bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Trabeculectomy Combined With Limited Deep Sclerectomy Versus Trabeculectomy Alone: A Randomized-controlled Trial
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Sharma Arpit , Midha Neha , Angmo Dewang , Gupta Shikha , Sihota Ramanjit
Published: June 2021

Précis:

The addition of limited deep sclerectomy (LDS) to conventional trabeculectomy increases the success rate, especially in pseudophakic eyes.

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LDS in enhancing the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering outcomes of trabeculectomy.

Design:

This was a parallel-arm, single-masked, randomized-controlled trial.

Methods:

A total of 68 patients (68 eyes) with moderate to advanced primary open-angle glaucoma or primary angle-closure glaucoma with pseudophakia were recruited at a tertiary eye care center in Northern India and randomized into 2 groups. Thirty-five eyes in group 1 were subjected to trabeculectomy alone and 33 eyes in group 2 were subjected to trabeculectomy with LDS. All cases were supplemented with low-dose subconjunctival mitomycin-C (0.1 mg/mL for 1 min) in both groups. The primary outcome measure was IOP, and success rates were calculated for IOP ≤18/15/12 and ≥5 mm Hg. The secondary outcome measures included evaluation of bleb morphology, presence of an intrascleral aqueous lake, and supraciliary flow on ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Results:

The mean postoperative IOP at 12 months was 13.4±1.83 mm Hg in group 1 and 12.5±1.67 mm Hg in group 2 (P=0.04). For IOP cutoff ≤15 mm Hg, absolute success was noted in 11 (31.4%) and 22 eyes (66.6%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.004). At 12 months, the intrascleral lake was detected in 2 (6%) eyes in group 1 and in 9 (29%) eyes in group 2 (P=0.02). Supraciliary flow was detected in 2 eyes (6.2%) in group 2 and none in group 1 at 12 months (P=0.02). In the Cox proportional hazard model, trabeculectomy with LDS was associated with a lower rate of failure (hazard ratio: 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.75, P=0.009).

Conclusion:

The addition of LDS to trabeculectomy led to lower mean IOP and higher success rates at 12 months, compared with trabeculectomy alone.
Presurgical distress about bodily sensations predicts chronic postsurgical pain intensity and disability 6 months after cardiothoracic surgery
Authors: Aternali Andrea , Slepian P. Maxwell , Clarke Hance , Ladha Karim S. , Katznelson Rita , McRae Karen , Seltzer Ze'ev , Katz Joel
Published: June 2021

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and disability after cardiothoracic surgery are highly prevalent and difficult to treat. Researchers have explored a variety of presurgical risk factors for CPSP and disability after cardiothoracic surgery, including one study that examined distress from bodily sensations. The current prospective, longitudinal study sought to extend previous research by investigating presurgical distress about bodily sensations as a risk factor for CPSP and disability after cardiothoracic surgery while controlling for several other potential psychosocial predictors. Participants included 543 adults undergoing nonemergency cardiac or thoracic surgery who were followed over 6 months postsurgically. Before surgery, participants completed demographic, clinical, and psychological questionnaires. Six months after surgery, participants reported the intensity of CPSP on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale and pain disability, measured by the Pain Disability Index. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the degree to which presurgical measures predicted pain outcomes 6 months after surgery. The results showed that CPSP intensity was significantly predicted by age and presurgical scores on the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Somatization subscale (Nagelkerke R
2 = 0.27, P < 0.001), whereas chronic pain disability was only predicted by presurgical Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Somatization scores (Nagelkerke R
2 = 0.29, P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that presurgical distress over bodily sensations predicts greater chronic pain intensity and disability 6 months after cardiothoracic surgery and suggest that presurgical treatment to diminish such distress may prevent or minimize CPSP intensity and disability.
Missed opportunities in coronary artery disease: reflection on practice to improve patient outcomes
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Satchithananda Duwarakan , Mallen Christian D.
Published: June 2021

Missed opportunities refer to incidents where different actions by those involved could result in more desirable outcomes. While missed opportunities are not an established concept in coronary artery disease (CAD), they are important because CAD is common and potentially life-threatening. Treatment of CAD has the potential to prevent poor patient outcomes which can have a downstream consequence on resource utilization and costs for healthcare providers. The missed opportunities in CAD could be divided into those related to prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. The primary prevention opportunities include the management of patients with risk factors and comorbidities. In terms of diagnosis, a proportion of patients who have underlying CAD are admitted beforehand with symptoms which may be attributed to CAD. However, some may have been misdiagnosed with other conditions and are subsequently readmitted with a delayed diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. In acute coronary syndrome, there is a need for acute treatment and missed opportunities may arise from delay in diagnosis and missed reperfusion therapy. Finally, after coronary revascularization or medication management, there may be missed opportunities for patients related to secondary prevention such as smoking cessation, exercise, weight loss, attendance at cardiac rehabilitation and receipt evidenced-based therapies including antihypertensives, antiplatelet and statin therapy. Our review finds that missed opportunities can become apparent if looked for in the care of patients with CAD. While the term is nonspecific, it should be contextualized and described as those which are related to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Only through reflection on clinical activities in relation to patient outcomes and the use of healthcare services can missed opportunities be identified so that better care can be delivered.
Parent-Reported PEDI-CAT Mobility and Gross Motor Function in Infants With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Scott Kimberley , Lewis Jessica , Pan Xueliang , Heathcock Jill
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index—Computer Adapted Test (PEDI-CAT), a parent-reported outcome measure, and therapist-administered measures of motor function for infants with cerebral palsy (CP) with moderate to severe motor impairments.

Methods:

A prospective, cohort study included 54 infants, ages 6 to 24 months, with CP or high risk of CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V. Measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the mobility domain of the PEDI-CAT (PEDI-mob).

Results:

A significant correlation was found between PEDI-mob and GMFM scores. Significant differences were found in PEDI-mob scores as a function of GMFCS level.

Conclusions:

The PEDI-mob adds value to motor evaluations of infants with CP. Parents can accurately contribute information about daily motor performance for goal setting and treatment planning. The PEDI-mob offers a practical solution when longer assessments cannot be completed.
Psychometric Testing of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) in the Pediatric Acute Care Setting
Authors: Denlinger Katherine , Young Daniel L. , Beier Meghan , Friedman Michael , Quinn Julie , Hoyer Erik H. , Kudchadkar Sapna R.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To determine interrater reliability and construct validity of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Inpatient “6-clicks” Short Forms for children in acute care.

Methods:

Eight physical therapists (PTs) scored the AM-PAC Basic Mobility, 30-second walk test (30SWT), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) for 54 patients (4-17 years); 6 occupational therapists (OTs) scored the AM-PAC Daily Activity and handgrip dynamometry for 50 patients (5-17 years). Correlations between the AM-PAC Basic Mobility, 30SWT, and TUG and between the Daily Activity AM-PAC and handgrip dynamometry were calculated for evidence of construct validity.

Results:

Interrater reliability for the AM-PAC was excellent for PTs and OTs. Validity was strong to moderate for Basic Mobility when compared with the 30SWT and TUG. Daily Activity had weak correlation with mean left handgrip strength and no correlation with mean right handgrip strength.

Conclusions:

AM-PAC Short Forms have acceptable psychometrics for use among children in acute care.
The implementation of a pathway and care bundle for the management of acute occlusive arterial mesenteric ischemia reduced mortality
Authors: Tolonen Matti , Lemma Aurora , Vikatmaa Pirkka , Peltola Erno , Mentula Panu , Björkman Patrick , Leppäniemi Ari , Sallinen Ville
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a disease with high mortality and requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. A pathway and care bundle were developed and implemented with the objective to reduce mortality. The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to analyze the effects of the pathway on patient management and outcome.

METHODS

All consecutive patients operated in a secondary and tertiary referral center because of occlusive arterial AMI were identified between 2014 and April 2020. The pathway aimed to increase overall awareness, and hasten and improve diagnostics and management. Patients treated before implementation of the pathway (pregroup, years 2014–2017) were compared with patients treated using the pathway (postgroup, May 2018 to April 2020). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the groups.

RESULTS

There were 78 patients in the pregroup and 67 patients in the postgroup with comparable baseline characteristics and disease acuity. The postgroup was more often diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (58 [74%] vs. 63 [94%], p = 0.001) and had shorter mean in-hospital delay to operating room (7 hours [interquartile range, 3.5–12.5] vs. 3 hours [interquartile range, 2–11], p = 0.023). Revascularization was done more often in the postgroup (53 [68%] vs. 56 [84%], p = 0.030) especially using endovascular treatment (26 [33%] vs. 43 [64%], p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was lower in the postgroup (23 [51%] vs. 17 [25%], p = 0.001). Being managed in the postgroup remained as a protective factor (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.75; p = 0.008) for 30-day mortality in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Implementing a pathway and care bundle resulted in enhanced regional and in-hospital awareness of AMI, more appropriate computed tomography imaging, shorter in-hospital delays, increased number of revascularizations, and, hence, lower mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management, level IV.
Predicting success of resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta: Timing supersedes variable techniques in predicting patient survival
Authors: Cralley Alexis L. , Moore Ernest E. , Scalea Thomas M. , Inaba Kenji , Bulger Eileen M. , Meyer David E. , Fox Charles J. , Sauaia Angela
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used for temporary aortic occlusion of trauma patients in the management of noncompressible hemorrhage. Previous studies have focused on how to properly perform REBOA in the trauma environment to improve survival rates, but high-grade evidence defining the ideal patient population does not yet exist. This post hoc analysis of the Emergent Truncal Hemorrhage Control Study seeks to identify the most important clinical factors for physicians to consider when selecting for REBOA candidates and their potential survival following REBOA.

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of a large, multicenter, prospective observational study conducted at six level 1 trauma centers, 2017 to 2018, was performed. An onsite data collector documented all time points for REBOA patients since admission. Candidate predictors were demographics; injury severity; physiology preprocedure, during procedure, and postprocedure; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and REBOA-specific variables (time to procedure, procedure-related time intervals, access site, technique, sheath size, catheter length, balloon volume, deployment zone). Predictive models for survival at three different time points along the trauma triage and REBOA process timeline (“Admission,” “REBOA Initiation,” and “Postaortic Occlusion”) were devised by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients had REBOA placement. The Admission model selected age, Glasgow Coma Scale, and admission systolic blood pressure as significant predictors of survival (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.94). The REBOA Initiation and Postaortic Occlusion models selected age, Glasgow Coma Scale, and the systolic blood pressure measured just before balloon inflation as predictors for survival (AUROC, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78–0.97] and AUROC, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.81–0.99], respectively). No REBOA procedural variables were identified as predictors of patient survival.

CONCLUSION

Only patient-specific criteria of age, neurologic status, and severity of shock predicted survival. The hemodynamic stability of the patient at the time REBOA is initiated is more important than how REBOA is initiated. These findings suggest that earlier preparation for REBOA placement may be a key to improved survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level IV.
Evolving Trends in Risk Profiles and Outcomes in Older Adults Undergoing Kidney Retransplantation
Authors: Sandal Shaifali , Ahn JiYoon B. , Cantarovich Marcelo , Chu Nadia M. , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams-DeMarco Mara A.
Published: June 2021

Background.

In older adults (≥65), access to and outcomes following kidney transplantation (KT) have improved over the past 3 decades. It is unknown if there were parallel trends in re-KT. We characterized the trends, changing landscape, and outcomes of re-KT in older adults.

Methods.

Among the 44,149 older kidney-only recipients (1995–2016) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 1743 who underwent re-KT. We analyzed trends and outcomes (mortality, death-censored graft failure [DCGF]) by eras (1995–2002, 2003–2014, and 2015–2016) that were defined by changes to the expanded criteria donors and Kidney Donor Profile Index policies.

Results.

Among all older kidney-only recipients during 1995–2002, 2003–2014, 2015–2016 the proportion that were re-KTs increased from 2.7% to 4.2% to 5.7%, P < 0.001, respectively. Median age at re-KT (67–68–68, P = 0.04), years on dialysis after graft failure (1.4–1.5–2.2, P = 0.003), donor age (40.0–43.0–43.5, P = 0.04), proportion with panel reactive antibody 80–100 (22.0%–32.7%–48.7%, P < 0.001), and donation after circulatory death (1.1%–13.4%–19.5%, P < 0.001) have increased. Despite this, the 3-y cumulative incidence for mortality (22.3%–19.1%–11.5%, P = 0.002) and DCGF (13.3%–10.0%–5.1%, P = 0.01) decreased over time. Compared with deceased donor retransplant recipients during 1995–2002, those during 2003–2014 and 2015–2016 had lower mortality hazard (aHR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.86 and aHR = 0.55, 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.86, respectively). These declines were noted but not significant for DCGF and in living donor re-KTs.

Conclusions.

In older retransplant recipients, outcomes have improved significantly over time despite higher risk profiles; yet they represent a fraction of the KTs performed. Our results support increasing access to re-KT in older adults; however, approaches to guide the selection and management in those with graft failure need to be explored.
Implementing Mandatory Testing and a Public Health Commitment to Control COVID-19 on a College Campus
Authors: Liu Cindy , Vyas Amita , Castel Amanda D. , McDonnell Karen A. , Goldman Lynn R
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted US colleges and universities. As The George Washington University (GWU), a large urban university, prepared to reopen for the Fall 2020 semester, GWU established protocols to protect the health and wellness of all members of campus community. Reopening efforts included a cadre of COVID-19 surveillance systems including development of a public health COVID-19 laboratory, weekly and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing and daily risk screening and symptom monitoring. Other activities included completion of a mandatory COVID-19 training and influenza vaccination for the on-campus population, quarantining of students returning to campus, campus-focused case investigations and quarantining of suspected close contacts, clinical follow-up of infected persons, and regular communication and monitoring. A smaller on-campus population of 4,435 students, faculty and staff returned to campus with later expansion of testing to accommodate GWU students living in the surrounding area. Between August 17 and December 4, 2020, 38,288 tests were performed; 220 were positive. The surveillance program demonstrated a relatively low positivity rate, with temporal clustering of infected persons mirroring community spread, and little evidence for transmission among the GWU on-campus population. These efforts demonstrate the feasibility of safely partially reopening a large urban college campus by applying core principles of public health surveillance, infectious disease epidemiology, behavioral measures, and increased testing capacity, while continuing to promote educational and research opportunities. GWU will continue to monitor the program as the pandemic evolves and periodically reassess to determine if these strategies will be successful upon a full return to in-person learning.

Summary Box

What is the current understanding of this subject? When the COVID-19 pandemic began, generally universities were not prepared and it was unclear how to safely reopen colleges and universities given the uncertain risks of transmission among students, faculty and staff.

What does this report add to the literature? This case report highlights the successful approaches employed, including applying the core principles of public health surveillance and increasing testing capacity, to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on a densely populated urban college campus resulting in a safe reopening.

What are the implications for public health practice? This experience can provide a roadmap for other universities to consider as they plan for the safe reopening of their campuses.
Virologic features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children
Authors: Yonker Lael M. , Boucau Julie , Regan James , Choudhary Manish C. , Burns Madeleine D. , Young Nicola , Farkas Eva J. , Davis Jameson P. , Moschovis Peter P. , Kinane T. Bernard , Fasano Alessio , Neilan Anne M. , Li Jonathan Z. , Barczak Amy K.
Published: June 2021

Background

Data on pediatric COVID-19 has lagged behind adults throughout the pandemic. An understanding of SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics in children would enable data-driven public health guidance.

Methods

Respiratory swabs were collected from children with COVID-19. Viral load was quantified by RT-PCR; viral culture was assessed by direct observation of cytopathic effects and semiquantitative viral titers. Correlations with age, symptom duration, and disease severity were analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences were compared with contemporaneous sequences.

Results

110 children with COVID-19 (median age 10 years, range 2 weeks-21 years) were included in this study. Age did not impact SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Children were most infectious within the first five days of illness, and severe disease did not correlate with increased viral loads. Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 sequences were representative of those in the community and novel variants were identified.

Conclusions

Symptomatic and asymptomatic children can carry high quantities of live, replicating SARS-CoV-2, creating a potential reservoir for transmission and evolution of genetic variants. As guidance around social distancing and masking evolves following vaccine uptake in older populations, a clear understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in children is critical for rational development of public health policies and vaccination strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERIODONTITIS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT IN SALVADOR-BA
Authors: Coelho Julita Maria Freitas , Ponte Glaúcia Alencar , Gomes-Filho Isaac Suzart , de Santana Passos Johelle , da Cruz Simone Seixas , Figueiredo Ana Claudia Morais Godoy , Conceição Sarah dos Santos , Silva Roberta Borges , das Mêrces Magno Conceição
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by multiple disorders, and the in periodontitis, inflammation occurs in the tissues supporting the tooth, where in this process it is believed that the migration of oral bacteria and byproducts to the circulatory system occurs, with a systemic spread of inflammatory mediators. This study aims to verify the effect of periodontitis on the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome.

Method

Cross-sectional study with 90 users of the Family Health Unit from Vale do Cambonas in Salvador-BA. Questionnaires were applied, physical / anthropometric and dental evaluation were performed, record of the results of laboratory tests was registered and evaluation of medical records.

Data analysis

A bivariate and stratified analysis was performed, obtaining means and standard deviation for continuous variables, absolute and relative frequency for all variables, and multiple conditional logistic regression was performed to obtain the final model adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

In the final sample 46,67% of participants had metabolic syndrome according NECP-ATP III criterion and 30, 00% had periodontitis. From those, 20.00% had severe periodontitis, 10% moderate periodontitis and none with mild periodontitis, according to the criterion proposed by Gomes-Filho et al. (2018). There was statistical significance in the association between periodontitis and MetS (ORcrude= 2.58, 95% CI [1.02 - 6.55]) / (ORadjusted= 2.63, 95% CI [1.01 - 6.80]) and severe periodontitis and MetS (ORcrude= 3.86, 95% CI [1.24 - 11.98]) / (ORadjusted= 4.14, 95% CI [1.29-13.29]).

Conclusion

The main findings of this study indicate a positive association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome, with a higher effect when the exposure was severe periodontitis.
Functional Differences in the Neural Substrates of Auditory Cognition as a Consequence of Music Training
Authors: du Bois Naomi , Sanchez Bornot José M. , Rathee Dheeraj , Wong-Lin KongFatt , Elliott Mark A. , Prasad Girijesh
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that musical deviants (syntactically irregular chords) elicit event related potentials/fields with negative polarity; specifically, the early right anterior negativity and the right anterior temporal negativity responses with peak latencies at ~200 ms and ~350 ms, respectively, post stimulus onset. Here, we investigated differences in the neural dynamics of the auditory perceptual system of individuals with music training compared to those with no music training. Magnetoencephalography was used to examine the neural response to a deviant sound when the auditory system was primed using stimulus entrainment to evoke an auditory gamma-band response between 31 Hz and 39 Hz, in 2 Hz steps. Participants responded to the harmonic relationship between the entrainment stimulus and the subsequent target stimulus. Gamma frequencies carry stimulus information; thus, the paradigm primed the auditory system with a known gamma frequency and evaluated any improvement in the brains response to a deviant stimulus. The entrainment stimuli did not elicit an early right anterior negativity response. Furthermore, the source location of the event-related field difference during the later right anterior temporal negativity response time-window varied depending on group and entrainment condition. In support of previous findings from research using this, and a functionally similar visual-priming paradigm, a 7 Hz phase modulation of gamma amplitude was found for non-musicians following 33 Hz stimulus entrainment. Overall, significant effects of gamma entrainment were found more frequently in the non-music brain. By contrast, musicians demonstrated a greater range of interactions with slower brain rhythms, indicative of increased top-down control.

Graphical Abstract

Conclusion

Musicians’ auditory cognition relies more on top-down processes, while non-musicians rely on bottom-up processing, and therefore, their auditory cognition is facilitated by the entrained gamma-band response.

First neural evidence in support of faster reaction-time responses due to an interaction in phase of an entrained gamma-band response of 33 Hz and a slower endogenous theta rhythm (~7 Hz) - consistently reported in previous research.
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamic
Authors: Ye Chengjin , Chiem Kevin , Park Jun-Gyu , Silvas Jesus A. , Vasquez Desarey Morales , Torrelles Jordi B. , Kobie James J. , Walter Mark R. , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Martinez-Sobrido Luis
Published: June 2021

Replication-competent recombinant viruses expressing reporter genes provide valuable tools to investigate viral infection. Low levels of reporter gene expressed from previous reporter-expressing rSARS-CoV-2 have jeopardized their use to monitor the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infectionin vitroorin vivo. Here, we report an alternative strategy where reporter genes were placed upstream of the viral nucleocapsid gene followed by a 2A cleavage peptide. The higher levels of reporter expression using this strategy resulted in efficient visualization of rSARS-CoV-2 in infected cultured cells and K18 hACE2 transgenic mice. Importantly, real-time viral infection was readily tracked using a non-invasivein vivoimaging system and allowed us to rapidly identify antibodies which are able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infectionin vivo. Notably, these reporter-expressing rSARS-CoV-2 retained wild-type virus like pathogenicityin vivo, supporting their use to investigate viral infection, dissemination, pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2in vivo.
What should a poor mother do? Influence of host plant quality on oviposition strategy and behavior in a polyphagous moth
Authors: Green Kristina Karlsson , Houot Benjamin , Anderson Peter
Published: June 2021

To maximise fitness, individuals may apply different reproductive strategies. Such strategies could be phenotypically plastic and vary depending on the environment. For example, when resources are limited females often face a trade-off between investing in offspring quantity and quality, and how she balances this trade-off may depend on the environment. For phytophagous insects, and especially generalist insects, variation in host plant quality could have large effects on mating, reproduction and offspring performance. Here, we study if the polyphagous mothSpodoptera littoralis, which selects host plants through experience-based preference induction, also has a flexible allocation between egg weight and egg number as well as in temporal egg-laying behavior depending on larval host plant species. We found thatS. littoralishas a canalized egg size and that an increased reproductive investment is made in egg quantity rather than egg quality. This increased investment depends on larval host plant species, probably reflecting parental condition. The constant egg weight may be due to physiological limitations or to limited possibilities to increase fitness through larger offspring size. We furthermore found that differences in onset of egg-laying is mainly due to differences in mating propensity between individuals raised on different host plant species. Thus, females do not seem to make a strategic reproductive investment in challenging environments. Instead, the low-quality host plant induces less and later reproduction, which could have consequences for population dynamics in the field.
Fluctuating Environment Can Negate Cheater Success Due to Speed-Agility Trade-Off
Authors: van den Berg Naomi Iris , Kalmar Lajos , Patil Kiran R.
Published: June 2021

Stability of microbial cooperation through common goods is susceptible to cheating. Evidence suggests that cheating plays a less prominent role in many natural systems than hitherto predicted by models of eco-evolutionary dynamics and evolutionary game theory. While several cheater negating factors such as spatial segregation have been identified, most consider single-nutrient regimes. Here we propose a cheater-suppressing mechanism based on previous experimental observations regarding the biochemical trade-off between growth speed and delay in switching to alternative nutrients. As changing the nutrient source requires redistribution of enzymatic resources to different metabolic pathways, the advantage in speed is offset by lower agility due to longer time required for resource re-allocation. Using an in silico model system of sucrose utilisation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we find that a tradeoff between growth rate and diauxic lag duration can supress cheaters under fluctuating nutrient availability and thereby stabilise cooperation. The resulting temporal dynamics constrain cheaters despite their competitive benefit for the growth on the primary nutrient via avoided public goods synthesis costs. We further show that this speed-agility trade-off can function in synergy with spatial segregation to avoid the collapse of the community due to the cheaters. Taken together, the growth-agility trade-off may contribute to cheater suppression in microbial ecosystems experiencing fluctuating environments, such as plant root microbiota and gut microbiota.
Elicitation of neutralizing antibody responses to HIV-1 immunization with nanoparticle vaccine platforms
Authors: Murji Amyn A. , Qin Juliana S. , Hermanus Tandile , Morris Lynn , Georgiev Ivelin S.
Published: June 2021

A leading strategy for developing a prophylactic HIV-1 vaccine is the elicitation of antibodies that can neutralize a large fraction of circulating HIV-1 variants. However, a major challenge that has limited the effectiveness of current vaccine candidates is the extensive global diversity of HIV-1 Env, the sole target for HIV-neutralizing antibodies. To address this challenge, a variety of strategies to incorporate Env diversity into the vaccine formulation have been proposed. Here, we assessed the potential of two such strategies that utilize a nanoparticle-based vaccine platform to elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses. The nanoparticle immunogens developed here consisted of different formulations of Envs from strains BG505 (clade A) and CZA97 (clade C), attached to the N-termini of bacterial ferritin. Single-antigen nanoparticle cocktails as well as mosaic nanoparticles bearing both Env trimers elicited high antibody titers in mice and guinea pigs.

Furthermore, serum from guinea pigs immunized with nanoparticle immunogens achieved autologous, and in some cases heterologous, tier 2 neutralization, although significant differences between mosaic and single-antigen nanoparticles were not observed. These results provide insights into the ability of different vaccine strategies for incorporating Env sequence diversity to elicit neutralizing antibodies, with implications for the development of broadly protective HIV-1 vaccines.
Lung epithelial signaling mediates early vaccine-induced CD4+T cell activation andMtbcontrol
Authors: Das Shibali , Marin Nancy D. , Esaulova Ekaterina , Ahmed Mushtaq , Swain Amanda , Rosa Bruce A. , Mitreva Makedonka , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Netea Mihai G , Barreiro Luis B. , Divangahi Maziar , Artyomov Maxim N. , Kaushal Deepak , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death due to a single infectious agent. The development of a TB vaccine that induces durable and effective immunity toMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection is urgently needed. Early and superiorMtbcontrol can be induced inM. bovisBacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccinated hosts when the innate immune response is targeted to generate effective vaccine-induced immunity. In the present study, we show that innate activation of DCs is critical for mucosal localization of clonally activated vaccine-induced CD4+T cells in the lung, and superior earlyMtbcontrol. In addition, our study reveals that Th1/Th17 cytokine axis play an important role in superior vaccine induced immunity. Our studies also show that activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκβ) pathway in lung epithelial cells is critical for the mucosal localization of activated vaccine-induced CD4+T cells for rapidMtbcontrol. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the immune mechanisms that can overcome TB vaccine bottlenecks and provide early rapidMtbcontrol.

Importance

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death due to single infectious agent accounting 1.4 million deaths each year. The only licensed vaccine BCG is not effective due to variable efficacy. In our study, we determined the early immune events necessary for achieving complete protection in BCG vaccinated host. Our study reveals that innate activation of DCs can mediate superior and earlyMtbcontrol in BCG vaccinated host through lung epithelial cell signaling and localization of clonal activated,Mtbantigen specific, cytokine producing CD4+T cells within the lung parenchyma and airways. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the immune mechanisms that can overcome TB vaccine bottlenecks and provide early rapidMtbcontrol.
Volume growth in animal cells is cell cycle dependent and shows additive fluctuations
Authors: Cadart Clotilde , Piel Matthieu , Lagomarsino Marco Cosentino
Published: June 2021

The way proliferating animal cells coordinate the growth of their mass, volume, and other relevant size parameters is a long-standing question in biology. Studies focusing on cell mass have identified patterns of mass growth as a function of time and cell cycle phase, but little is known about volume growth. To address this question, we improved our fluorescence exclusion method of volume measurement (FXm) and obtained 1700 single-cell volume growth trajectories of HeLa cells. We find that, during most of the cell cycle, volume growth is close to exponential and proceeds at a higher rate in S-G2 than in G1. Comparing the data with a mathematical model, we establish that the cell-to-cell variability in volume growth arises from constant-amplitude fluctuations in volume steps, rather than fluctuations of the underlying specific growth rate. We hypothesize that such “additive noise” could emerge from the processes that regulate volume adaptation to biophysical cues, such as tension or osmotic pressure.
Human electroencephalography recordings for 1,854 concepts presented in rapid serial visual presentation streams
Authors: Grootswagers Tijl , Zhou Ivy , Robinson Amanda K. , Hebart Martin N. , Carlson Thomas A.
Published: June 2021

The neural basis of object recognition and semantic knowledge has been extensively studied but the high dimensionality of object space makes it challenging to develop overarching theories on how the brain organises object knowledge. To help understand how the brain allows us to recognise, categorise, and represent objects and object categories, there is a growing interest in using large-scale image databases for neuroimaging experiments. In the current paper, we present THINGS-EEG, a dataset containing human electroencephalography responses from 50 subjects to 1,854 object concepts and 22,248 images in the THINGS stimulus set, a manually curated and high-quality image database that was specifically designed for studying human vision. The THINGS-EEG dataset provides neuroimaging recordings to a systematic collection of objects and concepts and can therefore support a wide array of research to understand visual object processing in the human brain.
A KMT2A-AFF1 gene regulatory network highlights the role of core transcription factors and reveals the regulatory logic of key downstream target genes
Authors: Harman Joe R. , Thorne Ross , Jamilly Max , Tapia Marta , Crump Nicholas T. , Rice Siobhan , Beveridge Ryan , Morrissey Edward , de Bruijn Marella F.T.R. , Roberts Irene , Roy Anindita , Fulga Tudor A. , Milne Thomas A.
Published: June 2021

Regulatory interactions mediated by transcription factors (TFs) make up complex networks that control cellular behavior. Fully understanding these gene regulatory networks (GRNs) offers greater insight into the consequences of disease-causing perturbations than can be achieved by studying single TF binding events in isolation. Chromosomal translocations of the lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene produce KMT2A fusion proteins such as KMT2A-AFF1 (previously MLL-AF4), causing poor prognosis acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs) that sometimes relapse as acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). KMT2A-AFF1 drives leukemogenesis through direct binding and inducing the aberrant overexpression of key genes, such as the anti-apoptotic factor BCL2 and the proto-oncogene MYC. However, studying direct binding alone does not incorporate possible network-generated regulatory outputs, including the indirect induction of gene repression. To better understand the KMT2A-AFF1-driven regulatory landscape, we integrated ChIP-seq, patient RNA-seq, and CRISPR essentiality screens to generate a model GRN. This GRN identified several key transcription factors such as RUNX1 that regulate target genes downstream of KMT2A-AFF1 using feed-forward loop (FFL) and cascade motifs. A core set of nodes are present in both ALL and AML, and CRISPR screening revealed several factors that help mediate response to the drug venetoclax. Using our GRN, we then identified a KMT2A-AFF1:RUNX1 cascade that represses CASP9, as well as KMT2A-AFF1-driven FFLs that regulate BCL2 and MYC through combinatorial TF activity. This illustrates how our GRN can be used to better connect KMT2A-AFF1 behavior to downstream pathways that contribute to leukemogenesis, and potentially predict shifts in gene expression that mediate drug response.
Drawing in not encouraging away: systemic team formulation to support the trauma-informed care of a lady with intellectual disabilities, in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Gregson Nicola , Delaney Claire
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study using a systemic team formulation approach, in the context of supporting a women with intellectual disabilities with a history of trauma.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective stance is used to describe the process of assessment, hypothesising, formulation and intervention in a single case study design.

Findings

Feedback from care staff suggests that they found a team formulation approach helpful to improve their understanding of the service user they support.

Practical implications

The paper discusses how systemic team formulation can draw on trauma-informed care principles in the context of supporting an individual with an intellectual disability. Future research should aim to replicate the approach for findings to be applied more broadly. COVID-19 has meant clinical working has had to be adapted, clinicians should carefully consider how collaborative and meaningful work can continue to be facilitated within the current parameters.

Originality/value

This case study contributes to the literature in the use of systemic team formulation interventions within an intellectual disability context, drawing on trauma-informed care principles and reflecting on adapted working within the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why do micro-businesses hesitate to “grow up”?
Authors: Hieu Le Quang , Van Vu Hong , Doanh Nguyen Khanh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study analyzes the factors that affect the decisions of micro-businesses to switch to enterprises in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to explain the behavior of micro-businesses in switching to enterprises, the authors designed a questionnaire and collected survey data from 404 micro-businesses. The generalized structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the structured model with the dichotomous dependent variable.

Findings

First, the behavior of micro-businesses to switch was indirectly affected by needs and directly affected by attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm and institutional quality. Second, the subjective norms exerted the most influence on the behavior of the micro-businesses in switching. This finding implies that (1) the behavior of the micro-businesses depended on the assessments, perceptions and views of their friends, relatives and colleagues, and (2) the behavior to switch stems mainly from the desire to improve the businesses' position in society. Finally, both formal and informal institutions play an essential role in the behavior of the micro-businesses to switch to enterprises.

Originality/value

There have been no previous studies that have applied structured models to test the behavior of micro-businesses to switch to enterprises. Furthermore, previous studies had mainly addressed the psychological factors or needs of micro-businesses. In this study, apart from the above factors, the authors discuss the impact of institutions on the behavior of micro-businesses to switch.
When does emotional intelligence (EI) benefit team-member exchange? The cross-level moderating role of EI-based leader-member exchange differentiation
Authors: Zhao Di , Cai Wenjun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) is deemed important in developing interpersonal relationships. However, in the development of team-member exchange (TMX), the effect of EI on TMX and the team context have been largely ignored. For filling these gaps, this study explores the effect of employee EI on employee TMX and introduces EI-based leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation as a team context to moderate the EI-TMX relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from 51 teams (consisting of 293 followers and 51 team leaders) selected from 30 companies (across the industries of technology, real estate, commerce and manufacturing).

Findings

Results revealed that employee EI was positively related to employee TMX. EI acted as the basis of LMX differentiation (EI was positively related to LMX, EI variety was positively associated with LMX differentiation), and EI-based LMX differentiation acted as a favorable context for high-EI employees to develop high-quality TMX.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of EI’s significant and complex influence on interpersonal exchange relationships between leaders, followers and coworkers.
Crises conducting stakeholder salience: shifts in the evolution of private universities’ governance in Latin America
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra , Cordova Miguel , Hermans Michel , Nava-Aguirre Karla Maria , Monje-Cueto Fabiola , Mingo Santiago , Tobon Santiago , Rodriguez Carlos Adrian , Salvaj Erica Helena , Floriani Dinorá Eliete
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to build on embedded approaches to stakeholder management and examines how organizational decision-makers consider social responsibility toward proximal stakeholders in crises that encompass an entire system of stakeholder relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a criterion-based sample of eight Latin American private universities, this paper develops in-depth exploratory case studies to examine the prioritization of stakeholders in higher education institutions’ decision-making during the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

Contrary to the notion that during crises organizations prioritize stakeholders that provide resources that are critical to survival, this study finds that in contextual crises stakeholder management is informed by social responsibility. In addition, the findings suggest that crises may be tipping points for changes toward mission-driven approaches to governance.

Practical implications

Acknowledging the roles of social responsibility and proximity in stakeholder management during contextual crises allows for more informed governance of organizations that face disruptions in their system of stakeholder relations.

Originality/value

This study contributes unique insights into the decision-maker’s prioritization of stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. The uncertainty associated with the emerging “new normal” allowed for an extreme test of socially embedded versus resource-oriented approaches to stakeholder management.
Empowerment through rejection: challenging divisions between traditional, authentic and critical writing pedagogy
Authors: Barnes Meghan E. , Coffey Heather
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to inquire into the effectiveness of authentic writing instruction embedded in a critical service-learning project in a middle school English Language Arts curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes middle school students’ survey responses before and after their participation in a critical service-learning project designed to engage students in authentic writing. Specifically, the paper considers students’ perspectives of community and writing as a result of their participation in the project.

Findings

Participants’ perspectives fell into three categories: audience influence, empowerment or personal knowledge to act and confidence in ideas.

Originality/value

These perspectives suggest a deviation from common findings regarding the benefits of authentic writing instruction, as the presence of an audience in this study often hindered student confidence in their abilities as writers and community change agents. Authors draw from the findings to offer recommendations to support teachers in effectively incorporating authentic writing practices and audiences into their instruction.
Decision model innovation for competitive productivity (CP) in the airport industry
Authors: Rengarajan Srinath , Moser Roger , Tillessen Louis , Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Reddy Sai Shiva Jayanth
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of decision model innovation (DMI), set on the decision-making support for the customers, on customer satisfaction and the firm’s competitive productivity (FCP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study operationalizes the concept of DMI by developing a decision support journey (DSJ) model for the airport industry, using the case of Zurich Airport and its ecosystem. This paper then explores how this DSJ impacts the FCP of Zurich Airport.

Findings

This study finds that applying DMI shows potential to improve talent management, resource management and corporate culture, leading to a higher FCP. By centralizing the decision-making process of its customer and decision support, executives gain essential insights into the actual needs of their customers. This enables firms to adapt their products and services to the actual needs of the customer, which leads to higher performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the complementarity between DMI and FCP, exploring how operationalizing the concept through DSJ impacts FCP elements, including talent management, resource management and overall corporate culture. This extends extant work on improving non-aeronautical revenues in dynamic environments within airport ecosystems as a converging industry setting.

Practical implications

Existing airport digital applications providing minimal support should be expanded to provide an interaction and exchange platform for airport ecosystem players and customers. This paper finds that the firm adopting DMI in the airport/airline industry can set up a win-win situation to achieve competitive productivity by providing decision-making support and valuable insights to its customers.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to apply DMI toward improving FCP in the airport industry. It treats airports as an ecosystem of converging industries that can benefit by incorporating customer-focused digitally-enabled solutions to improve decision-making and customer satisfaction.