within and between serotypes; the polyphyly and paraphyly of certain serotypes may suggest that the subtyping of NTS to serotypes may not be sufficient. Moreover, the results and the methods presented here, leading to differentiation between genetic subpopulations based on their potential risk to public health, as well as narrowing down the possible sources of these infections, may be used as a baseline for subtyping of future NTS infections and help efforts to mitigate and prevent infections in the USA and globally.
Meta-azotomics of engineered wastewater treatment processes reveals differential contributions of established and novel models of N-cycling
Authors: Park Mee-Rye , Annavajhala Medini K. , Chandran Kartik
Published: August 2020

The application of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to field-scale engineered biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes revealed a complex N-cycle network (the meta-azotome) therein in terms of microbial structure,potentialandextantfunction. Autotrophic nitrification bore the imprint of well-documentedNitrosomonasandNitrospirain most systems. However, in select BNR processes, complete ammonia oxidizing bacteria, comammoxNitrospira, unexpectedly contributed more substantially to ammonia oxidation than canonical ammonia oxidizing bacteria, based on metatranscriptomic profiling. Methylotrophic denitrification was distinctly active in methanol-fed reactors but not in glycerol-fed reactors. Interestingly, glycerol metabolism and N-reduction transcript signatures were uncoupled, possibly suggesting the role of other carbon sources in denitrification emanating from glycerol itself or from upstream process reactors. In sum, the meta-azotome of engineered BNR processes revealed both traditional and novel mechanisms of N-cycling. Similar interrogation approaches could potentially inform better design and optimization of wastewater treatment and engineered bioprocesses in general.
Measuring the density and viscosity of culture media for optimized computational fluid dynamics analysis ofin vitrodevices
Authors: Poon Christine
Published: August 2020

Culture medium is frequently modelled as water in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis ofin vitroculture systems involving flow, such as bioreactors and organ-on-chips. However, culture medium can be expected to have different properties to water due to its higher solute content. Furthermore, cellular activities such as metabolism and secretion of ECM proteins alter the composition of culture medium and therefore its properties during culture. As these properties directly determine the hydromechanical stimuli exerted on cellsin vitro, these, along with any changes during culture must be known for CFD modelling accuracy and meaningful interpretation of cellular responses. In this study, the density and dynamic viscosity of DMEM and RPMI-1640 media supplemented with typical concentrations of foetal bovine serum (0, 5, 10 and 20% v/v) were measured to serve as a reference for computational design analysis. Any changes in the properties of medium during culture were also investigated with NCI-H460 and HN6 cell lines. The density and dynamic viscosity of the media increased proportional to the % volume of added foetal bovine serum (FBS). Importantly, the viscosity of 5% FBS-supplemented RPMI-1640 was found to increase significantly after 3 days of culture of NCI-H460 and HN6 cell lines, with distinct differences between magnitude of change for each cell line. Finally, these experimentally-derived values were applied in CFD analysis of a simple microfluidic device, which demonstrated clear differences in maximum wall shear stress and pressure between fluid models. Overall, these results highlight the importance of characterizing model-specific properties for CFD design analysis of cell culture systems.
Curvilinear features are important for animate/inanimate categorization in macaques
Authors: Yetter Marissa , Robert Sophia , Mammarella Grace , Richmond Barry , Eldridge Mark A. G. , Ungerleider Leslie G. , Yue Xiaomin
Published: August 2020

The current experiment investigated the extent to which perceptual categorization of animacy, i.e. the ability to discriminate animate and inanimate objects, is facilitated by image-based features that distinguish the two object categories. We show that, with nominal training, naïve macaques could classify a trial-unique set of 1000 novel images with high accuracy. To test whether image-based features that naturally differ between animate and inanimate objects, such as curvilinear and rectilinear information, contribute to the monkeys’ accuracy, we created synthetic images using an algorithm that distorted the global shape of the original animate/inanimate images while maintaining their intermediate features (Portilla and Simoncelli, 2000). Performance on the synthesized images was significantly above chance and was predicted by the amount of curvilinear information in the images. Our results demonstrate that, without training, macaques can use an intermediate image feature, curvilinearity, to facilitate their categorization of animate and inanimate objects.
Gene dosage screens in yeast reveal core signalling pathways controlling heat adaptation
Authors: Jann Cosimo , Johansson Andreas , Smith Justin D. , Parts Leopold , Steinmetz Lars M.
Published: August 2020

Heat stress causes proteins to unfold and lose their function, jeopardizing essential cellular processes. To protect against heat and proteotoxic stress, cells mount a dedicated stress-protective programme, the so-called heat shock response (HSR). Our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the HSR and their contributions to heat resistance and growth is incomplete. Here we employ CRISPRi/a to down- or upregulate protein kinases and transcription factors inS. cerevisiae. We measure gene functions by quantifying perturbation effects on HSR activity, thermotolerance, and cellular fitness at 23, 30 and 38°C. The integration of these phenotypes allowed us to identify core signalling pathways of heat adaptation and reveal novel functions for the high osmolarity glycerol, unfolded protein response and protein kinase A pathways in adjusting both thermotolerance and chaperone expression. We further provide evidence for unknown cross-talk of the HSR with the cell cycle-dependent kinase Cdc28, the primary regulator of cell cycle progression. Finally, we show that CRISPRi efficiency is temperature-dependent and that different phenotypes vary in their sensitivity to knock-down. In summary, our study quantifies regulatory gene functions in different aspects of heat adaptation and advances our understanding of how eukaryotic cells counteract proteotoxic and other heat-caused damage.
Adhesion-mediated heterogeneous actin organization governs apoptotic cell extrusion
Authors: Le Anh Phuong , Rupprecht Jean-François , Mège René-Marc , Toyama Yusuke , Lim Chwee Teck , Ladoux Benoît
Published: August 2020

Apoptotic extrusion is crucial in maintaining epithelial homeostasis and has implications in diseases of epithelial tissues. Current literature supports that epithelia respond to extrusion to maintain their integrity by the formation of a supracellular actomyosin ring (purse-string) in the neighbors that encompasses the dying cells. However, little is known about whether other types of actin structures could contribute to extrusion as well as how forces generated by mechanosensitive proteins in the cells are integrated. Here, we found that during extrusion, a heterogeneous actin network composed of lamellipodia protrusions and discontinuous actomyosin cables, was reorganized in the neighboring cells and was the main factor driving extrusion forwards. The early presence of basal lamellipodia protrusion participated both in basal sealing of the extrusion site and in orienting the actomyosin purse-string at the later stage of extrusion. These sequential events are essential in ensuring a successful extrusion in apicobasal direction. The co-existence of these two mechanisms is determined by the interplay between the cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesions. A theoretical model integrates the role of these cellular mechanosensitive components to explain why a dual-mode mechanism, which combined lamellipodia protrusion and purse-string contractility, leads to more efficient extrusion than a single-mode mechanism. We anticipate that our approach will be useful to provide mechanistic insight into epithelial homeostasis, morphogenetic events and tumorigenesis.
Identification and characterization of drug resistance mechanisms in cancer cells against Aurora kinase inhibitors CYC116 and ZM447439
Authors: Kollareddy Madhu , Zheleva Daniella , Džubák Petr , Srovnal Josef , Radová Lenka , Doležal Dalibor , Koudeláková Vladimíra , Brahmkshatriya Pathik Subhashchandra , Lepšík Martin , Hobza Pavel , Hajdúch Marián
Published: August 2020

CYC116 is a selective Aurora kinase inhibitor that has been tested in a Phase I study in patients with advanced solid tumors. Although CYC116 has shown desirable preclinical efficacy, the potential for emergence of resistance has not been explored. We established several CYC116 resistant clones from isogenic HCT116 p53+/+ and HCT116 p53−/− cell line pairs. We also generated resistant clones towards ZM447439 (quinazoline derivative), a model Aurora inhibitor. The selected clones were 10-80 fold resistant to CYC116 and cross-resistant to other synthetic Aurora inhibitors including AZD1152, VX-680, and MLN8054. Resistant clones displayed multidrug resistant phenotypes, tested by using 13 major cytostatics. All clones were highly resistant to etoposide followed by other drugs. Interestingly, all CYC116 clones but not ZM447439 became polyploid. ZM447439, but not CYC116 induced three novel mutations in Aurora B. Leu152Ser significantly affected ZM447439 binding, but not CYC116. Gene expression studies revealed differential expression of more than 200 genes. Some of these genes expression profiles were also observed in CYC116 resistant primary tumors. Bcl-xL (BCL2L1) was found to be overexpressed in CYC116 clones and its knockdown resensitized the p53+/+ resistant clone to CYC116. Finally Bcl-xL overexpressing p53+/+ CYC116 clones were highly sensitive to navitoclax (ABT-263) compared to parent cells. The data shed light on the genetic basis for resistance to Aurora kinase inhibitors which could be used to predict clinical response, to select patients who might benefit from therapy and to suggest suitable drug combinations for a particular patient population.
Cryo-electron microscopy structures of pyrene-labeled ADP-Pi- and ADP-actin filaments
Authors: Chou Steven Z. , Pollard Thomas D.
Published: August 2020

We report high resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of actin filaments with N-1-pyrene conjugated to cysteine 374 and either ADP (3.2 Å) or ADP-phosphate (3.0 Å) in the active site. Polymerization buries pyrene in a hydrophobic cavity between subunits along the long-pitch helix with only minor differences in conformation compared with native actin filaments. These structures explain how polymerization increases the fluorescence 20-fold, how myosin and cofilin binding to filaments reduces the fluorescence and how profilin binding to actin monomers increases the fluorescence.
University students' preference regarding social media content, internet usage and online friendship patterns
Authors: Butt Asma
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to find out the web content accessed by university students and to compare the level of interaction with real-life friends and online friends.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the quantitative research design used, and the researcher collected data through the survey method. The population comprises all undergraduate students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. The sample of 320 students, age ranges from 18 to 22 years from eight selected departments, collected through a simple random sampling technique and after extraction 284 questionnaires evaluated by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Findings

The findings of the study showed that students preferred activities on the Internet is to access social networking sites. Additionally, the mobile phone is the most commonly used device among university students to access the Internet. Furthermore, students mostly used Facebook to keep in touch with their old friends and talk on different topics more easily with their online friends as compared to real-life friends. The study also shows that the results of both the hypothesis are significant; therefore, no difference exists regarding time spent on the Internet in real-life friendship patterns and online friendship patterns.

Originality/value

The research was used to find out the difference between the online friendship and real-life friendship patterns of the two groups who use the Internet for less time and who spend more time on the Internet among the university students.
What determines forward-looking information disclosure in Bangladesh?
Authors: Dey Pappu Kumar , Roy Manas , Akter Mohsina
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study aims to examine the level and extent of forward-looking information (FLI) disclosure and identify the determinants driving the FLI disclosure (FLID) in the context of an emerging and developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes annual reports of the top 30 listed companies in Bangladesh for the years 2013–2017. The content analysis approach is used to examine the practice of FLID and to determine the extent of FLID based on the index. Multiple linear regression analysis is performed to identify the determinants of FLID.

Findings

This research finds that board size, auditor's global affiliation, leverage and profitability have a substantial positive impact on FLID. By contrast, firm size and listing age have a significant negative association with FLID. Moreover, contrary to our expectation, female representation in the boardroom has an inverse effect on FLID. This study, however, does not suggest any significant impact of board independence.

Research limitations/implications

Small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Besides, the FLID index score may be affected by the subjective judgment while analyzing the content of the annual report.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper may assist the regulators and policymakers in incorporating this new reporting paradigm in regulations. Alternatively, the current research can serve as a basis to further understand the importance of FLID for the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This empirical study contributes to the current FLI literature in Bangladesh. A handful of studies have been done to examine the nature and level of FLID and find out the determinants of FLID in the developing countries. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study yet has been explored on FLID and its determinants by classifying them as qualitative and quantitative in Bangladesh.
The nature and extent of foresight-infused strategy: a case study highlighting the liberal arts academy’s future move from traditional education
Authors: Klakurka Jan , Irwin Bill
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Over the past seven years within a small, liberal arts (LA) Canadian university, significant paradigm shifts in students’ programmatic choices have occurred reflecting student preference for business-related programs versus traditional LA offerings. Grounded in strategic foresight (SF) practices, this paper aims to investigate drivers of declining traditional LA enrolment that are currently a boon for management studies, positing implications for long-term futures of the LA Academy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper lays out foundational research exploring phenomena in the academy, including disruptive forces, and explores how SF can clarify and shape long-term choices. Seeking to answer what paradigm-shifting forces really mean for the future of the academy, a case study approach is used to interpret disruptions to a Canadian institution facing present challenges and an uncertain future. Scenarios are developed for the broader academy using an environmental understanding to better inform predictive actions envisioned in academic institutional future planning.

Findings

The outcome of this research, including four scenarios, will be used to better understand student and stakeholder motivations informing future academic planning. As institutional paradigms appear resistant to change, these foresight-inspired findings are valuable considerations for institutional administrators, particularly those at stressed organizations facing unsettling realities.

Originality/value

The case study identifies that for the LA Academy, myriad future unknowns exist, including its continued existence in today’s form. Institutions are generally unresponsive to the precursors of future change and are not systematically exploring future options.
Return to work after maternity leave: the role of support policies on work attitudes of women in management positions
Authors: Costantini Arianna , Dickert Stephan , Sartori Riccardo , Ceschi Andrea
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to expand our knowledge on the processes through which work–family policies relate to work–family conflict as well as work–related attitudes among women in management positions returning to work after maternity leave.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 238 women in management positions who recently have returned to work after maternity leave completed a self-reported questionnaire.

Findings

Results show that the availability of policies was either directly or indirectly positively related to work attitudes among female managers. Also, findings show that work–family conflict partially mediates the relationship between the availability of communication and psychological support and flexible time management policies with work engagement, and policy availability moderates the relationship between work–family conflict and work engagement.

Originality/value

Managers have a crucial role in conveying the value of work–family policies and in creating a culture supporting the management of work and family. By investigating the processes underlying the role of work–family policies in influencing work attitudes of women in managerial positions, this study sheds light on how the awareness of the available policies might be an important determinant of work-related well-being and organizational commitment.
Foreign trade, financial development, agriculture, energy consumption and CO2 emission: testing EKC among emerging economies
Authors: Koshta Nitin , Bashir Hajam Abid , Samad Taab Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to explore the presence of the EKC hypothesis in emerging economies. Additionally, the present study also explores the existence of the “resource curse hypothesis” (RCH), and the causal relationship among the variables that are considered for testing the presence of EKC and RCH hypothesis for a panel of selected emerging economies for the time period between 1990 and 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed unit root test followed by cointegration test to test the existence of cointegrating relationship among the variables. Dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) methods are used to obtain long-run estimates of considered variables, and the Granger causality test is performed to test the directional causality.

Findings

The long-run estimates obtained from DOLS and FMOLS techniques support the presence of the EKC (inverted U-shape) and the RCH.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the pioneer study for EKC and RCH investigation in the context of emerging economies. The policy implication is that these economies should look forward to drafting new policies to reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
Tribological behavior of oils additised with a phosphonium-derived ionic liquid compared to a commercial oil
Authors: Bartolomé Sáez Marlene , Hernández Battez Antolin E. , Espina Casado Jorge , Viesca Rodríguez José L. , Fernández-González Alfonso , González Rodriguez Rubén
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the antifriction, antiwear and tribolayer formation properties of the trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate ionic liquid (IL) as additive at 1 wt.% in two base oils and their mixtures, comparing the results with those of a commercial oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixture of the base oils used in the formulation of the commercial oil SAE 0W20 plus the IL was tested under rolling/sliding and reciprocating conditions to determine the so-called Stribeck curve, the tribolayer formation and the antifriction and antiwear behaviors.

Findings

The use of this IL as additive in these oils does not change their viscosity; improves the antifriction and antiwear properties of the base oils, making equal or outperforming these properties of the SAE 0W20; and the thickness and formation rate of the tribolayer resulting from the IL-surface interaction is highly dependent on the type of base oil and influence on the friction and wear results.

Originality/value

The use of this IL allows to replace partial or totally commercial antifriction and antiwear additives.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2020-0179/