bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug development of an affinity enhanced, broadly neutralizing heavy chain-only antibody that restricts SARS-CoV-2 in rodents
Authors: Schepens Bert , van Schie Loes , Nerinckx Wim , Roose Kenny , Van Breedam Wander , Fijalkowska Daria , Devos Simon , Weyts Wannes , De Cae Sieglinde , Vanmarcke Sandrine , Lonigro Chiara , Eeckhaut Hannah , Van Herpe Dries , Borloo Jimmy , Oliveira Ana Filipa , Catani Joao Paulo , Creytens Sarah , De Vlieger Dorien , Michielsen Gitte , Zavala Marchan Jackeline Cecilia , Moschonas George D. , Rossey Iebe , Sedeyn Koen , Van Hecke Annelies , Zhang Xin , Langendries Lana , Jacobs Sofie , ter Horst Sebastiaan , Seldeslachts Laura , Liesenborghs Laurens , Boudewijns Robbert , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Dallmeier Kai , Velde Greetje Vande , Weynand Birgit , Beer Julius , Schnepf Daniel , Ohnemus Annette , Remory Isabel , Foo Caroline S. , Abdelnabi Rana , Maes Piet , Kaptein Suzanne J. F. , Rocha-Pereira Joana , Jochmans Dirk , Delang Leen , Peelman Frank , Staeheli Peter , Schwemmle Martin , Devoogdt Nick , Tersago Dominique , Germani Massimiliano , Heads James , Henry Alistair , Popplewell Andrew , Ellis Mark , Brady Kevin , Turner Alison , Dombrecht Bruno , Stortelers Catelijne , Neyts Johan , Callewaert Nico , Saelens Xavier
Published: March 2021

We have identified camelid single-domain antibodies (VHHs) that cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-1 and −2, such as VHH72, which binds to a unique highly conserved epitope in the viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) that is difficult to access for human antibodies. Here, we establish a protein engineering path for how a stable, long-acting drug candidate can be generated out of such a VHH building block. When fused to human IgG1-Fc, the prototype VHH72 molecule prophylactically protects hamsters from SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we demonstrate that both systemic and intranasal application protects hACE-2-transgenic mice from SARS-CoV-2 induced lethal disease progression. To boost potency of the lead, we used structure-guided molecular modeling combined with rapid yeast-based Fc-fusion prototyping, resulting in the affinity-matured VHH72_S56A-Fc, with subnanomolar SARS-CoV-1 and −2 neutralizing potency. Upon humanization, VHH72_S56A was fused to a human IgG1 Fc with optimized manufacturing homogeneity and silenced effector functions for enhanced safety, and its stability as well as lack of off-target binding was extensively characterized. Therapeutic systemic administration of a low dose of VHH72_S56A-Fc antibodies strongly restricted replication of both original and D614G mutant variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus in hamsters, and minimized the development of lung damage. This work led to the selection of XVR011 for clinical development, a highly stable anti-COVID-19 biologic with excellent manufacturability. Additionally, we show that XVR011 is unaffected in its neutralizing capacity of currently rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants, and demonstrate its unique, wide scope of binding across the Sarbecovirus clades.
Atrxdeletion impairs cGAS-STING signaling and increases response to radiation and oncolytic herpesvirus in sarcoma
Authors: Floyd Warren , Pierpoint Matthew , Su Chang , Luo Lixia , Deland Katherine , Wisdom Amy J. , Zhu Daniel , Ma Yan , DeWitt Suzanne Bartholf , Williams Nerissa T. , Somarelli Jason A. , Corcoran David L. , Eward William C. , Cardona Diana M. , Kirsch David G.
Published: March 2021

ATRXis one of the most frequently altered genes in solid tumors, and mutation is especially frequent in soft tissue sarcomas. However, the role ofATRXin tumor development and response to cancer therapies remains poorly understood. Here, we developed a primary mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma and showed thatAtrxdeleted tumors are more sensitive to radiation therapy. In the absence ofAtrx, irradiated sarcomas have increased persistent DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and mitotic catastrophe. We find thatAtrxdeleted sarcomas have a reduced adaptive immune response, impaired cGAS-STING signaling, and increased sensitivity to an oncolytic herpesvirus therapy. Translation of these results to patients withATRXmutant cancers could enable genomically-guided cancer therapeutic approaches that improve patient outcomes.
The chromatin factor ROW cooperates with BEAF-32 in regulating long-range inducible genes
Authors: Herman Neta , Kadener Sebastian , Shifman Sagiv
Published: March 2021

Insulator proteins located at the boundaries of topological associated domains (TAD) are involved in regulating chromatin loops. Yet, how chromatin loops contribute to transcription regulation is still not clear. Here we show that Relative-of-WOC (ROW) is essential for the long-range transcription regulation mediated by the Boundary Element-Associated Factor of 32kD (BEAF-32). We found that ROW physically interacts with heterochromatin proteins (HP1b and HP1c) and the insulator protein BEAF-32. The co-localization happens at TAD boundaries where ROW, through its AT-hooks motifs, binds AT-rich sequences flanked by BEAF-32 binding sites and motifs. Knockdown ofrowresulted in downregulation of genes that are long-range targets of BEAF-32 and bound indirectly by ROW (without binding motif). Analysis of high- throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data revealed long-range interactions between promoters of housekeeping genes bound directly by ROW and promoters of developmental genes bound indirectly by ROW. Thus, our results show cooperation between BEAF-32 and the ROW complex, which includes HP1 proteins, to regulate the transcription of developmental and inducible genes by chromatin loops.
Pediatric nasal epithelial cells are less permissive to SARS-CoV-2 replication compared to adult cells
Authors: Zhu Yanshan , Chew Keng Yih , Wu Melanie , Karawita Anjana C. , McCallum Georgina , Steele Lauren E , Yamamoto Ayaho , Labzin Larisa L. , Yarlagadda Tejasri , Khromykh Alexander A. , Wang Xiaohui , Sng Julian , Stocks Claudia J. , Xia Yao , Kollmann Tobias R. , Martino David , Joensuu Merja , Meunier Frédéric A. , Balistreri Giuseppe , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Bowen Asha C. , Kicic Anthony , Sly Peter D. , Spann Kirsten M. , Short Kirsty R.
Published: March 2021

Children typically experience more mild symptoms of COVID-19 when compared to adults. There is a strong body of evidence that children are also less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection with the ancestral viral isolate. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) has been associated with an increased number of pediatric infections. Whether this is the result of widespread adult vaccination or fundamental changes in the biology of SARS-CoV-2 remains to be determined. Here, we use primary nasal epithelial cells from children and adults, differentiated at an air-liquid interface to show that the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 replicates to significantly lower titers in the nasal epithelial cells of children compared to those of adults. This was associated with a heightened antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2 in the nasal epithelial cells of children. Importantly, the Delta variant also replicated to significantly lower titres in the nasal epithelial cells of children. This trend was markedly less pronounced in the case of Omicron. It is also striking to note that, at least in terms of viral RNA, Omicron replicated better in pediatric NECs compared to both Delta and the ancestral virus. Taken together, these data show that the nasal epithelium of children supports lower infection and replication of ancestral SARS-CoV-2, although this may be changing as the virus evolves.
A Peek into the Plasmidome of Global Sewage
Authors: Kirstahler Philipp , Teudt Frederik , Otani Saria , Aarestrup Frank M. , Pamp Sünje Johanna
Published: March 2021

Plasmids can provide a selective advantage for microorganisms to survive and adapt to new environmental conditions. Plasmid-encoded traits, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or virulence, impact on the ecology and evolution of bacteria and can significantly influence the burden of infectious diseases. Insight about the identity and functions encoded on plasmids on the global scale are largely lacking. Here we investigate the plasmidome of 24 samples (22 countries, 5 continents) from the global sewage surveillance project. We obtained 105 Gbp Oxford Nanopore and 167 Gbp Illumina DNA sequences from plasmid DNA preparations and assembled 165,302 contigs (159,322 circular). Of these, 58,429 encoded for genes with plasmid-related and 11,222 with virus/phage-related proteins. About 90% of the circular DNA elements did not have any similarity to known plasmids. Those that exhibited similarity, had similarity to plasmids whose hosts were previously detected in these sewage samples (e.g.Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Moraxella, Enterobacter, Bacteroides, andKlebsiella). Some AMR classes were detected at a higher abundance in plasmidomes (e.g. macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, macrolide, and quinolone), as compared to the respective complex sewage samples. In addition to AMR genes, a range of functions were encoded on the candidate plasmids, including plasmid replication and maintenance, mobilization, and conjugation. In summary, we describe a laboratory and bioinformatics workflow for the recovery of plasmids and other potential extrachromosomal DNA elements from complex microbiomes. Moreover, the obtained data could provide further valuable insight into the ecology and evolution of microbiomes, knowledge about AMR transmission, and the discovery of novel functions.

Importance

This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to investigate plasmidomes at a global scale using long read sequencing from complex untreated domestic sewage. Previous metagenomic surveys have detected AMR genes in a variety of environments, including sewage. However, it is unknown whether the AMR genes were encoded on the microbial chromosome or are located on extrachromosomal elements, such as plasmids. Using our approach, we recovered a large number of plasmids, of which most appear novel. We identified distinct AMR genes that were preferentially located on plasmids, potentially contributing to their transmissibility. Overall, plasmids are of great importance for the biology of microorganisms in their natural environments (free-living and host-associated), as well as molecular biology, and biotechnology. Plasmidome collections may therefore be valuable resources for the discovery of fundamental biological mechanisms and novel functions useful in a variety of contexts.
Characterization of RNA content in individual phase-separated coacervate microdroplets
Authors: Wollny Damian , Vernot Benjamin , Wang Jie , Hondele Maria , Hyman Anthony , Weis Karsten , Camp J. Gray , Dora Tang T.-Y. , Treutlein Barbara
Published: March 2021

Liquid-liquid phase separation or condensation is a form of macromolecular compartmentalization. Condensates formed by complex coacervation were hypothesized to have played a crucial part during the origin-of-life. In living cells, condensation organizes biomolecules into a wide range of membraneless compartments. Although RNA is a key component of condensation in cells and the central component of the RNA world hypothesis, little is known about what determines RNA accumulation in condensates and how single condensates differ in their RNA composition. Therefore, we developed an approach to read the RNA content from single condensates using high-throughput sequencing. We find that RNAs which are enriched for specific sequence motifs efficiently accumulate in condensates. These motifs show high sequence similarity to short interspersed elements (SINEs). We observed similar results for protein-derived condensates, demonstrating applicability across different in vitro reconstituted membraneless organelles. Thus, our results provide a new inroad to explore the RNA content of phase-separated droplets at single condensate resolution.
Comprehensive design analysis of a 3D printed sensor for readiness assessment applications
Authors: Agarwal Tanushree , Rahmani Fatemeh , Zaman Ishtique , Gasbarri Federico , Davami Keivan , Barzegaran Mohammadreza
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a comprehensive model of a magnetic sensor array that will be operational for a multitude of electric components in continuous and nonintrusive condition monitoring (CM) or in readiness assessment (RA) applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A universal nonintrusive model of a flexible antenna array is introduced to monitor and identify failures in electric machine drives. An adjustable sensor is designed to serve as a RA for a vast range of electrical elements in a typical power system by capturing the low-frequency radiated magnetic fields.

Findings

The optimal placement of the most sensitive radiated fields from several components has been discovered in this case study, enabling the detection of healthy current flow throughout. Thereafter, the short-circuit investigation, representing faulty situations, is implemented and compared with healthy cases.

Practical implications

This sensing technique can be used for nonintrusive CM of components that are out of reach and cannot have the sensor to be held around it such as components in offshore winds, wind energy generation and power and chemical plants.

Originality/value

The results are provided for three commonly used machines with a single sensor array with numerous settings. The three dimensional (3 D) finite element analysis is applied in the structuring of the sensor, detection of the optimum location and recognition of faults in the machines. Finally, based on the setup design, 3 D printing is used for the construction of the sensor array. Thus, the sensor array with fault detection avoids major component failures and increases system reliability/resiliency.
Research data services from the perspective of academic librarians
Authors: Joo Soohyung , Schmidt Gisela M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of academic librarians regarding research data services (RDS) in academic library environments. This study also examines a range of challenges in RDS from the perspectives of academic librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationwide online survey was administered to academic librarians engaged in data services at research universities around the USA. The collected survey responses were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling.

Findings

Academic librarians perceived that consultation services would be more valuable to users than technical services in offering RDS. Accordingly, skills associated with consultation services such as instructional skills and data management planning were perceived by participants to be more important. The results revealed that academic libraries would need to seek collaboration opportunities with other units on campus to develop and offer RDS, especially technical services.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of research on the topic of data services in research universities. The study investigated various types of specific professional competencies and used clustering analysis to identify closely associated groups of service types. In addition, this study comprehensively examined both relevant resources for and barriers to RDS.
Perspectives of Australian hospital leaders on the provision of safe care: implications for safety I and safety II
Authors: Leggat Sandra G. , Balding Cathy , Bish Melanie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

There is evidence that patient safety has not improved commensurate with the global attention and resources dedicated to achieving it. The authors explored the perspectives of hospital leaders on the challenges of leading safe care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the findings of a three-year longitudinal study of eight Australian hospitals. A representative sample of hospital leaders, comprising board members, senior and middle managers and clinical leaders, participated in focus groups twice a year from 2015 to 2017.

Findings

Although the participating hospitals had safety I systems, the leaders consistently reported that they relied predominantly on their competent well-meaning staff to ensure patient safety, more of a safety II perspective. This trust was based on perceptions of the patient safety actions of staff, rather than actual knowledge about staff abilities or behaviours. The findings of this study suggest this hegemonic relational trust was a defence mechanism for leaders in complex adaptive systems (CASs) unable to influence care delivery at the front line and explores potential contributing factors to these perceptions.

Practical implications

In CASs, leaders have limited control over the bedside care processes and so have little alternative but to trust in “good staff providing good care” as a strategy for safe care. However, trust, coupled with a predominantly safety 1 approach is not achieving harm reduction. The findings of the study suggest that the beliefs the leaders held about the role their staff play in assuring safe care contribute to the lack of progress in patient safety. The authors recommend three evidence-based leadership activities to transition to the proactive safety II approach to pursuing safe care.

Originality/value

This is the first longitudinal study to provide the perspectives of leaders on the provision of quality and safety in their hospitals. A large sample of board members, managers and clinical leaders provides extensive data on their perspectives on quality and safety.
No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector
Authors: Zirgulis Aras , Huettinger Maik , Misiunas Dalius
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.

Findings

The authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.

Social implications

The findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.

Originality/value

The authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.
Plant provenance affects pollinator network: Implications for ecological restoration
Authors: Bucharova Anna , Lampei Christian , Conrady Malte , May Emilia , Matheja Janis , Meyer Michael , Ott David
Published: March 2021

The selection of plant provenance for ecological restoration is an intensively debated topic. Throughout this debate, arguments mostly focus on plant performance, but little attention is paid to the effects of provenance on other members of the restored ecosystem. On the other hand, in restoration projects that focus specifically on supporting interacting biota, for example, wildflower strips among fields to support pollinators, the provenance choice is often not considered, partly because the effect of provenance on pollinators is unknown. In this pioneering case study, we tested whether pollinators differentiate between experimental plant communities of different provenances.

We established experimental plant communities with the same species composition but with plants originating from three different provenances. We then recorded plant phenology and observed pollinators and flower visitors interacting with these experimental communities and related the pollinator visitation to the provenance identity.

The provenances of the experimental plant communities had a strong and significant effect on the diversity and abundance of flower–pollinator interactions, with one provenance interacting two times as often as the other two provenances. The effect was driven by the differences in flowering phenology among provenances.

Synthesis and applications. Plant provenances substantially differ in their interactions with local pollinators. Therefore, the selection of plant provenance should be considered when planning restoration projects for the support of pollinators.
Ethno‐essentialisms of the self: A critique of the cultural scripting of obesity in Japan
Authors: Castro‐Vázquez Genaro
Published: March 2021

In challenging the ‘validity’ of the body mass index (BMI), the construct of metabolic syndrome has been used to comprehend how obesity affects Japanese people. This article is grounded in an adaptation of the ‘sexual scripting theory’ (Gagnon and Simon, 2005) and proposes the concept of ‘ethno‐essentialisms of the self’ to explore the cultural scripts underpinning the development of metabolic syndrome. Ethno‐essentialisms of the self indicate a dialectical relationship between a Japanese healthy self and a non‐Japanese unhealthy Other, where ethno‐racial susceptibilities might make a Japanese self prone to develop metabolic‐related diseases. Despite these susceptibilities, Japanese ‘biopedagogy’ (Wright, 2009) to control bodyweight is oriented by a proper daily calculation of food consumption in relation to calorie‐burning. Biopedagogy in the form of food and nutrition education has largely translated into unyielding efforts to (re)traditionalise eating habits to prevent the supposed Westernisation of Japanese food. Overall, medical knowledge serves to propagate ethno‐essentialisms of the self, whose unintended consequence could be ‘clinical iatrogenic disease’ (Illich, 1976).
Risk of cardiovascular outcomes among women with endometriosis in the United Kingdom: a retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Okoth K , Wang J , Zemedikun D , Thomas GN , Nirantharakumar K , Adderley NJ
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe the prevalence and incidence of endometriosis and to estimate the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in women with endometriosis.

Design

Population‐based cohort study using The Health Improvement Network database.

Setting

UK primary care.

Population

Women aged 16–50 years were followed from 1995 to 2018.

Methods

Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for cardiovascular outcomes comparing women with endometriosis with those without endometriosis were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models. Prevalence and incidence of endometriosis were estimated using annual (1998–2017) sequential cross‐sectional and cohort studies, respectively.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was composite cardiovascular disease (CVD) including, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure (HF) and cerebrovascular disease. Secondary outcomes were arrhythmia, hypertension and all‐cause mortality.

Results

In all, 56 090 women with endometriosis and 223 669 matched controls without endometriosis were included in the analysis of cardiovascular risk. Compared with women without endometriosis, the aHR for cardiovascular outcomes among women with endometriosis were: composite CVD 1.24 (95% CI 1.13–1.37); IHD 1.40 (95% CI 1.22–1.61); cerebrovascular disease 1.19 (95% CI 1.04–1.36); HF 0.76 (95% CI 0.54–1.07); arrhythmia 1.26 (95% CI 1.11–1.43); hypertension 1.12 (95% CI 1.07–1.17) and all‐cause mortality 0.66 (95% CI 0.59–0.74). The incidence of endometriosis was 12.3 per 10 000 person‐years in 1998 and 11.5 per 10 000 person‐years in 2017. The prevalence of endometriosis increased from 119.7 per 10 000 population in 1998 to 201.3 per 10 000 population in 2017.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Young women with endometriosis are a potential target for CVD risk assessment and prevention.

Tweetable abstract

Endometriosis is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes: a UK retrospective matched cohort study.
Pectinmethylesterase affects the flow behavior of orange pulp
Authors: Li Xuan , Reyes‐De‐Corcuera José I.
Published: March 2021

In the orange juice industry, pulp (ruptured juice sacs) is separated from the juice after extraction and pasteurized separately before blending back with juice or sold for other food applications. However, pulp is not always pasteurized immediately after extraction and the flow behavior is affected by endogenous pectinmethylesterase (PME). This is particularly important because of the high power required to pump orange pulp in industrial pasteurizers. This study characterized the effect of PME on the flow behavior of citrus pulp during storage at 4 °C using rotational rheometry and during pulp storage at 22 °C using capillary rheometry. PME activity was 0.011 ± 0.001 PEU for the pulp used in rotational rheometry and 0.030 ± 0.002 PEU for the pulp used in capillary rheometry. Rotational rheometry was used to assess the effect of PME on the Power Law parameters at shear rates () below those that cause slip. There were no significant differences among storage time on the flow behavior index (n). However, the consistency coefficient (K) increased with storage time. Significant differences were found after 12‐hr storage increasing from 120 ± 30 Pa·sn to 160 ± 15 Pa·sn (16.7%) after 24 hr. Capillary rheomtery was used to assess the effect of PME on the pressure drop in a flow system. Significant differences were found at or after 12‐hr storage. The mean pressure drop increased by 34% after 24 hr, for a flow rate of 50 × 10−6 m3/s (0.8 GPM) in an 8.9‐m long (29.2 ft), 0.022‐m (1‐in) diameter pipe.

Practical Application

Design and optimization of processing equipment and industrial handling systems of orange pulp require detailed knowledge of its rheological (flow) properties. Citrus pulp is rich in pectinmethylesterase, an enzyme that causes thickening of the product when not inactivated during pasteurization. Understanding how fast PME affects the flow properties of orange pulp is important for citrus processors to decide how long pulp can be stored before pasteurizing it.
Different co‐occurring bacteria enhance or decrease the growth of the microalga Nannochloropsis sp. CCAP211/78
Authors: Lian Jie , Schimmel Patrick , Sanchez‐Garcia Selene , Wijffels Rene H. , Smidt Hauke , Sipkema Detmer
Published: March 2021

Marine photosynthetic microalgae are ubiquitously associated with bacteria in nature. However, the influence of these bacteria on algal cultures in bioreactors is still largely unknown. In this study, eighteen different bacterial strains were isolated from cultures of Nannochloropsis sp. CCAP211/78 in two outdoor pilot‐scale tubular photobioreactors. The majority of isolates was affiliated with the classes Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteriia. To assess the impact of the eighteen strains on the growth of Nannochloropsis sp. CCAP211/78, 24‐well plates coupled with custom‐made LED boxes were used to simultaneously compare replicate axenic microalgal cultures with addition of individual bacterial isolates. Co‐culturing of Nannochloropsis sp. CCAP211/78 with these strains demonstrated distinct responses, which shows that the technique we developed is an efficient method for screening the influence of harmful/beneficial bacteria. Two of the tested strains, namely a strain of Maritalea porphyrae (DMSP31) and a Labrenzia aggregata strain (YP26), significantly enhanced microalgal growth with a 14% and 12% increase of the chlorophyll concentration, respectively, whereas flavobacterial strain YP206 greatly inhibited the growth of the microalga with 28% reduction of the chlorophyll concentration. Our study suggests that algal production systems represent a ‘natural’ source to isolate and study microorganisms that can either benefit or harm algal cultures.
The Benefits of Deliberative Involvement in the Design of Incomplete Feedback Systems*
Authors: Grasser Robert A. , Majerczyk Michael , Staehle Martin , Yang Di
Published: March 2021

This study examines the benefits of employee involvement in feedback system design for cooperation. Understanding how to enhance cooperation is important given the increasing use of team settings in practice. Control systems often provide feedback on cooperative actions of coworkers, which can help enable cooperation in teams and between organizational units. We predict that involvement in the design of feedback systems can be a source of trust between employees and enhances cooperation. This is particularly important for dynamic environments, in which an incomplete feedback system which initially provides perfect signals of cooperation no longer does so after the environment changes. Adding to prior evidence, we find that an incomplete feedback system can benefit cooperation in a static environment, but the benefit is greater when employees were initially involved in its design. In a dynamic environment, an incomplete feedback system fails to facilitate cooperation unless employees were involved in its design. Our results identify a behavioral benefit for firms that grant decision rights to employees as part of their organizational architecture.
Fuzzy quantification of common and rare species in ecological communities (FuzzyQ)
Authors: Balbuena Juan A. , Monlleó‐Borrull Clara , Llopis‐Belenguer Cristina , Blasco‐Costa Isabel , Sarabeev Volodimir L. , Morand Serge
Published: March 2021

Most species in ecological communities are rare, whereas only a few are common. This distributional paradox has intrigued ecologists for decades but the interpretation of species abundance distributions remains elusive.

We present Fuzzy Quantification of Common and Rare Species in Ecological Communities (FuzzyQ) as an R package. FuzzyQ shifts the focus from the prevailing species‐categorization approach to develop a quantitative framework that seeks to place each species along a rarity‐commonness gradient. Given a community surveyed over a number of sites, quadrats, or any other convenient sampling unit, FuzzyQ uses a fuzzy clustering algorithm that estimates a probability for each species to be common or rare based on abundance–occupancy information. Such a probability can be interpreted as a commonness index ranging from 0 to 1. FuzzyQ also provides community‐level metrics about the coherence of the allocation of species into the common and rare clusters that are informative of the nature of the community under study.

The functionality of FuzzyQ is shown with two real datasets. We demonstrate how FuzzyQ can effectively be used to monitor and model spatiotemporal changes in species commonness, and assess the impact of species introductions on ecological communities. We also show that the approach works satisfactorily with a wide range of communities varying in species richness, dispersion and abundance currencies.

FuzzyQ produces ecological indicators easy to measure and interpret that can give both clear, actionable insights into the nature of ecological communities and provides a powerful way to monitor environmental change on ecosystems. Comparison among communities is greatly facilitated by the fact that the method is relatively independent of the number of sites or sampling units considered. Thus, we consider FuzzyQ as a potentially valuable analytical tool in community ecology and conservation biology.
Perspectives of the public dental workforce on the dental management of people with special needs
Authors: Lim MAWT , Liberali SAC , Calache H , Parashos P , Borromeo GL
Published: March 2021

Background

People with special health care needs continue to have difficulties accessing regular dental care partly due to oral health professionals feeling they lack the knowledge and experience to provide treatment to these individuals.

Methods

Qualitative interviews and focus groups provided an insight into the types and nature of supports that oral health professionals working in the Australian public dental system desired and felt may improve their willingness and/or ability to treat patients with special needs.

Results

Although participants did not identify one group of patients with special needs that were more difficult to treat, they did report a feeling of being unsupported. Clinicians felt that improved training and access to ongoing education in Special Needs Dentistry, opportunities for greater support from specialists or other health professionals, either through networking or other media such as telehealth, and fostering a more supportive clinical environment, particularly in relation to appointment lengths and productivity pressures, may improve their willingness and ability to treat patients with special needs.

Conclusions

Additional support, in the form of greater interaction with specialists and reduced time and productivity pressures, may improve the willingness of oral health professionals in the public dental system to treat patients with special needs.
Cytotoxicity of different concentrations of glycolic acid and its effects on root dentin microhardness – An in vitro study
Authors: Souza Matheus A. , Bischoff Karolina F. , Rigo Bárbara D. C. , Piuco Larissa , Didoné Ana V. L. , Bertol Charise D. , Rossato‐Grando Luciana G. , Bervian Juliane , Cecchin Doglas
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different glycolic acid concentrations (GA) and its effects on dentinal microhardness. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of test irrigants in the lymphocyte primary culture for 3 min. The tested substances were distilled water(DW); 17% EDTA; QMix; 10% GA; 17% GA; and 25% GA. Counting of total, live and dead cells was performed, obtaining the average percentage of dead cells of each group. For microhardness evaluation, 60 root dentin samples were divided into the same tested groups (n = 10) and immersed in test irrigants for 3 min. Dentin microhardness was evaluated by Vicker test. Specific statistical analysis was made in both tests. Results showed significant lower cytotoxicity for QMix and 10% GA (P < 0.05). Moreover, all test irrigants presented similar values of microhardness than the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, lower GA concentration can be an alternative for final irrigation on endodontics.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the quality of life of older adults receiving community‐based aged care
Authors: Siette Joyce , Dodds Laura , Seaman Karla , Wuthrich Viviana , Johnco Carly , Earl Joanne , Dawes Piers , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the quality of life and social networks of older adults receiving community care services.

Methods

Quality of life and social network questionnaires were completed by older adults (n = 21) receiving home care services at three time points (2018, 2019, and during the first Australian COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020). Additional questions about technology use were included in 2020.

Results

Older adults’ quality of life significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the prior year. During the pandemic, over 80% used technology to maintain contact with family and friends, and social networks did not change.

Conclusion

Government messages and support initiatives directed towards technology adoption among older adults receiving home care may assist with maintaining social connection during COVID‐19. Our findings add to the relatively limited understanding of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the socio‐emotional well‐being of older people.
Heart disease in women: a narrative review
Authors: de Marvao A. , Alexander D. , Bucciarelli‐Ducci C. , Price S.
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the worldwide leading cause of death in women. Biological differences between the sexes, a result of genetic, epigenetic and sex hormone‐mediated factors, are complex and incompletely understood. These differences are compounded by socio‐cultural factors and together account for the variation in the prevalence, presentation and natural history of cardiovascular disease between men and women. Although there is growing recognition of sex‐specific determinants of outcomes, women remain under‐represented in clinical trials, and sex‐disaggregated diagnostic and management strategies are not currently recommended in clinical guidelines. Women remain more likely to experience delays in diagnosis, to be treated less aggressively and to have worse outcomes. As a consequence, cardiovascular disease in women remains understudied, underdiagnosed and undertreated. This review will focus on female‐specific characteristics of cardiovascular disease and how these may impact on anaesthetic and peri‐operative risk assessment and care. We highlight significant differences between the sexes in the natural history of cardiovascular disease, including those disease entities that are more common in women, such as sudden coronary artery dissection or microvascular dysfunction. Given the rapidly rising incidence of maternal cardiovascular disease and associated complications, special consideration is given to the risk assessment and management of these conditions during pregnancy. Increased awareness of these issues has the potential to improve the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary heart team and ultimately improve the care provided to women.
The misogyny of iron deficiency
Authors: Dugan C. , MacLean B. , Cabolis K. , Abeysiri S. , Khong A. , Sajic M. , Richards T. ,   the Women's Health research Collaborative
Published: March 2021

Anaemia is common, particularly in women and the commonest underlying cause, iron deficiency, is often overlooked. Anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing anaesthesia; however, women are defined as being anaemic at a lower haemoglobin level than men. In this narrative review, we present the history of iron deficiency anaemia and how women’s health has often been overlooked. Iron deficiency was first described as ‘chlorosis’ and a cause of ‘hysteria’ in women and initial treatment was by iron filings in cold wine. We present data of population screening demonstrating how common iron deficiency is, affecting 12–18% of apparently ‘fit and healthy’ women, with the most common cause being heavy menstrual bleeding; both conditions being often unrecognised. We describe a range of symptoms reported by women, that vary from fatigue to brain fog, hair loss and eating ice. We also describe experiments exploring the physical impact of iron deficiency, showing that reduced exercise performance is related to iron deficiency independent of haemoglobin concentration, as well as the impact of iron supplementation in women improving oxygen consumption and fitness. Overall, we demonstrate the need to single out women and investigate iron deficiency rather than accept the dogma of normality and differential treatment; this is to say, the need to change the current standard of care for women undergoing anaesthesia.
Computed tomography‐measured body composition parameters do not influence survival in non‐metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Cárcamo Leonardo , Peñailillo Eduardo , Bellolio Felipe , Miguieles Rodrigo , Urrejola Gonzalo , Zúñiga Alvaro , Molina María Elena , Larach José Tomás
Published: March 2021

Background

There is an increasing interest in studying the impact of altered body composition parameters and colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of computed tomography (CT)‐measured visceral obesity, sarcopenia and myosteatosis on survival of non‐metastatic CRC.

Methods

Consecutive patients with stage I–III CRC who underwent curative‐intent treatment between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. By measuring the visceral fat area, and the skeletal muscle index and radiodensity in the pre‐operative staging CT, patients were classified as visceral obese, sarcopenic or myosteatotic. The associations between CT‐based body composition parameters and survival were assessed using log‐rank tests and a Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of 359 patients, 263 (73.3%) were visceral obese, 85 (23.7%) sarcopenic and 80 (22.3%) myosteatotic. Overall (OS), cancer‐specific (CSS) and disease‐free survivals (DFS) at 5 years were 78.8%, 84.7% and 75%, respectively. Myosteatosis and the combination of myosteatosis and visceral obesity were associated with a reduced DFS (hazard ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.61 and hazard ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.15–2.96, respectively). However, after performing a multivariate analysis including other relevant clinicopathological factors, none of the body composition parameters were associated with any long‐term outcome measures, even after stratifying by cancer stage.

Conclusions

CT‐measured body composition parameters do not independently influence survival in non‐metastatic CRC. There is a need for larger cohort studies with standardized patient selection and methodology to confirm these findings.
Hepato‐pancreato‐biliary and transplant surgery experience among New Zealand general surgery trainees
Authors: Rowcroft Alistair , Joh Daniel , Pandanaboyana Sanjay , Loveday Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Background

Subspecialty surgery experience during general surgery training in Australasia is influenced by many factors, including duration of training, training location and the introduction of post‐fellowship training programmes. Experience in hepato‐pancreato‐biliary (HPB) and transplant surgery is part of the general surgery curriculum, although trainee experience in these subspecialties has not been quantified in this region, which is relevant to post‐fellowship training programmes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the HPB and transplant operative experience of New Zealand (NZ) general surgery trainees.

Methods

Operative logbook data were analysed for all NZ trainees from 2013 to 2017, including procedures categorized as pancreatic, biliary, hepatic and transplant surgery only. The number of cases within each category was used to model the cumulative operative experience over a 5‐year training programme.

Results

During the study period, 118 trainees (303 trainee years) recorded 15 662 HPB and transplant procedures. Of these, 13 838 (88.4%) were cholecystectomies (mean cumulative experience 219.3 cases). Excluding cholecystectomy, trainees had a mean cumulative experience of 5.7 biliary, 7.5 pancreatic, 8.1 liver and 4.2 transplant procedures during their training. Transplant experience was predominantly access for peritoneal dialysis (228/260, 86.7%), with cumulative transplant experience otherwise reaching 0.47 procedures over 5 years.

Conclusion

Exposure to HPB and transplant surgery during general surgery training in NZ is limited beyond cholecystectomy. Additional exposure during post‐fellowship training is likely required for general surgeons to practice in these subspecialties.
Effects of adding a commercial capsaicin fertilizer on the feeding behavior of sika deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Shiiba Yuichiroh , Takeda Ken‐ichi , Matsushima Kenichi
Published: March 2021

We investigated the inhibitory effect of capsaicin fertilizer on feeding in deer. We tested four captive adult female deer. In Experiment 1, in addition to the treatment (intact) containing only a solid feed (HC), we mixed the fertilizer not containing capsaicin (F) or the capsaicin fertilizer (CF) in the solid feed. In addition, the solid feed was put on a wire net that capsaicin fertilizer was placed 5 cm below (SCF). We investigated their feeding behavior response. In Experiment 2, we changed the amount of substance (fertilizer and capsaicin fertilizer) mixed in the HC. We mixed different amounts (0, 50, 100, and 200 g) of the treatments other than the intact with HC and presented them to the deer, and investigated their feeding behavior response. In Experiment 1, intake in the F and CF decreased (p < .05). In Experiment 2, HC intake was significantly lower in the 100 and 200 g CF (p < .05). However, HC intake relatively increased by the last day in the CF 200 g too. The capsaicin fertilizer decreased the feeding behavior of deer by directly touching the mucous membranes of the deer nose and lips. However, the effects were decreased over time.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma regulates genes involved in milk fat synthesis in mammary epithelial cells of water buffalo
Authors: Zhou Fangting , Ouyang Yina , Miao Yongwang
Published: March 2021

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a critical transcription factor regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the regulatory effect of PPARγ on milk fat synthesis in buffalo mammary gland is not clear. In order to explore the role of buffalo PPARG gene in milk fat synthesis, lentivirus‐mediated interference was used to knock it down and then the recombinant fusion expression vector was transfected into buffalo mammary epithelial cell (BMEC) to overexpress it. PPARG gene knockdown significantly decreased the expression of CD36, FABP3, FABP4, ACSS2, ELOVL6, DGAT2, BTN1A1, AGPAT6, LPIN1, ABCG2, PPARGC1A, INSIG1, FASN, and SREBF2 genes and significantly upregulated the expression of INSIG2 gene but had no significant effect on the expression of ACSL1, GPAM, and SREBF1 genes. PPARG overexpression significantly increased the relative mRNA abundance of CD36, FABP3, FABP4, ACSS2, ELOVL6, DGAT2, BTN1A1, AGPAT6, LPIN1, PPARGC1A, INSIG1, and SREBF2 genes and significantly downregulated the expression of INSIG2 gene but had no significant effect on the expression of ACSL1, GPAM, ABCG2, FASN, and SREBF1 genes. In addition, knockdown/overexpression of PPARG gene significantly decreased/increased triacylglycerol (TAG) content in BMECs. This study revealed that buffalo PPARG gene is a key gene regulating buffalo milk fat synthesis.
Profiling for the good: Patient profile tests and informed, autonomous decision making
Authors: Andreou Chrisoula
Published: March 2021

It is commonly held that, given multiple medically permissible ways of proceeding, each with a different impact on the patient’s future, it is extremely important, and part of respecting patient autonomy, that patients not be under substantial pressure to defer to their physicians’ presumed authority. Some, however, worry that the focus on patient autonomy can be detrimental and that, at least in cases where it is hard to grasp what it is really like to live with certain outcomes without any first‐hand or second‐hand experience, it is best if patient choice is firmly directed, or at least effectively nudged, by the recommendation of an experienced medical professional. The idea seems to be that, since physicians cannot get their patients to promptly assimilate a large amount of information and experience, physicians must, if they are to really help their patients make good decisions in hard cases, exert non‐argumentative influence on them. But this neglects an interesting possibility, namely the possibility of influencing patients by providing them with evidence regarding what decisions have proved most satisfactory for patients with their profile. Approximations of patient profile tests are already employed in medical practice. But the potential of the profile‐test approach in medical practice (and research) has been obscured by ongoing debate that neglects the significance of the approach with respect to the apparent dilemma faced by patients who need to make informed, autonomous decisions but cannot be expected to fully assimilate, in short order, the knowledge and experience of their physicians.