bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quinone Outside Inhibitor Resistance Conferred with the G143A Substitution in Corynespora cassiicola, Which Causes Target Spot, from Arkansas and Mississippi Soybean
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Dhillon N. Braham D. S. , Brochard Nicole , Aboughanem-Sabanadzovic Nina , Sabanadzovic Sead , Tomaso-Peterson Maria , Wilkerson Tessie H. , Bluhm Burt H. , Faske Travis R. , Allen Tom W.
Published: April 2022

Target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, is a foliar disease of soybean in the Midsouthern United States. Increased target spot incidence and severity have been observed across parts of Arkansas and Mississippi regularly since 2007. Because target spot resistant cultivars are not available to manage target spot, soybean farmers rely on fungicides to reduce the potential yield losses associated with the disease. In general, fungicides within the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) class have been the most widely used products for target spot management. As a result of increased and more widespread target spot during the 2016 season, a brief study was conducted using C. cassiicola monoconidial isolates derived from infected leaf tissue from Arkansas (n = 2) and Mississippi (n = 56) soybean to determine whether isolates were resistant to the QoI fungicides. In all, 27 isolates, one from Arkansas and 26 from Mississippi, were determined to contain the G143A substitution that confers complete resistance to the QoI fungicides.
Unique health stressors impacting female veterans
Authors: Bradwisch Sarah A. Browne
Published: April 2022

Over 30,000 female soldiers leave the US military each year. This article examines health concerns unique to female veterans and outlines ways for nurses to recognize and address the psychological, physical, and other medical concerns of female soldiers transitioning to civilian healthcare.
Benefits of mindful self-compassion for frontline nurses
Authors: Biber Duke D.
Published: April 2022

Nurses who regularly engage in self-compassion training may be more resilient to stressors and burnout, and thus able to provide more compassionate care to patients. The article explores the benefits and strategies of practicing mindful self-compassion (MSC) for nurses, reviews the effectiveness of an MSC curriculum, and discusses practical techniques for nurses to put MSC theory into practice.
Defining Sacral Dysmorphism: What Size Corridor Precludes Transsacral Screw Placement
Authors: Woods David , Koerner Jason , Strage Katya , Chu Xiangquan , Simon Violette , Hadeed Michael , Heare Austin , Parry Joshua A. , Mauffrey Cyril
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To determine what size S1-transsacral (TS) corridor is amenable to TS screw placement, as this is commonly used to identify sacral dysmorphism, and to determine if gender, ethnicity, or screw breach is associated with narrow corridors.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Urban level-1 trauma center.

Patients:

Two hundred ninety patients with pelvic ring injuries and preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans.

Intervention:

Percutaneous posterior pelvic ring fixation.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The width of the S1-TS corridor was measured on the axial (inlet) and coronal (outlet) reformatted CT images. Patients with S1-TS screw fixation and postoperative CT scans were identified. Corridor size, gender, ethnicity, and screw breach were documented.

Results:

S1-TS screws were placed in 55 of the 290 patients. No S1-TS screws were placed in corridors less than 8 mm. Corridors of <8 mm were present in 114 (39%) of the 290 patients and were not associated with gender or ethnicity. S1-TS screws placed in small (<10 mm) versus large (≥10 mm) corridors did not have a detectable difference in screw breaches (5 of 8, 62% versus 19 of 47 40%; difference, 22%, 95% confidence interval −14% to 52%) or median (interquartile range) screw breach distance [3 mm (2.5–4.8) versus 3 mm (1.2–4.8); difference, 0.9 mm; confidence interval −1.6 to 2.2].

Conclusion:

These data are useful for the standardization of sacral dysmorphism reporting based on corridor size. Screw breaches were common irrespective of TS corridor size, emphasizing the small degree of error allowed by this procedure.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Tricuspid Regurgitation in Congestive “End-Organ” Failure: Outline of an Opportunity
Authors: Farooq Muhammed U. , Latib Azeem , Jorde Ulrich P.
Published: April 2022

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a progressive disease that can be addressed only partially by medical therapy. Progression of TR is associated with worsening end-organ function and worse survival, yet tricuspid valve interventions are usually only performed in advanced stages. Recent evidence suggests a pivotal role for TR and pulsatile venous congestion in the pathophysiology of renal and hepatic dysfunction. This critical knowledge has provided the opportunity to optimally define the appropriate timing of transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions, integrating concurrent or impending functional consequences with severity of TR.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw – a scoping review
Authors: Gogtay Nithya Jaideep , Soni Dhruve , Pandit Sukant
Published: April 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw [MRONJ] is a rare, often intractable, and debilitating condition that is associated with multiple therapies. The condition can be asymptomatic or become chronic adversely affecting the patient's quality of life. Case definitions of MRONJ have been given by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons [AAOMS] and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [ASBMR] and history of use [or current] of anti-resorptive agents and anti-angiogenic agents form a key component of the definition. The exact pathophysiology of this condition remains unclear though the jaw and especially the mandible is uniquely susceptible. Beyond drug treatment, there are several risk factors that have been identified for MRONJ that include among others local, demographic, systemic and genetic factors. Management of the condition is multi-disciplinary and includes both surgical and conservative approaches depending upon the stage of the disease. Several experimental treatments have been tried some of which include photo biomodulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and use of autologous platelet concentrates. Mitigation of MRONJ begins with risk assessment and counselling of the patients prior to initiating treatments known to be associated with it and regular ongoing monitoring. As more and more biologics enter the market, MRONJ has come to be associated not just with bisphosphonates or denosumab but also with drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and calcineurin inhibitors and physicians need to bear this in mind.
The SIEA SHRIMP Flap: An Ultrathin Axial Pattern Free Flap Useable in Obese Patients
Authors: Felder John M. , Willborg Brooke E. , Zhu William Y.
Published: April 2022

The reconstruction of distal extremity wounds poses a unique surgical challenge. In free tissue transfer, a thin, pliable skin flap is the ideal. Obese patients have a paucity of thin skin donor sites. Herein we report the discovery of a free SHRIMP flap (Superthin Harvest of a Reliable Islanded Medial Pannus flap) based on the SIEA vessels, harvested from a thick abdominal pannus at the time of cosmetic abdominoplasty. A 61-year-old woman with a chronic wound of the right Achilles tendon was evaluated for reconstruction after failing conservative measures. At the time of consultation, the patient expressed interest in abdominoplasty. Therefore, a skin flap from the abdomen or rectus abdominis muscle flap in the context of an abdominoplasty was offered. Despite obesity affecting the pannus, the superficial inferior epigastric vessels were found to course superficially beneath the dermis at time of abdominoplasty. This allowed straightforward harvest of a superthin flap of skin and minimal subcutaneous fat, which contoured to the ankle with an aesthetically pleasing outcome. The patient was satisfied with the results of her abdominoplasty and coverage of her chronic wound. The SHRIMP flap provides a straightforward, axial pattern, superthin free skin flap based on the superficial inferior epigastric vessels, and represents a useful option in obese patients. The flap can be combined with abdominoplasty for an aesthetic donor site.
A Novel Technique for Nasal Alar Reconstruction
Authors: Nadjmi Nasser , Vaes Lukas , Van de Casteele Elke
Published: April 2022

Reconstruction of full-thickness alar defects is delicate. Small asymmetries are visible because of the central position of the nose. Different alar reconstruction techniques such as the nasolabial, bilobed, and composite grafts provide an excellent option to reconstruct alar skin and texture. However, these donor tissues will never perfectly match alar tissue in terms of color and contour. This report presents a case of a 56-year-old woman with alar asymmetry due to soft tissue loss of the right alar rim, para-nasal, and nasolabial groove as consequence of a severe trauma in the past. Scarring tissue, retractions, and suboptimal tissue quality on the right side of the face complicated a standard procedure. In this case, a novel reconstruction technique was planned for alar reconstruction. In a two-staged procedure, a well-perfused alar base flap from the contralateral side was raised to recreate the basal portion of the right lateral alar rim. Concomitantly a lip lifting procedure was performed to correct the inadequate incisal show. As result, perfectly matching skin color, texture, and correction toward alar and facial symmetry were realized. Satisfactory aesthetic outcome for the patient was achieved. The final result was evaluated 12 months postoperatively by the use of stereophotogrammetry technology.
Inflammatory Cytokine Profiles Do Not Differ Between Patients With Idiopathic Cytopenias of Undetermined Significance and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Nielsen Amalie Bach , Hansen Jakob Werner , Ørskov Andreas Due , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Salem Mohammad , Grigorian Mariam , Bruunsgaard Helle , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: April 2022

Immune dysregulation has been highlighted as a key player in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but little is known about cytokine profiles in patients with unexplained cytopenia with or without mutations in MDS-associated genes (clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance [CCUS] and idiopathic cytopenias of undetermined significance [ICUS], respectively), which often precede MDS. Here, we study the cytokine profiles in 111 patients with ICUS (N = 41), CCUS (N = 30), lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS; N = 22) and higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS; N = 18), and in healthy elderly controls (N = 21). Twenty cytokines were examined in blood plasma at time of diagnosis using Luminex assays and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. The cytokine levels were compared between patient groups, and in patients versus controls. Associations between cytokines and MDS-associated mutations were evaluated. An aberrant cytokine profile was observed in all patient groups relative to healthy elderly controls. Patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (P< 0 .001), tumor necrosis factor α (P < 0.001), IL-10 (P < 0.001), and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (P < 0.001) and lower levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (P < 0.001), CCL5/regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (P < 0.001), and S100A4 (P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Survival was significantly shorter in CCUS and MDS patients with a high systemic inflammatory cytokine load (median overall survival [OS] 21 months) compared with those with low-moderate systemic inflammatory cytokine load (median OS 64 months; P < 0.0001). These data suggest that patients with ICUS and CCUS have cytokine levels as abnormal as in LR-MDS. Indeed, high cytokine levels are present before MDS is diagnosed and cytokine levels are elevated irrespective of the presence or size of the myeloid clones. Cytokines may have a prognostic impact at a very early premalignant stage of myeloid disorders.
CYPRUS VIRUS INFECTION: A RARE BUT LIFE-THREATENING DIAGNOSIS IN CHILDREN
Authors: La Bella Saverio , Scorrano Giovanna , Greco Rita , Trotta Daniela , Aricò Maurizio
Published: April 2022

A 3.8-year-old Italian girl presenting with high fever and headache developed a decrease in the state of consciousness, apneas, bradycardia thus requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Sandfly fever due to Cyprus virus, previously not reported in a child, outside an endemic area, must be included in the differential diagnosis of acute encephalopathy with apparently no explanation from the usual laboratory work-up.
Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine for cognitive dysfunction in diabetic cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Wang Kai , Jiang Zhenyuan , Yu Xiaowen , Shao Yuze , Liu Hailiang , Wu Susu , Kong Linghui , Wang Zhonglin
Published: April 2022

Background:

More and more studies have shown that cognitive dysfunction is one of the main complications of diabetes. The disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism seriously damages brain function and accelerates the conversion to dementia. At present, there are no drugs that can directly treat diabetic cognitive dysfunction. All drugs for the treatment of this disease achieve the purpose of treatment through strict control of blood sugar levels. This method has great limitations. Traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) work through multiple targets and multiple pathways, which can not only effectively correct the state of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, but also significantly improve cognitive ability, but there is a lack of systematic evaluation of their effectiveness and safety. We use the method of network meta-analysis to systematically and comprehensively compare the effectiveness and safety of different Chinese patent medicines.

Methods:

We will comprehensively search the following databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Wanfang database and China BioMedical Literature. We will include all randomized controlled trials that meet the inclusion criteria, starting from the establishment of the database until September 2021. Two researchers will independently screen the literature based on inclusion criteria. While extracting data, we also assess the risk of bias in the included studies. All the data and evidence obtained will be evaluated by the method of Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results:

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various TCPMs for diabetic cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide valuable references for the clinical application of TCPMs, and assist clinicians in formulating more reasonable diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study does not require ethical approval.

International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols registration number:

INPLASY202190008.
The efficacy and safety of massage adjuvant therapy in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ren Longsheng , Guo Ruiying , Fu Guojing , Zhang Jie , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2022

Background

The incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is increasing year by year. If patients cannot receive timely and effective treatment, DPN may lead to diabetic foot ulcers or even amputation. This risk factor has been widely concerned around the world. Massage, as a non-invasive physical therapy method, is gradually being applied in the adjuvant treatment of DPN. However, there is no systematic review of the adjuvant treatment of DPN by massage. Our study will explore the effectiveness and safety of massage applied in DPN.

Methods

Eight electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Sinomed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, Chongqing VIP Information) will be searched by our computer on February 9, 2022. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of adjuvant massage therapy for DPN was screened. Primary outcome measures: efficiency, nerve conduction velocity. Secondary outcome measures: pain, blood glucose, and incidence of adverse reactions. The quality of the study was evaluated by two researchers using the RCT bias risk assessment tool in the Cochrane review manual Handbook5.4, and meta-analysis was performed by RevMan5.4 software.

Results

RCTs will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of massage adjuvant therapy in DPN.

Conclusion

This study will provide evidence-based evidence for the safety and effectiveness of massage adjuvant therapy in DPN.

Protocol registration number:

INPLASY202220025.
Athletic Osteitis Pubis Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Broos Wouter A. M. , van der Zant Friso M. , Knol Remco J. J.
Published: April 2022

A 37-year-old male personal trainer presented with debilitating groin pains, fever, and night sweats. Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes were noticed during physical examination, and blood tests showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. 18F-FDG PET/CT excluded lymphoma and other malignancy but showed intense FDG uptake at the pubic symphysis and cortical erosions of the pubic bones on CT. The patient was diagnosed with osteitis pubis, an inflammatory condition of the pubic symphysis commonly seen in athletes. Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs was initiated. Within several weeks, pain decreased, and inflammatory markers normalized.
Pelagibius marinus sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from marine sediment, and emended description of the genus Pelagibius
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhu Suting , Sun Chaoling , Ding Lijian , Jung Dawoon , He Shan , Wang Ning , Zhang Weiyan
Published: April 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile and aerobic marine bacterium, designated strain NBU2595T, was isolated from marine sediment sampled on Meishan Island, located in the East China Sea. Strain NBU2595T grew at 10–40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at NaCl concentration of 0–10.0 % (w/v; optimum, 0.5 %) and at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). Catalase and oxidase activities and H2S production were positive. Methyl red reaction and hydrolysis of casein, starch and Tweens 20, 40, 60 and 80 were negative. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c), C18 : 1 2-OH and C18 : 0 3-OH. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed highest similarity to

Pelagibius litoralis

CL-UU02T (97.9%), and low similarities (<92.9 %) to other species. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain NBU2595T clustered with the genus

Pelagibius

and was closely related to

P. litoralis

CL-UU02T. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain NBU2595T and the related species of the genus

Pelagibius

were well below the thresholds for prokaryotic species delineation. The DNA G+C content was 66.5 mol%. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain NBU2595T should be placed in the genus

Pelagibius

as representing a novel species, for which the name Pelagibius marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NBU2595T (=MCCC 1K04773T=KCTC 82223T).
Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility of clinically relevant and cryptic species of Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri
Authors: Nargesi Sanaz , Jafarzadeh Jalal , Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Nouripour-Sisakht Sadegh , Haghani Iman , Abastabar Mahdi , Ilkit Macit , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi
Published: April 2022

Introduction.
Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri comprise clinically relevant and cryptic species that differ significantly in drug susceptibility, meaning that effective treatment depends on correct species identification.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There are no comprehensive data for molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of clinically relevant and cryptic species of Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri as the main agents of invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis in Iran.

We aimed to perform molecular identification and AFST of 213 clinical Aspergillus isolates belonging to sections Flavi and Nigri.

Molecular identification of isolates was performed using sequencing of the β-tubulin gene and in vitro AFST was conducted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A3 guidelines.

Results. The most common isolates in sections Flavi and Nigri were Aspergillus flavus (110/113, 97.3 %) and Aspergillus tubingensis (49/100, 49.0 %), respectively. A total of 62/213 (29.1 %) isolates belonging to cryptic species were identified; among them, A. tubingensis was the most prevalent (49/62, 79.0%). Aspergillus flavus and A. niger isolates that responded to the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of itraconazole above the epidemiological cutoff values were the most frequently detected: 8/110 (7.3 %) and 3/41 (7.3 %), respectively. In section Flavi, Aspergillus alliaceus responded to amphotericin B at a high MIC (>16 µg mL−1) and in section Nigri, one of the three Aspergillus luchuensis/awamori isolates responded to itraconazole at an MIC >16 µg ml−1. Interestingly, for all Aspergillus welwitschiae isolates, the MIC50 and MIC90 of itraconazole were both 16 µg ml−1.

Conclusion. A considerable presence of A. flavus and A. niger isolates showing non-wild-type responses to azoles in clinical cases of aspergillosis indicates the importance of classifying clinical Aspergillus isolates at the species level and performing antifungal susceptibility testing on the isolates, which would ensure appropriate treatment.
Longitudinal analysis of the impact of oral contraceptive use on the gut microbiome
Authors: Hua Xinwei , Cao Yueming , Morgan David M. , Miller Kaia , Chin Samantha M. , Bellavance Danielle , Khalili Hamed
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Evidence has linked exogenous and endogenous sex hormones with the human microbiome.

Hypothesis/Gap statement. The longitudinal effects of oral contraceptives (OC) on the human gut microbiome have not previously been studied.

Aim. We sought to examine the longitudinal impact of OC use on the taxonomic composition and metabolic functions of the gut microbiota and endogenous sex steroid hormones after initiation of OC use.

Methodology. We recruited ten healthy women who provided blood and stool samples prior to OC use, 1 month and 6 months after starting OC. We measured serum levels of sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and total testosterone. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from faecal samples. Species and metabolic pathway abundances were determined using MetaPhlAn2 and HUMAnN2. Multivariate association with linear models was used to identify microbial species and metabolic pathways associated with OC use and endogenous levels of sex hormones.

Results. The percentage variance of the microbial community explained by individual factors ranged from 9.9 % for age to 2.7 % for time since initiation of OC use. We observed no changes in the diversity or composition of the gut microbiome following OC initiation. However, the relative abundance of the biosynthesis pathways of peptidoglycan, amino acids (lysine, threonine, methionine, and tryptophan), and the NAD salvage pathway increased after OC initiation. In addition, serum levels of estradiol and SHBG were positively associated with Eubacterium ramulus, a flavonoid-degrading bacterium. Similarly, microbes involving biosynthesis of l-lysine, l-threonine, and l-methionine were significantly associated with lower estradiol, SHBG, and higher levels of total testosterone.

Conclusion. Our study provides the first piece of evidence supporting the association between exogenous and endogenous sex hormones and gut microbiome composition and function.
An isothermal amplification-coupled dipstick for the rapid detection of COVID-19
Authors: Shanmugakani Rathina Kumar , Wu Martin
Published: April 2022

Early detection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical for both initiating appropriate treatment and preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent. A simple and rapid diagnostic test that can be performed without any expensive equipment would be valuable for clinicians working in a low-resource setting. Here, we report a point-of-care detection technique for COVID-19 that combines the power of isothermal amplification (reverse transcription helicase-dependent amplification, RT-HDA) and dipstick technologies. The limit of detection of this diagnostic test is six copies of SARS-CoV-2 µl−1 in clinical specimens. Of the 22 clinical specimens tested, RT-HDA-coupled dipstick correctly identified all positive and negative specimens. The RT-HDA can be performed over a heating block and the results can be interpreted visually with the dipstick technology without any specialized equipment. Furthermore, the RT-HDA-coupled dipstick could be performed in a short turnaround time of ~2 h. Thus, the RT-HDA-coupled dipstick could serve as a point-of-care diagnostic test for COVID-19 in a low-resource environment.
Changes of LipoxinA4 Levels Following Early Hospital Management of Patients with Non-Severe COVID-19: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jamali Farzaneh , Shahrami Bita , Mojtahedzadeh Amirmahdi , Najmeddin Farhad , Arabzadeh Amir Ahmad , Hadadi Azar , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba
Published: April 2022

LipoxinA4 (LXA4) is an anti-inflammatory biomarker participating in the active process of inflammation resolution, which is suggested to be effective on infectious and inflammatory diseases like COVID-19. In this study, we hypothesized that LXA4 levels may increase following COVID-19 treatment and are even more accurate than commonly used inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin. To test this hypothesis, a pilot study was conducted with 31 adult hospitalized patients with non-severe COVID-19. LXA4 levels were measured at the baseline and 48-72 hours later. Accordingly, ESR and CRP levels were collected on the first day of hospitalization. Moreover, the maximum serum ferritin levels were collected during the five days. LXA4 levels significantly increased at 48-72 hours compared to the baseline. ESR, CRP, and ferritin levels were positively correlated with the increased LXA4. In contrast, aging was shown to negatively correlate with the increased LXA4 levels. LXA4 may be known as a valuable marker to assess the treatment response among non-elderly patients with non-severe COVID-19. Furthermore, LXA4 could be considered as a potential treatment option under inflammatory conditions. Further studies are necessary to clarify LXA4 role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, as well as the balance between such pro-resolving mediators and inflammatory parameters.
Statistical evaluation of metaproteomics and 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing techniques for the study of the gut microbiota establishment of infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Saralegui Claudia , García-Durán Carmen , Romeu Eduardo , Hernáez-Sánchez María Luisa , Maruri Ainhize , Bastón-Paz Natalia , Lamas Adelaida , Vicente Saioa , Pérez-Ruiz Estela , Delgado Isabel , Luna-Paredes Carmen , de Dios Caballero Juan , Zamora Javier , Monteoliva Lucía , Gil Concepción , Campo Rosa del
Published: April 2022

The newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) can identify affected but still asymptomatic infants. The selection of omic technique for gut microbiota study is therefore crucial due to both the small amount of feces available and the low microorganism load. Our aim was to compare the agreement between 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metaproteomics by a robust statistical analysis including McNemar (taxa presence) test and Bland–Altman (taxa abundance) data plotting for studying the sequential establishment of the gut microbiota during the first year of life in 8 infants with CF (28 fecal samples). The taxonomic assignation was similar by the two techniques, whereas certain discrepancies were observed in the abundance detection, mostly the underrepresentation of Bifidobacterium and the overestimation of certain Firmicutes and Proteobacteria by amplicon sequencing. During the first months of life, the CF gut microbiota is characterized by poor alpha diversity, a significant enrichment of Ruminococcus gnavus, the expression of certain virulent bacterial traits, and the detection of human inflammation-related proteins. Our study provides an extended comparative analysis with robust statistical support that could optimize the use of both approaches for gut microbiota research. Metaproteomics provides information on composition and functionality, as well as data on host-microbiome interactions. Its strength is the identification and quantification of Actinobacteria and certain classes of Firmicutes. Both techniques detected an aberrant microbiota in infants with CF during their first year of life, dominated by the enrichment of R. gnavus within a human inflammatory environment.
Cortical facilitation of somatosensory inputs using gravity-related tactile information in patients with bilateral vestibular loss
Authors: Fabre Marie , Beullier Laura , Sutter Chloé , Krebritchi Amirezza , Chavet Pascale , Simoneau Martin , Toupet Michel , Blouin Jean , Mouchnino Laurence
Published: April 2022

A few years after their bilateral vestibular loss, individuals usually show a motor repertoire that is almost back to normal. This recovery is thought to involve an up-regulation of the visual and proprioceptive information that compensates for the lack of vestibular information. Here, we investigated whether plantar tactile inputs, which provide body information relative to the ground and to the Earth-vertical, contribute to this compensation. More specifically, we tested the hypothesis that somatosensory cortex response to electric stimulation of the plantar sole in standing adults will be greater in patients (n = 10) with bilateral vestibular loss than in an aged-matched healthy group (n = 10). Showing significant greater somatosensory evoked potentials (i.e., P1N1) in patients than in controls, the electroencephalographic recordings supported this hypothesis. Furthermore, we found evidence that increasing the differential pressure between both feet, by adding a 1 kg mass at each pending wrist, enhanced the internal representation of body orientation and motion relative to a gravitational reference frame. The large decreased in alpha/beta power in the right posterior parietal cortex (and not in the left) is in line with this assumption. Finally, our behavioral analyses showed smaller body sway oscillations for patients, likely originated from a tactile-based control strategy. Conversely, healthy subjects showed smaller head oscillations suggesting a vestibular-based control strategy, the head serving as a reference for balance control.

Highlights

Somatosensory cortex excitability is greater in patients with bilateral vestibular loss than in aged-matched healthy individuals

To control balance, healthy individuals “locked” the head while vestibular patients “locked” their pelvis

For vestibular patients, increasing loading/unloading mechanism enhances the internal representation of body state in the posterior parietal cortex
Integrated molecular and pharmacological characterization of patient-derived xenografts from bladder and ureteral cancers identifies new potential therapies
Authors: Lang Hervé , Béraud Claire , Cabel Luc , Fontugne Jacqueline , Lassalle Myriam , Krucker Clémentine , Dufour Florent , Groeneveld Clarice S. , Dixon Victoria , Meng Xiangyu , Kamoun Aurélie , Chapeaublanc Elodie , De Reynies Aurélien , Gamé Xavier , Rischmann Pascal , Bieche Ivan , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Beaurepere Romane , Allory Yves , Lindner Véronique , Misseri Yolande , Radvanyi François , Lluel Philippe , Bernard-Pierrot Isabelle , Massfelder Thierry
Published: April 2022

Background

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are molecularly heterogeneous. Despite chemotherapies, immunotherapies or anti-FGFR treatments, these tumors are still of poor outcome. Our objective was to develop a bank of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) recapitulating molecular heterogeneity of MIBC and UTUC, to facilitate preclinical identification of therapies.

Methods

Fresh tumors were obtained from patients and subcutaneously engrafted into immune-compromised mice. Patient tumors and matched PDXs were compared regarding histopathology, transcriptomic (microarrays) and genomic profiles (targeted-NGS). Several PDXs were treated with chemotherapy (cisplatin/gemcitabine) or targeted therapies (FGFR and EGFR inhibitors).

Results

31 PDXs were established from 1 non-MIBC, 25 MIBC, 5 upper urinary tract tumors, including 28 urothelial (UCC) and 3 squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC). Integrated genomic and transcriptomic profiling identified PDXs of 3 different consensus molecular subtypes (Basal/Squamous, Luminal papillary and Luminal unstable), and included FGFR3-mutated PDXs. High histological and genomic concordance was found between matched patient tumor/PDX. Discordance in molecular subtypes, such as a basal/squamous patient tumor giving rise to a luminal papillary PDX, was observed (n=5) at molecular and histological levels. Ten models were treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy and we did not observe association between subtypes and response. Of the 3 basal/squamous models treated with anti-EGFR therapy, two models were sensitive and one model, of sarcomatoid variant, was resistant. Treatment of 3 FGFR3-mutant PDXs with combined FGFR/EGFR inhibitors was more efficient than anti-FGFR3 treatment alone.

Conclusions

We developed preclinical PDX models that recapitulate the molecular heterogeneity of MIBCs and UTUC, including actionable mutations, which will represent an essential tool in therapy development. Pharmacological characterization of the PDXs suggested that upper urinary tract and MIBCs, UCC but also SCC, with similar molecular characteristics could benefit from the same treatments including anti-FGFR for FGFR3-mutated tumors and anti-EGFR for basal ones and showed a benefit for combined FGFR/EGFR inhibition in FGFR3-mutant PDXs, compared to FGFR inhibition alone.
Commercial ChIP-Seq library preparation kits performed differently for different classes of protein targets
Authors: Simper MS , Coletta L Della , Gaddis S , Lin K , Mikulec CD , Takata Y , Tomida MW , Zhang D , Tang DG , Estecio MR , Shen J , Lu Y
Published: April 2022

Background

ChIP-Seq is a powerful method commonly used to study global protein-DNA interactions including both transcription factors and histone modifications. We have found that the choice of ChIP-Seq library preparation protocol plays an important role in overall ChIP-Seq data quality. However, very few studies have compared ChIP-Seq libraries prepared by different protocols using multiple targets and a broad range of input DNA levels.

Results

In this study, we evaluated the performance of four ChIP-Seq library preparation protocols [NEB NEBNext Ultra II, Roche KAPA HyperPrep, Diagenode MicroPlex, and Bioo (now PerkinElmer) NEXTflex] on three target proteins, chosen to represent the three typical signal enrichment patterns in ChIP-Seq experiments: sharp peaks (H3K4me3), broad domains (H3K27me3) and punctate peaks with a protein binding motif (CTCF). We also tested a broad range of different input DNA levels from 0.10 to 10 ng for H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 experiments.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the NEB protocol may be better for preparing H3K4me3 (and potentially other histone modifications with sharp peak enrichment) libraries; the Bioo protocol may be better for preparing H3K27me3 (and potentially other histone modifications with broad domain enrichment) libraries, and the Diagenode protocol may be better for preparing CTCF (and potentially other transcription factors with well-defined binding motifs) libraries. For ChIP-Seq experiments using novel targets without a known signal enrichment pattern, the NEB protocol might be the best choice as it performed well for each of the three targets we tested across a wide array of input DNA levels.
Release of VAMP5-positive extracellular vesicles by retinal Müller gliain vivo
Authors: Demais Valerie , Pohl Anne , Wunderlich Kirsten A. , Pfaller Anna M. , Kaplan Lew , Barthélémy Amelie , Dittrich Robin , Puig Berta , Giebel Bernd , Hauck Stefanie M. , Pfrieger Frank W. , Grosche Antje
Published: April 2022

Cell-cell interactions in the central nervous system are based on the release of molecules mediating signal exchange and providing structural and trophic support through vesicular exocytosis and the formation of extracellular vesicles. The specific mechanisms employed by each cell type in the brain are incompletely understood. Here, we explored the means of communication used by Müller cells, a type of radial glial cells in the retina, which forms part of the central nervous system. Using immunohistochemical, electron microscopic, and molecular analyses, we provide evidence for the release of distinct extracellular vesicles from endfeet and microvilli of retinal Müller cells in adult micein vivo. We identify VAMP5 as a Müller cell-specific SNARE component that is part of extracellular vesicles and responsive to ischemia, and we reveal differences between the secretomes of immunoaffinity-purified Müller cells and neuronsin vitro. Our findings suggest extracellular vesicle-based communication as an important mediator of cellular interactions in the retina.
Effect of clamping force on distortion of the optical surface of monochromators during assembly
Authors: Bainbridge Eleanor Victoria , Griffiths Jonathan David , Clunan Jessica , Docker Peter
Published: April 2022

As Diamond Light Source embraces the move towards becoming a fourth-generation light source its optics will be required to perform under increasingly demanding conditions. Foremost amongst these conditions will be the increasing power densities the optics are subjected to and the reducing real estate they have to perform in. With these new challenges comes the need for greater understanding of how optics are assembled and how consistently the activity is carried out. In this paper, the effect of bolt pretension during assembly of monochromators on distortion of the optical surface is investigated through numerical simulation. The results reveal skewed convex distortion of the optical surface in the meridional direction when uneven clamping force is applied, highlighting the importance of taking the potential for distortion of the optical surface due to clamping force into consideration.
Exploring how social capital and self-esteem shape career success among women in a patriarchal African society: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Imhanrenialena Benedict Ogbemudia , Cross Ogohi Daniel , Ebhotemhen Wilson , Chukwu Benjamin Ibe , Oforkansi Ejike Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate how bridging and bonding social capital relate to career success among career women in a patriarchal African society. Further, the intervening role of self-esteem in the association between social capital and career success was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 488 Nigerian career women in management cadres in both private and public sectors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied in testing the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The outcomes show that bridging social capital has a significant positive relationship with subjective and objective career success. Conversely, bonding social capital has no significant positive relationship with subjective and objective career success. Further analyses show that self-esteem only partially mediates the association between bridging social capital and career success while an insignificant intervening effect of self-esteem on the association between bonding social capital and career success was found.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need for organisations to stimulate a friendly work environment that has a zero-tolerance culture for workplace discrimination against women. This will enable the women to relate with people in the workplace irrespective of gender or cadre to generate more bridging social capital to achieve greater career success.

Originality/value

The study extends social capital and career success research to career women in a patriarchal African context as a response to the call for context-specific career research in non-western countries particularly Africa. Second, the study provides empirical evidence that African career woman with bridging social capital can achieve career success irrespective of their self-esteem level amid patriarchal discrimination.
Difficulties experienced by managers in the coordination of teams working from home: an exploratory study considering the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rodrigues Edilson Alves , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Pavan Serafim Milena , Filho Walter Leal , Anholon Rosley
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This research aims to analyse difficulties experienced by Brazilian managers in coordinating teams working from home during the coronavirus disease (2019) COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological strategy used was a survey with 39 managers who led teams working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven difficulties indicated by current literature were analysed using a fuzzy scale. First, a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) approach was used to group managers according to managers' similarities and capacity to infer the difficulties. Responses of each group identified were weighted considering the capacity to assess the theme. In the sequence, data were analysed via frequencies and the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach and difficulties were ordered.

Findings

Comparatively, the main difficulties evidenced are (1) to reconcile personal and professional life tasks in the same place; (2) to motivate collaborators in a period when social isolation affect employee's mental health and (3) to keep team members integrated and working within the activities scope in a virtual environment.

Originality/value

The findings present in this paper contribute to theory and practice. For theory, this article contributes to the knowledge on WFH and leadership, evidencing in a comparatively way the difficulties that are experienced by managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers in future studies can better analyse these difficulties. For practice, managers who conduct managers' teams remotely can use the information to analyse teams' practices and improve performance critically. This was an atypical moment of humanity, and different aspects need to be considered by managers compared with previous periods.
A deeper understanding of switching intention and the perceptions of non-subscribers
Authors: Tsai Ling Long
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Most previous studies on new technologies and services have concentrated on their acceptance, seldom exploring in depth why users may choose not to accept technology or service and remain “non-users.” This study aims to understand free platform users' intention to switch to paid subscription platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized push-pull-mooring (PPM) theory to investigate free OTT platform viewers' switching intentions toward paid OTT platforms. A research model was established and examined via a two-stage partial least square (PLS) method. A total of 446 free users were collected from Facebook and Line for data analysis.

Findings

Results show that perceived intrusiveness is the push factor and alternative attractiveness is the pull factor and that both have a positive impact on the switching intention of non-subscribers. Habit represents the mooring factor and negative affects switching intention. Perceived convenience and perceived enjoyment are shown to be two significant habitual antecedents. Furthermore, habit is revealed to moderate the effect of users' perceived advertisement intrusion and alternative attractiveness on switching intention to strengthen positive impact when the habit is strong.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneering studies to consider free-to-paid switching behavior on media services using PPM's structural equation model. Contrary to previous research, the study found that, in the context of the free-to-paid transition, highly accustomed users' perception of pull factors and push factors were strengthened, thus generating the tendency to switch platforms.
Ongoing adaptive reuse: patterns of heritage resilience before and after COVID-19
Authors: Fava Federica
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the impact and responses to coronavirus disease 2019 in six European heritage labs (Horizon 2020 Framework Programme) selected for their adaptive heritage re-use practices based on participation, self-organisation and self-management. As they are naturally oriented towards building resilient urban systems, the hypothesis is that the co-production of cultural values and places promoted by these projects could create the conditions for equitable perspectives of resilience in the normality of contemporary urban life.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data collected through a survey of six European Living Labs between January and May 2021. The survey results are framed by a literature review that defines adaptive reuse in terms of resilience. The five resilience characteristics described by Judith Rodin (awareness, diversification, integration, self-regulation and adaptability) are used to navigate the literature and organise the survey results.

Findings

Combining survey results and insights from the literature, some modes and elements (territorial, social, financial) are presented that contribute to creating the conditions for resilience through adaptive heritage reuse according to community-based approaches. Without claiming to be exhaustive, this evidence should be considered in the design phase of resilience programmes, policies or projects related to cultural heritage.

Originality/value

The concepts of community and resilience are becoming increasingly important in the field of cultural heritage. This paper makes a creative contribution to the ongoing debate by presenting and evaluating the contribution of adaptive reuse practices to resilience building.