bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binaural Interaction Effects of 30–50 Hz Auditory Steady State Responses
Authors: Gransier Robin , van Wieringen Astrid , Wouters Jan
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Auditory stimuli modulated by modulation frequencies within the 30 to 50 Hz region evoke auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) with high signal to noise ratios in adults, and can be used to determine the frequency-specific hearing thresholds of adults who are unable to give behavioral feedback reliably. To measure ASSRs as efficiently as possible a multiple stimulus paradigm can be used, stimulating both ears simultaneously. The response strength of 30 to 50Hz ASSRs is, however, affected when both ears are stimulated simultaneously. The aim of the present study is to gain insight in the measurement efficiency of 30 to 50 Hz ASSRs evoked with a 2-ear stimulation paradigm, by systematically investigating the binaural interaction effects of 30 to 50 Hz ASSRs in normal-hearing adults.

Design:

ASSRs were obtained with a 64-channel EEG system in 23 normal-hearing adults. All participants participated in one diotic, multiple dichotic, and multiple monaural conditions. Stimuli consisted of a modulated one-octave noise band, centered at 1 kHz, and presented at 70 dB SPL. The diotic condition contained 40 Hz modulated stimuli presented to both ears. In the dichotic conditions, the modulation frequency of the left ear stimulus was kept constant at 40 Hz, while the stimulus at the right ear was either the unmodulated or modulated carrier. In case of the modulated carrier, the modulation frequency varied between 30 and 50 Hz in steps of 2 Hz across conditions. The monaural conditions consisted of all stimuli included in the diotic and dichotic conditions.

Results:

Modulation frequencies ≥36 Hz resulted in prominent ASSRs in all participants for the monaural conditions. A significant enhancement effect was observed (average: ~3 dB) in the diotic condition, whereas a significant reduction effect was observed in the dichotic conditions. There was no distinct effect of the temporal characteristics of the stimuli on the amount of reduction. The attenuation was in 33% of the cases >3 dB for ASSRs evoked with modulation frequencies ≥40 Hz and 50% for ASSRs evoked with modulation frequencies ≤36 Hz.

Conclusions:

Binaural interaction effects as observed in the diotic condition are similar to the binaural interaction effects of middle latency responses as reported in the literature, suggesting that these responses share a same underlying mechanism. Our data also indicated that 30 to 50 Hz ASSRs are attenuated when presented dichotically and that this attenuation is independent of the stimulus characteristics as used in the present study. These findings are important as they give insight in how binaural interaction affects the measurement efficiency. The 2-ear stimulation paradigm of the present study was, for the most optimal modulation frequencies (i.e., ≥40 Hz), more efficient than a 1-ear sequential stimulation paradigm in 66% of the cases.
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, fibromyalgia and the environmental factors
Authors: Andreoli Laura , Tincani Angela
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to discuss the role of environmental factors in the induction and perpetuation of autoimmunity, with particular focus on undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and fibromyalgia. These two entities may share undefined clinical and laboratory features and recognize environmental exposures as triggering factors. From this particular point of view, both UCTD and fibromyalgia may resemble the picture of the ‘Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants’ (ASIA).

Recent findings

A case–control study on environmental exposures showed that patients with UCTD were significantly more exposed to several adjuvants (vaccines, metal implants, proximity to metal factories and foundries) than age and sex-matched healthy controls. UCTD exposed to major ASIA triggers (vaccines, silicone) displayed typical features of ASIA (general weakness, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome) in the context of a predisposing genetic background (familiarity for autoimmunity).

The induction and perpetuation of autoimmunity is a complex process that requires the interaction between the individual genetic background and the environment. Environmental factors are gaining increasing attention since the description of ASIA, a syndrome that includes symptoms typically seen in patients with fibromyalgia and UCTD. A recent case–control study focusing on environmental exposures suggested that nearly half of patients with UCTD may fall within the ASIA spectrum.
Retrospective Assessment of Follicular Unit Density in Asian Men With Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Ortega-Castillejos Dell Kristie A. , Pathomvanich Damkerng
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Hair density, together with hair diameter has a tremendous impact on the cosmetic outcome of hair transplantation surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aims to assess the average number of follicular unit (FU) grafts in the donor area of Asian men with androgenetic alopecia.

METHODS

Seventy patients (ages 24–65 years old) with virgin scalp who had their first hair transplantation were included. During the harvesting procedure, a 2- to 3-cm-wide area of the donor site was shaved from ear to ear with 5 specific areas assigned as reference points for the study namely the central occipital area, left and right parietal and temporal areas. A video microscope was used to capture the field of each reference point. Follicular units in each area were counted and the number of 1-hair, 2-hair, and 3-hair follicular groupings was recorded.

RESULTS

East and Southeast Asians had an average of 61.1 FU/cm2 (111.2 hairs/cm2); West Asians had an average density of 63.6 FU/cm2 (126.8 hairs/cm2); South Asians were noted to have an average density of 63.5 FU/cm2 (126.8 hairs/cm2).

CONCLUSION

Asian hair density has slight variations in the number of FU grafts in each donor area.
GOOD VISUAL OUTCOME AT 1 YEAR IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION WITH PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DETACHMENT
Authors: de Massougnes Sophie , Dirani Ali , Mantel Irmela
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate baseline and treatment factors influencing the response of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in patients with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration after 1 year of intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Methods:

This retrospective consecutive case series study included 104 eyes (94 patients) with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration and associated PED >150 μm treated with aflibercept (n = 41) or ranibizumab (n = 63) for at least 1 year. Stepwise linear regression was used to assess factors influencing best-corrected visual acuity and PED response.

Results:

At 1 year, the best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/63+1 (60.8 ± 15.9 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters) at baseline to 20/40−1 (69.0 ± 15.0 letters) (P = 0.001), and PED maximal height decreased from 370.8 ± 205.6 μm to 238.8 ± 178.5 μm (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed an association of the visual improvement with lower best-corrected visual acuity at baseline (P = 0.001), the presence of foveal subretinal fluid (P = 0.001), and female gender (P = 0.047). Pigment epithelial detachment height reduction was dependent on higher baseline PED height (P = 0.001) and treatment drug (P = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Visual improvement in neovascular age-related macular degeneration with PED was equally achieved with ranibizumab and aflibercept, influenced mainly by baseline best-corrected visual acuity and foveal subretinal fluid. Pigment epithelial detachment height reduction was influenced by baseline height and the treatment drug, favoring aflibercept for a stronger effect. The clinical significance of this result warrants further studies.
EFFECT OF SMOKING ON MACULAR FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE IN ACTIVE SMOKERS VERSUS PASSIVE SMOKERS
Authors: El-Shazly Amany Abd El-Fattah , Farweez Yousra Ahmed Thabet , Elzankalony Yasser Abdelmageuid , Elewa Lamia Salah , Farweez Botheina Ahmed Thabet
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The aim is to study the effects of cigarette smoking on the structural and functional alterations of the macula in eyes of healthy young smokers.

Methods:

Cross-sectional clinical study included 100 active smokers (Group 1) and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy passive smokers (Group 2). All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic assessment, axial length measurement, central corneal thickness measurement, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and multifocal electroretinogram. Urine samples were collected to measure urinary levels of cotinine and creatinine with subsequent calculation of the cotinine creatinine ratio.

Results:

Central foveal thickness (255.62 ± 17.23 and 264.75 ± 17.35 μm, respectively, with P = 0.0003) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (377.48 ± 30.32 and 385.08 ± 21.10 μm, respectively, with P = 0.04) were significantly lower in active smokers than those of passive smokers. Retinal response density of ring 1 (31.08 ± 2.29 and 33.46 ± 3.83 nV/deg2, respectively, with P < 0.001) and Ring 1 (R1) P1 amplitude (0.81 ± 0.07 and 0.95 ± 0.16 μV, respectively, with P < 0.001) were significantly lower, whereas R1 P1 latency (43.02 ± 0.97 and 40.39 ± 2.08 milliseconds, respectively, with P < 0.001) was significantly longer in active smokers than those of passive smokers. The mf-ERG ring ratios were significantly lower in the active smokers than those of passive smokers.

Conclusion:

In the absence of clinically apparent foveal toxicity, CFT, SFCT together with ring amplitude ratio could be used as good predictors of subclinical nicotine induced foveal changes.
SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF HYBRID 23-, 25-, AND 27-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR COMPLEX DIABETIC TRACTIONAL RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR
Authors: Khan M. Ali , Samara Wasim A. , Hsu Jason , Garg Sunir
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To describe the short-term outcomes of complex diabetic retinal detachment repair using hybrid 23-gauge or 25-gauge vitrectomy instruments with a 27-gauge vitrectomy system.

Methods:

Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Ten eyes of 10 patients undergoing hybrid pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic tractional retinal detachment were reviewed.

Results:

Combined use of 25-gauge and 27-gauge instrumentation was used in 8 of 10 eyes and combined use of 23-gauge and 27-gauge instrumentation in 2 of 10 eyes. In all cases, a 27-gauge vitreous cutter was used for membrane dissection and delamination. All eyes had successful anatomical reattachment at a mean follow-up of 207 ± 55 days. Snellen visual acuity improved from a mean of 20/822 preoperatively to 20/566 at the final follow-up (P = 0.55). Mean intraocular pressure remained stable at 13 ± 3.4 mmHg preoperatively to 13.6 ± 5.4 mmHg at the final follow-up (P = 0.76). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered.

Conclusion:

Concurrent use of the 27-gauge vitreous cutter with 23-gauge or 25-gauge instrumentation was effective during diabetic tractional retinal detachment repair. This hybrid technique was not associated with any significant intraoperative or short-term postoperative complications.
The Behavior Pain Assessment Tool for critically ill adults: a validation study in 28 countries
Authors: Gélinas Céline , Puntillo Kathleen A. , Levin Pavel , Azoulay Elie
Published: March 2017

Many critically ill adults are unable to communicate their pain through self-report. The study purpose was to validate the use of the 8-item Behavior Pain Assessment Tool (BPAT) in patients hospitalized in 192 intensive care units from 28 countries. A total of 4812 procedures in 3851 patients were included in data analysis. Patients were assessed with the BPAT before and during procedures by 2 different raters (mostly nurses and physicians). Those who were able to self-report were asked to rate their pain intensity and pain distress on 0 to 10 numeric rating scales. Interrater reliability of behavioral observations was supported by moderate (0.43-0.60) to excellent (>0.60) kappa coefficients. Mixed effects multilevel logistic regression models showed that most behaviors were more likely to be present during the procedure than before and in less sedated patients, demonstrating discriminant validation of the tool use. Regarding criterion validation, moderate positive correlations were found during procedures between the mean BPAT scores and the mean pain intensity (r = 0.54) and pain distress (r = 0.49) scores (P < 0.001). Regression models showed that all behaviors were significant predictors of pain intensity and pain distress, accounting for 35% and 29% of their total variance, respectively. A BPAT cut-point score >3.5 could classify patients with or without severe levels (≥8) of pain intensity and distress with sensitivity and specificity findings ranging from 61.8% to 75.1%. The BPAT was found to be reliable and valid. Its feasibility for use in practice and the effect of its clinical implementation on patient pain and intensive care unit outcomes need further research.
Carbapenemase inhibitors
Authors: Aghamali Mina , Zahedi Bialvaei Abed , Aghazadeh Mohammad , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Samadi Kafil Hossein
Published: March 2017

Carbapenemase inhibitors play a critically important role in prevention of carbapenem resistance. In the current review, based on studied articles from PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus, we summarize the current state of carbapenemase inhibitors and their importance in clinical use. Clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam are traditional β-lactam\class A carbapenemase inhibitors. Avibactam; relebactam and boronic acid-based inhibitors including PRX7009, β-lactamase inhibitory protein II, Zinc01807204 and Zinc02318494 compounds are also novel and non-β-lactam\class A carbapenemase inhibitors. In the case of metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors, EDTA, thioester derivatives, propionic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid and phthalic acid derivatives are reputed inhibitors. There are limited oxacillinase (OXA) inhibitors because of the variability in amino acid sequence of OXAs. Boronic acid-based compounds and penicillin sulfone derivatives are promising candidates for the development of OXA-carbapenemase inhibitors. Although the prospect for non-β-lactam inhibitors is better, but the available inhibitors are mostly developed against plasmid-mediated carbapenemases, and other clinically important carbapenemases are increasing throughout the world. Despite in-vitro activity of aforementioned inhibitors, few of them are in clinical use. Side effects followed by inhibitors and also carbapenemase inhibitor resistance indicate the clinical need for development of novel, effective and nontoxic inhibitors to overcome carbapenemase-mediated resistance in bacteria.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor, a Cytokine of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Family, is Associated With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Liu Tiezhu , Hong Baoan , Wang Feng , Zhou Changhua , Du Xin , Chen Siqi , Deng Xiaohu , Duoerkun Shayiremu , Li Qing , Yang Yong , Gong Kan , Zhang Ning
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have revealed that the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows metastatic properties upon cancer cells to promote invasion and migration. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 50 cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and paired normal kidney tissues. We detected the expression of vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) and EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, and Slug) and recorded the clinical, pathologic, and follow-up (median follow-up: 79.0 mo) information. The expression of VEGI and E-cadherin was significantly lower in RCC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues (P<0.001). However, the expression of fibronectin and Slug was higher in RCC tissues (P<0.05). VEGI and EMT marker expression marginally differed in tumor size and stage. Significant differences were found in the pathologic grade (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis suggested a positive correlation between VEGI and E-cadherin (r=0.451, P<0.01). A negative correlation was shown between VEGI and fibronectin (r=−0.465, P<0.01). There was also a negative correlation between VEGI and Slug (r=−0.758, P<0.01). During the 79.0 months (range, 7 to 119 mo) of follow-up, 6 patients died due to RCC, and the tumor-free survival rate was 88% (44/50). We did not find a significant correlation between VEGI/EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, and Slug) and overall survival (P>0.05). Our findings indicate that VEGI plays an important role in EMT in RCC. It suggests that VEGI may be investigated as a disease biomarker and therapeutic target in RCC.
Role of Nutrition and Feeding for the Chronically Ill Pediatric Liver Patient Awaiting Liver Transplant
Authors: Leon Carly D. G. , Lerret Stacee M.
Published: March 2017

This article reviews the essential role of nutrition in optimizing care for pediatric patients with liver disease awaiting liver transplant. A review of growth and overall principles of feeding for pediatric patients, from infancy through childhood and into adolescence, is provided including the role of macro- and micronutrients, nutrient distribution, and nutrition supplementation. The importance of a thorough nutrition assessment is reviewed, including focus areas the nurse can address with patients and families such as diet histories, growth, and dietary modifications. Suggestions for monitoring and implementing nutrition strategies are provided.
Repurposed high-throughput images enable biological activity prediction for drug discovery
Authors: Simm Jaak , Klambauer Günter , Arany Adam , Steijaert Marvin , Wegner Jörg Kurt , Gustin Emmanuel , Chupakhin Vladimir , Chong Yolanda T. , Vialard Jorge , Buijnsters Peter , Velter Ingrid , Vapirev Alexander , Singh Shantanu , Carpenter Anne , Wuyts Roel , Hochreiter Sepp , Moreau Yves , Ceulemans Hugo
Published: March 2017

We repurpose a High-Throughput (cell) Imaging (HTI) screen of a glucocorticoid receptor assay to predict target protein activity in multiple other seemingly unrelated assays. In two ongoing drug discovery projects, our repurposing approach increased hit rates by 60- to 250-fold over that of the primary project assays while increasing the chemical structure diversity of the hits. Our results suggest that data from available HTI screens are a rich source of information that can be reused to empower drug discovery efforts.
A conformational checkpoint between DNA binding and cleavage by CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Dagdas Yavuz S. , Chen Janice S. , Sternberg Samuel H. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: March 2017

The Cas9 endonuclease is widely utilized for genome engineering applications by programming its single-guide RNA and ongoing work is aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of DNA targeting. DNA cleavage of Cas9 is controlled by the conformational state of the HNH nuclease domain, but the mechanism that governs HNH activation at on-target DNA while reducing cleavage activity at off-target sites remains poorly understood. Using single-molecule FRET, we identified an intermediate state of S. pyogenes Cas9, representing a conformational checkpoint between DNA binding and cleavage. Upon DNA binding, the HNH domain transitions between multiple conformations before docking into its active state. HNH docking requires divalent cations, but not strand scission, and this docked conformation persists following DNA cleavage. Sequence mismatches between the DNA target and guide RNA prevent transitions from the checkpoint intermediate to the active conformation, providing selective avoidance of DNA cleavage at stably bound off-target sites.
Should a few null findings falsify prefrontal theories of conscious perception?
Authors: Odegaard Brian , Knight Robert T. , Lau Hakwan
Published: March 2017

Is activity in prefrontal cortex (PFC) critical for conscious perception? Major theories of consciousness make distinct predictions about the role of PFC, providing an opportunity to arbitrate between these views empirically. Here we address three common misconceptions: i) PFC lesions do not affect subjective perception; ii) PFC activity does not reflect specific perceptual content; iii) PFC involvement in studies of perceptual awareness is solely driven by the need to make reports required by the experimental tasks, rather than subjective experienceperse. These claims are incompatible with empirical findings, unless one focuses only on studies using methods with limited sensitivity. The literature highlights PFC’s essential role in enabling the subjective experience in perception,contrathe objective capacity to perform visual tasks; conflating the two can also be a source of confusion.
Nanoscale manipulation of membrane curvature for probing endocytosis in live cells
Authors: Zhao Wenting , Hanson Lindsey , Lou Hsin-Ya , Akamatsu Matthew , Chowdary Praveen D. , Santoro Francesca , Marks Jessica R. , Grassart Alexandre , Drubin David G. , Cui Yi , Cui Bianxiao
Published: March 2017

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) involves nanoscale bending and inward budding of the plasma membrane, by which cells regulate both the distribution of membrane proteins and the entry of extracellular species1,2. Extensive studies have shown that CME proteins actively modulate the plasma membrane curvature1,3,4. However, the reciprocal regulation of how plasma membrane curvature affects the activities of endocytic proteins is much less explored, despite studies suggesting that membrane curvature itself can trigger biochemical reactions5-8. This gap in our understanding is largely due to technical challenges in precisely controlling the membrane curvature in live cells. In this work, we use patterned nanostructures to generate well-defined membrane curvatures ranging from +50 nm to -500 nm radius of curvature. We find that the positively curved membranes are CME hotspots, and that key CME proteins, clathrin and dynamin, show a strong preference toward positive membrane curvatures with a radius < 200 nm. Of ten CME related proteins we examined, all show preferences to positively curved membrane. By contrast, other membrane-associated proteins and non-CME endocytic protein, caveolin1, show no such curvature preference. Therefore, nanostructured substrates constitute a novel tool for investigating curvature-dependent processes in live cells.
Post-inference Methods of Prior Knowledge Incorporation in Gene Regulatory Network Inference
Authors: Nair Ajay , Chetty Madhu
Published: March 2017

The regulatory interactions in a cell control cellular response to environmental and genetic perturbations. Gene regulatory network (GRN) inference from high-throughput gene expression data helps to identify unknown regulatory interactions in a cell. One of the main challenges in the GRN inference is to identify complex biological interactions from the limited information contained in the gene expression data. Using prior biological knowledge, in addition to the gene expression data, is a common method to overcome this challenge. However, only a few GRN inference methods can inherently incorporate the prior knowledge and these methods are also not among the best-ranked in benchmarking studies.

We propose to incorporate the prior knowledge after the GRN inference so that any inference method can be used. Two algorithms have been developed and tested on the well studiedEscherichia coli, yeast, and realistic in silico networks. Their accuracy is higher than the best-ranking method in the latest community-wide benchmarking study. Further, one of the algorithms identifies and removes wrong interactions predicted by the inference methods. With half of the available prior knowledge of interactions, around 970 additional correct edges were obtained and 1300 wrong interactions were removed. Moreover, the limitation that only a few GRN inference methods can incorporate the prior knowledge is overcome. Therefore, a post-inference method of incorporating the prior knowledge improves accuracy, removes wrong edges, and overcomes the limitation of GRN inference methods.
Semblance of heterogeneity in collective cell migration
Authors: Schumacher Linus J. , Maini Philip K. , Baker Ruth E.
Published: March 2017

Cell population heterogeneity is increasingly a focus of inquiry in biological research. For example, cell migration studies have investigated the heterogeneity of invasiveness and taxis in development, wound healing, and cancer. However, relatively little effort has been devoted to explore when heterogeneity is mechanistically relevant and how to reliably measure it. Statistical methods from the animal movement literature offer the potential to analyse heterogeneity in collections of cell tracking data. A popular measure of heterogeneity, which we use here as an example, is the distribution of delays in directional cross-correlation. Employing a suitably generic, yet minimal, model of collective cell movement in three dimensions, we show how using such measures to quantify heterogeneity in tracking data can result in the inference of heterogeneity where there is none. Our study highlights a potential pitfall in the statistical analysis of cell population heterogeneity, and we argue this can be mitigated by the appropriate choice of null models.

Highlights

groups of identical cells appear heterogeneous due to limited sampling and experimental repeatability

heterogeneity bias increases with attraction/repulsion between cells

movement in confined environments decreases apparent heterogeneity

hypothetical applications in neural crest andin vitrocancer systems

In Brief

We use a mathematical model to show how cell populations can appear heterogeneous in their migratory characteristics, even though they are made up of identically-behaving individual cells. This has important consequences for the study of collective cell migration in areas such as embryo development or cancer invasion.
Migration of human mesenchymal stem cells stimulated with pulsed electric field and the dynamics of the cell surface glycosylation
Authors: Jezierska-Wozniak Katarzyna , Lipiński Seweryn , Grabarczyk Łukasz , Barczewska Monika , Habich Aleksandra , Wojtkiewicz Joanna , Maksymowicz Wojciech
Published: March 2017

The objective of our study was to develop novel techniques for investigations of cell motility, and to assess whether the electric field of the therapeutic spinal cord stimulation system usedin vivocontributes to the migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)in vitro.

We have investigated electrotaxis of bone marrow-derived MSCs using pulsed electric field (PEF) in range 16-80 mV/mm and frequency 130 Hz and 240 Hz. The PEF-related dynamics of the cell surface glycosylation was evaluated using six plant lectins.

PEF at physiological levels (10mV/mm; 130 Hz) did not influence cellular motilityin vitro, what may correspond to the maintenance of the transplanted cells at the lesion sitein vivo. Increase of the PEF intensity and frequency above physiological levels resulted in the increase in the cellular migration ratein vitro. PEF elevated above physiological intensity and frequency (40-80 mV/mm; 240 Hz), but not at physiological levels, resulted in changes of the cell surface glycosylation.

We find the described approach as convenient for investigations and for thein vitromodeling of the cellular systems intended for the regenerative cell transplantationsin vivo. Probing cell surface glycomes may provide valuable biomarkers to assess competence of transplanted cells.
Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusemerged long before the introduction of methicillin in to clinical practice
Authors: Harkins Catriona P. , Pichon Bruno , Doumith Michel , Parkhill Julian , Westh Henrik T. , Tomasz Alexander , de Lencastre Herminia , Bentley Stephen D. , Kearns Angela M. , Holden Matthew T.G.
Published: March 2017

The spread of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens pose a major threat to global health. It is widely recognised that the widespread use of antibiotics has generated selective pressures that have driven the emergence of resistant strains. Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was first observed in 1960, less than one year after the introduction of this second generation β-lactam antibiotic into clinical practice. Epidemiological evidence has always suggested that resistance arose around this period, when themecAgene encoding methicillin resistance carried on an SCCmecelement, was horizontally transferred to an intrinsically sensitive strain ofS. aureus. Whole genome sequencing a collection of the very first MRSA isolates allowed us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the archetypal MRSA. Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction was applied to infer the time point at which this early MRSA lineage arose and when SCCmecwas acquired. MRSA emerged in the mid 1940s, following the acquisition of an ancestral type I SCCmecelement, some fourteen years prior to the first therapeutic use of methicillin. Methicillin use was not the original driving factor in the evolution of MRSA as previously thought. Rather it was the widespread use of first generation β-lactams such as penicillin in the years prior to the introduction of methicillin, which selected forS. aureusstrains carrying themecAdeterminant. Crucially this highlights how new drugs, introduced to circumvent known resistance mechanisms, can be rendered ineffective by unrecognised adaptations in the bacterial population due to the historic selective landscape created by the widespread use of other antibiotics.
Aligning single-cell developmental and reprogramming trajectories identifies molecular determinants of reprogramming outcome
Authors: Cacchiarelli Davide , Qiu Xiaojie , Srivatsan Sanjay , Ziller Michael , Overbey Eliah , Grimsby Jonna , Pokharel Prapti , Livak Ken , Li Shuqiang , Meissner Alex , Mikkelsen Tarjei , Rinn John , Trapnell Cole
Published: March 2017

Cellular reprogramming through manipulation of defined factors holds great promise for large-scale production of cell types needed for use in therapy, as well as for expanding our understanding of the general principles of gene regulation. MYOD-mediated myogenic reprogramming, which converts many cell types into contractile myotubes, remains one of the best characterized model system for direct conversion by defined factors. However, why MYOD can efficiently convert some cell types into myotubes but not others remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze MYOD-mediated reprogramming of human fibroblasts at pseudotemporal resolution using single-cell RNA-Seq. Successfully reprogrammed cells navigate a trajectory with two branches that correspond to two barriers to reprogramming, with cells that select incorrect branches terminating at aberrant or incomplete reprogramming outcomes. Differential analysis of the major branch points alongside alignment of the successful reprogramming path to a primary myoblast trajectory revealed Insulin and BMP signaling as crucial molecular determinants of an individual cell’s reprogramming outcome, that when appropriately modulated, increased efficiency more than five-fold. Our single-cell analysis reveals that MYOD is sufficient to reprogram cells only when the extracellular milieu is favorable, supporting MYOD with upstream signaling pathways that drive normal myogenesis in development.
Community participation and mental health prior to treatment
Authors: McGaffin Breanna , Deane Frank P. , Kelly Peter J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Keyes’ (2007) model of mental health, the presence (flourishing) or absence (languishing) of social, emotional and psychological wellbeing, in the context of drug and alcohol misuse and the frequency and pattern of community participation (engaging in society).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 1,815 individuals (70 per cent male) who entered residential substance misuse treatment provided by The Salvation Army. Questionnaires were completed at intake assessments with The Salvation Army staff. The data were compared with population norms of community participation utilising t-tests, while multiple linear regression was used to examine continuous mental health.

Findings

Although participants have lower levels of community participation compared to Australian population norms, those participants who were experiencing flourishing mental health had higher rates of community participation than Australian norms. Keeping in touch with friends and family was the most common form of participation. Informal social connectedness and civic engagement were the strongest predictors of mental health over and above more traditional substance use outcomes such as cravings.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to describe the relationships between community participation, substance use and mental health in participants seeking treatment for substance misuse. Despite having a drug or alcohol addiction requiring treatment, those participants with flourishing mental health have higher levels of community participation than community norms. Furthermore, community participation predicts mental health. This offers promise for interventions that increase community participation but further research using longitudinal designs is needed to replicate and clarify the direction of these relationships.
LMX differentiation, diversity, and group performance
Authors: Lee Kihyun , Chae Yeon Joo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation on group performance has been considered ambiguous. The purpose of this paper is to resolve this ambiguity by theorizing and examining a curvilinear relationship between LMX differentiation and group performance, and the moderating effects of group diversity on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from 63 work groups (consisting of 322 members and 63 group leaders) selected from 27 technology service companies in South Korea. Group members rated their perceived LMX quality, while the human resource (HR) directors of each company assessed group performance.

Findings

The results showed that LMX differentiation had an inverted U-shaped relationship with group performance and that gender diversity and age diversity negatively moderated that relationship. However, the interaction between LMX differentiation and education-level diversity was not significant.

Originality/value

This study extends extant research by addressing the inconsistency among theoretical perspectives on the effects of LMX differentiation. This study transcends earlier research by considering the complex process of LMX differentiation, such as the curvilinear relationship between LMX differentiation and group performance, and the moderating effects of group diversity on that relationship.
Saudi women’s work challenges and barriers to career advancement
Authors: Al-Asfour Ahmed , Tlaiss Hayfaa A. , Khan Sami A. , Rajasekar James
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Few studies have explored the work challenges and career barriers faced by women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Drawing on Institutional Theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of employed Saudi women through in-depth interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a phenomenological qualitative approach drawing on 12 in-depth semi-structured interviews with Saudi women.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant number of prominent societal and organizational structural and attitudinal barriers to the advancement of Saudi women in paid employment. Among others, these barriers include a lack of mobility; the salience of gender stereotypes; gender discrimination in the workplace; limited opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement; excessive workload caused by a lack of family-work balance; and gender-based challenges related to dealing with pregnancy.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the contributions of this study, it also has limitations, particularly the convenience sampling approach and the focus on the KSA. The small sample size means that the findings cannot be generalized to all women employed in Saudi Arabia and should be generalized within Saudi Arabia and other Arab societies only with caution.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of work challenges and barriers of Saudi women in the workforce. It provides fresh insights to the issues surrounding women in Saudi Arabia and the need to address them in order to provide support for their career advancement.
The role of mentoring in early career physics teachers’ professional identity construction
Authors: Cameron David , Grant Anna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which external subject-specific mentoring can influence the professional identity construction of early career physics teachers (ECPT).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology evolved from the evaluation of a mentoring project, involving semi-structured interviews with a number of early career teachers. Responses from 18 teachers, which related to the impact of the mentoring relationship on their professional identity development, were subject to a process of iterative thematic coding in the context of interpretative repertoires via a collaborative “developmental dialogue” between the managers of the mentoring project and its external evaluators.

Findings

The analysis of participants’ responses suggested that the nature of the relationship between early career teacher and mentor played a role in the emergence, or suppression, of their professional identities as physics teachers at the start of their teaching careers. In some cases, mentoring provision was little short of a “lifeline” for the teachers.

Practical implications

Mentors need the opportunity to develop their professional practice and identity through contact with the community of teacher educators. The practice of training, mentoring and coaching teachers should be valued at least as much as teaching itself and should be recognised as its own professional practice.

Originality/value

This study builds on a number of well-established pieces of research and concepts relating to the challenges facing early career teachers and their professional identity construction. It provides insight into the challenges facing ECPTs specifically, which includes the risk of isolation and unrealistic expectations from colleagues. It not only confirms the merits of external mentoring, but also demonstrates the significant responsibility, which comes with the mentor’s role and the negative impact on teachers’ professional identity construction caused by deficiencies in mentoring.
Formal and informal long term care work: policy conflict in a liberal welfare state
Authors: Murphy Caroline , Turner Thomas
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The undervaluing of care work, whether conducted informally or formally, has long been subject to debate. While much discussion, and indeed reform has centred on childcare, there is a growing need, particularly in countries with ageing populations, to examine how long-term care (LTC) work is valued. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the way in which employment policies (female labour market participation, retirement age, and precarious work) and social policies (care entitlements and benefits/leave for carers) affect both informal carers and formal care workers in a liberal welfare state with a rapidly ageing population.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing the adult worker model the authors use the existing literature on ageing care and employment to examine the approach of a liberal welfare state to care work focusing on both supports for informal carers and job quality in the formal care sector.

Findings

The research suggests that employment policies advocating increased labour participation, delaying retirement and treating informal care as a form of welfare are at odds with LTC strategies which encourage informal care. Furthermore, the latter policy acts to devalue formal care roles in an economic sense and potentially discourages workers from entering the formal care sector.

Originality/value

To date research investigating the interplay between employment and LTC policies has focused on either informal or formal care workers. In combining both aspects, we view informal and formal care workers as complementary, interdependent agents in the care process. This underlines the need to develop social policy regarding care and employment which encompasses the needs of each group concurrently.
Experience and coping of employment risks in Hong Kong
Authors: Tam May , Ip Chung Yan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the case of Hong Kong to assess the equalisation and individualization claim of the risk society approach to studying experience and coping of employment risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of survey data are used: quarterly official surveys from the year of 1993 to 2008 and a cross-sectional territory-wide representative telephone survey conducted in 2009.

Findings

The findings show that contrary to the equalisation claim, experiences of employment risks have continued to concentrate on disadvantaged groups: unskilled manual workers and those with education levels below lower secondary school had continuously fared worse than professionals, managers and university degree holders. These disadvantaged groups were also not particularly proactive in adopting either capital-based or work-related coping methods when they encountered unemployment.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of trend data to examine the use of different coping means is one of the main drawbacks of the current study. The study carries important theoretical implications.

Practical implications

Policy implications for the government to provide more comprehensive and proactive employment-related support measures and further expansion of university education.

Originality/value

This paper examines the case of Hong Kong so as to extend the empirical assessment of the risk society approach beyond the Anglo-Saxon context to mature Asian economies. The study further shows that we need to go beyond the secular trend globalisation which the risk society theory emphasises. Historical factors and business-government-labour power relations are critical factors that shape the policies and institutions of labour market regulations and welfare provision in the local context
Integrating safety concepts in health and social care
Authors: Scott Jason , Birks Yvonne , Aspinal Fiona , Waring Justin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Keeping individuals safe from harm and exploitation is a clearly articulated goal within both the health and social care sectors. Two key concepts associated with achieving this common aim are safety and safeguarding. The purpose of this paper is to critically appraise the differences in safety terminology used in health and social care, including opportunities and challenges for greater integration of safety systems across health and social care in England.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the authors’ viewpoint based on personal, professional and research experience.

Findings

In healthcare, safety is usually conceptualised as the management of error, with risk considered on a universal level. In social care, the safeguarding process balances choice and control with individualised approaches to keeping adults safe, but lacks the established reporting pathways to capture safety incidents. Efforts to safely integrate health and social care services are currently constrained by a lack of shared understanding of the concepts of safety and safeguarding without further consideration of how these approaches to keeping people safe can be better aligned. As such, there is a need for a single, unified discourse of patient safety that cuts across the patient safety and safeguarding concepts and their associated frameworks in health and social care settings.

Originality/value

A single unified concept of safety in health and social care could coincide with an integrated approach to the delivery of health and social care, improving the care of patients transitioning between services.
The effective ingredients of social support at home for people with dementia: a literature review
Authors: Argyle Elaine , Kelly Tony , Gladman John , Jones Rob
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Recent years have seen an increasing reliance on social support at home for people with dementia and the advocacy of a person centred and integrated approach in its provision. However, little is known about the effective ingredients of this support and how they differ from more generic or health-based services. The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing evidence base.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of relevant literature was carried out, combining a systematic search and selection of articles with a narrative analysis.

Findings

The review identified 14 relevant studies of varying research designs which yielded conflicting findings with regard to the optimal timing of interventions and their overall impact. This highlights the problems of review and generalisability when attempting to compare findings of research in this area. This was exacerbated by the blurred divide between health and social care and ambiguities in the meaning of the latter.

Research limitations/implications

This methodological heterogeneity demonstrates the need for consistency in research approaches if comparisons are to be made. Further questions include the precise components that distinguish social care from health care, the optimal timing for the introduction of this care and whether adherence to good practice in this area can be linked to cost effectiveness.

Originality/value

The review identifies relevant issues in need of further investigation and tentative themes emerging from the literature which suggest the utility of an adequately resourced, integrated and responsive approach to intervention.
Three levels of organizational social capital and their connection to performance
Authors: Ben Hador Batia
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Exploring the mechanisms through which social capital (SC) operates in organizations is highly important for both researchers and practitioners. As a theoretical concept, the role and functions of SC in organizations are framed in various ways but not clearly enough. Practitioners would like to understand how relationship intensifies performance; the purpose of this paper is to better understand the mechanisms through which SC influences performance in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework for different levels of SC in organizations has been developed and presented, as well as propositions regarding the suggested impact of each level on performance have been stated.

Findings

Drawing on a variety of literatures, it is argued that there are three levels of SC in organizations – personal, intra-organizational, and external; each level has unique features and benefits, and also, each level holds different risks. It is suggested that every SC level strengthens other components of performance.

Originality/value

Organizations strive to improve their performance and to create a better working atmosphere for their employees; nurturing SC properly helps in achieving these goals. This paper promotes understanding of the benefits and risks of SC, how to avoid these risks, and how to improve personal and collective performance and organizational outcomes.