bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascertaining cells’ synaptic connections and RNA expression simultaneously with massively barcoded rabies virus libraries
Authors: Saunders Arpiar , Huang Kee Wui , Vondrak Cassandra , Hughes Christina , Smolyar Karina , Sen Harsha , Philson Adrienne C. , Nemesh James , Wysoker Alec , Kashin Seva , Sabatini Bernardo L. , McCarroll Steven A.
Published: September 2021

Brain function depends on forming and maintaining connections between neurons of specific types, ensuring neural function while allowing the plasticity necessary for cellular and behavioral dynamics. However, systematic descriptions of how brain cell types organize into synaptic networks and which molecules instruct these relationships are not readily available. Here, we introduce SBARRO (Synaptic Barcode Analysis by Retrograde Rabies ReadOut), a method that uses single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal directional, monosynaptic relationships based on the paths of a barcoded rabies virus from its “starter” postsynaptic cell to that cell’s presynaptic partners1. Thousands of these partner relationships can be ascertained in a single experiment, alongside genome-wide RNA profiles – and thus cell identities and molecular states – of each host cell. We used SBARRO to describe synaptic networks formed by diverse mouse brain cell types in vitro, leveraging a system similar to those used to identify synaptogenic molecules. We found that the molecular identity (cell type/subtype) of the starter cell predicted the number and types of cells that had synapsed onto it. Rabies transmission tended to occur into cells with RNA-expression signatures related to developmental maturation and synaptic transmission. The estimated size of a cell’s presynaptic network, relative to that of other cells of the same type, associated with increased expression of Arpp21 and Cdh13. By tracking individual virions and their clonal progeny as they travel among host cells, single-cell, single-virion genomic technologies offer new opportunities to map the synaptic organization of neural circuits in health and disease.
High-throughput small molecule screen identifies inhibitors of microsporidia invasion and proliferation in C. elegans
Authors: Murareanu Brandon M. , Antao Noelle V. , Zhao Winnie , Dubuffet Aurore , El Alaoui Hicham , Knox Jessica , Ekiert Damian C. , Bhabha Gira , Roy Peter J. , Reinke Aaron W.
Published: September 2021

Microsporidia are a diverse group of fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect most animal phyla. Despite the emerging threat that microsporidia have become to humans and agricultural animals, few reliable treatment options exist. To identify novel chemical inhibitors of microsporidia infection, we developed a high-throughput screening method using Caenorhabditis elegans and the microsporidia species Nematocida parisii. We screened the Spectrum Collection of 2,560 FDA-approved compounds and natural products to identify compounds that prevent C. elegans progeny inhibition caused by N. parisii infection. We developed a semi-automated method for quantifying C. elegans progeny number in liquid culture, confirming 11 candidate microsporidia inhibitors. We show that five compounds prevent microsporidia infection by inhibiting spore firing, and demonstrate that one compound, dexrazoxane, slows infection progression. We also show that these compounds have activity against several other microsporidia species, including those which infect humans. Together, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of C. elegans as a model host for drug discovery against intracellular pathogens and provide a scalable high-throughput system for the identification and characterization of additional microsporidia inhibitors.
Both Simulation and Sequencing Data Reveal Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants Coinfection in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Yinhu , Jiang Yiqi , Li Zhengtu , Yu Yonghan , Chen Jiaxing , Jia Wenlong , Ng Yen Kaow , Ye Feng , Shen Bairong , Li Shuai Cheng
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA betacoronavirus with a high mutation rate. The rapidly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants could increase the transmissibility, aggravate the severity, and even fade the vaccine protection. Although the coinfections of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens have been reported, whether multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants coinfection exists remains controversial. This study collected 12,986 and 4,113 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the GISAID database on May 11, 2020 (GISAID20May11) and April 1, 2021 (GISAID21Apr1), respectively. With the single-nucleotide variants (SNV) and network clique analysis, we constructed the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) coexistence networks and noted the SNP number of the maximal clique as the coinfection index. The coinfection indices of GISAID20May11 and GISAID21Apr1 datasets were 16 and 34, respectively. Simulating the transmission routes and the mutation accumulations, we discovered the linear relationship between the coinfection index and the coinfected variant number. Based on the linear relationship, we deduced that the COVID-19 cases in the GISAID20May11 and GISAID21Apr1 datasets were coinfected with 2.20 and 3.42 SARS-CoV-2 variants on average. Additionally, we performed Nanopore sequencing on 42 COVID-19 patients to explore the virus mutational characteristics. We found the heterozygous SNPs in 41 COVID-19 cases, which support the coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and challenge the accuracy of phylogenetic analysis. In conclusion, our findings reported the coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients, demonstrated the increased coinfected variants number in the epidemic, and provided clues for the prolonged viral shedding and severe symptoms in some cases.
The vaccinia-based Sementis Copenhagen Vector COVID-19 vaccine induces broad and durable cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Eldi Preethi , Cooper Tamara H. , Prow Natalie A. , Liu Liang , Heinemann Gary K. , Zhang Voueleng J. , Trinidad Abigail D. , Guzman-Genuino Ruth Marian , Wulff Peter , Hobbs Leanne M. , Diener Kerrilyn R. , Hayball John D.
Published: September 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic perpetuated by SARS-CoV-2 variants, has highlighted the continued need for broadly protective vaccines that elicit robust and durable protection. Here, the vaccinia virus-based, replication-defective Sementis Copenhagen Vector (SCV) was used to develop a first-generation COVID-19 vaccine encoding the spike glycoprotein (SCV-S).

Vaccination of mice rapidly induced polyfunctional CD8 T cells with cytotoxic activity and robust Th1-biased, spike-specific neutralizing antibodies, which are significantly increased following a second vaccination, and contained neutralizing activity against the alpha and beta variants of concern. Longitudinal studies indicated neutralizing antibody activity was maintained up to 9 months post-vaccination in both young and aging mice, with durable immune memory evident even in the presence of pre-existing vector immunity. This immunogenicity profile suggests a potential to expand protection generated by current vaccines in a heterologous boost format, and presents a solid basis for second-generation SCV-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates incorporating additional SARS-CoV-2 immunogens.
Greater Neural Pattern Dissimilarity and Higher Meaningfulness in the Retrieval Stage are Enhanced by Spaced Learning
Authors: Yaowen Liang
Published: September 2021

The question of whether repeated studies bring more variability or less to our brain is a critical problem before scientist continue their further study about memory. In the past ten years, a series of neural pattern representation studies have found that under the condition of spaced learning, the neural pattern similarity(NPS) between two encoding stages increases, and the researchers claimed that these results support the idea that repeated studies bring more similarity along with repetition in our brain, which is conflicted with the encoding variability theory(Feng et al., 2019; Y. Lu et al., 2015; Xue et al., 2010, 2011a). However, we doubt this viewpoint because we think the difference between encoding processing cannot be used to represent the difference between memory states. In current experiments, we used a new experimental paradigm with a longer lag and elaboration learning task to test the encoding variability theory. By comparing the difference between neural pattern dissimilarity(NPDS1)(spaced learning - one-time learning) and NPDS2(massed learning - one-time learning) in the final test (retrieval) stage, we get the result that the NPDS1 was significantly greater than NPDS2 in the parietal lobe of 400ms and the right frontal lobe of 600ms, which is more fitting to the encoding variability mechanism. However, we believe that there is no contradiction between these two experimental evidences. On the contrary, we think they reflect different aspects of the process of spaced learning. We propose that the deficient processing in encoding stage exactly lead to less encoding variability in our memory. More importantly, this result gives us reason to double the paper published ten years ago in Science, which claimed repetition brings greater neural pattern similarity.
CRISPR-Cas9 bends and twists DNA to read its sequence
Authors: Cofsky Joshua C. , Soczek Katarzyna M. , Knott Gavin J. , Nogales Eva , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: September 2021

In bacterial defense and genome editing applications, the CRISPR-associated protein Cas9 searches millions of DNA base pairs to locate a 20-nucleotide, guide-RNA-complementary target sequence that abuts a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM)1. Target capture requires Cas9 to unwind DNA at candidate sequences using an unknown ATP-independent mechanism2,3. Here we show that Cas9 sharply bends and undertwists DNA at each PAM, thereby flipping DNA nucleotides out of the duplex and toward the guide RNA for sequence interrogation. Cryo-electron-microscopy (EM) structures of Cas9:RNA:DNA complexes trapped at different states of the interrogation pathway, together with solution conformational probing, reveal that global protein rearrangement accompanies formation of an unstacked DNA hinge. Bend-induced base flipping explains how Cas9 “reads” snippets of DNA to locate target sites within a vast excess of non-target DNA, a process crucial to both bacterial antiviral immunity and genome editing. This mechanism establishes a physical solution to the problem of complementarity-guided DNA search and shows how interrogation speed and local DNA geometry may influence genome editing efficiency.
Dissecting the roles of Haspin and VRK1 in Histone H3 threonine-3 phosphorylation during mitosis
Authors: Cartwright Tyrell N. , Harris Rebecca J. , Meyer Stephanie K. , Watson Nikolaus A. , Tan Cheryl , Wang Fangwei , Higgins Jonathan M.G.
Published: September 2021

Protein kinases that phosphorylate histones are ideally-placed to influence the behavior of chromosomes during cell division. Indeed, a number of conserved histone phosphorylation events occur prominently during mitosis and meiosis in most eukaryotes, including on histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph). At least two kinases, Haspin and VRK1 (NHK-1/ballchen in Drosophila), have been proposed to carry out this modification. Phosphorylation of H3 by Haspin has defined roles in mitosis, but the significance of VRK1 activity towards histones in dividing cells has been unclear. Here, using in vitro kinase assays, KiPIK screening, RNA interference, and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, we were unable to substantiate a direct role for VRK1, or its homologue VRK2, in the phosphorylation of threonine-3 or serine-10 of Histone H3 in mitosis, although loss of VRK1 did slow cell proliferation. We conclude that the role of VRK1, and its more recently identified association with neuromuscular disease in humans, is unlikely to involve mitotic histone kinase activity. In contrast, Haspin is required to generate H3T3ph during mitosis.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (E)-4-({2,2-dichloro-1-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethenyl}diazenyl)benzonitrile
Authors: Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Suleymanova Gulnar T. , Babayeva Gulnare V. , Mlowe Sixberth
Published: September 2021

In the title compound, C17H14Cl2N4, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 50.09 (9)°. The central –N=N– unit shows an E configuration. In the crystal, C—H...N interactions, C—Cl...π and π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7719 (14) Å] link the molecules, forming molecular layers approximately parallel to the (002) plane. Additional weak van der Waals interactions between the layers consolidate the three-dimensional packing. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (33.6%), N...H/ H...N (17.2%), Cl...H/H...Cl (14.1%) and C...H/H...C (14.1%) contacts.
Reframing educator preparation to collaboratively prepare teachers and administrators: challenges and advantages
Authors: Rhodes Ginger , Robinson Kerry K. , Kubasko Dennis S. , Ryder Andrew J. , Hooker Steven D. , Reid-Griffin Angelia , Sterrett William L.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines reframing an organization that permitted three typically siloed university programs to collaborate around a shared experience focused on teaching, leadership, evaluation, and applied learning.

Design

Participants were seven faculty members who designed and implemented the shared experience. Data sources included participants’ responses to a feedback survey, meeting notes, and project documents. The data were coded and grouped based on themes.

Findings

Themes revealed challenges and advantages faculty experienced during the project. Challenges included creating shared expectations, technology, and continuity with student evaluators. Advantages included reflecting on teaching practices, frameworks, instructional strategies, and professional goals.

Originality

Despite the difficulty and rarity of cross-program collaborations, this study demonstrates how such efforts may incorporate best practices in preparing educators.
Distributed cloud resources allocation for fair utilization using multi-objective bin packing algorithm
Authors: Angappan Senthil Kumar , Robe Tezera , Muleta Sisay , M Bekele Worku
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Cloud computing services gained huge attention in recent years and many organizations started moving their business data traditional server to the cloud storage providers. However, increased data storage introduces challenges like inefficient usage of resources in the cloud storage, in order to meet the demands of users and maintain the service level agreement with the clients, the cloud server has to allocate the physical machine to the virtual machines as requested, but the random resource allocations procedures lead to inefficient utilization of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This thesis focuses on resource allocation for reasonable utilization of resources. The overall framework comprises of cloudlets, broker, cloud information system, virtual machines, virtual machine manager, and data center. Existing first fit and best fit algorithms consider the minimization of the number of bins but do not consider leftover bins.

Findings

The proposed algorithm effectively utilizes the resources compared to first, best and worst fit algorithms. The effect of this utilization efficiency can be seen in metrics where central processing unit (CPU), bandwidth (BW), random access memory (RAM) and power consumption outperformed very well than other algorithms by saving 15 kHz of CPU, 92.6kbps of BW, 6GB of RAM and saved 3kW of power compared to first and best fit algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed multi-objective bin packing algorithm is better for packing VMs on physical servers in order to better utilize different parameters such as memory availability, CPU speed, power and bandwidth availability in the physical machine.
International strategies of Chinese tourism MNEs: the impact of the belt and Road Initiative and state ownership
Authors: Quer Diego , Andreu Rosario
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious plan led by the Chinese government aiming to reach a close integration between countries, is reshaping the global institutional landscape. Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) play a leading role in the BRI and they usually follow an unconventional behavior derived from the institutional influence of their home government. Prior research reports that institutional distance between home and host countries has an impact on multinational enterprises’ (MNEs’) ownership level in their foreign subsidiaries. Therefore, our aim is to investigate how institutional distance, the BRI and state ownership affect Chinese tourism MNEs' ownership level in their cross-border acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the institutional theory, this study develops several hypotheses that are tested using a sample of Chinese MNEs from accommodation, travel agencies, transport and leisure/entertainment industries.

Findings

The results show that the idiosyncratic characteristics of being an emerging-market MNE belonging to a soft-service industry is associated with a positive relationship between institutional distance and a high ownership level in cross-border acquisitions. They also indicate that targeting a country included in the BRI and being an SOE negatively moderates that relationship.

Originality/value

This study extends institutional theory in the case of tourism firms from an emerging economy. It also addresses an under-research topic in the literature, namely, how the BRI is leading Chinese tourism MNEs to redesign their international strategies.
Re-considering the nature of work in complex adaptive organisations – fluid work as a driver of learning through work
Authors: Lizier Amanda L.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on data from a study of professionals’ experiences of work and learning framed by a complex adaptive systems approach to examine the nexus of work and learning in complex adaptive organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an adapted phenomenographic approach and the complex adaptive systems conceptual framework (CAOCF) to analyse data from semi-structured interviews with fourteen professionals from a variety of organisations and industry sectors within Sydney, Australia.

Findings

The findings highlight that work in complex adaptive organisations is best described as fluid work. Further, the findings suggest that fluid work influences professionals towards flexible learning approaches that take place in the flow of work.

Originality/value

This paper empirically demonstrates the nexus of work and learning as experienced by professionals in their day-to-day work, as well as the ways in which fluid work influences flexible and adaptable learning through participation in work.
Leadership and decision making challenges among elderly care centre operators: case of multi-ethnic Malaysia
Authors: Md Isa Filzah , Noor Shaista , Nik Mohammad Nik Maheran , Mohd Adnan Mohd Muttaqin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The ageing population is a rising issue worldwide, including in Malaysia, which leads to an increase in older people compared to children. Malaysia is a relatively “younger” country compared to its Asian counterparts such as Japan and China. The demographic projections by the Department of Statistics of Malaysia state that by 2035 approximately 15% of its population would be above 60 years old. The powerful demographic trend of the ageing of the Malaysian population has consequences for the entire society and its economy. One of the biggest challenges for the Malaysian Government is to provide adequate facilities to the elderly in terms of care and support. For this purpose, around 365 registered and various unregistered centres are working throughout Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak. The government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and various religious organisations run these centres. These centres provide residential and health-care services to elderlies, whereas the centre’s operators face multiple challenges in the overall operation of the centre. The purpose of this study to highlight the leadership and decision making challenges among elderly care centre operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The result highlights that both men and women operators face leadership and decision-making challenges for centre management. Regarding decision-making, women are experiencing more failures in proper decision-making than men. However, women operators are keen to learn from failures for appropriate decision-making.

Findings

The result highlights that both men and women operators face leadership and decision-making challenges for centre management. Regarding decision-making, women are experiencing more failures in proper decision-making than men. However, women operators are keen to learn from failures for appropriate decision-making. The present study will help the new operators to persevere in their business ventures, and policymakers look into the best supports to enhance elderly care centre operator’s success.

Originality/value

The present study will help the new operators to persevere in their business ventures, and policymakers look into the best supports to enhance elderly care centre operator’s success.
Halal hospitality goes global: challenges of (not) serving alcohol in an Islamic tourist destination: a case study of Egypt
Authors: Afifi Mohamed Fawzi , Mohsin Asad , Farouk Mustafa
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study investigates perceptions and debate that are linked to the relationship between religion, alcohol, tourism and hospitality within the context of an Islamic tourist destination. An analytical approach involving a review of literature, assessment of conservationists’ attitude representing Islam and Christianity, and current trends using a student sample to determine intentions is used. The study findings suggest that alcohol and religiosity are not compatible, use, abuse and dependency are more common among non-believers than believers. A tense dispute continues in the Arab World around alcohol. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting economics, social practice, theoretical and managerial implications related to alcohol service in Egypt and suggests a way forward for global Muslim staff working in the hospitality, tourism, and travel industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an analytical approach involving a review of literature, assessment of conservationists’ attitude representing Islam and Christianity and current trends using a student sample to determine intentions.

Findings

The study findings suggest that alcohol and religiosity are not compatible, use, abuse and dependency are more common among non-believers than believers. A tense dispute continues in the Arab World around alcohol.

Research limitations/Implications

The study is assessing the relationship between religion, alcohol, hospitality and tourism within the context of Egypt, advances knowledge about halal tourism and hospitality by explicitly linking religious obligations and the implication on tourism. The findings should be used with caution considering the subjectivity of responses and the size of the sample.

Practical implications

The service/hospitality industry managers could be Muslims or non-Muslims representing major airlines, hotels and restaurants where alcohol is served by Muslim employees. These managers should consider avoiding the sale or serving of alcohol completely, and if not, they must not force their workers to serve alcohol if they chose not to.

Social implications

Faith-based (e.g. Muslims, Seventh Day Adventists and Mormons), ideological or ethically driven alternative services should be created for the staff concerned with alcohol service/consumption. Employment is to be provided to adherents of these faiths or ideologies as an alternative resort.
Integrating socioecological suitability with human–wildlife conflict risk: Case study for translocation of a large ungulate
Authors: McCann Nicholas P. , Walberg Eric M. , Forester James D. , Schrage Michael W. , Fulton David C. , Ditmer Mark A.
Published: September 2021

Translocations are essential for re‐establishing wildlife populations. As they sometimes fail, it is critical to assess factors that influence their success pre‐translocation.

Socioecological suitability models (SESMs) integrate social acceptance and ecological suitability to enable identification of areas where wildlife populations will expand, which makes it likely that SESMs will also be useful for predicting translocation success.

To inform site selection for potential elkCervus canadensisreintroduction to north‐eastern Minnesota, United States, we developed broadscale maps of social acceptance from surveys of local residents and landowners, animal use equivalence (AUE) from forage measured in the field and empirical conflict risk from geospatial data. Resulting SESMs integrated social acceptance favourability scores, AUE and conflict risk, and weighted SESMs showed the relative influences of acceptance and conflict.

Social acceptance was positive for local residents and landowners (mean ≥ 5.4; scale of 1–7). AUE (scaled to an elk home range) ranged between 1 and 9 elk/16 km2during winter, and from 14 to 83 elk/16 km2during summer. Human–elk conflict risk was low (mean ≤ 0.10; scaled 0–1), increasing from north to south. Geographical distributions differed for social acceptance, AUE and conflict risk, and weighted SESMs revealed unsuitable areas that were otherwise obscured.

Synthesis and applications. Integrating human–wildlife conflict risk into SESMs shows where social acceptance of translocated species is likely to erode, even where viewed favourably pre‐translocation, to inform translocation planning by highlighting interactions between key factors. Such integrated models supplement existing reintroduction biology frameworks by supporting decision‐making and knowledge development. In north‐eastern Minnesota, natural resource managers who are considering elk reintroductions are using SESMs reported here to identify where human–elk conflict is unlikely to result in an isolated elk population and where addressing concerns for area residents about conflict risk is essential.
‘It became quite a complex dynamic’: The experiences of occupational therapy practice educators' move to digital platforms during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Peart Annette , Wells Nathanael , Yu Mong‐Lin , Brown Ted
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The rapid shift to digital platforms during the COVID‐19 pandemic enabled occupational therapy practice education to continue while creating unique learning opportunities for students in an environment of high demand for practice education providers. How occupational therapy practice educators experienced fieldwork supervision during this rapid redesign of service delivery is not widely understood. This study aimed to explore the experiences of practice educators who supervised occupational therapy students during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia.

Methods

Fifteen occupational therapy practice educators participated in focus groups and individual semi‐structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to understand the experiences of the participants and explore the barriers and facilitators to providing practice education in this context.

Findings

The experiences of the occupational therapy practice educators were interpreted into three themes: (1) Opportunities lost and then created (as two subthemes); (2) The relationship between the student and practice educator (comprising subthemes of practicing self‐care and connection and support); and (3) Signing‐off of students' competencies. While digital platforms were initially viewed as limiting, they also were used to create new opportunities for student learning. Participants spoke of being mindful of their and students' wellbeing and finding ways to provide connection and support. Participants were challenged by the need to adapt how they evaluated students in the context of a pandemic.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the complexities of occupational therapy practice education in the rapidly shifting context of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. The outcomes highlight the importance of creating new ways of using digital platforms during practice education while focussing on the relationships with students.
Sanguma and scepticism: questioning witchcraft in the highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Eves Richard
Published: September 2021

Some anthropologists prefer clear‐cut depictions of the societies they study, preferring to ignore differences of opinion, failures of belief, and expressions of scepticism and doubt. This tendency is increasingly being challenged, and an emerging literature now explores scepticism. Contributing to this literature, I discuss the scepticism towards witchcraft expressed by my interlocutors in the Papua New Guinea highlands province of Chimbu. I do not juxtapose witchcraft to science, for witchcraft must be taken seriously – especially since accusations often have severe consequences. Expressions of scepticism bring into doubt the absolute certainty of witchcraft as the explanation for misfortunes such as illness and death, and its study provides a more nuanced picture of a society, showing how cultural norms can be transformed and the foundations of violence can be disrupted. This applies to the scepticism I heard expressed, because the challenge it poses to witchcraft accusations may help prevent further violence. An anthropology of scepticism could usefully be applied more broadly to many aspects of culture, since study of scepticism is one way of reaching an understanding of how social change occurs.
Unique bacterial communities and potential function along the vertical gradient in the deepest marine blue hole
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Xu Huitao , Wang Liping , Liu Ruizhi , Fu Liang , Lin Kuixuan
Published: September 2021

The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole is the deepest blue hole in the world discovered so far, while its great potential and values have not been fully exploited regarding microbial communities. A large‐scale sampling was performed at different depths (0–270 m) inside the blue hole. Based on high‐throughput sequencing, the diversity and richness of bacterial communities were relatively higher in oxic and euphotic layer, and at depths of 180–230 m in anoxic layer. Proteobacteria was dominant with mean relative abundance of 64.7%. As the representative genera, Thiomicrospira and Arcobacter were detected with higher abundances up to 96.1% and 31.5% in the anaerobic environment. Principal co‐ordinates analysis, one‐way ANOVA and network analysis highlighted the distinctive species at different depths. Correlation analysis illustrated the significant correlations between the bacteria and environmental elements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, pH, sulphur and nutrient. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the microbial ecosystem was characterized with infrequent and unidentified microorganisms in the deep layer. This research revealed the unique microbial ecosystem and potential functions in regulating ecosystem productivity and cycling of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen. Comprehensive and long‐term investigations in the Sansha Blue Hole should be taken to conserve the peculiar ecosystem.
Patterns of abundance reveal evidence of translocation and climate effects on Houbara bustard population recovery
Authors: Monnier‐Corbel A. , Monnet A.‐C. , Hingrat Y. , Robert A.
Published: September 2021

Population reinforcement, through translocations of individuals, aims to restore populations of threatened species. The increase in population size or geographic distribution is often used as positive facts when assessing the recovery of a species, making abundance monitoring a major criterion. Based on 8‐year monitoring of a reinforced population of North African Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata), over an area of 50 170 km² in the eastern region of Morocco, we assessed the success of management actions by assessing spatial and temporal variation in abundance as well as the factors driving this variation. We used count data to estimate and spatialize population abundance. We then assessed environmental (climate) and management covariates (release effort and hunting management) associated with temporal and spatial variation in abundance. The overall estimate of abundance in the study area was 16 918 individuals (95% CI = 13 629–21 027) over our study period, with strong variation between years (range = 10 409–32 401). Our results highlighted strong spatial heterogeneity over the study area, linked to spatial variation in local climate and management conditions. Local abundances were negatively associated with local temperature, were higher in hunting than in non‐hunting areas, and were positively influenced by the number of birds released around the focal point. In addition to describing the spatio‐temporal variation in the abundance of the species on a large scale, we estimated two major proxies of its conservation status: population size and population trend. The determination of these proxies and the comparison with the counterfactual state of the species confirms the beneficial impact of the restoration and protection program on the dynamics of the North African Houbara bustard, while underlining the dependence of these dynamics on ongoing management.
Rural employment: A get‐go for recent nursing and allied health graduates?
Authors: Jessup Belinda , Barnett Tony , Cross Merylin , Obamiro Kehinde , Mallick Suzanne
Published: September 2021

Objective

To explore the pathways recent nursing and allied health graduates have used to gain initial employment in regional and rural Tasmania.

Design

A mixed‐methods design comprising an online survey and semi‐structured interviews.

Setting

Tasmania, Australia.

Participants

Eighty‐four recent nursing and allied health graduates from 18 disciplines.

Main outcome measures

Location and pathway to initial employment, job search strategies, number of job applications and length of time taken to gain employment.

Results

Participants obtained their qualification from Tasmania or mainland Australia. Rural‐origin graduates were more likely to work in rural locations after graduating. Graduates sought initial regional or rural employment to be close to family; to avail themselves of more job opportunities and less competition from other graduates; and for adventure. An inability to secure metropolitan jobs led others to seek opportunities in regional and rural Tasmania. Graduates that used multiple job search strategies and who were more flexible regarding location and field of initial employment experienced fewer challenges gaining employment.

Conclusion

For recent nursing and allied health graduates, securing initial employment can be time‐consuming and labour‐intensive. Being flexible, persistent and willing to adjust expectations about work location will help. Rural employment might provide the right get‐go for a professional career. Understanding the pathways recent graduates have used to gain initial rural employment can help better connect graduates and prospective employers.
Revised model for evaluating visiting health care services in rural and remote settings
Authors: Healy Laura J. , Beccaria Gavin , McIlveen Peter
Published: September 2021

Objective

Visiting health care services were developed to improve access to essential health care in rural and remote areas. Evaluating these services requires a robust framework. The objective of this study was to assess the confirmability and credibility of a model of 7 principles for effective visiting health care services.

Setting

Three iterative online survey rounds administered between July and December 2020.

Participants

A heterogeneous panel of 13 experts in rural and remote health care participated, including managers of health care services, senior clinical staff in rural and remote regions and research academics specialising in rural infrastructure.

Design

The model was appraised using the Delphi method involving iterative online survey rounds to facilitate anonymous and structured discussion between panel members.

Results

Findings indicate consensus between panel members and support for a revised model. The revised model includes 4 modifications: (a) proposal of a new principle titled Feasibility, (b) restructure of 2 existing principles, (c) refined shape of the model to more accurately reflect the nature of service delivery and (d) detailed definitions of each principle.

Conclusion

This study presents a credible, revised version of the model of 7 principles for effective visiting services. This will enhance the quality of the health workforce across geographically large countries, like Australia, enabling organisations to more effectively and consistently evaluate the impact of their service on rural and remote communities.
Decline in surgeon volume after successful implementation of advanced laparoscopic surgery in gynecology: An undesired side effect?
Authors: Tummers Fokkedien H. M. P. , Hoebink Jasmin , Driessen Sara R. C. , Jansen Frank Willem , Twijnstra Andries R. H.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The implementation of advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques has broadened. An extensive body of literature shows that high hospital and surgeon volumes lead to better patient outcomes. However, no information is available regarding volume trends in the post‐implementation phase of MIS. This study investigated these trends and poses suggestions to adjust these developments. This knowledge can provide guidance to optimize patient safe performance of new surgical techniques.

Material and methods

A national retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands. The number of advanced laparoscopic (level 3 and 4) and robotic procedures and the number of gynecologists performing them were collected through a web‐based questionnaire to determine hospital and gynecological surgeon volume. These volumes were compared with our previously collected data from 2012.

Results

The response rate was 85%. Hospitals produced larger volumes for advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures. However, still 63% of the hospitals perform low‐volume level 4 laparoscopic procedures. Additionally, gynecological surgeon volumes appeared to decrease for level 3 procedures, as the group of gynecologists performing fewer than 20 procedures expanded (64% vs. 44% in 2012), with 15% of the gynecologists performing fewer than ten procedures. Despite an increase in surgeon volumes for level 4 laparoscopy and robotic surgery, volumes continued to be low, as still 49% of gynecologists performed fewer than 10 level 4 procedures per year and 41% performed fewer than 20 robotic procedures per year.

Conclusions

The broad implementation of advanced MIS procedures resulted in an increasing number of these procedures with increasing hospital volumes. However, as a side‐effect, a disproportionate rise in number of gynecologists performing these procedures was observed. Therefore, surgeon volumes remain low and even decreased for some procedures. Centralization of complex procedures and training of specialized MIS gynecologists could improve surgeon volumes and therefore consequently enhance patient safety.
Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in offspring at 3 years of age: Odense Child Cohort
Authors: Dalgaard Cilia M. , Andersen Marianne S. , Jensen Richard C. , Larsen Pia V. , Find Laura G. , Boye Henriette , Jensen Tina K. , Bilenberg Niels , Glintborg Dorte
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Previous data suggested a link between maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which could be mediated by higher prenatal androgen exposure.

Material and methods

The study was part of the prospective Odense Child Cohort and included 1776 pregnant women, 165 (9%) with PCOS and 1607 (91%) controls. ADHD symptoms at 3 years of age were defined using the parent‐reported questionnaire Child Behavior Checklist/1.5–5 (scores >90th centile of Danish national standard). Maternal blood samples were collected in the third trimester measuring total testosterone by mass spectrometry, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and calculated free testosterone. Offspring anogenital distance was measured at 3 months of age. Regression models were performed with presence of ADHD symptoms as the dependent variable and adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking status, educational level, and parental psychiatric diagnoses.

Results

ADHD symptoms were present in 105/937 (11%) boys and 72/839 (9%) girls. In boys, maternal PCOS was positively associated with ADHD symptoms (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.07–3.43, p = 0.03, adjusted OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.20–4.02, p = 0.01), whereas maternal PCOS was not associated with ADHD symptoms in girls. Maternal total testosterone, free testosterone, and offspring anogenital distance were not associated with higher risk of ADHD symptoms in the offspring.

Conclusions

Higher risk of ADHD in boys born of mothers with PCOS were not associated with maternal third‐trimester testosterone levels or offspring anogenital distance.
Chronic mercury exposure induces oxidative stress in female rats by endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and cyclooxygenase‐2 activation, without affecting oestrogen receptor function
Authors: Schereider Ingridy Reinholz Grafites , Vassallo Dalton Valentim , Simões Maylla Ronacher
Published: September 2021

Mercury has been shown to be a significant health risk factor and is positively associated with cardiovascular diseases. Evidence reveals that men are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than women during reproductive age. However, the effects of mercury in females remain poorly investigated, despite the finding that female hormones demonstrate a cardioprotective role. In the present study, we evaluated whether chronic mercury chloride exposure could alter blood pressure and vascular function of the female rat aorta. Ten‐week‐old female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (vehicle) and mercury treated (first dose of 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent daily doses of 0.07 μg/kg), im. Mercury treatment did not modify systolic blood pressure (SBP) but increased vascular reactivity due to the reduction of nitric oxide bioavailability associated with the increase in reactive oxygen species from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling. Furthermore, increased participation of the cyclooxygenase‐2 pathway occurred through an imbalance in thromboxane 2 and prostacyclin 2. However, the oestrogen signalling pathway was not altered in either group. These results demonstrated that chronic exposure to mercury in females induced endothelial dysfunction and, consequently, increased aortic vascular reactivity, causing vascular damage to the female rat aorta and representing a risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A semiparametric isotonic regression model for skewed distributions with application to DNA–RNA–protein analysis
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Yuan Ao , Cope Leslie , Qin Jing
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a semiparametric regression model that is built upon an isotonic regression model with the assumption that the random error follows a skewed distribution. We develop an expectation‐maximization algorithm for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters, examine the asymptotic properties of the estimators, conduct simulation studies to explore the performance of the proposed model, and apply the method to evaluate the DNA–RNA–protein relationship and identify genes that are key factors in tumor progression.
Combination romidepsin and azacitidine therapy is well tolerated and clinically active in adults with high‐risk acute myeloid leukaemia ineligible for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Loke Justin , Metzner Marlen , Boucher Rebecca , Jackson Aimee , Hopkins Louise , Pavlu Jiri , Tholouli Eleni , Drummond Mark , Peniket Andy , Bishop Rebecca , Fox Sonia , Vyas Paresh , Craddock Charles
Published: September 2021

Azacitidine (AZA) is important in the management of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Romidepsin (ROM) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor which synergises with AZA in vitro. The ROMAZA trial established the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of combined ROM/AZA therapy in patients with AML, as ROM 12 mg/m2 on Days 8 and 15, with AZA 75 mg/m2 administered for 7/28 day cycle. Nine of the 38 (23·7%) patients treated at the MTD were classified as responders by Cycle 6 (best response: complete remission [CR]/incomplete CR n = 7, partial response n = 2). Correlative next‐generation sequencing studies demonstrated important insights into therapy resistance.
Determining the tempo of exhumation in the eastern Himalaya: Part 1. Geometry, kinematics and predicted cooling ages
Authors: Braza Mary , McQuarrie Nadine
Published: September 2021

Quantitative integration of cross‐section geometry, kinematics and cooling ages requires notably more complicated kinematic and exhumation pathways than are typically assumed with a simple in‐sequence model of cross‐section deformation. Incorporating measured basin thickness and depositional ages, determined from magnetostratigraphy or young detrital zircon fission track cooling ages, provide further constraints on the timing of fault motion, as changes in shortening rate that may not alter bedrock cooling ages can affect the depositional age of foreland basin strata. Thermokinematic models of balanced cross‐sections in Arunachal Pradesh, NE India demonstrate that the kinematic sequence and shortening rate exert the largest control over the pattern of predicted cooling ages for the region, by dictating the location and timing of rock uplift and exhumation (cooling) over ramps. The best fit to the measured bedrock cooling ages and basin constraints is achieved with a kinematic sequence involving early foreland propagation of four Lesser Himalayan faults combined with variable shortening rates. Fast rates (25–30 mm/yr) are required to accompany early foreland propagation at ca. 14–13 Ma followed by slower rates (18–20 mm/yr) until 10 Ma. Shortening rates increase to ca. 25–35 mm/yr at ca. 10 Ma until ca. 5–7 Ma. A decrease in shortening rate occurs between 7 and 5 Ma, with rates of 9–15 mm/yr until the present. Although non‐unique, the updated cross‐section geometry and kinematics highlight the components of geometry, deformation and exhumation that must be included in any valid cross‐section model for this portion of the eastern Himalaya such as the location of active ramps, and location and age of two key fault systems, the Bomdila imbricate zone and the thrust faults that form the Lumla duplex. Less unique are the specific geometries of faults, thickness of strata they carry, shortening rates, particularly between 14–8 Ma, and model parameters such as topography, heat production and flexure.