bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuscimiditide: a RiPP with Ω-Ester and Aspartimide Post-translational Modifications
Authors: Elashal Hader E. , Koos Joseph D. , Cheung-Lee Wai Ling , Choi Brian , Cao Li , Richardson Michelle A. , White Heather L. , Link A. James
Published: May 2021

Microviridins and other ω−ester linked peptides (OEPs) are characterized by sidechain-sidechain linkages installed by ATP-grasp enzymes. Here we describe the discovery of a new family of OEPs, the gene clusters of which also encode an O-methyltransferase with homology to the protein repair catalyst protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT). We produced the first example of this new ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP), fuscimiditide, via heterologous expression. NMR analysis of fuscimiditide revealed that the peptide contains two ester crosslinks forming a stem-loop macrocycle. Furthermore, an unusually stable aspartimide moiety is found within the loop macrocycle. We have also fully reconstituted fuscimiditide biosynthesis in vitro establishing that ester formation catalyzed by the ATP-grasp enzyme is an obligate, rate-limiting first biosynthetic step. Aspartimide formation from aspartate is catalyzed by the PIMT homolog in the second step. The aspartimide moiety embedded in fuscimiditide hydrolyzes regioselectively to isoaspartate (isoAsp). Surprisingly, this isoAsp-containing protein is also a substrate for the PIMT homolog, thus driving any hydrolysis products back to the aspartimide form. Whereas aspartimide is often considered a nuisance product in protein formulations, our data here suggest that some RiPPs have aspartimide residues intentionally installed via enzymatic activity.

Abstract Figure
Global Patterns in Culturable Soil Yeast Diversity
Authors: Samarasinghe Himeshi , Lu Yi , Aljohani Renad , Al-Amad Ahmad , Yoell Heather , Xu Jianping
Published: May 2021

Yeasts, broadly defined as unicellular fungi, fulfill essential roles in soil ecosystems as decomposers and nutrition sources for fellow soil-dwellers. Broad-scale investigations of soil yeasts pose a methodological challenge as metagenomics are of limited use on this group of fungi. Here we characterize global soil yeast diversity using fungal DNA barcoding on 1473 yeasts cultured from 3826 soil samples obtained from nine countries in six continents. We identify mean annual precipitation and international air travel as two significant predictors of soil yeast community structure and composition worldwide. Anthropogenic influences on soil yeast communities, directly via travel and indirectly via altered rainfall patterns resulting from climate change, are concerning as we found common infectious yeasts frequently distributed in soil in several countries. Our discovery of 41 putative novel species highlights the need to revise the current estimate of ~1500 recognized yeast species. Our findings demonstrate the continued need for culture-based studies to advance our knowledge of environmental yeast diversity.
Mechanisms underlying microglial colonization of developing neural retina in zebrafish
Authors: Ranawat Nishtha , Masai Ichiro
Published: May 2021

Microglia are brain-resident macrophages that function as the first line of defense in brain. Embryonic microglial precursors originate in peripheral mesoderm and migrate into the brain during development. However, the mechanism by which they colonize the brain is incompletely understood. The retina is one of the first brain regions to accommodate microglia. In zebrafish, embryonic microglial precursors use intraocular hyaloid blood vessels as a pathway to migrate into the optic cup via the choroid fissure. Once retinal progenitor cells exit the cell cycle, microglial precursors associated with hyaloid blood vessels start to infiltrate the retina preferentially through neurogenic regions, suggesting that colonization of retinal tissue depends upon the neurogenic state. Along with blood vessels and retinal neurogenesis, IL34 also participates in microglial precursor colonization of the retina. Altogether, CSF receptor signaling, blood vessels, and neuronal differentiation function as cues to create an essential path for microglial migration into developing retina.
Changes of chromosomal architecture before establishment of chromosome territories revealed by recurrence plot reconstruction
Authors: Kitanishi Yuki , Sugishita Hiroki , Gotoh Yukiko , Hirata Yoshito
Published: May 2021

The chromatin conformation capture-related methods such as Hi-C have improved our understanding of nuclear architecture and organization in recent years. However, reconstruction of nuclear architecture from single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) data is challenging due to limited information of DNA contacts obtained from a single cell. We have previously developed the Recurrence Plot-Based Reconstruction (RPR) method for reconstructing three dimensional (3D) genomic structure from Hi-C data of single haploid cells (1) and diploid cells (2). This algorithm is based on a recurrence plot, a tool of nonlinear time-series analysis for visualizing patterns within a time series (3, 4), and enables the reconstruction of a unique 3D chromosome architecture even from low-coverage DNA contact information. Here we used the RPR method to analyzing published scHi-C data of diploid cells derived from early-stage F1 hybrid embryos (5) as a proof-of-concept for understanding of global developmental changes in chromosomal architecture of early stage embryos. We found that paternal and maternal chromosomes become gradually intermingled from 1 cell to 64 cell stage, and that discrete chromosome territories are largely established between 8 cell and 64 cell stages. We also observed Rabl-like polarization of chromosomes from the 2-to 8-cell stages, but this polarization becomes mostly dissolved by the 64-cell stage. Rabl-like chromosome polarization precedes rod-like extension and parallel alignment of chromosomes, implicating the role of Rabl-like polarization in effective mixing of chromosomes before establishing chromosome territories. We also found cell-to-cell variability in chromatin configuration. A combination of scHi-C and RPR analyses can depict features of the 3D chromatin architecture of individual cells at different developmental stages during early embryogenesis.
In vitro models of the human esophagus reveal ancestrally diverse response to injury
Authors: Ferrer-Torres Daysha , Wu Joshua H. , Zhang Charles J. , Hammer Max A. , Dame Michael , Wu Angeline , Holloway Emily M. , Karpoff Kateryna , McCarthy Caroline L. , Bohm Margaret S , Huang Sha , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Hogan Simon P. , Turgeon Danielle Kim , Lin Jules , Higgins Peter D.R. , Sexton Jonathan , Spence Jason R.
Published: May 2021

European Americans (EA) are more susceptible to esophageal tissue damage and inflammation when exposed to gastric acid and bile acid reflux and have a higher incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma when compared to African Americans (AA). Population studies have implicated specific genes for these differences; however, the underlying cause for these differences is not well understood. We describe a robust long-term culture system to grow primary human esophagus in vitro, use single cell RNA sequencing to compare primary human biopsies to their in vitro counterparts, identify known and new molecular markers of basal cell types, and demonstrate that in vivo cellular heterogeneity is maintained in vitro. We further developed an ancestrally diverse biobank and a high-content, image based, screening assay to interrogate bile-acid injury response. These results demonstrated that AA esophageal cells responded significantly differently than EA-derived cells, mirroring clinical findings, having important implications for addressing disparities in early drug development pipelines.
Gender-biased office culture in Croatian PR industry: why feminine sectors practice masculine patterns?
Authors: Polić Mirela , Holy Mirela
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aimed to research attitudes of women working in the Croatian public relations (PR) industry regarding office culture (networking, banter, dress codes, etc.).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Bourdieu's habitus theory and analyses the experiences of women working in the Croatian PR industry with a focus on office culture. The study is based on 21 in-depth interviews with women working in the Croatian PR industry. Thematic analysis has been used to analyse data.

Findings

Although female employees (76.84%) dominate the PR industry in Croatia, the so-called masculine patterns still prevail in the PR sector. Results show that women are often exposed to gender discrimination but at the same time, they also perpetuate gender-based prejudices.

Practical implications

Employees in the PR industry should consider working on their own gender stereotypes that impact their patterns of behaviour. Relinquishment of the ideas of patriarchal essentialism would consequently change career progression opportunities, and it would particularly improve networking among women, which could lead to career advancement opportunities.

Social implications

Structural changes are needed in society to avoid women perpetuating inequality through masculine behaviour and unrealistic expectations that many women cannot meet.

Originality

To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper is the first paper that explores gender-biased office culture in the Croatian PR industry. In doing so, the paper also applies Bourdieu's habitus theory, thus contributing to studying cultural masculinities from a Croatian perspective. The paper also introduces the concept of gender-biased behaviour.
Applications of object detection in modular construction based on a comparative evaluation of deep learning algorithms
Authors: Liu Chang , M.E. Sepasgozar Samad , Shirowzhan Sara , Mohammadi Gelareh
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The practice of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being promoted by technology developers. However, its adoption rate is still reported as low in the construction industry due to a lack of expertise and the limited reliable applications for AI technology. Hence, this paper aims to present the detailed outcome of experimentations evaluating the applicability and the performance of AI object detection algorithms for construction modular object detection.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a thorough evaluation of two deep learning algorithms for object detection, including the faster region-based convolutional neural network (faster RCNN) and single shot multi-box detector (SSD). Two types of metrics are also presented; first, the average recall and mean average precision by image pixels; second, the recall and precision by counting. To conduct the experiments using the selected algorithms, four infrastructure and building construction sites are chosen to collect the required data, including a total of 990 images of three different but common modular objects, including modular panels, safety barricades and site fences.

Findings

The results of the comprehensive evaluation of the algorithms show that the performance of faster RCNN and SSD depends on the context that detection occurs. Indeed, surrounding objects and the backgrounds of the objects affect the level of accuracy obtained from the AI analysis and may particularly effect precision and recall. The analysis of loss lines shows that the loss lines for selected objects depend on both their geometry and the image background. The results on selected objects show that faster RCNN offers higher accuracy than SSD for detection of selected objects.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that modular object detection is crucial in construction for the achievement of the required information for project quality and safety objectives. The detection process can significantly improve monitoring object installation progress in an accurate and machine-based manner avoiding human errors. The results of this paper are limited to three construction sites, but future investigations can cover more tasks or objects from different construction sites in a fully automated manner.

Originality/value

This paper’s originality lies in offering new AI applications in modular construction, using a large first-hand data set collected from three construction sites. Furthermore, the paper presents the scientific evaluation results of implementing recent object detection algorithms across a set of extended metrics using the original training and validation data sets to improve the generalisability of the experimentation. This paper also provides the practitioners and scholars with a workflow on AI applications in the modular context and the first-hand referencing data.
Kingfisher: Ultra Max re-positioning hurdle
Authors: Rishi Bikramjit , Kacker Archit
Published: May 2021

Learning outcomes

To appraise the product positioning in an emerging market. To recognize and discuss a positioning plan for a new product. To apply, describe the Kapferer brand identity prism along with different competition levels for Kingfisher Ultra Max. To deliberate the marketing mix for improving the sales of Kingfisher Ultra Max.

Case overview/synopsis

United Breweries Limited (UBL) was part of UB Group, which was a business conglomerate. United Breweries Holdings Limited or UB Group was headquartered at UB City, Bangalore, India. It dealt in many businesses, out of which UBL was one of them. Kingfisher Ultra Max was Kingfisher’s newest addition to the super-premium strong beer segment. It was a larger-based beer with 8% alcohol by volume content and was stronger in terms of alcohol content than Kingfisher Ultra, which was also from the super-premium segment. This brands positioning was such that it targeted the premium segment. The top management was considering a change in positioning for their Ultra Max brand. A research report submitted by a premier business school also recommended a change in positioning. The officials in the meeting are contemplating the two options for the shift in positioning; one is to make the change of positioning across India and the other is to make the change specific to some states.

Complexity academic level

The case is targeted at students of post-graduation and under-graduation programs in business administration, specializing in marketing management, brand management or marketing strategy. Also, the case study can be included as part of courses related to strategic management and competitive analysis.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Sana enterprises: location selection
Authors: Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Qazi Asad Ali
Published: May 2021

Learning outcomes

To understand the strategic importance of location selection within the organization. To analyze the constraints in decision-making for selection of location. To analyze the alternate options for a location selection. To understand the usage of the factor rating method.

Case overview/synopsis

Due to a countrywide anti-encroachment drive, Mr Mughal loses his shop. He had just received a notice that his shop including those of others near him was established on one of the amenity plots. The structure was declared as illegal and was to be demolished in 24 h. He had to vacate the shop and his display center to avoid the loss of his items. He along with other shop owners approached to Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) to stop this demolishing act and to prove that these shops belonged to them for decades and that they had already paid the price of shops at that time. However, the SCP rejected their appeal straightforward and the anti-encroachment drive was carried out. Now, Mr Mughal had to find out an alternate location to establish his display center and to resume his business operations.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
Sushruth Ayurved Industry: strategies for growth
Authors: Kidiyoor Gururaj , Yatgiri Prashant V.
Published: May 2021

Learning outcomes

Understand the dynamics of the diabetes supplement market and carry out an industry analysis using Porter’s five force analysis. Understand the challenges faced by a small entrepreneur in setting up distribution channels and examine the channel powers that come into play in the given context. Discuss the merits and demerits of traditional vs online channels. Understand the factors that are important to succeed in a highly competitive diabetes supplement industry (this would include aspects such as value sought by end customer, business-to-business [B2B] buyers, expertise required to handle B2B customers and also the price and salesforce reward approaches). Enumerate the merits and demerits of individual product branding vs an umbrella brand for a company selling over-the-counter (OTC) drugs online. Understand the various considerations for export marketing for OTC drugs.

Case overview/synopsis

Sushruth Ayurved Industry (SAI) is a proprietorship firm owned by Girish Banvi who always dreamt of being an entrepreneur. He had set up SAI to produce diabetes supplement by the name “Sugar Knocker” to give wings to his dreams. Notwithstanding competition from corporate players and demands from health-care practitioners, he had to abandon his traditional route to selling his product and open his eyes to online marketing. He believed it could provide him the perfect medium to reach his prospects directly without any middlemen within a cost-effective budget. SAI registered revenue of INR 24m per year, completely attributable to online sales. With a firm footing in the online space, Girish was now exploring physical marketing to expand his audience reach in the B2B market and also add new products to his portfolio. He was also worried about the low capacity utilization of his manufacturing unit, which stood at 20%. With only 30% of the 40 formulations used, there was much scope for expansion. With his plant capacity underused, the time was ripe for Girish to trace his footsteps from where he had begun in the first place.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in marketing management course under the marketing strategy module. It can also find use in the elective course on marketing channels, and in sectoral programs such as health-care management or MBA in health care. This case can also be used in the health-care products marketing course.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Determinants of radical and incremental innovation: the influence of transformational leadership, knowledge sharing and knowledge-centered culture
Authors: Gui Linnan , Lei Hui , Le Phong Ba
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of transformational leadership (TL) on radical and incremental innovation through the mediating roles of knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors. This study also attempts to bring deeper insight of the correlation among the latent factors by examining how knowledge-centered culture (KCC) moderates the effects of TL on KS behaviors and innovation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a questionnaire survey and Structural Equation Modeling to test the proposal research model based on a sample of 321 participants in 85 service and manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results revealed that KS behaviors significantly mediate the relationship between TL and two types of innovation. Specifically, knowledge collecting has more significant effect on incremental innovation compared with influence of knowledge donating. By contrast, knowledge donating has a greater effect on radical innovation compared with effect of knowledge collecting. The paper also highlights the important role of KCC in enhancing the effects of TL on KS activities and innovation capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The study has highlighted the important role of KCC as it positively moderates the influences of TL on KS and innovation capability.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that TL style is the main driving force of KS processes. Managers should prioritize practicing this leadership style to improve employees' KS behaviors and firm's innovation capability.

Originality/value

The study significantly fills the gaps in the literature that emphasizes how KS behaviors induce different impacts on specific aspects of innovation capability. By exploring the moderator of KCC, the paper significantly contributes to advancing the understanding of how transformational leaders foster employees' KS behaviors for improving radical and incremental innovation.
A complexity management approach to servitization: the role of digital platforms
Authors: Eloranta Ville , Ardolino Marco , Saccani Nicola
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the theoretical foundations of servitization research by establishing a theoretical connection with complexity management. The authors develop a conceptual framework to describe complexity management mechanisms in servitization and digital platforms' specific role in allowing synergies between complexity reduction and absorption mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A theory adaptation approach is used. Theory adaptation introduces new perspectives and conceptualization to the domain theory (servitization, with a focus on the role of digital platforms) by informing it with a method theory (complexity management).

Findings

This study provides four key contributions to the servitization literature: (1) connecting the servitization and complexity-management terminologies, (2) identifying and classifying complexity-management mechanisms in servitization, (3) conceptualizing digital platforms' role in servitization complexity management and (4) recognizing digital platforms' complexity-management synergies.

Originality/value

This study highlights that by using digital platforms in servitization and understanding the platform approach more thoroughly, companies can gain new capabilities and opportunities to manage and leverage complexity.
The securitized workplace: document protection, insider threats and emerging ethnographic barriers in a South Korean organization
Authors: Prentice Michael M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how document protection has become a key object of concern for organizations, how the threat of leaks has led to an increase in security technologies and policies and how these developments present new and emergent ethnographic challenges for researchers. Through a study of a South Korean organization, the paper aims to demonstrate the ways workplace documents are figured into wider legal, regulatory and cyber security concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 12 months of intensive embedded fieldwork in a South Korean firm from 2014 to 2015 and follow-up interviews in 2018. The author followed an immersive and inductive approach to collecting ethnographic data in situ. The author was hired as an intern in a Korean conglomerate known as the Sangdo Group where he worked alongside Human Resources managers to understand their work practices. The present article reflects difficulties in his original research design and an attempt to analyze the barriers themselves. His analysis combines ideas from theories of securitization and document studies to understand how the idea of protection is reshaping workplaces in South Korea and elsewhere.

Findings

The paper highlights three findings first that South Korean workplaces have robust socio-material infrastructures around document protection and security, reflecting that security around document leaks is becoming integrated into normal organizational life. Second, the securitization of document leaks is shifting from treating document leaks as a threat to organizational existence, to a crime by individual actors that organizations track. Third, that even potential document leaks can have transitive effects on teams and managers.

Originality/value

Organizational security practices and their integration into workplace life have rarely been examined together. This paper connects Weber's insights on bureaucratization with the concept of securitization to examine the rise of document security practices and policies in a South Korean organization. The evidence from South Korea is valuable because technological developments around security coupled with organizational complexities portend issues for other organizational environments around the world.
Implementation of large-scale health information systems
Authors: Luz Ricardo , Mussi Clarissa Carneiro , Dutra Ademar , Chaves Leonardo Correa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the previous literature on government initiatives to implement health information systems (HISs).

Design/methodology/approach

Proknow-C (Knowledge Development Process-Constructivist) was used in the selection of the literature and in the bibliometric and systematic analysis.

Findings

The research identified a portfolio composed of 33 articles aligned with the research theme and with scientific recognition, as well as periodicals, authors, papers and keywords that stood out the most. Amongst the government initiatives in the 24 identified countries, England has been the most studied nation, and there is a certain prominence of research arising from developed countries. Electronic health records (EHRs) have been the most explored technology. Efficiency and safety of health care delivery, integration of information and among health organizations, cost reduction and economicity are the most expected benefits from government programs. The difficulties found are related to the broader context in which the system is inserted, to the management of the program, to technology itself and to individuals. The most emphasized difficulties identified in most countries were previous context marked by a lack of standardization/interoperability, acceptance of providers and users and project financing. The findings of the present article provide a theoretical framework for future studies, in addition to yielding a replicable process for future use.

Originality/value

This research may be considered original as it analyzes – through a constructivism-structured process (Proknow-C) – the phenomenon under investigation by gathering bibliometric and systematic review data concomitantly. The countries and technologies reported emerge from the process itself.
Injury‐associated levator ani muscle and anal sphincter ooedema following vaginal birth: a secondary analysis of the EMRLD study
Authors: Pipitone F , Miller JM , DeLancey JOL
Published: May 2021

Objective

To determine whether all three components of the levator ani muscle (pubovisceral [= pubococcygeal], puborectal and iliococcygeal) and the external anal sphincter are equally affected by oedema associated with muscle injury after vaginal birth.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.

Population

Primiparous women classified as high risk for levator ani muscle injury during childbirth.

Method

MRI scans obtained 6–8 weeks postpartum were analysed. Muscle oedema was assessed on axial and coronal fluid‐sensitive magnetic resonance (MRI) scans. Presence of oedema was separately determined in each levator ani muscle component and in the external anal sphincter for all subjects. Descriptive statistics and correlation with obstetric variables were obtained.

Main outcome measures

Oedema score on fluid‐sensitive MRI scans.

Results

Of the 78 women included in this cohort, 51.3% (n = 40/78) showed muscle oedema in the pubovisceral (one bilateral avulsion excluded), 5.1% (n = 4/78) in the puborectal and 5.1% (n = 4/78) in the iliococcygeal muscle. No subject showed definite oedema on external anal sphincter. Incidence of oedema on the pubovisceral muscle was seven times higher than on any of the other analysed muscles (all paired comparisons, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Even in the absence of muscle tearing, the pubovisceral muscle shows by far the highest incidence of injury, establishing that levator components are not equally affected by childbirth. External anal sphincter did not show oedema—even in women with sphincter laceration— suggesting a different injury mechanism. Developing a databased map of injured areas helps understand injury mechanisms that can guide us in honing research on treatment and prevention.

Tweetable abstract

Injury‐associated levator ani muscle and anal sphincter oedema mapping on MRI reveals vulnerable muscle components after childbirth.
Demographic stability of the Australian temperate exoneurine bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) through the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Shokri Bousjein Nahid , Gardner Michael G , Schwarz Michael P
Published: May 2021

The period of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is characterised by severe cooling and extreme aridity in Australia. Australian temperate‐adapted bees experienced entirely new conditions over the LGM; however, few studies focused on the response of these key pollinators and their dependent plants to the LGM in Australia. In this study, we investigated the impact of the LGM climatic conditions on the population histories of the Australian temperate exoneurine bees regarded as critical native pollinators in the continent. To address this issue, we first identified the bee species using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches including phylogenetic and species delimitation methods. The analyses revealed three exoneurine genera, including Brevineura, Exoneura and Inquilina. Our estimated divergence time between Exoneura and Inquilina was close to that of previous phylogenetic studies of the exoneurine bees, which used different dating methods. The haplotype network analyses indicated the geographical structuring of the haplotypes within Exonuera and Inquilina species. We then utilised Bayesian skyline analyses to reconstruct demographic histories of the genus Exoneura for which sufficient haplotype diversity was found. The results showed that the population size of Exoneura species remained unchanged over the LGM or even increased shortly before it. The wide geographical distribution of the exoneurine species in Australia and earlier development of genetic and physiological adaptations are discussed as possibilities that enabled the species to maintain their population sizes over the LGM.
The impact of frailty on clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic literature review
Authors: Michaud Maturana Mailis , English William James , Nandakumar Madura , Li Chen John , Dvorkin Lee
Published: May 2021

Background

The majority of colorectal cancer is diagnosed in people aged >65 years, yet the elderly are less likely to undergo curative surgery. Chronological age is poorly correlated with post‐operative outcomes and is not an acceptable measure of risk. Conversely, frailty is a strong predictor of poor post‐operative outcomes and presents an opportunity for optimisation. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence between frailty and outcomes in patients of all ages undergoing colorectal cancer resections and to compare the predictive value of frailty status to that of age alone.

Methods

The review was registered on Prospero, CRD42019150542. PubMed was searched for articles reporting outcomes for frail patients undergoing elective or emergency colorectal cancer resection up until August 2019. All studies reporting outcomes in frail patients were deemed eligible for inclusion and assessed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Of the 143 identified studies, 17 were eligible for inclusion. Study type, frailty assessments and outcomes measured were highly variable. ‘Frailty’ was associated with significantly higher rates of post‐operative complications (7/7 studies), post‐operative mortality (5/7 studies), readmission (3/4 studies) and length of stay (3/3 studies). Seven of 11 studies reported no association between age and adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Frailty is a predictor of poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Standardisation of frailty assessment and outcome measure is needed. Accurate risk stratification of patients will allow us to make informed treatment decisions, identify patients who may benefit from preoperative intervention and tailor post‐operative care.
On the use of electronegativity and electron affinity based pseudo‐molecular field descriptors in developing correlations for quantitative structure‐activity relationship modeling of drug activities
Authors: Kunde Pushkar D. , Ramkumar Sudha , Kamble Sanjay P. , Ravikumar Ameeta , Kulkarni Bhaskar D. , Kumar V. Ravi
Published: May 2021

For quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) modeling in ligand‐based drug discovery programs, pseudo‐molecular field (PMF) descriptors using intrinsic atomic properties, namely, electronegativity and electron affinity are studied. In combination with partial least squares analysis and Procrustes transformation, these PMF descriptors were employed successfully to develop correlations that predict the activities of target protein inhibitors involved in various diseases (cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, HIV, and malaria). The results show that the present QSAR approach is competitive to existing QSAR models. In order to demonstrate the use of this algorithm, we present results of screening naturally occurring molecules with unknown bioactivities. The pIC50 predictions can screen molecules that have desirable activity before assessment by docking studies.
Associations between optic disc characteristics and macular choroidal microvasculature in young patients with high myopia
Authors: Liu Xinting , Zhang Fen , Wang Yanli , Xie Zhu , Wu Wenfeng , Wang Qian , Zheng Miaoran , Lu Fan , Mao Xinjie
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine changes to optic disc characteristics and macular choroidal microvasculature, and their relationships in young patients with high myopia (HM).

Methods

A total of 90 patients were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Based on their refractive power, the patients were divided into three groups: 27 in the control group, 34 in the HM group and 29 in the extremely high myopia group. Images of each patient's macula and optic disc were taken by ocular coherence tomography angiography. The macular choroidal and retinal thickness, capillary vessel density and capillary flow area were measured using Matlab software. Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and the ovality index (OI) obtained from the scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images and the degree of optic disc tilt obtained from the optic nerve head ocular coherence tomography B‐scans were analysed by Image J and Matlab software.

Results

The PPA area, OI and degree of optic disc tilt were significantly different among the three groups (all p ≤ 0.001). The macular choroidal thickness and microvasculature were significantly different among the three groups (all p < 0.05). Macular choroidal thickness was significantly correlated with PPA area and the degree of optic disc tilt (r = −0.331, p = 0.003; r = −0.394, p = 0.001, respectively). Macular choroidal capillary vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were associated with PPA area (r = −0.251, p = 0.047; r = −0.326, p = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusions

PPA area, OI and the degree of optic disc tilt were increased in patients with HM, and these changes were correlated with macular choroidal thickness and choroidal microvasculature.
MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants in Mexican Mestizo infants with neural tube defects from Western Mexico
Authors: Aranda‐Sánchez Cristian Irela , Bobadilla‐Morales Lucina , Corona‐Rivera Alfredo , Cuero‐Quezada Idalid , Santana‐Hernández Jennifer , Baldomero‐López Alejandra , Romero‐Bolaño Yaneris M. , Peña‐Padilla Christian , Corona‐Rivera Jorge Román
Published: May 2021

Our study investigated the role of MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants in infants with neural tube defects (NTDs) from western Mexico. Using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay, we genotyped 101 live‐born patients with NTDs (cases) and 247 controls. Our findings do not support that homozygosity or heterozygosity for the variants C677T and A1298C in the MTHFR gene are associated with NTDs in infants. However, since we have the highest worldwide frequency of homozygotes for the MTHFR C677T variant, we cannot rule out that our propensity for NTDs may be related to how such gene variant interacts with other factors, mainly with our secular patterns of inappropriate folate intake.
A retrospective analysis of growth hormone therapy in children with Schaaf–Yang syndrome
Authors: Hebach Nils R. , Caro Pilar , Martin‐Giacalone Bailey A. , Lupo Philip J. , Marbach Felix , Choukair Daniela , Schaaf Christian Patrick
Published: May 2021

Short stature is a common phenotype in children with Schaaf–Yang syndrome (SYS). Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and SYS share several phenotypic features including short stature, muscular hypotonia and developmental delay/intellectual disability. Evidence exists that similar to PWS, growth hormone (GH) deficiency may also be a feature of SYS. Recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy has been approved for PWS, but the effects of rhGH therapy in individuals with SYS have not yet been documented. This retrospective, questionnaire‐based study analyzes the prevalence of rhGH therapy in children with SYS, the effects of rhGH therapy on anthropometric measures, and parental perception of the treatment. Twenty‐six individuals with SYS were sent a clinical questionnaire and a request for growth charts. We found a significant increase in height z‐score (p* = 0.04) as well as a significant decrease in body mass index 6 months after rhGH therapy initiation (p* = 0.04). Furthermore, height z‐scores of the treated group (mean z‐score = −1.00) were significantly higher than those of the untreated group (mean z‐score = −3.36, p = 0.01) at time of enrollment. All parents reported an increase in muscle strength and endurance, and several families noted beneficial effects such as improved cognition and motor development.
Investigation into the removal of pigment, sulphur and vat colourants from cotton textiles and implications for waste cellulosic recycling
Authors: Bigambo Pendo , Carr Chris M. , Sumner Mark , Rigout Muriel
Published: May 2021

Cotton can be coloured by dyeing and printing using either dye or pigment colourants. Pigments are insoluble in water but can be dispersed in a polymer print binder and heat‐fixed to the fabric. Vat and sulphur dyes similarly have low solubility in water but through alkali/reduction can be solubilised and exhausted onto the cotton fibre. Following their reoxidation, the dyes are insolubilised in the fibre and, like pigment prints, in general exhibit good wash fastness. In this study, sequential acid/alkali/peroxide or acid/dithionite/peroxide treatments were investigated as a means of removing pigment/polymer prints and common sulphur and vat dyes from coloured cotton fabric. Using the sequential acid/dithionite/peroxide treatment, up to 97% of both sulphur and vat colourants could be “stripped” from dyed cotton producing a white cellulosic feedstock material that could be used for “new” fibre regeneration. By contrast, the “stripping” of the pigment/polymer binder colourant system was less predictable and less complete and is probably a reflection of the different chemical natures of the polymer binder and pigments. This contrasting behaviour highlights the range of chemistries applied to cotton and that developing a universal single treatment to strip out all finishes may be problematic.
Treatment of critically ill patients with acute hypercarbic respiratory failure by average volume‐assured pressure support mode
Authors: Akbaş Türkay , Altun Gülşah
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Average volume‐assured pressure support (AVAPS), a dual mode, delivers a set tidal volume (TV) per kg by adjusting the pressure between upper and lower inspiratory positive airway pressures (IPAP). Thus, ventilation is presumed to be happened effectively by sending a guaranteed TV. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of AVAPS mode in critically ill patients with acute hypercarbic respiratory failure (HRF) and compare the results with bilevel positive airway pressure‐spontaneous/timed (BPAP‐S/T) mode.

Methods

Sixty patients were assigned to BPAP‐S/T (n = 29) and AVAPS modes (n = 31). Maximum IPAP was started at 20 cmH2O and minimum IPAP was set at 5 cmH2O higher than expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) in AVAPS mode. IPAP was started at 15 cmH2O in BPAP‐S/T mode. IPAP levels were titrated up to 30 cmH2O during noninvasive mechanic ventilation (NIMV) with a targeted TV of 6–8 mL/kg. Patients were followed for 5 days.

Results

No differences were found in pH, paCO2, HCO3, TV and EPAP between the two groups when compared separately by days. Maximum IPAP levels were significantly high in AVAPS mode in all times (P < 0.001). The length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) (P = 0.994) and hospital (P = 0.509), hours of NIMV use per day (P = 0.101) and NIMV success rate (P = 0.931) were identical between the two groups. ICU (P = 0.931), hospital (P = 0.800), 6‐month (P = 0.919) and 1‐year (P = 0.645) mortality rates were also not different between the both groups.

Conclusions

AVAPS mode had similar efficiency with BPAP‐S/T mode regarding the NIMV treatment success in critically ill patients with acute HRF.
Effect of hook type and hook setting method on deep‐hooking rates when bait fishing for trout in lentic waters
Authors: Chiaramonte Luciano V. , Meyer Kevin A.
Published: May 2021

Fishing with circle hooks along with prescribed hook‐setting methods can reduce deep‐hooking rates in some fisheries, but baited circle hooks have not been evaluated in stillwater trout fisheries. Deep‐hooking rates and catch probabilities were compared for cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii​ (Richardson), rainbow trout Oncorhyncus mykiss (Walbaum), cutthroat × rainbow trout hybrids, and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (MItchill) caught using three types of baited hooks (circle, intermediate circle and traditional J) and two hook‐setting methods (active and passive) in several lakes containing naturally reared trout. Hook type had a negligible effect on deep‐hooking rates, which averaged 20%. Actively setting the hook and fishing with a bobber both reduced deep‐hooking rates, regardless of hook type. Larger fish were deeply hooked more frequently regardless of hook type. Catch probabilities were higher when active rather than passive hook‐setting was used, particularly in combination with intermediate circle hooks. The present results, which indicate that circle hook use did not reduce deep hooking in lentic settings, contrast earlier studies done in lotic waters. Therefore, before proposing hook‐type regulations intended to reduce deep hooking, fisheries managers should consider waterbody type in addition to fishing methods, fish size and species.
Extraoral approach to a bilateral unfavourable mandibular fracture under local anaesthesia: A case report
Authors: Sindel Alper , Özalp Öznur , Bilgin Busehan
Published: May 2021

Objective

To present a feasible treatment method for fractures of severely atrophic mandibles in high‐risk patients undergoing general anaesthesia (GA).

Case report

A 77‐year‐old man presented with bilateral unfavourable fractures in an atrophic mandible. Pre‐anaesthetic consultation revealed that the patient was at high risk for GA due to significant medical comorbid conditions of the patient, such as advanced age, chronic obstructive respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Thus, a modified treatment, consisting of open reduction and internal fixation using a combination of reconstruction plates and miniplates via an extraoral approach, was planned under local anaesthesia. The patient tolerated the surgical procedure well, without the need for sedation, and uneventful healing was achieved during postoperative period.

Conclusion

Local anaesthesia may be considered as the anaesthetic technique of choice when managing atrophic mandible fractures to reduce the risk of complications and shorten the time needed for recovery, especially in elders with significant medical comorbidities.
Effect of domestic cooking methods on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of Hericium erinaceus
Authors: Chang Kian Aun , Kow Han Ni , Tan Tzia‐E , Tan Kiat Liang , Chew Lye Yee , Neo Yun Ping , Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the effect of different cooking methods (microwaving, boiling, steaming and stir‐frying) on the phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in Hericium erinaceus (HE). The total phenolic content (TPC) of HE decreased after cooking and was in the order of dried (control) > stir‐fried > microwaved > steamed > boiled. An increase in antioxidant activity was found in all cooked HE, albeit statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Gallic acid was reported to be the dominant phenolic acid found in HE extracts in the range of 3.03–49.41 μg g−1 dry weight. Low negative correlations were observed between 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and TPC as well as DPPH and gallic acid profile. Sensory data revealed that stir‐fried HE received the most favourable response in colour, texture, aroma and flavour attributes. Overall, this study suggested that the method of stir‐frying could be used to prepare HE for better retention of gallic acid and antioxidant activity with acceptable sensory characteristics.
Provider and coach perspectives on implementing shadow coaching to improve provider–patient interactions
Authors: Quigley Denise D. , Qureshi Nabeel , Slaughter Mary E. , Kim Scott , Talamantes Efrain , Hays Ron D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Healthcare organizations want to improve patient care experiences. Some use ‘shadow coaching’ to improve interactions between providers and patients. A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) implemented a half‐day observation of individual primary‐care providers by a ‘shadow coach’ during real‐time patient visits, including an in‐person verbal debrief afterwards and a written report with specific recommendations. Shadow coaching identified areas for improvement. We aimed to characterize lessons and barriers to implementing shadow coaching as a mechanism to improve interactions with patients and change organizational culture.

Methods

We examined provider and coach perceptions of shadow coaching through interviewing coached providers, stratified by provider type and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) performance, and the coaches who coached the most providers. We interviewed 19 coached providers and 2 coaches in a large, urban FQHC. Content analysis identified implementation barriers, facilitators and themes.

Results

Coaches reported needing ‘buy‐in’ throughout the organization and the need to be credible and empathize with the providers being coached. Most providers reported behaviour changes based on recommendations. Almost all providers recalled at least one coaching recommendation that was actionable. Providers and coaches highlighted patient‐level and practise‐level barriers that impeded their ability to implement recommended improvements. CAHPS data was reported as an effective performance management metric for measuring change, counselling providers, and evaluating provider‐level efforts but was not always specific enough to yield tangible recommendations.

Conclusions

Regular messaging by leadership about the priority and purpose of shadow coaching was essential for both physician engagement and its mature implementation across the organization. Coaching could be embedded into a long‐term strategy of professional development with periodic re‐coaching. Re‐coaching sessions could target issues raised by providers, such as dealing with difficult patients or specific populations. Research on the timing and content of re‐coaching is needed.