bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation of heterochromatin functions drives rapid evolution of essential ZAD-ZNF genes inDrosophila
Authors: Kasinathan Bhavatharini , Colmenares Serafin U. , McConnell Hannah , Young Janet M. , Karpen Gary H. , Malik Harmit S.
Published: July 2020

Contrary to prevailing dogma, evolutionarily young and dynamic genes can encode essential functions. Here, we investigate genetic innovation inZAD-ZNFgenes, which encode the most abundant class of insect transcription factors. We find that evolutionarily dynamicZAD-ZNFgenes are more likely to encode essential functions inDrosophila melanogasterthan ancient, conservedZAD-ZNFgenes. To understand the basis of this unexpected correlation, we focus on theNicknack ZAD-ZNFgene.Nicknackis an evolutionarily young, poorly retained inDrosophilaspecies, and evolves under strong positive selection, yet we find that it is necessary for larval development inD. melanogaster.We show thatNicknackencodes a heterochromatin-localizing protein like its closely related paralogOddjob, also an evolutionarily dynamic, essentialZAD-ZNFgene. We find that the divergentD. simulansNicknack protein can still localize toD. melanogasterheterochromatin and rescue viability of female but not maleNicknack-nullD. melanogaster. Our findings suggest that innovation for rapidly changing heterochromatin functions might provide a general explanation for the essential functions of many evolutionarily dynamicZAD-ZNFgenes in insects.
Endogenous piRNA-guided slicing triggers responder and trailer piRNA production from viral RNA inAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: Joosten Joep , Overheul Gijs J. , Van Rij Ronald P. , Miesen Pascal
Published: July 2020

In the germline of animals, PIWI interacting (pi)RNAs protect the genome against the detrimental effects of transposon mobilization. InDrosophila,piRNA-mediated cleavage of transposon RNA triggers the production of responder piRNAs via ping-pong amplification. Responder piRNA 3’ end formation is coupled to the production of downstream trailer piRNAs mediated by the nuclease Zucchini, expanding the repertoire of transposon piRNA sequences. InAedes aegyptimosquitoes, piRNAs are generated from viral RNA, yet, it is unknown how viral piRNA 3’ ends are formed and whether viral RNA cleavage gives rise to trailer piRNA production. Here we report that inAe. aegypti, virus- and transposon-derived piRNAs have sharp 3’ ends, and are biased for downstream uridine residues, features reminiscent of Zucchini cleavage of precursor piRNAs inDrosophila. We designed a reporter system to study viral piRNA 3’ end formation and found that targeting viral RNA by abundant endogenous piRNAs triggers the production of responder and trailer piRNAs. Using this reporter, we identified theAe. aegyptiorthologs of Zucchini and Nibbler, two nucleases involved in piRNA 3’ end formation. Our results furthermore suggest that autonomous piRNA production from viral RNA can be triggered and expanded by an initial cleavage event guided by genome-encoded piRNAs.
Genome-wide macroevolutionary signatures of key innovations in butterflies colonizing new host plants
Authors: Allio Rémi , Nabholz Benoit , Wanke Stefan , Chomicki Guillaume , Pérez-Escobar Oscar A. , Cotton Adam M. , Clamens Anne-Laure , Kergoat Gaël J. , Sperling Felix A.H. , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: July 2020

The exuberant proliferation of herbivorous insects is attributed to their associations with plants. Despite abundant studies on insect-plant interactions, we do not know whether host-plant shifts have impacted both genomic adaptation and species diversification over geological times. We show that the antagonistic insect-plant interaction between swallowtail butterflies and the highly toxic birthworts began 55 million years ago in Beringia, followed by several major ancient host-plant shifts. This evolutionary framework provides a unique opportunity for repeated tests of genomic signatures of macroevolutionary changes and estimation of diversification rates across their phylogeny. We find that host-plant shifts in butterflies are associated with both genome-wide adaptive molecular evolution (more genes under positive selection) and repeated bursts of speciation rates, contributing to an increase in global diversification through time. Our study links ecological changes, genome-wide adaptations and macroevolutionary consequences, lending support to the importance of ecological interactions as evolutionary drivers over long time periods.
Evaluation of nucleosome concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with cancer
Authors: Wilson-Robles H , Miller T , Jarvis J , Terrell J , Dewsbury N , Kelly T , Herzog M , Bygott T , Hardat N , Michel G
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Nucleosomes consist of small fragments of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer core. Diseases such as cancer or inflammation lead to cell death, which causes fragmentation and release of nucleosomes into the blood. The Nu.Q™ technology measures circulating nucleosome levels and exploits the different compositions of cancer derived nucleosomes in blood to detect and identify cancer even at early stages. The objectives of this study are to identify the optimal sample type for the Nu.Q™ H3.1 assay and to determine if it can accurately detect nucleosomes in the blood of healthy canines as well as those with cancer.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples from healthy canine volunteers as well as dogs newly diagnosed with lymphoma were used. The blood was processed at a variety of times under a variety of conditions to determine the most reliable sample type and conditions, and to develop an appropriate processing strategy to ensure reliably accurate results.

Results

Nucleosomes could be detected using a variety of sample collection and processing protocols. Nucleosome signals were highest in EDTA plasma and serum samples and most consistent in plasma. Samples should be processed within an hour of collection. Experiments showed that samples were able to withstand several freeze thaw cycles. Processing time and tcollection tube type did affect nucleosome detection levels. Finally, significantly elevated concentrations of nucleosomes were seen in a small cohort of dogs that had been newly diagnosed with lymphoma.

Conclusions

When samples are collected and processed appropriately, the Nu.Q™ platform can reliably detect nucleosomes in the plasma of dogs. Further testing is underway to validate and optimize the Nu.Q™ platform for veterinary use.
Ten years of population-level genomic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype surveillance informs vaccine development for invasive infections
Authors: Lipworth Samuel , Vihta Karina-Doris , Chau Kevin K , Kavanagh James , Davies Timothy , George Sophie , Barker Leanne , Vaughan Ali , Andersson Monique , Jeffery Katie , Oakley Sarah , Morgan Marcus , Peto Timothy EA , Crook Derrick W , Walker A Sarah , Stoesser Nicole
Published: July 2020

The incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by Enterobacteriaceae (e.g. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) continues to increase globally and the threat of untreatable disease is substantial1. Prophylactic vaccines represent an alternative approach to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by reducing antibiotic usage and preventing infections caused by AMR-associated strains. To investigate their potential utility, we performed in silico serotyping on 4035 E. coli/K. pneumoniae BSI from population-level surveillance in Oxfordshire (2008-2018) in addition to 3678 isolates from previous studies. Most infections, including those associated with AMR, were caused by isolates with a small subset of O-antigens, with no evidence that the proportion of BSIs caused by these changed significantly over time. O-antigen targeted vaccines might therefore be useful in reducing the significant morbidity and mortality2 associated with BSIs. Vaccines may also have a role in preventing the spread of carbapenem resistance genes into common serotypes associated with community-onset disease.
Predictive Analysis for COVID-19 Spread in India by Adaptive Compartmental Model
Authors: Singh S. S. , Mohapatra D. K.
Published: July 2020

The role of mathematical modelling in predicting spread of an epidemic is of vital importance. The purpose of present study is to develop and apply a computational tool for predicting evolution of different epidemiological variables for COVID-19 in India. We propose a dynamic SIRD (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Dead) and SEIRD (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered-Dead) model for this purpose. In the dynamic model, time dependent infection rate is assumed for estimating evolution of different variables of the model. Parameter estimation of the model is the first step of the analysis which is performed by least square optimization of priori data. In the second step of the analysis, simulation is carried out by using evaluated parameters for prediction of the outbreak. The computational model has been validated against real data for COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. Time to reach peak, peak infected cases and total reported cases were compared with actual data and found to be in very good agreement. Next the model is applied for the case of India and various Indian states to predict different epidemiological parameters. Priori data was taken from the beginning of nation-wide lockdown on 24 March to 6 July. It was found that peak of the outbreak may reach in the month of August-September with maximum 4-5 lakhs active cases at peak. Total number of reported cases all over India would be in between three to five millions. State wise, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Delhi would be worst affected.
Consumer perception towards familiar and innovative foods: the case of a Brazilian product
Authors: Goulart Gislayne da Silva , Viana Mayra Monteiro , Lucchese-Cheung Thelma
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess consumers' perception of a typical Brazilian food in its familiar and innovative versions through a survey combined with textual analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected consumers’ data (N = 476) via survey and conducted two textual analysis – similitude and descending hierarchical classification (DHC) – using the Iramuteq software. In order to evaluate the consumers’ perception, traditional cheese breads (familiar) and cheese breads with carrots (innovative) were used. The consumers are from Central-West Brazil and had diverse socioeconomic status.

Findings

Similitude analysis showed that the familiar product presented mostly neutral or positive characteristics. The DHC analysis provided three relevant classes for the traditional cheese bread (familiar) product, considering the consumers’ perceptions and socioeconomic status. For the innovative product, the similitude analysis showed negative associations with the food (food neophobia), but there are also positive characteristics to be explored (food neophilia). Neophobia was attributed to hedonic aspects, e.g. doubts about the taste approval. Neophilia was related to normative aspects, e.g. the product's health benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The results are exploratory and, therefore, cannot be generalized, but can arise insights to different food products. It was observed that the chosen method can be useful to access the consumer's perception and could be replicated in other cultures and regarding different products.

Practical implications

Food neophobia can be avoided by highlighting hedonic aspects and food neophilia can be activate via normative attributes, so the launch of an innovative food should be accompanied by consumer-oriented marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The present study brings relevant insights regarding food neophobia and neophilia and uses a combination of survey with textual analysis.
Stiffness vs flexibility based triangular spring cell – analysis of performance
Authors: Doltsinis I. St.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the incomplete substitution of the simplex triangular finite element by either of two models: one evolving out as part of the element flexibility, and the other as part of the element stiffness.

Design/methodology/approach

The elastic energy stored in each of the units under stress or strain decides on stiffer and weaker responses. The pertaining Rayleigh quotient in terms of the flexibility matrices allows bounding the distance of the spring cell models to the finite element in dependence of the triangle configuration.

Findings

Despite a superiority of the flexibility cell concept observed in computations, the study reveals constellations of shape and stressing of the triangle that favour the stiffness concept. The latter is seen to behave stiffer than its flexibility counterpart and produces results more distant to the finite element in most cases.

Research limitations/implications

The difference between the stiffness and the flexibility approach to spring cells is investigated for triangular elements in dependence of the geometrical configuration under specific conditions of stressing. This suffices to refute an exclusive superiority of the flexibility concept although largely true.

Practical implications

The results of the investigation appear useful in deciding between the spring cell models depending on the case of a spring lattice application.

Originality/value

The flexibility approach to the spring cell is not widely known yet. This cell model deserves a study on performance and comparison to the different, more common stiffness cell model.
Are graduates as good as they think? A discussion of overconfidence among graduates and its impact on employability
Authors: Hack-Polay Dieu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to critically examine overconfidence in numeracy among higher education (HE) graduates and its impact on their employability. The paper discusses the extent to which graduates, because of higher qualifications, overstate their numerical abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review of the academic literature examining the theoretical significance of overconfidence in HE. The review subsequently draws on practice and policy reports that evidence graduates' overconfidence in numeracy and basic skills.

Findings

The article shows a significant interaction between the level of qualification and overstatement of numerical abilities. The analysis found that graduates do not always have an important basic skill such as numeracy whose impact on work performance is significant.

Practical implications

The findings are momentous for rethinking HE curricula, employee development in organisations and government skills strategy. The article advocates more inclusive and interpretive research for a greater understanding of the issues and offers useful data to policymakers and HE institutions in preparing graduates for work and decision-making. Further research in the field is required to enable the formulation of more authoritative conclusions.

Originality/value

A critical contribution of this reflection is to have linked the evidence from the academic literature with employer surveys about graduate basic skills to draw the attention to a vital issue affecting national and organisational productivity, thus substantiating anecdotal evidence about graduate overconfidence. This reinforces the value of systematic literature review in research, as it provides an opportunity for more informed policy formulation as well as extending the body of research.
Stimulating employee learning: the confluence of case-based and self-regulated learning
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall Paul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the linkage of case-based instruction with the enhancement of self-regulated learning of employees. Specific objectives are to review and describe: some characteristics of adult learning, features and functions of self-regulated learning (SRL) and the instructional approach, case-based learning (CBL), followed by a synthesis of the information in the form of a detailed, CBL approach for practitioner use.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this work is represented in the following phases. First, conduct a literature review of each of these areas: characteristics of adult learners, details of SRL and its components, accompanied by the expression of linkages among the concepts and CBL. This includes exploration of metacognition, as it relates to the self-regulation of learning. Also reviewed was CBL, including theory background. Literature reviews were aided by databases: Education Research Complete, Psych Info and ScienceDirect. The second substantive phase was to synthesize the information obtained in the reviews and analysis and create a detailed design presentation for using CBL with trainees.

Findings

The findings of the analysis and synthesis of information enable the expression of a complete, detailed approach to the application of CBL for practitioner use. A review of practices in CBL augmented with examination of important theories of situated cognition and constructivism assist in building a rationale as to how case-based instruction may improve individual and team/group self-regulation of learning.

Practical implications

Presented in the paper is a complete model of case-based instruction for practitioner use and refinement.

Originality/value

Case-based instruction has not been directly linked to the self-regulation of learning. This paper makes a contribution to the literature of CBL as well as to situational cognition.
A fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process approach for measuring flood resilience at the individual property level
Authors: Adebimpe Oluseye Adewale , Proverbs David G. , Oladokun Victor Oluwasina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Recent changes in climate, rainfall patterns, snow melt and rising sea levels coupled with an increase in urban development have increased the threat of flooding. To curb these threats and mitigate these damages, property-level approaches to improving resilience are now being encouraged as part of an integrated approach to flood risk management. This raises questions such as, what are the flood resilient attributes within individual properties, what is their importance and how can these be quantified. This research sought to develop a quantitative approach for the measurement of property-level flood resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of literature was undertaken to establish the main resilient attributes and their relevant sub-attributes. This process led to the development of a new method, named the Composite Flood Resilient Index (CFRI) to weight the attributes and sub-attributes of flood resilience based on their importance. The approach adopts the use of the fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) approach to quantify flood resilience.

Findings

The implications of the proposed methodology in determining the flood resilience of individual property, including the potential use in retrofitting activities, and the benefits to a range of stakeholders are considered.

Social implications

The methodology offers the potential to support the measurement of flood resilience of individual properties, allowing the identification and prioritisation of specific interventions to improve the resilience of a property.

Originality/value

Whereas previous attempts to quantify flood resilience have adopted qualitative approaches with some level of subjectivity, this proposed methodology represents an important advancement in developing a scientific and quantitative approach.
Asymmetric effect of exchange rate volatility on trade in sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Dada James Temitope
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of asymmetric structure inherent in exchange rate volatility on trade in sub-Saharan African countries from 2005 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

17 countries in sub-Saharan African Countries are used for the study. Exchange rate volatility is generated using generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedacity (1,1), while the asymmetric components of exchange rate volatility are generated using a refined approach of cumulative partial sum developed by Granger and Yoon (2002). Two-step generalised method of moments is used as the estimation technique in order to address the problem of endogeneity, commonly found in panel data.

Findings

The result from the study shows the evidence of exchange rate volatility clustering which is strictly persistent in sub-Saharan African countries. The asymmetric components (positive and negative shocks) of exchange rate volatility have negative and significant effect on trade in the region. Meanwhile, the effect of negative exchange rate volatility is higher on trade when compared with the positive exchange rate volatility. Furthermore, real exchange rate has negative and significant effect on trade in sub-Saharan African countries.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this study are important for participants in foreign exchange market. As investors in foreign exchange market react more to the negative news than positive news, investors need to diversify their risk. Also, regulators in the market need to formulate appropriate macroeconomic policies that will stabilize exchange rate in the region.

Originality/value

This study deviates from extant studies in the literature by incorporating asymmetric structure into the exchange rate trade nexus using a refined approach.
The digital Wild West: on social entrepreneurship in extended reality
Authors: Devereaux Abigail
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Our central thesis is that the dynamic, immersive and agile nature of extended reality (XR) both provides an unusually fertile ground for the development of alternative forms of governance and essentially necessitates this development by contrast with relatively inagile institutions of public governance.

Design/methodology/approach

I take an epistemologically aware, systems-theoretic perspective in my analysis to properly tease out the relevant micro-, meso- and macro-structures; their direct interactions; and their entanglements.

Findings

The challenges presented by rapidly advancing XR may require much more agile forms of governance than are available from public institutions, even under widespread algorithmic governance. Social entrepreneurship in blockchain solutions may very well be able to meet some of these challenges, as we show.

Originality/value

There are very few systems-aware, epistemological analyses of social entrepreneurship utilizing algorithms versus public algorithmic governance and none that focus on how these two channels of social action interact with developments in XR.
The estimation of leverage coefficients in corporate finance research: a review of the literature
Authors: Dugan Michael T.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of elasticity-based techniques for the estimation of the degree of operating leverage (DOL) and the degree of financial leverage (DFL) in empirical corporate finance research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the specific details of the estimation of DOL and DFL coefficients under both of the primary estimation techniques and documents the econometric properties of the estimates derived from each techniques.

Findings

There are tradeoffs between the two techniques, as each technique has both appealing and limiting features.

Originality/value

This paper indicates how each of the two techniques possesses limitations and suggests that future research should attempt to develop estimation techniques that overcome those limitations.
Intrapreneurship to engage employees: role of psychological capital
Authors: Pandey Jatin , Gupta Manish , Hassan Yusuf
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Intrapreneurship is gaining traction in organizations to buckle up for the dynamic business environment. Scholars have argued that intrapreneurship increases positivity at work and helps employees attach themselves better with their job. However, empirical evidence suggests that these relationships do not exist. The objective of this paper is to examine the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the relationship between intrapreneurship and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey. Responses from 309 employees working in different industries in India were analysed. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results show that there exist positive relationships among intrapreneurship, psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement. Further, it was observed that the PsyCap partially mediates the relationship between intrapreneurship and work engagement.

Practical implications

Managers may not only encourage intrapreneurial behaviour in their organizations but also ensure that the employees are psychologically capable (high on PsyCap). It would enable the employees to engage themselves wholeheartedly into their work.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is one of its kinds to relate intrapreneurship with PsyCap and work engagement.
Role of support in work–family interface among university faculty in India
Authors: Gopalan Neena , Pattusamy Murugan , Gollakota Kamala
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Numerous studies on Western samples exist on work–family conflict (WFC) and work–family enrichment (WFE). Generalizing such results to other cultures may lead to erroneous interpretations of results. The present study emphasizes the role of different types of support on both work–family conflict and enrichment among university faculty in India.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to university faculty in India. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results based on a sample of 199 university faculty in India indicated that supervisor and coworker support did not significantly reduce work–family conflict but increased work–family enrichment. The type of family support (instrumental versus emotional) had an impact, particularly on work-family enrichment.

Originality/value

Research on work–family dynamics in India is still in its nascent stage. This study attempted to address this gap by studying both conflict and enrichment dynamics in the family and work lives of university faculty in India.
Automatic optical inspection system for IC solder joint based on local-to-global ensemble learning
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Cai Nian , Wang Huiheng , Lin Jianfa , Wang Han
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Automatic optical inspection (AOI) systems have been widely used in many fields to evaluate the qualities of products at the end of the production line. The purpose of this paper is to propose a local-to-global ensemble learning method for the AOI system based on to inspect integrated circuit (IC) solder joints defects.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, the locally statistically modeling stage and the globally ensemble learning stage are involved to tackle the inspection problem. At the former stage, the improved visual background extraction–based algorithm is used for locally statistically modeling to grasp tiny appearance differences between the IC solder joints to achieve potential defect images for the subsequent stage. At the latter stage, mean unqualified probability is introduced based on a novel ensemble learning, in which an adaptive weighted strategy is proposed for revealing different contributions of the base classifier to the inspection performance.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better inspection performance with an acceptable inspection time compared with some state-of-the-art methods.

Originality/value

The approach is a promising method for IC solder joint inspection, which can simultaneously grasp the local characteristics of IC solder joints and reveal inherently global relationships between IC solder joints.
High low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol as an independent risk factor for coronary restenosis in hemodialysis patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Hasegawa Shoko , Nakano Toshiaki , Mukai Yasushi , Matsukuma Yuta , Yotsueda Ryusuke , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Fujisaki Kiichiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Kitazono Takanari
Published: July 2020

HD patients have been reported to have a higher risk of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of coronary restenosis in HD patients. We enrolled 54 HD patients (mean age: 66.5 ± 10.1 years; 72.2% men; mean HD duration: 3.7 years), who received PCI and follow‐up coronary angiography. Of the patients, 22 (40.7%) had restenosis within 3 to 12 months of PCI. Univariate logistic analysis showed low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C)/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio, LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, and history of major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly associated with coronary restenosis (OR]: 1.89, 1.27, 1.22, and 5.79, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that LDL‐C was significantly associated with coronary restenosis (OR: 1.43). These data suggest that LDL‐C is an independent risk factor for coronary restenosis in HD patients undergoing PCI, and strict lipid management may be required.
Does economic policy uncertainty raise corporate precautionary cash holdings? Evidence from China
Authors: Su Xin , Zhou Shengshi , Xue Rui , Tian Jinfang
Published: July 2020

Using China as the research setting, this paper investigates the relationship between economic policy uncertainty and corporate precautionary cash holdings. Empirical results show a U‐shaped relation between economic policy uncertainty and corporate precautionary cash holdings. Empirical analysis, in terms of ownership structure, firm size, corporate competitiveness and geographical location, further shows that (i) the effects for economic policy uncertainty in both state‐owned and non‐state‐owned enterprises are significant, but the effect is stronger for state‐owned enterprises; (ii) such significant effect is also found more strongly in small and medium‐sized enterprises and highly competitive enterprises; and (iii) the effects for eastern, central and western China are all statistically significant, but the effect is strongest for eastern China.
Long‐term outcomes of vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Schreur Vivian , Brouwers Jody , Van Huet Ramon A.C. , Smeets Sandra , Phan Milan , Hoyng Carel B. , de Jong Eiko K. , Klevering B. Jeroen
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To investigate the long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Cumulative incidences were calculated for low vision (<0.3), re‐vitrectomy in the study eye and fellow eye vitrectomy. To identify potential prognostic factors that associate with these outcomes, we used multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

In a total of 217 patients, we found 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative incidences of low vision in the study eye of 24%, 31% and 39%, respectively. For both eyes, these rates were, respectively, 10%, 14% and 14%. Low vision in both eyes was associated with higher age and worse contralateral visual acuity. The 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative incidences for re‐vitrectomy in the study eye were 16%, 27% and 27%, respectively, and for a vitrectomy in the fellow eye 24%, 40% and 54%, respectively. Re‐vitrectomy of the study eye was associated with worse contralateral visual acuity, while vitrectomy of the fellow eye was associated with shorter diabetes duration, worse contralateral visual acuity, higher HbA1c level and worse diabetic retinopathy severity stage of the fellow eye.

Conclusion

Functional visual acuity in at least one eye was achieved or preserved in most patients. After 10 years, about a quarter of all patients underwent a re‐vitrectomy, while more than half of the patients needed a vitrectomy of the fellow eye. Knowledge of these long‐term outcomes is essential when counselling patients for a vitrectomy.
Knowledge, attitudes and management of bovine viral diarrhoea virus among eastern Australian cattle producers: results from a 2013 cross‐sectional study
Authors: Long R , Allworth MB , Smith AK , Hayes L , Hernandez‐Jover M
Published: July 2020

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is an economically significant disease affecting the Australian cattle industry, with losses stemming from decreased production and reproductive performance and control costs. However, these losses can be difficult to appreciate, particularly in endemic regions. Overall, there is a variable but high herd‐level seroprevalence in Australia. Despite a potentially high financial burden of the disease, the onus for control ultimately falls on producers and strategies employed will vary between regions. A cross‐sectional study, using a postal survey, was conducted in 2013 to evaluate the BVDV knowledge, attitudes and management practices utilised by Australian cattle producers. A total of 192 producers participated in the study, and results indicate that knowledge and attitudes towards disease risk are variable and can be improved. Producer knowledge of how persistently infected (PI) animals are produced was higher than that of disease outcomes or transmission pathways. Implementation of biosecurity practices was limited, with approximately half of respondents employing quarantine procedures for introduced stock and only 2% indicating they would antigen test introduced stock for BVDV. Approximately a third (36%) of producers reported engaging in BVDV control, with the majority of these using vaccination strategies over deliberate exposure to a PI. Knowledge of and engagement with BVDV control was positively influenced by the producer relationships with veterinarians. Findings from this study suggest that building on education and delivering a consistent message among stakeholders would likely improve producer awareness and understanding in relation to BVDV and support decision making in BVDV management.
Langerhans cell sarcoma involving skin and showing epidermotropism: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ronen Shira , Keiser Elizabeth , Collins Katrina M. , Aung Phyu P. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Curry Jonathan L. , Ivan Doina , Prieto Victor G. , Hymes Sharon , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A.
Published: July 2020

Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS) is rare and aggressive; patients have an overall survival rate of less than 50%. We present a 62‐year‐old man with a history of superficial spreading melanoma of the upper back with sentinel lymph node metastasis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and LCS. The patient presented with erythematous papules and scaly areas on his face, neck, arms, chest, abdomen, and legs. A skin biopsy revealed a proliferation of large neoplastic cells involving the dermis and with epidermotropism. These cells had atypical bean‐shaped nuclei, with ample cytoplasm and abundant mitotic figures including atypical forms. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor to be diffusely positive for CD1a, S100 protein, and langerin (CD207) and negative for melanocytic markers. Some tumor cells were positive for cyclin D1. A diagnosis of LCS involving the skin was established. The present study is a very unusual case of LCS showing epidermotropism. The patient's history of metastatic melanoma posed additional challenges for diagnosis, underlying the need of immunophenotyping in these cases. Consensus for optimal standard therapy has not been established in LCS, and thus, early recognition is important since these neoplasms tend to recur and metastasize. LCS in skin is discussed and published cases are comprehensively reviewed.
Quantifying climate change‐relevant humanitarian programming and spending across five countries with high vulnerability to disaster
Authors: McCann Bryan T. , Davis Jenna M. , Osborne Devin , Durham Courtney , O'Brien Madeleine , Raymond Nathaniel A.
Published: July 2020

Climate change is increasing the severity and the frequency of natural hazards and associated disasters worldwide, yet there is little data tracking how and whether it is being addressed by humanitarian assistance initiatives. Drawing on publicly available United Nations programme data and vulnerability indexes, this study pilots a novel approach to identifying and quantifying the prevalence of climate change‐related humanitarian programmes from 2016–18 in five disaster‐affected countries. The funding levels of proposed and undertaken interventions were analysed within specific programmatic sub‐areas and across clusters. The study found that 1.8 per cent (99 of 5,558) of projects included in humanitarian proposals reviewed during the research have a climate change‐related component. Of 1,361 funded projects, 40 of these were climate change‐related and received funding. The methodologies tested here to assess and classify climate change‐related humanitarian programmes could be expanded to support further tracking of humanitarian responses to climate change across operational contexts.
Aiding refugees, aiding peace?
Authors: Lehmann M. Christian
Published: July 2020

I add two novel features to the two‐player contest model, the workhorse model of civil war: civilians can flee (i.e., become refugees) and refugees receive aid. I find that aid to refugees can promote peace or fuel conflict, depending on the context.
Salivary changes in oxidative stress related to inflammation in oral and gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Janšáková Katarína , Escudier Michael , Tóthová Ľubomíra , Proctor Gordon
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The early diagnosis and monitoring of Crohn's disease (CD) and orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) might be facilitated by assaying potential disease biomarkers in saliva. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assayed in salivas from patients with CD, OFG and concurrent OFG and CD (OFG + CD).

Subjects

Unstimulated whole mouth saliva was collected from 93 subjects, and immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin (LF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by ELISA. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assayed spectrophotometrically.

Results

Immunoglobulin A was significantly (p < .03) higher in experimental groups vs the control group. LF was significantly (p < .01) higher in OFG + CD compared to CTRL and CD. Ferric reducing antioxidant power was lower (p ≤ .009) in all experimental groups, and advanced glycation end products were higher (p ≤ .01) in CD and OFG + CD patients.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress is increased in saliva in CD and OFG. Although MPO, a product of inflammatory cells, was not significantly increased, the other innate immune markers, IgA and LF, which are also secreted by salivary glands, were increased. This study suggests that saliva might be utilized in monitoring CD and OFG but further longitudinal studies focused on analysing a panel of salivary markers are needed.
How do we use electronic clinical decision support and feedback to promote good transfusion practice
Authors: Staples Sophie , Salisbury Richard A. , King Andrew J. , Polzella Paolo , Bakhishli Gardash , Staves Julie , Murphy Michael F.
Published: July 2020

This report describes the evolution of the electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) and feedback methods at our center and the challenges and lessons learned. The electronic blood product order with integrated CDSS ensures collection of data regarding the patient's clinical condition and the justification for the blood product order. An alert is generated in real time if the order is placed outside agreed guidelines. We have provided feedback in several ways. We began with monthly review meetings with the junior hematology clinicians responsible for ordering blood. This was successful in reducing unjustified transfusions in this setting. We expanded the feedback to the rest of our hospitals in two ways. First, a dashboard was developed allowing visualization of ordering data by clinicians. Second, these data were summarized on a quarterly basis into a report circulated to the senior clinical staff by e‐mail. Finally, a daily report collates all orders placed for blood products that have triggered a CDSS alert from the previous day. A multidisciplinary team reviews these daily. If an order appears unjustified the specialist transfusion clinician contacts the prescribing clinician to ask for further information and, if necessary, provides education. The CDSS and feedback, allied with other patient blood management measures, have reduced total blood product costs for our hospitals by 26% over 6 years. The description of how we have developed and implemented CDSS and feedback to influence transfusion practice may be of particular value to others developing their own systems.
In vitro holding strength of the laparoscopic Miller's knot compared with open Miller's knot, open surgeon's throw, and laparoscopic surgeon's throw in a vascular pedicle model
Authors: Erickson Andrea K. , Fox‐Alvarez W. Alexander , Regier Penny J. , Case J. Brad
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare in vitro knot holding strength of the laparoscopic Miller's knot (LMK), open Miller's knot (MK), open surgeon's throw (Sx), and laparoscopic surgeon's throw (LSx) in a vascular pedicle model when used as the first throw for vascular ligation.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Ten constructs each of the Miller's knot and surgeon's throw performed openly and laparoscopically with 2‐0 polyglyconate suture.

Methods

Knot holding strengths of the LMK, MK, LSx, and Sx knots were evaluated on balloon dilation catheters used as vascular pedicle models. Laparoscopic knots were tied in a laparoscopic box trainer. Knot constructs were pressure tested to failure. Results were compared by Kruskal‐Wallis and Steel‐Dwass comparisons.

Results

Both MK and LMK had mean leakage pressures above 300 mm Hg. The MK leaked at higher pressure than all other knots, including the LMK (P < .001). The LMK leaked at greater pressures compared with the Sx and the LSx (P < .001). No difference was detected between leaking pressures of the Sx and the LSx (P = .226), with both leaking at pressures below 40 mm Hg.

Conclusion

The LMK created a more secure first throw compared with the Sx and leaked at supraphysiologic pressures.

Clinical significance

The LMK has excellent knot holding strength on a vascular pedicle model and may be further evaluated for clinical application.
Changes in the voice production of solo singers across concert halls
Authors: Luizard Paul , Henrich Bernardoni Nathalie
Published: July 2020

To investigate the influence of room acoustics on singing, four lyrical singers (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone) performed four musical pieces in eight different venues (from dry studio to reverberant church). In addition to vocal intensity measured by a near-field microphone, glottal behavior (vibratory fundamental frequency and contact quotient) was assessed by electroglottography. Statistical linear mixed models showed that the variance in vocal performance was partly explained by room acoustics. Complementary to previous results on voice musical features influenced by timbre and level of the room's response, voice production parameters were mostly influenced by spatial aspects of the room's response.
The ontogeny of a mammalian cognitive map in the real world
Authors: Harten Lee , Katz Amitay , Goldshtein Aya , Handel Michal , Yovel Yossi
Published: July 2020

Knowing their way around

The presence of a cognitive map is essential to our ability to navigate through areas we know because it facilitates the use of spatial knowledge to derive new routes. Whether such maps exist in nonhuman animals has been debated, largely because of the difficulty of demonstrating qualifying components of the map outside of a laboratory. In two studies on Egyptian fruit bats, Harten
et al.
and Toledo
et al.
together show that this species's navigational strategies meet the requirements for the use of a cognitive map of their environment, confirming that this skill occurs outside of humans (see the Perspective by Fenton).

Science
, this issue p.
194
, p.
188
; see also p.
142
Climate change tweaks Arctic marine ecosystems
Authors: Babin Marcel
Published: July 2020

Nutrient input might enhance productivity in the Arctic Ocean of the future
The Versatile Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Matrix Protein CdrA Promotes Aggregation through Different Extracellular Exopolysaccharide Interactions
Authors: Reichhardt Courtney , Jacobs Holly M. , Matwichuk Michael , Wong Cynthis , Wozniak Daniel J. , Parsek Matthew R.
Published: July 2020

Depending upon the strain,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
can use different exopolysaccharides (e.g., Psl, Pel, and alginate) to build its biofilm matrix. Previously, we demonstrated that the biofilm matrix protein CdrA binds to Psl, promoting biofilm formation and aggregate stability. As such, it was thought that CdrA might be important for biofilm assembly only in strains that rely upon Psl. However, past studies indicated that CdrA can interact with monosaccharides not present in Psl, including
N
-acetylglucosamine, a constituent of another EPS called Pel. We discovered that CdrA also binds to Pel and promotes biofilm formation by strains in which Psl is not dominant. Thus, our findings suggest that CdrA plays a common role as a biofilm matrix cross-linker across
P. aeruginosa
isolates with different EPS.
Non-typeableHaemophilus influenzaeand purpura fulminans
Authors: Beechar Vivek Bhika , de la Flor Carolina , Medford Richard J
Published: July 2020

Haemophilus influenzaetypically causes illness and infection in the paediatric population. We report a case of a 53-year-old man who developed invasive non-typeableH. influenzaeinfection associated with purpura fulminans and multiorgan failure. On review of the literature, this is the first reported case of non-typeableH. influenzaecausing purpura fulminans. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g/day and was eventually discharged from the hospital almost 2 months after admission. We discuss the role that infection/sepsis plays in disturbances to the coagulation cascade leading to purpura fulminans and the virulence factors that make non-typeableH. influenzaeunique. Finally, we review other cases ofH. influenzaeassociated with purpura fulminans and discuss the similarities with our case.