bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
StrainPro – a highly accurate Metagenomic strain-level profiling tool
Authors: Lin Hsin-Nan , Lin Yaw-Ling , Hsu Wen-Lian
Published: October 2019

Characterizing the taxonomic diversity of a microbial community is very important to understand the roles of microorganisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) provides great potential for investigation of a microbial community and leads to Metagenomic studies. NGS generates DNA fragment sequences directly from microorganism samples, and it requires analysis tools to identify microbial species (or taxonomic composition) and estimate their relative abundance in the studied community. However, only a few tools could achieve strain-level identification and most tools estimate the microbial abundances simply according to the read counts. An evaluation study on metagenomic analysis tools concludes that the predicted abundance differed significantly from the true abundance. In this study, we present StrainPro, a novel metagenomic analysis tool which is highly accurate both at characterizing microorganisms at strain-level and estimating their relative abundances. A unique feature of StrainPro is it identifies representative sequence segments from reference genomes. We generate three simulated datasets using known strain sequences and another three simulated datasets using unknown strain sequences. We compare the performance of StrainPro with seven existing tools. The results show that StrainPro not only identifies metagenomes with high precision and recall, but it is also highly robust even when the metagenomes are not included in the reference database. Moreover, StrainPro estimates the relative abundance with high accuracy. We demonstrate that there is a strong positive linear relationship between observed and predicted abundances.
Data interoperability for disaster risk reduction in Europe
Authors: Migliorini Massimo , Hagen Jenny Sjåstad , Mihaljević Jadranka , Mysiak Jaroslav , Rossi Jean-Louis , Siegmund Alexander , Meliksetian Khachatur , Guha Sapir Debarati
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how, despite increasing data availability from a wide range of sources unlocks unprecedented opportunities for disaster risk reduction, data interoperability remains a challenge due to a number of barriers. As a first step to enhancing data interoperability for disaster risk reduction is to identify major barriers, this paper presents a case study on data interoperability in disaster risk reduction in Europe, linking current barriers to the regional initiative of the European Science and Technology Advisory Group.

Design/methodology/approach

In support of Priority 2 (“Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk”) of the Sendai Framework and SDG17 (“Partnerships for the goals”), this paper presents a case study on barriers to data interoperability in Europe based on a series of reviews, surveys and interviews with National Sendai Focal Points and stakeholders in science and research, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry.

Findings

For a number of European countries, there remains a clear imbalance between long-term disaster risk reduction and short-term preparation and the dominant role of emergency relief, response and recovery, pointing to the potential of investments in ex ante measures with better inclusion and exploitation of data.

Originality/value

Modern society is facing a digital revolution. As highlighted by the International Council of Science and the Committee on Data for Science and Technology, digital technology offers profound opportunities for science to discover unsuspected patterns and relationships in nature and society, on scales from the molecular to the cosmic, from local health systems to global sustainability. It has created the potential for disciplines of science to synergize into a holistic understanding of the complex challenges currently confronting humanity; the Sustainable Development Goals are a direct reflectance of this. Interdisciplinary is obtained with integration of data across relevant disciplines. However, a barrier to realization and exploitation of this potential arises from the incompatible data standards and nomenclatures used in different disciplines. Although the problem has been addressed by several initiatives, the following challenge still remains: to make online data integration a routine.
Citizens’ assessment of the information quality of e-government websites in Pakistan
Authors: Rasool Tayyba , Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Rorissa Abebe
Published: October 2019

Purpose

E-government websites/portals are effective modes of communication between governments and citizens. The information quality (IQ) of these websites/portals is of vital importance and, hence, is worth assessing, to ensure their effectiveness. This study aims to assess the IQ dimensions of e-government websites/portals in Pakistan and also evaluate the most significant IQ indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research method based on a survey. The data were collected from a sample of young citizens, and a questionnaire was adopted from a previous study by Kandari, et al. (2011) with minor changes to reflect the local context.

Findings

The findings revealed that out of 20 IQ indicators, 14 were rated 4 or 5 on a five-point Likert scale, indicating a reasonably high IQ for Pakistani e-government websites/portals. Value-added, “accessibility” and “objectivity” were the top three indicators, while timeliness, ease of operation and advertisement were the least rated indicators, suggesting that these need to be addressed. The findings of the study also revealed that IQ indicators are not affected by the different age groups of citizens.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this study was limited to university students to understand their perceptions about IQ indicators of e-government websites in Pakistan, and the results can only be generalized to young Pakistani citizens and the developing countries with a similar context.

Practical implications

This study could provide some guidance to policy makers and websites designers in the development of e-government websites according to users’ needs and identifying the ways to regularly maintain and update these websites.

Originality/value

This study provides an understanding of the IQ of Pakistani e-government websites from the citizens’ perspective. It attempts to fill that gap and produce findings that could assist in making informed policy decisions.
Exploring the dynamic influences and interaction effects of signals on backers’ investment in the crowdfunding market
Authors: Song Yang , Wu Hong , Ma Jingdong , Lu Naiji
Published: October 2019

Purpose

As a standard source of capital for entrepreneurs, crowdfunding has recently gained wide attention in business and academia. With scientific endorsement, some research is conducted to explore the antecedents of online crowdfunding success. The factors that can influence the backers’ investment which is the key to success are information from prior backers’ and creators’ behaviors. Based on the signaling theory, the purpose of this paper is to systematically investigate the dynamic influences and interaction effects of signals with different forms (action-based or opinion-based signals) and sources (creator-sourced or backer-sourced signals) on backers’ investment behaviors over a project-funding cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data set of 3,010 projects with 640,625 transaction records from April 28, 2013 to September 31, 2017 is collected from a famous online crowdfunding platform – Zhongchou.cn in China and the negative binomial panel data model with fixed effect is used to obtain our empirical results.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the work of different signals is significantly effective at the early stage of a project and decreases with time. Furthermore, our results show that there are both synergistic effect and substitution effect among different signals. Specifically, the direction of interaction effect depends on the forms of signals and the backers’ sensitivity toward that signal, and the interaction effects are also dynamic.

Originality/value

This paper has shed light on the roles of different signal types and their interactions in influencing funding behavior over a project-funding cycle, enriched the literature on crowdfunding and provided both theoretical and practical implications.
Learn to build an error management culture
Authors: van Steenbergen Elianne , van Dijk Danny , Christensen Céline , Coffeng Tessa , Ellemers Naomi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Emphasizing that errors are unacceptable and will be sanctioned does not prevent that errors are made – but can cause workers to cover up mistakes. Making an effort to identify things that go wrong to learn from them and prevent errors in the future offers a more fruitful approach. By sharing an applicable LEARN framework, this paper aims to inspire and give direction to financial corporations in building an error management culture within their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The behavior and culture team of the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) collaborated closely with social and organizational psychologists from Utrecht University to study error management. The results of a literature study were combined with the findings obtained from a survey (N = 436) and in-depth interviews (N = 15) among employees of 13 Dutch financial corporations that are active within the infrastructure of the capital markets.

Findings

Tone at the top and direct managers’ behavior were positively related to error management culture, which in turn related to more learning. Combining these findings with relevant psychological literature resulted in the LEARN framework, which can guide organizations in developing actions and interventions to build an effective error management culture:Let the board take ownership,Engage employees,Align structure and culture,Refocus from person to system andNarrate the best examples.

Originality/value

Stimulating financial corporations to start building a healthier corporate culture by offering the LEARN framework – and recruiting insights from social and organizational psychology to do so – extends traditional supervisory approaches.
Does Egyptian universities’ disclosure on social responsibility enhance sustainable development?
Authors: Ismail Tariq H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the extent to which Egyptian universities disclose information on social responsibility to different stakeholders, which leads to the enhancement of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

An index of social responsibility that fits the Egyptian universities is established, comprising four dimensions: organizational governance, energy and environment resource sustainability, human resource development and community participation and community development. This index has been used to score the disclosure level of social responsibility of Egyptian universities. This study uses information available on websites of Egyptian universities as of the end of December 2018. Frequencies provide the basis for discussion.

Findings

The results reveal that the level of disclosure of universities on social responsibility is low, but, in favor of private universities vs public universities. At the university level, only a few numbers of public universities disclosed high volume of information on social responsibility, such as Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University and Assiut University. Furthermore, the results manifest that public universities disclose higher level of information related to organizational governance, energy and environment resource sustainability and community participation and community development, whereas, private universities disclose higher level of information related to human resource development.

Research limitations/implications

The results are constrained with the social responsibility dimensions and attributes used to establish a disclosure index that fits Egyptian universities, as well as the information disclosed on universities websites.

Originality/value

This study provides insights to Egyptian higher education regulators and the rectors of Egyptian universities that may help in planning and monitoring social responsibility activities in a way that could lead to sustainable development.
The impact of sustainable board capital on sustainability reporting
Authors: Ngu Sie Bing , Amran Azlan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This aim of this paper is to prove that the diversity of board capital is a significant driver of corporate governance. Board capital has increasingly been identified as a key part of governance mechanism that assists businesses to improve their sustainability reporting practices and sustainability performance. In addition, board capital has been recognized as being key to the development of good corporate governance in the private and public sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses whether the diversity of board capital is a significant driver of corporate governance.

Findings

This paper suggests that the best mixture of board capital for an individual company should be varied between industries and business models. Effective corporate governance assists in the attainment of high-level sustainability and financial performance, which, in turn, bolsters corporate reputation.

Practical implications

This paper presents new strategic insights into diversity of board capital that is pivotal to global leading companies in preparing their sustainability reports.

Originality/value

This paper justifies the need of diversity in board capital because it is one of the means to build strong corporate governance based on the stakeholders’ expectations and interests, and to create greater public trust and the prospects of the respective business.
A hybrid framework for ranking the knowledge management solutions adoption in supply chains
Authors: Golghamat Raad Nima , Akbarpour Shirazi Mohsen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to select and rank the solutions of knowledge management and apply them to the supply chain for boosting its performance. Therefore, organizations can focus on the high-priority solutions and assign the resources to the strategies related to these solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision making trial and evaluation laboratory-based analytic network process method is first used to rank the barriers of implementing the knowledge solutions and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations technique is then used to rank the knowledge-based solutions which improve the overall performance of the supply chain. Then, a mathematical model is proposed to select the best solutions where the effectiveness and fairness are maximized while the cost and risk are minimized. The proposed model is implemented over a dairy supply chain in Iran. The solutions are obtained using the literature and the experts’ panel of the supply chain.

Findings

Lack of trust and commitment of supply chain members, besides different interests, values and cultures of the supply chain members, is the most challenging barrier to knowledge management solution. Strengthening the cooperation culture in the chain, setting up a transparent workflow or open-door policy, setting up enough incentives and reward and punishment and setting up positive leadership toward knowledge management are the most important strategies for removing the existing barriers or decreasing their impact on the supply chain.

Originality/value

Solutions with the highest priority are not necessarily the best solutions for implementation; the requirements of organizations must also be considered. Mathematical model in this study helped to select solutions based on their cost and risk, as well as their priority level.
Development of a double‐antibody sandwich ELISA for sensitive detection of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Choi Sang‐Yoon , Rhie Gi‐eun , Jeon Jun Ho
Published: October 2019

We developed a biotin–streptavidin‐based sandwich ELISA for the sensitive and specific detection of Yersinia pestis. In this assay, the F1 capsular protein and Y. pestis were captured by anti‐F1 mouse monoclonal antibody followed by detection with biotinylated‐anti‐F1 rabbit polyclonal antibody and HRP‐conjugated streptavidin. The developed F1 ELISA could detect not only the F1 protein up to 29 and 17 pg/ml but also Y. pestis up to 177.8 and 129.2 CFU/ml in PBS buffer and human serum, respectively. In addition, the F1 ELISA did not show any cross‐reactivity with various proteins and bacterial strains.
An optimal Savitzky–Golay derivative filter with geophysical applications: an example of self‐potential data
Authors: Roy Indrajit G.
Published: October 2019

We propose a strategy in designing an optimal set of filter parameters, such as the order of interpolating polynomial and the filter length for a Savitzky–Golay derivative filter. The proposed strategy is based on the ‘principle of parsimony’ while satisfying the optimality conditions. The optimality conditions are based on the Durbin–Watson lag‐1 test statistic and the Derringer–Suich desirability function. While the former checks for an appropriate data fitting, the latter, on the other hand, ensures minimal shape distortion of the reconstructed response. The proposed strategy of designing filter parameters is developed and validated through numerical experiments using Gaussian pulse as a test function which is contaminated with additive white Gaussian noise. In the numerical tests, the polynomial orders used were 3, 5 and 7, but the filter length for each polynomial was varying until the optimality conditions were satisfied. The Savitzky–Golay derivative filtering is used in obtaining the robust reconstruction of noisy geophysical anomaly and the robust estimation of its first‐ and second‐order derivatives. We validated the proposed technique on the published self‐potential anomaly data using a data‐based interpretation technique where the reconstructed anomaly and its first‐ and second‐order derivatives were used in estimating model parameters. The data‐based interpretation using the proposed technique of Savitzky–Golay derivative filtering provides a close agreement with the published results.
Intergenerational Differences in Income and Wealth: Evidence from Britain
Authors: Cribb Jonathan
Published: October 2019

How do average levels of income and wealth differ in Britain for those born between the 1930s and 1980s? Those in the 1980s cohort are the first post‐war generation not to have higher median incomes in their early 30s than those born a decade earlier, though they have much higher incomes than those born in the 1960s and earlier. Median wealth for those in the 1980s cohort is 20 per cent lower in their early 30s than it was for those born in the 1970s. This is driven by lower property wealth and homeownership: 40 per cent at age 30 for the 1980s cohort, compared with 55 per cent for the 1970s cohort.
Prevalence of undifferentiated inflammatory arthropathy in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an endocrinology clinic
Authors: Valderrama‐Hinds Luis M. , García‐Carrión Eliangel , Hernández Evelyn , Agostini María I. , Reyes‐Morales Omar R. , Fung Liliana , Al Snih Soham , Rodríguez Martin A.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Rheumatic manifestations are common in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Since previous reports on the prevalence of arthritis in this disease may have a rheumatology referral bias, we sought to establish the prevalence of undifferentiated inflammatory arthropathy (UIA) in unselected HT patients as seen in an endocrinology clinic.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 92 consecutive HT patients and no definite rheumatic disease from the Endocrinology Division, Hospital Universitario de Caracas diagnosed by the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibodies (n = 68) or typical ultrasonographic findings (n = 24). Undifferentiated inflammatory arthropathy was defined as combination of morning stiffness and joint pain with ≥2 characteristics of inflammatory joint pain. The study was revised and approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital and all patients signed an informed consent form.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (25%; 95% CI 16‐34) met the criteria for UIA. Joints most commonly affected were the knees, hands and ankles and the most common pattern was oligoarticular (82.6%). In the multivariate analysis, variables associated to the presence of UIA were the presence of myalgia (odds ratio [OR] = 19.41; 95% CI = 2.38‐158.38) and Raynaud's phenomenon (OR = 4.32; 95% CI = 1.01‐18.60). No association was found with demographics, duration of disease, comorbidities or thyroid function status.

Conclusions

Almost 1 in 4 patients with HT had no definite rheumatic disease present with UIA. An early identification of concurrent arthritis in HT patients is necessary for thorough differential diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation to halt potential joint damage and disability.
Declining hospitalisation and surgical intervention rates in patients with Crohn's disease: a population‐based cohort
Authors: Rahman Adam , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian G. , Khanna Reena , Shariff Salimah Z. , Allen Britney N. , Jenkyn Krista Bray , Vinden Christopher , Jeyarajah Jenny , Mosli Mahmoud , Benchimol Eric
Published: October 2019

Background

Lifetime risk of surgery in patients with Crohn's disease remains high.

Aim

To assess population‐level markers of Crohn's disease (CD) in the era of biological therapy.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study using administrative data from Ontario, Canada including 45 235 prevalent patients in the Ontario Crohn's and Colitis Cohort (OCCC) from 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2014.

Results

CD‐related hospitalisations declined 32.4% from 2003 to 2014 from 154/1000 (95% confidence interval (CI) [150, 159]) patients to 104/1000 (95% CI [101, 107]) (P < .001). There was a 39.6% decline in in‐patient surgeries from 53/1000 (95% CI [50, 55]) to 32/1000 (95% CI [30, 34]) from 2003 to 2014 (P < .001). In‐patient surgeries were mostly bowel resections. Out‐patient surgeries increased from 8/1000 (95% CI [7, 9]) patients to 12/1000 (95% CI [10, 13]) (P < .001). Out‐patient surgeries were largely related to fistulas and perianal disease and for stricture dilations/stricturoplasty. CD‐related emergency department (ED) visits declined 28.4% from 141/1000 (95% CI [137, 146]) cases to 101/1000 (95% CI [99, 104]) from 2003 to 2014 (P < .001). Over the same time, patients receiving government drug benefits received infliximab or adalimumab at a combined rate of 2.2% in 2003 which increased to 18.8% of eligible patients by 2014.

Conclusions

Rates of hospitalisations, ED visits and in‐patient surgeries markedly declined in Ontario over the study period, while rates of biologic medication use increased markedly for those receiving public drug benefits.
Natural history of autoimmune atrophic gastritis: a prospective, single centre, long‐term experience
Authors: Miceli Emanuela , Vanoli Alessandro , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Klersy Catherine , Di Stefano Michele , Luinetti Ombretta , Caccia Dominioni Costanza , Pisati Martina , Staiani Martina , Gentile Antonella , Capuano Francesca , Arpa Giovanni , Paulli Marco , Corazza Gino Roberto , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: October 2019

Background

Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is an immune‐mediated disorder characterised by destruction of gastric oxyntic mucosa

Aim

To explore gastric histopathological evolution in a cohort of AAG patients over a prolonged follow‐up

Methods

Single centre prospective study enrolling consecutive patients with histologically confirmed AAG between 2000 and 2018. All AAG patients undergoing endoscopic follow‐up every 1‐3 years were classified as having stages 1, 2 or 3 according to atrophy severity (mild, moderate and severe). AAG patients with either glandular or neuroendocrine dysplasia/neoplasia were classified as having stage 4. Disease stage progression, and changes in serum anti‐parietal cell antibody (PCA), chromogranin A and gastrin‐17 were assessed.

Results

In total, 282 AAG patients (mean age 60.3 years; F:M ratio 2.4:1; median follow‐up 3 years, interquartile range 1‐7) were enrolled. All patients with stages 1 or 2 progressed to stage 2 or 3 over time with a steady trend (P = .243) and regression from a severe to a milder stage was never noticed. Disease progression of patients with stages 1 or 2 occurred within the first 3 years. PCA positivity rate did not change over time. Stage 3 patients had higher gastrin‐17 levels compared to patients with stages 1 and 2 (median 606 vs 295 pg/mL; P < .001). In stage 3, the hazard ratio for the risk of developing stage 4 was 6.6 (95% CI 1.5‐29; P = .001).

Conclusions

AAG is a steadily progressive disease, in which stages 1 and 2 always progress to stage 3. The risk of developing a complicated disease stage is greater in patients with more severe gastric lesions.
Spanish Guidelines for the use of targeted deep sequencing in myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Palomo Laura , Ibáñez Mariam , Abáigar María , Vázquez Iria , Álvarez Sara , Cabezón Marta , Tazón‐Vega Bárbara , Rapado Inmaculada , Fuster‐Tormo Francisco , Cervera José , Benito Rocío , Larrayoz María J. , Cigudosa Juan C. , Zamora Lurdes , Valcárcel David , Cedena María T. , Acha Pamela , Hernández‐Sánchez Jesús M. , Fernández‐Mercado Marta , Sanz Guillermo , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús M. , Calasanz María J. , Solé Francesc , Such Esperanza ,   On behalf of the Spanish Group of MDS (GESMD)
Published: October 2019

The landscape of medical sequencing has rapidly changed with the evolution of next generation sequencing (NGS). These technologies have contributed to the molecular characterization of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML), through the identification of recurrent gene mutations, which are present in >80% of patients. These mutations contribute to a better classification and risk stratification of the patients. Currently, clinical laboratories include NGS genomic analyses in their routine clinical practice, in an effort to personalize the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of MDS and CMML. NGS technologies have reduced the cost of large‐scale sequencing, but there are additional challenges involving the clinical validation of these technologies, as continuous advances are constantly being made. In this context, it is of major importance to standardize the generation, analysis, clinical interpretation and reporting of NGS data. To that end, the Spanish MDS Group (GESMD) has expanded the present set of guidelines, aiming to establish common quality standards for the adequate implementation of NGS and clinical interpretation of the results, hoping that this effort will ultimately contribute to the benefit of patients with myeloid malignancies.
Current applications of three‐dimensional printing in urology
Authors: Chen Michael Y. , Skewes Jacob , Desselle Mathilde , Wong Cynthia , Woodruff Maria A. , Dasgupta Prokar , Rukin Nicholas J.
Published: October 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing is a new technology that has seen rapid development in recent years with decreasing costs. 3D printing allows the creation of customised, finely detailed constructs. Technological improvements, increased printer availability, decreasing costs, improved cell culture techniques, and biomaterials have enabled complex, novel and individualised medical treatments to be developed. Although the long‐term goal of printing biocompatible organs has not yet been achieved, major advances have been made utilising 3D printing in biomedical engineering. In this literature review, we discuss the role of 3D printing in relation to urological surgery. We highlight the common printing methods employed and show examples of clinical urological uses. Currently, 3D printing can be used in urology for education of trainees and patients, surgical planning, creation of urological equipment, and bioprinting. In this review, we summarise the current applications of 3D‐printing technology in these areas of urology.
Complement C3a induces axonal hypomyelination in the periventricular white matter through activation of WNT/β‐catenin signal pathway in septic neonatal rats experimentally induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Huang Peixian , Zhou Qiuping , Lin Qiongyu , Lin Lanfen , Wang Huifang , Chen Xuan , Jiang Shuqi , Fu Hui , Deng Yiyu
Published: October 2019

Neuroinflammation is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periventricular white matter (PWM) damage (PWMD) induced by neonatal sepsis. Because the complement cascade is implicated in inflammatory response, this study was carried out to determine whether C3a is involved in PWMD, and, if so, whether it would induce axonal hypomyelination. Furthermore, we explored if C3a would act through its C3a receptor (C3aR) and thence inhibit maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) via the WNT/β‐catenin signal pathway. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 1 day were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg). C3a was upregulated in activated microglia and astrocytes in the PWM up to 7 days after LPS injection. Concomitantly, enhanced C3aR expression was observed in NG2+ oligodendrocytes (OLs). Myelin proteins including CNPase, PLP, MBP and MAG were significantly reduced in the PWM of 28‐day septic rats. The number of PLP+ and MBP+ cells was markedly decreased. By electron microscopy, myelin sheath thickness was thinner and the average g‐ratios were higher. This was coupled with an increase in number of NG2+ cells and decreased number of CC1+ cells. Olig1, Olig2 and SOX10 protein expression was significantly reduced in the PWM after LPS injection. Very strikingly, C3aRa administration for the first 7 days could reverse the above‐mentioned pathological alterations in the PWM of septic rats. When incubated with C3a, expression of MBP, CNPase, PLP, MAG, Olig1, Olig2, SOX10 and CC1 in primary cultured OPCs was significantly downregulated as opposed to increased NG2. Moreover, WNT/β‐catenin signaling pathway was found to be implicated in inhibition of OPCs maturation and differentiation induced by C3a in vitro. As a corollary, it is speculated that C3a in the PWM of septic rats is closely associated with the disorder of OPCs differentiation and maturation through WNT/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which would contribute ultimately to axonal hypomyelination.
Fenretinide treatment accelerates atherosclerosis development in apoE‐deficient mice in spite of beneficial metabolic effects
Authors: Busnelli Marco , Manzini Stefano , Bonacina Fabrizia , Soldati Sabina , Barbieri Silvia Stella , Amadio Patrizia , Sandrini Leonardo , Arnaboldi Francesca , Donetti Elena , Laaksonen Reijo , Paltrinieri Saverio , Scanziani Eugenio , Chiesa Giulia
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid derivative first investigated for cancer prevention and treatment, has been shown to ameliorate glucose tolerance, improve plasma lipid profile and reduce body fat mass. These effects, together with its ability to inhibit ceramide synthesis, suggest that fenretinide may have an anti‐atherosclerotic action.

Experimental Approach

To this aim, nine‐week‐old apoE‐knockout (EKO) female mice were fed for twelve weeks a Western diet, without (control) or with (0.1% w/w) fenretinide. As a reference, wild‐type (WT) mice were treated similarly. Growth and metabolic parameters were monitored throughout the study. Atherosclerosis development was evaluated in the aorta and at the aortic sinus. Blood and lymphoid organs were further characterized with thorough cytological/histological and immunocytofluorimetric analyses.

Key Results

Fenretinide treatment significantly lowered body weight, glucose levels and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. In the liver, fenretinide remarkably reduced hepatic glycogenosis and steatosis driven by the Western diet. Treated spleens were abnormally enlarged, with severe follicular atrophy and massive extramedullary haematopoiesis. Severe renal hemosiderin deposition was observed in treated EKO mice. Treatment resulted in a threefold increase of total leukocytes (WT and EKO) and raised the activated/resting monocyte ratio in EKO mice. Finally, atherosclerosis development was markedly increased at the aortic arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta of fenretinide‐treated mice.

Conclusions and Implications

We provide the first evidence that, despite beneficial metabolic effects, fenretinide treatment may enhance the development of atherosclerosis.
The Raced–Space of Gentrification: “Reverse Blockbusting,” Home Selling, and Neighborhood Remake in North Nashville
Authors: Hightower Cameron , Fraser James C.
Published: October 2019

Proponents of gentrification often use some rendition of a “rising tide lifts all boats” justification when assessing the impact that gentrification has on original residents in a gentrifying area. One of the benefits that is widely accepted by proponents and opponents of gentrification is that homeowners experience an increase in property values that can easily be transferred to family wealth or cash. Yet, there is virtually no research that provides an evidence base to support this seemingly direct relationship. Through a case study of prominent historically black neighborhoods in North Nashville, we find that the process of potential home equity realization for original homeowners in a gentrifying area is complicated by a variety of factors. We theorize that, in addition to class and socioeconomic phenomena, home buying in the context of gentrification operates much like reverse or inverted “blockbusting” during the era of urban renewal. These processes involve the creation of value out of the racialization of space whereby black homeowners and residents are incentivized and often forced to leave as a precursor to predominantly white populations entering. We comment on how these findings fit into the history of discriminatory and exploitative housing practices in the United States.
Landscape transformation alters functional diversity in coastal seascapes
Authors: Henderson Christopher J. , Gilby Ben L. , Schlacher Thomas A. , Connolly Rod M. , Sheaves Marcus , Maxwell Paul S. , Flint Nicole , Borland Hayden P. , Martin Tyson S. H. , Gorissen Bob , Olds Andrew D.
Published: October 2019

The ecological impacts of landscape modification and urbanisation have transformed the composition of plant and animal assemblages, and altered the condition of ecosystems globally. Landscape transformation influences the spatial distribution of species and ecological functions by selecting for generalist species with wide ecological niches, which can adapt to opportunities in highly‐modified environments. These effects of landscape modification can shape functional diversity on land, but it is not clear whether they have similar functional consequences in the sea. We used estuaries as a model system to test how landscape transformation alters functional diversity in coastal seascapes, and measured how variation in level of urbanisation, catchment modification and habitat loss influenced fish diversity across thirty‐nine estuaries in eastern Australia. Fish were surveyed with baited remote underwater video stations and functional diversity was indexed with three metrics that describe variation in the functional traits and niche space of assemblages. The extent of landscape transformation in the catchment of each estuary was associated with variation in the functional diversity of estuarine fish assemblages. These effects were, however, not what we expected as functional diversity was highest in modified estuaries that supported a large area of both urban and grazing land in their catchments, were bordered by a small area of natural terrestrial vegetation and that contained a moderate area of mangroves. Zoobenthivores and omnivores dominated assemblages in highly‐modified estuaries, and piscivorous fishes were common in natural waterways. Our results demonstrate, that the modification and urbanisation of ecosystems on land can alter functional diversity in the sea. Intense landscape transformation appears to select for abundant generalists with wide trophic niches, and against species with specialised diets, and we suggest that these changes might have fundamental consequences for ecosystem functioning in estuaries, and other highly modified seascapes.
Admission patterns and survival from status epilepticus in critical care in the UK: an analysis of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme database
Authors: Damian M. S. , Ben‐Shlomo Y. , Howard R. , Harrison D. A.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Factors influencing the outcome after the critical care unit (CCU) for patients with status epilepticus (SE) are poorly understood. Survival for these patients was examined to establish (i) whether the risk of mortality has changed over time and (ii) whether admission to different unit types affects mortality risk over and above other risk factors.

Methods

The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre database and the Case Mix Programme database (January 2001 to December 2016) were analysed. Units were defined as neuro‐CCU (NCCU), general CCU with 24‐h neurological support (GCCU‐N) or general CCU with limited neurological support (GCCU‐L).

Results

There were 35 595 CCU cases of SE with a 3‐fold increase over time (4739 in 2001–2004 to 14 166 in 2013–2016). More recent admissions were older and were more often unsedated on admission. Mortality declined for all units although this was more marked for NCCUs (8.1% in 2001–2004 to 4.4% in 2013–2016 compared to 5.1% and 4.1% for GCCU‐L). Acute hospital mortality was two to three times higher than CCU mortality although this has also declined with time. GCCU‐L appeared to have lower mortality than NCCUs (odds ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.72, 0.98) but after post hoc adjustment for case mix there were no differences. Older age and markers of seriousness of morbidity were all associated with increased mortality risk.

Conclusions

The number of patients admitted to a CCU for SE is rising but critical care and acute hospital mortality is decreasing. Patients treated in an NCCU have higher mortality but this is explicable by more severe underlying disease.
Maternal caregiving and DNA methylation in human infants and children: Systematic review
Authors: Provenzi Livio , Brambilla Maddalena , Scotto di Minico Giunia , Montirosso Rosario , Borgatti Renato
Published: October 2019

The integration of behavioral epigenetics' principles (eg, DNA methylation) into the study of human infants' development has mainly focused on the effects of early adverse exposures, paying less attention to protective caregiving experiences. The present review focused on DNA methylation linked to variations in maternal behavior in human infants and children. Literature search occurred on three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) and 11 records were selected. Key variables were abstracted from each article including: sample size and characteristics, time and type of maternal caregiving behavior exposure, time and locus of methylation biomarker, presence/absence, time and type of adverse exposure. Six out of eleven records documented the predictive effect of maternal caregiving on DNA methylation, whereas the remaining five reported on the role of maternal behavior as an influencing factor of the adversity‐to‐methylation link. Consistent with evidence from the animal model, the quality of maternal caregiving in humans (a) might be associated with variations in DNA methylation status of specific genes involved in socio‐emotional development and (b) might partially buffer the association between early adversities and epigenetic variations in infants and children. Current evidence suggests that the quality of maternal caregiving can contribute to behavioral development trajectories of human infants and children at least partially through epigenetic regulation. Open questions and methodological aspects are discussed to guide future human developmental research in behavioral epigenetics.
Supervisory opportunity to observe moderates criterion‐related validity estimates
Authors: MacLane Charles N. , Cucina Jeffrey M. , Busciglio Henry H. , Su Chihwei
Published: October 2019

Supervisors' opportunity to observe incumbents' performance (i.e., how often a supervisor typically sees an employee's performance) has been suggested to be important for accurate performance rating and to be a moderator of criterion‐related validity. Here we test these suggestions and present empirical evidence for the effects of opportunity to observe. In Study 1, supervisors in a multi‐occupation/organization criterion‐related validation study for a biodata measure indicated the opportunity they had to observe incumbents. The data were split according to different levels of opportunity to observe. Higher validities were found when opportunity to observe was maximal. In Study 2, this finding was replicated using a cognitive ability test. These results suggest that psychologists should consider measuring opportunity to observe in criterion‐related validity studies.
Does Skilled Migration Cause Income Inequality in the Source Country?
Authors: Uprety Dambar
Published: October 2019

This study conducts an empirical investigation of the effect of skilled migration on income inequality in the origin countries. Developing countries are low‐skilled labour abundant and high‐skilled labour scarce. Emigration of high‐skilled labour increases the relative supply of low‐skilled labour in the country. Excess supply of low‐skilled labour depresses the wage rate of these countries while the wage rate of the highly skilled increases leading, to the Gulf of inequality, at least in the short‐run. Complementarity between high‐skilled and low‐skilled labour could be another channel. Consequently, skilled migration is usually seen as inducing losses for the low‐skilled left behind. Using a panel of 110 developing countries from 1980‐2010, the study finds robust results to different econometrics specifications and subsamples that high‐skilled migration increases income inequality in the short‐run while there appears to be no effect of low‐skilled migration on inequality. A clearer understanding of the channels through which high‐skilled migration will be detrimental for income inequality in developing countries may assist policymakers to craft appropriate policies to curtail high‐skilled migration, which would serve to improve equality, hence reducing social and political unrest.
“A PCMH mind and a PCMH heart”: Patient, faculty, and learner perspectives on collaborative care in an interprofessional team‐based training programme
Authors: Coletti Daniel J. , Yalakkishettar Pratiksha , Alexandri Maya , Block Lauren , Martinez Johanna , Fornari Alice , Conigliaro Joseph
Published: October 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Providing high‐quality primary care in patient‐centred medical homes (PCMHa) requires competencies that can only be provided by interprofessional (IP) education. The benefits of collaborative training have been documented for learners, but less is known about the perceptions of the clinical professionals who train the learners or the patients receiving IP primary care. This investigation compared stakeholder attitudes about IP education, training, and providing collaborative care prior to developing a new IP training programme.

Methods

We conducted five focus groups at a large general internal medicine training practice. Learner and faculty groups included participants from medicine, psychology, pharmacy, and physician assistant professions; three patient groups were held to obtain perspectives on receiving health care from IP trainees. We used inductive analysis to identify themes across the three stakeholder groups.

Results

We identified seven convergent themes across all three stakeholder groups: (a) team engagement, (b) technology in care delivery, (c) cost of care, (d) involving patients in learning, (e) time constraints, (f) scope of practice, and (g) autonomy/interdependence. Each group emphasized the need to define and communicate team members' roles. Learners anticipated high‐quality IP interactions, and patients noted the benefits of receiving care from well‐supervised trainees. Faculty struggled to navigate the training needs of diverse learner groups and to integrate PCMH mandates focused on documentation with authentic patient‐centred care.

Conclusions

This is the first reported data comparing perceptions about IP training and care across these three stakeholder groups. Results suggest the need to clarify scope of practice, define professional roles, and bridge gaps between teaching PCMH principles and subsequently providing high‐quality health care. Results inform faculty development needs in learning ways to train learners across professions and outline ways to structure interactions with patients.
Moist vs over‐dried etched dentin: FE‐SEM/TEM and bond strength evaluation of resin‐dentin interfaces produced by universal adhesives
Authors: Kumagai Rose Y. , Hirata Ronaldo , Pereira Patricia N. R. , Reis Andre F.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the influence of the degree of dentin moisture on interfacial ultramorphology and bond strength (μTBS) of universal adhesives.

Materials and Methods

Futurabond U (FBU), Scotchbond Universal (SBU), Adhese Universal (ADU), and Prime&Bond active (PBA) were used. After acid‐etching, moist or over‐dried dentin surfaces were tested. Teeth were restored for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (n = 3) and μTBS evaluation (n = 5). μTBS results were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey.

Results

For moist dentin, a well‐formed hybrid layer (HL) was observed. However, when applied to over‐dried dentin, remarkable differences were observed. Defects, gaps, and reduced HL thickness were observed mainly for ADU and FBU. When applied to wet dentin, μTBS values were similar for all adhesives, except for FBU, which was significantly lower. When applied to over‐dried dentin, PBA presented the highest μTBS values, followed by SBU, ADU, and FBU. ADU presented significantly lower μTBS when applied to over‐dried dentin.

Conclusion

PBA, SBU, and FBU μTBS values were not sensitive to the degree of moisture. Even though application to over‐dried dentin revealed defects, gaps and reduced HL thickness for SBU, ADU, and FBU, μTBS analysis only revealed a significant reduction for ADU.

Clinical Significance

Universal adhesives can be applied in either self‐etching or etch‐and‐rinse mode. However, clinicians are not aware which universal adhesives should be strictly applied on a moist dentin for bonding in the etch‐and‐rinse mode.
Effects of anticoagulants on stable‐isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) of shark blood components
Authors: Weideli Ornella C. , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Matich Philip , Heithaus Michael R.
Published: October 2019

The effects of anticoagulant EDTA and sodium heparin (SH) on stable carbon δ13C and nitrogen δ15N isotopic values of red blood cells (RBC) and blood plasma in juvenile blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus were analysed. Plasma preserved with anticoagulants was not isotopically distinct from plasma stored in no‐additive control tubes but RBC δ15N values exhibited small enrichments when preserved with EDTA and SH. Results suggest EDTA and SH are viable anticoagulants for stable isotopic analyses of blood fractions but further studies are advised to validate results.