bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The m6A landscape of polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA and its related methylome in the context of KSHV replication
Authors: Martin Sarah Elizabeth , Gan Huachen , Toomer Gabriela , Sridhar Nikitha , Sztuba-Solinska Joanna
Published: April 2021

Polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA is a non-coding transcript involved in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic reactivation and regulation of cellular and viral gene expression. We have shown that PAN RNA has a dynamic secondary structure and protein binding profiles that can be influenced by the epitranscriptomic modifications. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant signature found in viral and virus-encoded RNAs. Here, we combined an antibody-independent next-generation mapping with direct RNA sequencing to elucidate the m6A landscape of PAN RNA during the KSHV latent and lytic stages of infection. Using a newly developed method, termedSelenium-modified deoxythymidine triphosphate reverse transcription andLigationAssistedPCR analysis of m6A (SLAP), we gained insight into the fraction of modification at identified sites. Using comprehensive proteomic approaches, we identified writers, erasers, and readers that regulate the m6A status of PAN. We verified the temporal and spatial subcellular availability of the methylome components for PAN modification by performing confocal microscopy analysis. Additionally, the RNA biochemical probing outlined structural alterations invoked by m6A in the context of full-length PAN RNA. This work represents the first comprehensive overview of the dynamic interplay between the cellular epitranscriptomic machinery and a specific viral RNA.
Rapid generation of pigment free, immobile zebrafish embryos and larvae in any genetic background using CRISPR-Cas9 dgRNPs
Authors: Davis Andrew E. , Castranova Daniel , Weinstein Brant M.
Published: April 2021

The ability to carry out high-resolution, high-magnification optical imaging of living animals is one of the most attractive features of the zebrafish as a model organism. However, formation of obscuring pigmentation as development proceeds and difficulties in maintaining sustained immobilization of healthy, living animals remain challenges that limit the application of live imaging. Chemical treatments can be used to suppress pigment formation and movement, but these treatments can lead to developmental defects. Genetic mutants can also be used to eliminate pigment formation and immobilize animals but maintaining these mutants in lines carrying other combinations of transgenes and mutants is difficult and laborious. Here, we show that CRISPR duplex guide ribonucleoproteins (dgRNPs) targeting theslc45a2 (albino)andchrna1 (nic1)genes can be used to efficiently suppress pigment formation in and immobilize F0 injected animals. CRISPR dgRNPs can be used to generate pigment-free, immobile zebrafish embryos and larvae in any transgenic and/or mutant-carrying background, greatly facilitating high-resolution imaging and analysis of the many transgenic and mutant lines available in the zebrafish.
Individualism and collectivism in small-scale fisheries post-3.11 Japan
Authors: Takakura Hiroki
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study examines fisheries affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 to explore how the collectivism appears during the recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

The author questions the context of collaboration after the disaster among independent small-scale fishers in Miyagi by conducting semistructured interviews with more than 50 local fishers with anthropological observations of boat fishing operations and using local documents and statistics.

Findings

The corresponding collaboration among the fishers after the disaster is not a mere “disaster utopia,” but is embedded in the socioecological context of fishing. Fishers have developed individual and group fishing. They have institutionalized competitive distribution for sedentary fish with low resource fluctuation, while outcome-equal distribution is adopted for migratory fish with high resource fluctuation. This forms a fishing continuum that connects competitive individualism with collectivism in the community, which has contributed to resilience for disaster recovery.

Originality/value

The balance between individualism and collectivism is decisively coordinated in socioecological contexts. The multifaceted resource strategy for maritime biodiversity that features family-based occupational differentiation in a community is crucial for disaster recovery of small-scale fishers.
Between comments and repeat visit: capturing repeat visitors with a hybrid approach
Authors: Kim Jina , Jang Yeonju , Bae Kunwoo , Oh Soyoung , Jeong Nam Jeong , Park Eunil , Han Jinyoung , del Pobil Angel P.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Understanding customers' revisiting behavior is highlighted in the field of service industry and the emergence of online communities has enabled customers to express their prior experience. Thus, purpose of this study is to investigate customers' reviews on an online hotel reservation platform, and explores their postbehaviors from their reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ two different approaches and compare the accuracy of predicting customers' post behavior: (1) using several machine learning classifiers based on sentimental dimensions of customers' reviews and (2) conducting the experiment consisted of two subsections. In the experiment, the first subsection is designed for participants to predict whether customers who wrote reviews would visit the hotel again (referred to as Prediction), while the second subsection examines whether participants want to visit one of the particular hotels when they read other customers' reviews (dubbed as Decision).

Findings

The accuracy of the machine learning approaches (73.23%) is higher than that of the experimental approach (Prediction: 58.96% and Decision: 64.79%). The key reasons of users' predictions and decisions are identified through qualitative analyses.

Originality/value

The findings reveal that using machine learning approaches show the higher accuracy of predicting customers' repeat visits only based on employed sentimental features. With the novel approach of integrating customers' decision processes and machine learning classifiers, the authors provide valuable insights for researchers and providers of hospitality services.
Market reactions to the inclusion of people with disabilities
Authors: Hernández González Claudia Araceli
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide evidence of market reactions to organizations' inclusion of people with disabilities. Cases from financial journals in 1989–2014 were used to analyze the impact of actions taken by organizations to include or discriminate people with disabilities in terms of the companies' stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conducted as an event study where the disclosure of information on an organization's actions toward people with disabilities is expected to impact the organization's stock price. The window of the event was set as (−1, +1) days. Stock prices were analyzed to detect abnormal returns during this period.

Findings

Results support the hypotheses that investors value inclusion and reject discrimination. Furthermore, the impact of negative actions is immediate, whereas the impact of positive actions requires at least an additional day to influence the firm's stock price. Some differences among the categories were found; for instance, employment and customer events were significantly more important to a firm's stock price than philanthropic actions. It was observed that philanthropic events produce negative abnormal returns on average.

Originality/value

The event study methodology provides a different perspective to practices in organizations regarding people with disabilities. Moreover, the findings in this research advance the literature by highlighting that organizations should consider policies and practices that include people with disabilities.
Internationalisation of Malaysian higher education: policies, practices and the SDGs
Authors: Wan Chang Da , Abdullah Doria
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the policies and practices of internationalisation of higher education in Malaysia, and to specifically explore how Sustainable Development Goals are translated into policies and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a chronological and historical approach to examine policies and practices on internationalisation of higher education in Malaysia. This includes identifying patterns, trends and shifts on internationalisation at the system and institutional levels.

Findings

At the system level, Malaysia has transformed from a sending to receiving country, from being an aid recipient to an equal partner, and from a host to a provider. At the institutional level, internationalisation transforms from a fad to a norm, and from having unilateral collaboration to setting up multinational collaborations with international partners. Equally important, the paper discusses the role of internationalisation to address the global Sustainable Development Goals, and identify policy gaps at the national level and the de facto practices of Sustainable Development Goals at the institutional level.

Originality/value

This paper charts the changes of internationalisation of higher education in Malaysia, and importantly, shows gaps to incorporate the global Sustainable Development Goals and to relate this global agenda to the internationalisation of higher education.
Do you like me when the sun is shining? The influence of weather and point-in-time on the stakeholder-Dialogue in Facebook
Authors: Martin Sebastian , Wetzelhütter Daniela , Grüb Birgit
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of external factors on the Facebook dialogue. As both weather and point in time substantially. As both weather and point in time substantially influence people’s lives, it can be assumed that both factors may also affect communication on Facebook. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the impact of the external factors “weather” and “point in time” on a public utility’s Facebook communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The potential influence is explored through the case study of an Austrian public utility. The study focuses on 321 postings, published via the company’s official Facebook account between August 2016 and February 2018.

Findings

The empirical results confirm the influence of “weather” and “point in time” indicators on the stakeholder dialogue. The findings highlight how the relevant items affect the posting behavior of a utility, as well as stakeholders’ reactions, comments and shares.

Originality/value

By introducing both external factors to the social media literature, this paper broadens the understanding of Facebook communications beyond the sender and receiver of digital information. In this way, the research contributes to a more holistic view of Facebook dialogue. It provides practical advice on how social media managers of public utilities may use weather forecasts and “point in time” considerations to more strategically foster stakeholder dialogue in social media.
A bibliometric review ofInternational Marketing Review (IMR): past, present, and future
Authors: Donthu Naveen , Kumar Satish , Pattnaik Debidutta , Pandey Neeraj
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The primary objective of this endeavour is to form a retrospective overview of theInternational Marketing Review (IMR) and map its way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of bibliometric techniques has been employed to analyse the performance ofIMRand its stakeholders, map the evolution of its thematic and intellectual structures and analyse the factors drivingIMR's academic influence and impact

Findings

IMR's academic contributions, influence and impact have grown progressively. The thematic structure of the journal has evolved into six clusters. Simultaneously, its research fronts have submerged to six bibliographic clusters, noted as marketing channels, cross-cultural impact on emerging markets, export performance, country of origin (COO), online consumers and global business environment. Among these, the first four are still evolving, suggesting scope for future submissions.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this endeavour largely arises from its selection of bibliographic data being confined to Scopus.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first objective assessment of the journal, useful to its authors, readers, reviewers and editorial board.
Bayesian monthly index for building activity based on mixed frequencies: the case of Chile
Authors: Idrovo-Aguirre Byron J. , Contreras-Reyes Javier E.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper combines the objective information of six mixed-frequency partial-activity indicators with assumptions or beliefs (called priors) regarding the distribution of the parameters that approximate the state of the construction activity cycle. Thus, this paper uses Bayesian inference with Gibbs simulations and the Kalman filter to estimate the parameters of the state-space model, used to design the Imacon.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike other economic sectors of similar importance in aggregate gross domestic product, such as mining and industry, the construction sector lacked a short-term measure that helps to identify its most recent performance.

Findings

Indeed, because these priors are susceptible to changes, they provide flexibility to the original Imacon model, allowing for the assessment of risk scenarios and adaption to the greater relative volatility that characterizes the sector's activity.

Originality/value

The classic maximum likelihood method of estimating the monthly construction activity index (Imacon) is rigid to the incorporation of new measures of uncertainty, expectations or different volatility (risks) levels in the state of construction activity. In this context, this paper uses Bayesian inference with 10,000 Gibbs simulations and the Kalman filter to estimate the parameters of the state-space model, used to design the Imacon, inspired by the original works of Mariano and Murasawa (2003) and Kim and Nelson (1998). Thus, this paper consists of a natural extension of the classic method used by Tejada (2006) in the estimation of the old Imacon.
Small business debt financing: the effect of lender structural complexity
Authors: Franquesa Jaume , Vera David
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) depend on a large measure on commercial banks for external capital, and US SMEs are increasingly experiencing bank credit constraints and resorting to costly alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of lender organizational complexity on SME financing shortfalls. In particular, it examines the credit shortage effects associated with the SME's reliance on bank holding company (BHC) owned, as opposed to independent, lenders.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on agency–theoretic rationales, the authors posit that both hierarchical and horizontal complexity associated with present-day BHC structures will diminish an affiliated bank's ability and willingness to properly underwrite SME credit needs. Consequently, they hypothesize that SMEs whose commercial lenders are BHC affiliates are likely to experience greater credit shortages. This hypothesis was tested using exhaustive financial data from a large and nationally representative sample of US SMEs.

Findings

Greater SME reliance on loans from BHC lenders was found to be associated with a greater use of late trade–credit payments. The latter is an expensive form of financing and a generally accepted indicator of shortages in conventional (and cheaper) bank credit.

Originality/value

Despite the evolution toward more complex bank organizational forms, especially among community banks, the implications for SME lending are not yet fully understood. This paper's contribution is to offer a first examination of the impact of post-deregulation BHC structures on SME financing shortfalls.
Twenty-five years of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development: a bibliometric review
Authors: Kumar Satish , Vanevenhoven Jeff , Liguori Eric , Dana Leo Paul , Pandey Nitesh
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Commensurate with the 25th anniversary of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development (JSBED), this retrospective work distils trends across all original articles published in the journal during this time period.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric analysis techniques are used to analyse 917 original JSBED publications. Specifically, performance analysis is conducted to analyse the journal's publication and citation patterns, bibliographic coupling and author keyword co-occurrence analysis are conducted to identify major themes, and co-authorship analysis is conducted to analyse author collaborations.

Findings

Results indicate JSBED has grown considerably since its inception, both in terms publication and citations. JSBED's most prevalent themes include management and growth of small firms, entrepreneurship education, strategy in small firms, business development, technology in small firms, business competencies in small firms, internationalization in small firms, role of social capital, entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurship in under-represented and minority populations.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of JSBED in the journal's history. Accordingly, it presents a novel and heretofore disparate understanding of the key themes and dialogues emerging from an established journal with a growing reputation for scholarly and practitioner impact.
The current situation of information literacy education and curriculum design in Pakistan: a discovery using Delphi method
Authors: Batool Syeda Hina , Rehman Ata ur , Sulehri Imran
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The present study focused on information literacy education through a unique research lens, i.e. the Delphi process in developing countries. The primary aim of the study is to formulate an information literacy framework for higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

In total 13 experts from the field, including academicians and practitioners, were invited to build consensus on the components of an information literacy curriculum for library and information sciences or management postgraduate students.

Findings

The Delphi process was completed in three reasonable rounds to build consensus on eight information literacy course units, including computer, research, critical, information, domain-specific knowledge and copyright literacies in line with learning and communication skills. The panelists considered computer, research and critical literacies as the most significant components of an information literacy curriculum for postgraduates.

Practical implications

The proposed framework of information literacy curriculum may have considerable implications for educators, practitioners and researchers.

Originality/value

The study is unique as it focuses on developing a contextual and comprehensive information literacy education framework for information professionals.
How social media fosters the elders' COVID-19 preventive behaviors: perspectives of information value and perceived threat
Authors: Nguyen Tran Hung , Le Xuan Cu
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Although crisis communication via social media has engaged academia's attention during the disease outbreak, information value for preventive behaviors is inadequately studied. The purpose of this paper is to cast light on how to strengthen the uptake of older people's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) behavioral outcomes due to information value and perceived threat through social media.

Design/methodology/approach

This study designs a survey and applies structural equation modeling to examine a research framework. A sample comprises 334 Vietnamese older participants who have utilized social media.

Findings

The results illustrate that preventive behaviors are determined by perceived threat (i.e. severity and susceptibility). Furthermore, older people heighten risk perceptions based on information characteristics, including information relevance, informative support and source credibility. Lastly, information relevance is a strong predictor of source credibility.

Practical implications

The findings assist practitioners to enhance crisis communication effectiveness via social media by imparting valuable information to the public. Moreover, this paper offers overarching guidelines on the improvement in credibility with creators, risk consciousness and preventive behaviors.

Originality/value

Although earlier studies focused attentiveness on the power of social media for raising threat perceptions, this work seems the first to unveil informative motives for perceived COVID-19 threat across older individuals, which subsequently presents plausible reasons for behavioral disclosure, including facemask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing.
Readers' engagement through digital social reading on Twitter: the TwLetteratura case study
Authors: Pianzola Federico , Toccu Maurizio , Viviani Marco
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore how participants with different motivations (educational or leisure), familiarity with the medium (newbies and active Twitter users), and participating instructions respond to a highly structured digital social reading (DSR) activity in terms of intensity of engagement and social interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study involving students and teachers of 211 Italian high school classes and 242 other Twitter users, who generated a total of 18,962 tweets commenting on a literary text, was conducted. The authors performed both a quantitative analysis focusing on the number of tweets/retweets generated by participants and a network analysis exploiting the study of interactions between them. The authors also classified the tweets with respect to their originality, by using both automated text reuse detection approaches and manual categorization, to identify quotations, paraphrases and other forms of reader response.

Findings

The decoupling (both in space and time) of text read (in class) and comments (on Twitter) likely led users to mainly share text excerpts rather than original personal reactions to the story. There was almost no interaction outside the classroom, neither with other students nor with generic Twitter users, characterizing this project as a shared experience of “audiencing” a media event. The intensity of social interactions is more related to the breadth of the audience reached by the user-generated content and to a strong retweeting activity. In general, better familiarity with digital (social) media is related to an increase in the level of social interaction.

Originality/value

The authors analyzed one of the largest educational social reading projects ever realized, contributing to the still scarce empirical research about DSR. The authors employed state-of-the-art automated text reuse detection to classify reader response.
Measuring parent satisfaction in youth mental health services
Authors: O’Reilly Aileen , Donnelly Alanna , Rogers Jennifer , Maloney Olive , O’Brien Gillian , Doyle Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Measuring parent satisfaction is regarded as essential but there is a paucity of research reporting on parental satisfaction with community youth mental health services. This study aims to examine parent satisfaction with Jigsaw – a primary care youth mental health service.

Design/methodology/approach

A measure of parent satisfaction was developed and administered to parents in 12 Jigsaw services over a two-year period (n = 510, age range: 28 to 70 years) when young people and parents were ending their engagement with these services.

Findings

Overall, parents had high levels of satisfaction with Jigsaw and their level of satisfaction did not vary depending on the parent or young person’s age and/or gender. Examination of qualitative feedback revealed three overarching themes relating to growth and change in young people, parents and their families; strengths of the service and; suggestions for future service development. Analysis of the psychometric properties of the measure provided evidence for a two-factor structure examining satisfaction with the intervention and outcomes and service accessibility and facilities.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the first efforts to measure parent satisfaction with primary care youth mental health services. It has resulted in the development of a brief measure that can be more widely administered to parents engaging with primary care youth mental health services.
Analysis of biomonitoring data after full‐thickness skin grafting
Authors: Oda Takao , Kato Hiroshi , Nakamura Motoki , Morita Akimichi
Published: April 2021

Skin graft vascularization is investigated mainly by histological evaluation. Immunohistochemical analysis has been conducted only in mice. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2), which is an index of blood flow, has not been evaluated in skin grafts and only a few studies have reported biologic monitoring data using color tone evaluation and surface temperature. In humans, these tests can be performed non‐invasively. To evaluate human skin graft vascularization, we analyzed biomonitoring data after skin grafting. We evaluated 14 patients who underwent skin grafting surgery at Nagoya City University Hospital. The TcPO2, color tone, surface temperature, and dermoscopic observations at recipient sites were measured at postoperative day (POD) 4, 6, and 11. Mean TcPO2 levels at POD4, 6, and 11 were 12.7, 15.2, and 33.5 mmHg, respectively, and significantly higher at POD11 than at POD4 (p = 0.003, Steel–Dwass test). Dermoscopic observation revealed gradually increasing redness and yellowness. Color tone evaluation measured by spectrophotometry supported the appearance. The a*(redness) value at POD4, 6, and 11 was 6.19, 9.20, and 11.27, respectively, and significantly higher at POD11 than at POD4 (p < 0.001, Steel–Dwass test). The b*(yellowness) value at POD4, 6, and 11 was 8.83, 9.24, and 13.02, respectively, and significantly higher at POD11 than at POD4 (p = 0.020, Steel–Dwass test). The surface temperature did not significantly differ between graft and control sites. These findings suggest that skin graft vascularization started by POD6 and stabilized by POD11. Because TcPO2 increases after POD4, skin grafts should remain undisturbed until at least POD11.
Mitigating Psychic Distance and Enhancing Internationalization of Fintech SMEs from Emerging Markets: The Role of Board of Directors
Authors: Puthusserry Pushyarag , Khan Zaheer , Nair Smitha R. , King Timothy
Published: April 2021

Prior research suggests that corporate boards and directors play important roles in firm strategy and performance. In this paper, we examine an important yet under‐explored avenue and focus on their role in overcoming the multilevel psychic distance (PD) faced by internationalizing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) originating from an emerging market. Analysing Indian Fintech SMEs, using multiple case studies, our findings reveal that boards contribute important network‐level resources and knowledge about foreign markets, which in turn assists internationalizing SMEs in mitigating PD. We demonstrate that the human and social capital of boards play important, yet distinctly different, roles in mitigating PD at pre‐ and post‐internationalization phases. At the pre‐internationalization phase, directors’ prior international and industry experience, as well as board interlocks and prior connections, are most valuable, whereas at the post‐entry phase, transnational boards, and those with stronger trust‐based personal relationships (i.e. greater depth of social capital, facilitate faster experiential learning. Taken together, our findings contribute novel insights into the mechanisms through which boards affect the outcomes of firms operating, and originating from, extreme institutional environments. Further, we draw implications for research and practice.
Changes in emergency department blood product use for major paediatric trauma following the implementation of a major haemorrhage protocol
Authors: Long Elliot , Williams Amanda , Babl Franz E , Kinmonth Anne , Tse Wai Chung , Palmer Cameron S , Crighton Gemma , Savoia Helen , Teague Warwick J , Nystrup Kristin Brønnum
Published: April 2021

Objective

Fixed ratio blood product administration may improve outcomes in trauma patients with massive blood loss. The present study aimed to describe the impact of a major haemorrhage protocol (MHP) on the ratio of blood products administered for paediatric major trauma.

Methods

Retrospective observational study in a state‐designated paediatric major trauma centre in Melbourne, Australia. Children with major trauma who received blood products in the ED were identified from a hospital trauma registry. Blood product ratios before, during and after implementation of a hospital MHP were compared in consecutive 2 year blocks.

Results

Over a 6 year period, 767 major trauma patients were identified, of whom 47 received blood products in the ED and were included in the analysis; 14 pre‐MHP implementation, 24 during‐MHP implementation and nine post‐MHP implementation. No patients received blood products at a ratio of 1:1:1 for red blood cells:fresh frozen plasma:platelets, respectively, during any time period. In this cohort of predominantly blunt trauma, blood products were infrequently administered in the ED because of the low prevalence of massive blood loss. Coagulopathy and hypofibrinogenaemia were commonly observed, nearly half of included patients were managed operatively and one quarter did not survive their injuries.

Conclusion

The implementation of a MHP did not change the ratio of blood product administration in this cohort of patients because of the infrequency of massive blood loss. Future studies may focus on the impact of treating coagulopathy and hypofibrinogenaemia on patient‐centred outcomes.
Genomic features underlying the evolutionary transitions of Apibacter to honey bee gut symbionts
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Zhang Xue , Su Qinzhi , Tang Min , Zheng Hao , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2021

The gut bacteria of honey bee recognized as a mutualistic partner with the insect host might have originated from a free‐living or parasitic lifestyle. However, little is known about the genomic features underlying this lifestyle transition. Here we compared the genomes of bee gut bacteria Apibacter with their close relatives living in different lifestyles. We found that despite general reduction in the Apibacter genome, genes involved in amino acid synthesis and monosaccharide detoxification were retained, which is putatively beneficial to the host. Interestingly, the microaerobic Apibacter species specifically acquired genes encoding for the nitrate respiration (NAR). These together with nitrate transporter and enzymatic cofactor synthesis genes were found clustered in the genomes. The NAR system is also conserved in the cohabitating bee gut microbe Snodgrassella, although with a different structure. This convergence suggests a key role of respiratory nitrate reduction for microaerophilic microbiomes to colonize bee gut epithelium. Genes involved in lipid, histidine degradation were found partially or completely lost in Apibacter. Particularly, genes encoding for the conversion to the toxic intermediates in phenylacetate degradation, as well as other potential virulence factors, are specifically lost in Apibacter group. Antibiotic resistance genes are only sporadically distributed among Apibacter species, but are prevalent in their relatives, which may be related to the remotely living feature and less exposure to antibiotics of their bee hosts. Collectively, this study advanced our knowledge of genomic features specialized to bee gut symbionts.
Efficacy and dose of afatinib in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer after failure of prior gefitinib or erlotinib treatment
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Lee Jae‐Kyeong , Oh Hyung‐Joo , Kim Min‐Seok , Kho Bo Gun , Park Cheol Kyu , Oh In‐Jae , Kim Young‐Chul
Published: April 2021

Background

We report a subgroup analysis of afatinib with respect to its efficacy, safety, and the long‐term survival of patients in a Named Patient Use program at a single institution.

Methods

We analyzed 60 patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had been treated with ≥1 line of platinum‐based chemotherapy and had activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or disease control for ≥6 months with prior EGFR inhibitors. Afatinib was started on a daily dose of 50 mg, which was decreased according to the adverse events and tolerability.

Results

A total of 13 patients achieved partial remission, whereas 33, 12, and two showed stable disease, had progression, and were not evaluable, respectively, resulting in an objective response rate and disease control rate of 21.7% and 76.7%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 5.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0–7.7) months and median overall survival (OS) was 10.1 (8.5–13.6) months. Toxicities leading to drug discontinuation were experienced by four patients (6.7%). Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 10 patients (16.7%), and afatinib dose reductions were required in 35 patients. The PFS and OS were significantly longer for patients whose dose was reduced to 40 or 30 mg than for those without dose reduction (7.0 vs 3.1 months and 13.5 vs 8.1 months, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The efficacy of afatinib was similar to that identified in the global data without unexpected adverse events. Survival analyses support the currently approved dose of afatinib as first‐line treatment for NSCLC.
Prognostic effect of perineural invasion in surgically treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Ha Eun , Park Seong Yong , Kim Hyunki , Kim Dae Joon , Kim Sun Ill
Published: April 2021

Background

Although perineural invasion is a well known prognostic factor used in several cancers, its prognostic role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. Here, we investigated the prognostic role of perineural invasion in surgically treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 316 patients who underwent esophagectomy and lymph node dissection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between 2007 and 2016.

Results

Overall, 287 men (mean age: 62.73 ± 7.97 years) were included in the study. The median follow‐up period was 35.97 ± 30.99 months, perineural invasion was confirmed in 25 patients, and three‐year overall and disease‐free survival were significantly lower in the perineural invasion group than in the no‐perineural invasion group (75.9% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.001; 70.3% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.001). Cumulative incidences of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis over three years were higher in the perineural invasion group (13.8% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.009 and 52.8% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001). On performing multivariable analysis, perineural invasion, pathological stage, incomplete resection, and neoadjuvant therapy were adverse risk factors for disease‐free survival. The concordance index increased when perineural invasion was included in the model (0.712 vs. 0.723). On subgroup analysis, perineural invasion demonstrated a prognostic value in node‐negative patients (79.4% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Perineural invasion was found to be an adverse risk factor for disease‐free survival in surgically treated patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Close observation and individualized adjuvant therapy may be helpful for patients with perineural invasion.
A motion‐detection based camera trap for small nocturnal mammals with low latency and high signal‐to‐noise ratio
Authors: Klemens Jeffrey A. , Tripepi Manuela , McFoy Shane A.
Published: April 2021

Camera traps are useful for monitoring wildlife populations, but traps may not always trigger when targeting small, nocturnal species. Motion‐detection techniques have advantages over time‐lapse and heat‐triggered traps, but need to be deployed to maximize signal‐to‐noise ratio.

As part of a study of flying squirrels (Glaucomys) in urban environments we developed motion‐detecting camera traps using a raspberry pi microcomputer and camera and a 940 nm IR illuminator on a tree‐mounted wooden platform. The system was built from commercially available parts and was comparable in cost to a consumer camera trap, although this cost did not include a waterproof housing. We compared the performance of our system to commercial trailcams.

Four pi cameras successfully documented visits by Glaucomys and other animals to bait placed on the platform over three nights at four wooded sites: suburban and rural backyards, a private outdoors club and a small urban nature reserve (16 camera X site combinations, 48 trap nights). The traps showed low latency, with an average of <1 night until detection of Glaucomys at each site. Data collected had a high signal‐to‐noise ratio; of 2,182 capture events 55% documented Glaucomys, 40% documented non‐target mammals, 1% were caused by large insects and the remaining 4% were unknown. Commercial camera traps placed at the sites failed to capture many of these events.

The low cost and high signal‐to‐noise ratio of this system may make it easy to adapt for other small animal applications. The main modification required to deploy this system in new situations will be in locating or providing a fixed or static background against which animals can be observed and in using masking techniques within motion‐detection software.
Innovations in movement and behavioural ecology from camera traps: Day range as model parameter
Authors: Palencia Pablo , Fernández‐López Javier , Vicente Joaquín , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: April 2021

Camera‐trapping methods have been used to monitor movement and behavioural ecology parameters of wildlife. However, when considering movement behaviours to estimate DR is mandatory to include in the formulation the speed ratio, otherwise DR results will be biased. For instance, some wildlife populations present movement patterns characteristic of each behaviour (e.g. foraging or displacement between habitat patches), and further research is needed to integrate the behaviours in the estimation of movement parameters. In this respect, the day range (average daily distance travelled by an individual, DR) is a model parameter that relies on movement and behaviour. This study aims to provide a step forward concerning the use of camera‐trapping in movement and behavioural ecology.

We describe a machine learning procedure to differentiate movement behaviours from camera‐trap data, and revisit the approach to consider different behaviours in the estimation of DR. Second, working within a simulated framework we tested the performance of three approaches to estimate DR: DROB (i.e. estimating DR without behavioural identification), DRTB (i.e. estimating DR by identifying behaviours manually and weighting each behaviour on the basis of the encounter rate obtained) and DRRB (i.e. estimating DR based on the classification of movement behaviours by a machine learning procedure and the ratio between speeds). Finally, we evaluated these approaches for 24 wild mammal species with different behavioural and ecological traits.

The machine learning procedure to differentiate behaviours showed high accuracy (mean = 0.97). The DROB approach generated accurate results in scenarios with a speed‐ratio (fast relative to slow behaviours) lower than 10, and for scenarios in which the animals spend most of the activity period on the slow behaviour. However, when considering movement behaviours to estimate DR is mandatory to include in the formulation the speed ratio, otherwise the DR results will be biased. The new approach, DRRB, generated accurate results in all the scenarios. The results obtained from real populations were consistent with the simulations.

In conclusion, the integration of behaviours and speed‐ratio in camera‐trap studies makes it possible to obtain unbiased DR. Speed‐ratio should be considered so that fast behaviour is not overrepresented. The procedures described in this work extend the applicability of camera‐trap‐based approaches in both movement and behavioural ecology.
Myocardial, renal and intestinal injury in liver resection surgery—A prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Wisén Ellinor , Almazrooa Abdulrahman , Sand Bown Lena , Rizell Magnus , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Kvarnström Andreas , Svennerholm Kristina
Published: April 2021

Background

Post‐operative organ complications in liver resection surgery are not uncommon. This prospective observational pilot study was performed to evaluate the incidence, degree and timing of myocardial, renal and intestinal injury in patients undergoing liver resection surgery using the low central venous pressure (LCVP) technique and the Pringle manoeuvre.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained before, during and after elective liver resection until post‐operative day (POD) 5. High‐sensitive troponin T (hs‐TnT), serum creatinine, urea, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), D‐lactate, arterial lactate, portal lactate, amylase, as well as urine N‐acetyl‐ß‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) were analysed. Systemic haemodynamics were measured intraoperatively.

Results

Eighteen patients fulfilled the protocol. The Pringle manoeuvre was used in all but 1 patient. hs‐TnT increased significantly over time (P < .001) and 5 patients (28%) developed myocardial injury. Five patients had a pre‐operative elevation of hs‐TnT, four of those developed myocardial injury. Serum creatinine increased significantly over time (P = .015). Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 5 patients (28%), while NAG, as a marker of tubular injury, was not affected. I‐FABP increased over time (P < .001) with a maximal 75% increase at 3 hours after resection. D‐lactate was below detection level at all measuring points.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing liver resection surgery, using LCVP technique and Pringle manoeuvre, myocardial injury was seen in approximately 30% of the patients post‐operatively and almost 30% developed transient AKI in the early post‐operative period with no tubular injury. Furthermore, a transient increase of the enterocyte damage marker I‐FABP was demonstrated with no signs of gut barrier dysfunction.
Effect of phytic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on penetration depth of bioceramic and resin sealers
Authors: Eskander Mark , Genena Salma , Zaazou Ashraf , Moussa Sybel
Published: April 2021

This study assessed influence of 1% phytic acid and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the dentinal tubules penetration of EndoSequence BC bioceramic‐based and AH Plus resin‐based sealers using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Forty single‐rooted mandibular premolars were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10). Group 1 received final irrigation with 1% phytic acid solution and canals sealed by AH Plus sealer, Group 2: 1% phytic acid solution and EndoSequence BC sealer, Group 3: 17% EDTA solution and AH Plus sealer and Group 4: 17% EDTA solution and EndoSequence BC sealer. Specimens were horizontally sectioned 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex. Average maximum depth of sealer penetration was examined using CLSM. Group three showed the deepest sealer penetration at all three levels which was significantly higher than all other groups (P ˂ 0.05). Deep sealer penetration is achievable with AH Plus and EDTA. Phytic acid groups have moderate tubular penetration ability.
Functional NK surrogate biomarkers for inflammatory recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Comins‐Boo Alejandra , Cristóbal Ignacio , Fernández‐Arquero Miguel , Rodríguez de Frías Edgard , Calvo Urrutia Marta , Pilar Suárez Lydia , Gasca Escorial Pilar , Ángel Herráiz Miguel , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia
Published: April 2021

Problem

Expansion of circulating NK cells has been related to pregnancy complications. This study aims at investigating several surface NK cell markers to identify a baseline inflammatory profile in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL) and recurrent implantation failure (iRIF).

Method of study

Expression of NKp30, TIGIT, NKp46, and DNAM‐1 on total peripheral blood NK subsets, regulatory (CD56brightCD16neg), and cytotoxic (CD56dimCD16pos/neg) NK cells was measured.

Results

Eighty‐three women were recruited and classified into two groups, 58 women with RPL and 25 with RIF. A control group of 31 fertile women was included. Expression of NKp30 on cytNK was significantly higher in RPL (p = .019) and RIF (p < .001) than HC. TIGIT on cytNK cells was also higher in both RPL (p < .001) and RIF (p < .01). An optimal cutoff of 70% for NKp30+ cytNK disclosed a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 55%, and 83% PPV for RPL diagnosis. A cutoff level of 83% for TIGIT+ cytNK was chosen to discriminate between healthy controls and RPL women, with PPV of 84%.

Conclusion

Our preliminary data on this RPL and RIF cohorts suggest a simple diagnostic tool by combining NKp30 and TIGIT on cytNK cells to better identify a subgroup of RPL and RIF patients with a baseline inflammatory profile. A more rigorous selection of these patients through phenotyping peripheral cytNK cells may better define patients that could benefit from an immunomodulatory treatment to prevent further pregnancy losses. The performance of these biomarkers requires further investigation and validation in independent cohorts.
Rural disability workforce perspective on effective inter‐disciplinary training—A qualitative pilot study
Authors: Mangiameli Jacinta , Hamiduzzaman Mohammad , Lim David , Pickles David , Isaac Vivian
Published: April 2021

Objective

Inter‐professional education is a growing area of importance that enables training of health care professionals and students to develop skills in collaborative clinical practice, a critical aspect of disability care. However, research is limited on appropriate on‐site inter‐professional training for the rural and remote disability workforce. This paper aims to explore the features of an effective inter‐professional training approach for rural disability workforce.

Setting

Riverland, South Australia.

Participants

Clinical educators, allied health professionals, health and service providers and students.

Design

A qualitative‐explorative research design, involving focus group discussion and a thematic analysis method were employed in this study. Participants of the focus group discussion completed a capacity building training program centred on inter‐professional education, cultural‐safety and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. National Disability Services Social Impact Measurement Tool was used to evaluate and explore the features of effective inter‐professional training program for existing and emerging disability workforce in rural regions.

Results

Four themes emerged from data analysis: inter‐professional education focus; structured inter‐professional training; building collaborative learning environment; and culturally appropriate care practice. Inter‐professional supervision was identified as a key enabler for capacity building in an area with limited health workforce. Inter‐agency collaboration and professional network were identified as important elements to support disability health workforce retention and the transition from novice to practitioner. Prior knowledge about the needs of persons with disability and empathetic relationships influenced the quality of practice.

Conclusion

In situ training programs, which provide real‐life rural practice context and harness inter‐agency collaboration, improve effectiveness of rural disability workforce readiness for practice.