bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer models reveal how chromatin modification can modulate force at the kinetochore
Authors: Lawrimore Josh , de Larminat Solenn C. , Cook Diana , Friedman Brandon , Doshi Ayush , Yeh Elaine , Bloom Kerry
Published: September 2022

Molecular crowding of DNA loops exerts a radial force on the kinetochore. Previous observations of the kinetochore and pericentric cohesin revealed a paradox upon spindle perturbation. Using simulations of the thermodynamics of DNA, we resolve the experimental results and provide evidence for mechanical feedback between chromatin and the kinetochore.
Chromatin condensation regulates endothelial cell adaptation to shear stress
Authors: Danielsson Brooke E. , Tieu Katie V. , Spagnol Stephen T. , Vu Kira K. , Cabe Jolene I. , Raisch Tristan B. , Dahl Kris Noel , Conway Daniel E.
Published: September 2022

Changes in chromatin condensation are associated with cellular adaptation to mechanical stimuli. This study shows that endothelial cells have significant changes in histone acetylation and methylation during adaptation to fluid shear stress. Furthermore, a more decondensed chromatin accelerates the rate at which cells adapt to fluid shear stress.
Extracellular matrix regulates force transduction at VE-cadherin junctions
Authors: Kong Xinyu , Kapustka Adrian , Sullivan Brendan , Schwarz Gregory J. , Leckband Deborah E.
Published: September 2022

Integrins join forces with cadherins to reinforce mechanically stressed junctions between endothelial cells. VE-cadherins transduce force fluctuations to reinforce the cytoskeleton at endothelial junctions. Integrins and the extracellular matrix play a key role in regulating the force-activated reinforcement of interendothelial adhesions.
Empirical evidence of coevolution between the channel-billed cuckoo and its host, the pied currawong
Authors: Abernathy Virginia E , Bonds Emily , Warner Hampton , Liang Wei
Published: September 2022

Avian obligate brood parasites and their hosts exhibit coevolution, where parasites respond to the evolution of host defences with counter-adaptations, such as egg mimicry, which can then lead to the evolution of more efficient host defences. Using objective measurements and avian visual modelling, we quantified the degree of similarity between the eggs of the channel-billed cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae) and the eggs of three host species from the hosts’ visual perspective. We found no evidence that this cuckoo species has host-specific egg types, but it does appear to mimic one of its primary hosts, the pied currawong (Strepera graculina), in both colour and pattern. Currawongs showed significantly higher interclutch variation in colour and luminance than the other two hosts and had significantly lower intraclutch variation in pattern than interclutch variation. High interclutch and low intraclutch variation in a host could make it more difficult for a cuckoo to match closely any particular host clutch, potentially allowing a host to detect a parasitic egg more easily. This is the first empirical study using objective measurements to quantify the degree of egg mimicry in the channel-billed cuckoo and the results suggest a potential host defence to egg mimicry that merits further investigation.
The development of cortical functional hierarchy is associated with the molecular organization of prenatal/postnatal periods
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Wang Meng , Hu Ke , Wang Qi , Lou Jing , Fan Lingzhong , Liu Bing
Published: September 2022

The human cerebral cortex conforms to specific functional hierarchies facilitating information processing and higher-order cognition. Prior studies in adults have unveiled a dominant functional hierarchy spanning from sensorimotor regions to transmodal regions, which is also present in younger cohorts. However, how the functional hierarchy develops and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Here, we set out to investigate the developmental patterns of the functional hierarchy for preschool children (#scans = 141, age = 2.41–6.90 years) using a parsimonious general linear model and the underlying biological mechanisms by combining the neuroimaging developmental pattern with two separate transcriptomic datasets (i.e. Allen Human Brain Atlas and BrainSpan Atlas). Our results indicated that transmodal regions were further segregated from sensorimotor regions and that such changes were potentially driven by two gene clusters with distinct enrichment profiles, namely prenatal gene cluster and postnatal gene cluster. Additionally, we found similar developmental profiles manifested in subsequent developmental periods by conducting identical analyses on the Human Connectome Projects in Development (#scans = 638, age = 5.58–21.92 years) and Philadelphia Neurodevelopment Cohort datasets (#scans = 795, age = 8–21 years), driven by concordant two gene clusters. Together, these findings illuminate a comprehensive developmental principle of the functional hierarchy and the underpinning molecular factors, and thus may shed light on the potential pathobiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Sulopenem for the Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Including Pyelonephritis: A Phase 3, Randomized Trial
Authors: Dunne Michael W , Aronin Steven I , Das Anita F , Akinapelli Karthik , Breen Jeanne , Zelasky Michael T , Puttagunta Sailaja
Published: September 2022

Background

Sulopenem is a thiopenem antibiotic being developed for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. The availability of both intravenous (IV) and oral formulations will facilitate earlier hospital discharge.

Methods

Hospitalized adults with pyuria, bacteriuria, and signs and symptoms of complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) were randomized to 5 days of IV sulopenem followed by oral sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid or 5 days of IV ertapenem followed by oral ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanate, depending on uropathogen susceptibility. The primary end point was overall combined clinical and microbiologic response at the test-of-cure visit (day 21).

Results

Of 1392 treated patients, 444 and 440 treated with sulopenem and ertapenem, respectively, had a positive baseline urine culture and were eligible for the primary efﬁcacy analyses. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing organisms were identified in 26.6% of patients and fluoroquinolone-nonsusceptible pathogens in 38.6%. For the primary end point, noninferiority of sulopenem to the comparator regimen was not demonstrated, 67.8% vs 73.9% (difference, −6.1%; 95% confidence interval, −12.0 to −.1%). The difference was driven by a lower rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria in the subgroup of ertapenem-treated patients who stepped down to ciprofloxacin. No substantial difference in overall response was observed at any other time point. Both IV and oral formulations of sulopenem were well-tolerated and compared favorably to the comparator.

Conclusions

Sulopenem followed by oral sulopenem-etzadroxil/probenecid was not noninferior to ertapenem followed by oral step-down therapy for the treatment of cUTIs, driven by a lower rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria in those who received ciprofloxacin. Both formulations of sulopenem were well-tolerated.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03357614.
Case series of transcatherter edge-to-edge repair using MitraClip™ system with Impella® mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Tanaka Shuhei , Imamura Teruhiko , Narang Nikhil , Fukuo Atsuko , Nakamura Makiko , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: September 2022

Background

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is a major comorbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the MitraClip™ system is a promising tool for selected patients with SMR and HFrEF. Durable success using this system in patients who have advanced heart failure and unsuitable anatomy remains a clinical challenge.

Case summary

Three patients aged 67–72 years with HFrEF on inotropic support successfully underwent Impella®-assisted TEER at our centre. Following the procedure, two patients were able to be weaned off inotropic support and were discharged, while one patient expired during the index hospitalization.

Discussion

Impella®-assisted TEER may be a feasible strategy for patients with SMR and HFrEF with unstable haemodynamics particularly when cardiac replacement therapy is not applicable.
Pepper bHLH transcription factor CabHLH035 contributes to salt tolerance by modulating ion homeostasis and proline biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Guo Jiangbai , Chen Xiaoqing , Zhou Yunyun , Pei Yingping , Chen Lang , ul Haq Saeed , Lu Minghui , Gong Haijun , Chen Rugang
Published: September 2022

Members of the bHLH family of transcription factors play important roles in multiple aspects of plant biological processes, for instance, abiotic stress responses. Previously, we characterized CaNAC035, a gene that positively regulates stress tolerance and identified CabHLH035, a CaNAC035-interacting protein in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In this study, we describe the role of CabHLH035 in the response to salt stress. Our results show that the expression of CabHLH035 increased following salt treatment. Transient expression of CabHLH035 (CabHLH035-To) in pepper enhanced salt tolerance, ectopic expression of CabHLH035 in Arabidopsis increased the salt stress tolerance, whereas knocking down the expression of CabHLH035 in pepper plants resulted in decreased salt tolerance. Homologs of the Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) and pyrroline-5-carboxylate acid synthetase (P5CS) genes showed drastically increased expression in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing CabHLH035 and CabHLH035-To plants, but expression decreased in CabHLH035-silenced plants. Our results also showed that CabHLH035 can directly bind to the CaSOS1 and CaP5CS gene promoters and positively activate their expression. We found that transgenic Arabidopsis plants, ectopic expression of CabHLH035 and pepper plants transiently overexpressing CabHLH035 (CabHLH035-To) showed lower Na+ and higher proline contents in response to NaCl treatment, while CabHLH035-silenced plants had higher Na+ and lower proline concentrations. Overall, CabHLH035 plays important roles in salt tolerance through its effects on the intracellular Na+ : K+ ratio and proline biosynthesis.
Padé-parametric FEM approximation for fractional powers of elliptic operators on manifolds
Authors: Duan Beiping
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on numerical approximation for fractional powers of elliptic operators on two-dimensional manifolds. Firstly, the parametric finite element method is employed to discretize the original problem. We then approximate fractional powers of the discrete elliptic operator by the product of rational functions, each of which is a diagonal Padé approximant for the corresponding power function. Rigorous error analysis is carried out and sharp error bounds are presented that show that the scheme is robust for $\alpha \rightarrow 0^+$ and $\alpha \rightarrow 1^-$. The cost of the proposed algorithm is solving some elliptic problems. Since the approach is exponentially convergent with respect to the number of solves, it is very efficient. Some numerical tests are given to confirm our theoretical analysis and the robustness of the algorithm.
Not all phenotypes are created equal: covariates of success in e-phenotype specification
Authors: Hamidi Bashir , Flume Patrick A , Simpson Kit N , Alekseyenko Alexander V
Published: September 2022

Background

Electronic (e)-phenotype specification by noninformaticist investigators remains a challenge. Although validation of each patient returned by e-phenotype could ensure accuracy of cohort representation, this approach is not practical. Understanding the factors leading to successful e-phenotype specification may reveal generalizable strategies leading to better results.

Materials and Methods

Noninformaticist experts (n = 21) were recruited to produce expert-mediated e-phenotypes using i2b2 assisted by a honest data-broker and a project coordinator. Patient- and visit-sets were reidentified and a random sample of 20 charts matching each e-phenotype was returned to experts for chart-validation. Attributes of the queries and expert characteristics were captured and related to chart-validation rates using generalized linear regression models.

Results

E-phenotype validation rates varied according to experts’ domains and query characteristics (mean = 61%, range 20–100%). Clinical domains that performed better included infectious, rheumatic, neonatal, and cancers, whereas other domains performed worse (psychiatric, GI, skin, and pulmonary). Match-rate was negatively impacted when specification of temporal constraints was required. In general, the increase in e-phenotype specificity contributed positively to match-rate.

Discussions and Conclusions

Clinical experts and informaticists experience a variety of challenges when building e-phenotypes, including the inability to differentiate clinical events from patient characteristics or appropriately configure temporal constraints; a lack of access to available and quality data; and difficulty in specifying routes of medication administration. Biomedical query mediation by informaticists and honest data-brokers in designing e-phenotypes cannot be overstated. Although tools such as i2b2 may be widely available to noninformaticists, successful utilization depends not on users’ confidence, but rather on creating highly specific e-phenotypes.
Abbreviated Breast MRI Utilization: A Survey of the Society of Breast Imaging
Authors: Grimm Lars J , Conant Emily F , Dialani Vandana M , Dontchos Brian N , Harvey Jennifer A , Kacharia Vidhi S , Plecha Donna M , Mango Victoria L
Published: September 2022

Objective

To survey Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) membership on their use of abbreviated breast MRI to understand variability in practice patterns.

Methods

A survey was developed by the SBI Patient Care and Delivery committee for distribution to SBI membership in July and August 2021. Eighteen questions queried practice demographics and then abbreviated breast MRI practices regarding initial adoption, scheduling and finances, MRI protocols, and interpretations. Comparisons between responses were made by practice demographics.

Results

There were 321 respondents (response rate: 15.3%), of whom 25% (81/321) currently offer and 26% (84/321) plan to offer abbreviated breast MRI. Practices in the South (37/107, 35%) and Midwest (22/70, 31%) were more likely to offer abbreviated MRI (P = 0.005). Practices adopted many strategies to raise awareness, most directed at referring providers. The mean charge to patients was $414, and only 6% of practices offer financial support. The median time slot for studies is 20 minutes, with only 15% of practices using block scheduling of consecutive breast MRIs. Regarding MRI protocols, 64% (37/58) of respondents included only a single first-pass post-contrast sequence, and 90% (52/58) included T2-weighted sequences. Patient eligibility was highly varied, and a majority of respondents (37/58, 64%) do not provide any recommendations for screening intervals in non–high-risk women.

Conclusion

Abbreviated breast MRI utilization is growing rapidly, and practices are applying a variety of strategies to facilitate adoption. Although there is notable variability in patient eligibility, follow-up intervals, and costs, there is some agreement regarding abbreviated breast MRI protocols.
Calcified Axillary Lesions on Mammography: Review and Management
Authors: Rai Aayushi , Fishman Michael D C , Rives Anna F , Slanetz Priscilla J
Published: September 2022

When interpreting mammography, breast radiologists may identify radiopaque densities in the axilla on the mediolateral oblique or lateral projections. When such densities are encountered, true calcifications must be differentiated from pseudocalcifications (artifact). Using imaging, breast radiologists should be able to localize the finding as being dermal, within the soft tissues, within a lymph node, or intramuscular. By combining the anatomic location with the clinical presentation and any other imaging findings, breast radiologists will be able to determine the most appropriate management.
Economic insecurity and political preferences
Authors: Bossert Walter , Clark Andrew E , D’Ambrosio Conchita , Lepinteur Anthony
Published: September 2022

Economic insecurity has attracted growing attention, but there is no consensus as to its definition. We characterize a class of individual economic-insecurity measures based on the time profile of economic resources. We apply this economic-insecurity measure to political-preference data in the USA, UK, and Germany. Conditional on current economic resources, economic insecurity is associated with both greater political participation (support for a party or the intention to vote) and more support for conservative parties. In particular, economic insecurity predicts greater support for both Donald Trump before the 2016 US Presidential election and the UK leaving the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced arthralgia is tightly associated with improved overall survival in cancer patients
Authors: Maeda Ayaka , Takase-Minegishi Kaoru , Kirino Yohei , Hamada Naoki , Kunishita Yosuke , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Meguro Akira , Namkoong Ho , Horita Nobuyuki , Nakajima Hideaki ,   Yokohama City University irAE Working Group, Hamada Naoki , Kirino Yohei , Tokuhisa Motohiko , Kondo Keiichi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Sano Daisuke , Hagihara Maki , Oridate Nobuhiko , Kaneko Takeshi , Yamaguchi Yukie , Yao Masahiro , Ichikawa Yasushi , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: September 2022

Objectives

With the increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients, arthralgia has been the most commonly reported musculoskeletal immune-related adverse event (irAE). We aimed to characterize arthralgia and its association with overall survival (OS).

Material and methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on data for ICI-induced arthralgia from four online databases were comprehensively investigated. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated for arthralgia using a random-effects model meta-analysis. Individual patient data were reconstructed from RCTs assessing OS in patients with or without ICI-induced arthralgia. We also retrospectively collected data on the clinical features and outcomes of ICI-induced arthralgia in the Yokohama City University (YCU) registry.

Results

We analysed 14 377 patients from 24 RCTs. The OR of ICI-induced arthralgia was 1.37 (95% CI 1.20, 1.56). Of the 369 patients in the YCU registry, 50 (13.6%) developed ICI-induced arthralgia. Among them, 30 had other grade ≥2 irAEs, which was noticeably more frequent than in those without arthralgia (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.04, 3.52). By irAE types, a significant difference was found for relative adrenal insufficiency (OR 3.88, 95% CI 1.80, 8.39). In the YCU registry, patients with (vs without) ICI-induced arthralgia had better OS (log-rank, P < 0.001). OS results were validated from RCT patients with matched cancer types, drugs, and time to arthralgia onset (hazard ratio 0.34, 95% CI 0.17, 0.65, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

If arthralgia develops after ICIs, another irAE, such as relative adrenal insufficiency, may have developed. The incidence of arthralgia was associated with better OS, and the condition of patients with irAEs must be carefully evaluated to determine optimal management.
KUROBUTA LTD v HALLSWORTH
Authors:   Appointed Person (Trade Marks)
Published: September 2022

H1 Trade marks — Invalidity proceedings—Restaurant names — KUROBUTA — Locus standi — Earlier right — Passing off — Proprietorship — Relevant dates — Assignment of goodwill — Exclusion of the benefit of actual or potential claims — Effect of assignments in gross — Partial invalidity — Likelihood of confusion —Appeal to Appointed Person
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV v TINNO MOBILE TECHNOLOGY CORP
Authors:   Chancery Division
Published: September 2022

H1 Patents—European patents—Standards essential patents—Infringement proceedings—FRAND issues—Co-pending proceedings in France—Application to stay the English proceedings—Whether English court first seised—Whether related actions—Whether risk of irreconcilable judgments—Relevance of previous jurisdictional challenge under CPR Part 11—Declaratory relief—Interim damages applications—Disclosure in relation to damages claim
Residual Hip Dysplasia in Children With Unilateral Hip Dislocation—Does Side Matter?
Authors: Lin Hsin-Ying , de Vos-Jakobs Suzanne , Westerbos Stijn , Reijman Max
Published: September 2022

Background:

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal abnormality in infants and young children. Despite the fact that the left hip is most frequently affected, literature and clinical experience suggest a poorer outcome for right-sided hip dislocation in DDH. On the basis of this hypothesis, we studied the outcomes (residual dysplasia, number of surgeries, and complication rate) of right-sided unilateral hip dislocation in comparison with left-sided unilateral hip dislocation in DDH up to 8 years follow-up.

Methods:

We identified all patients with unilateral hip dislocation at Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital from 2002 to 2012, diagnosed with DDH before the age of 1 year and with a minimum follow-up of 8 years. The primary outcome was residual dysplasia (based on an acetabular index (AI) >18 degrees and center-edge angle of Wiberg (CEA) <15 degrees) at the age of 8 years. Secondary outcome measures were residual dysplasia at the ages of 1, 2, and 5 years, successful surgical reduction rates, additional surgery, and complication rates.

Results:

Out of a consecutive series of 555 patients, 298 could be included (17 males; median age at diagnosis 4.0 [IQR 3.0 to 5.5] months): 107 patients (35.9%) had right-sided unilateral hip dislocation. There was no significant difference in residual dysplasia between the unilateral left-sided and unilateral right-sided hip dislocation groups, respectively, at 1-year follow-up (34.0% vs. 24.2%, P=0.107), 2-year follow-up (74.1% vs. 70.1%, P=0.565), 5-year follow-up (74.1% vs. 66.2%, P=0.261), and 8-year follow-up (65.3% vs. 53.8%, P=0.199). There was no significant difference in surgical interventions between the left-sided and right-sided hip dislocation groups, respectively: additional surgical reduction (14.7% vs. 15.0%, P=0.945) and additional surgery for residual dysplasia (8.9% vs. 10.3%, P=0.695). There was no significant difference in complication rate between the unilateral left-sided and unilateral right-sided hip dislocation groups, respectively: avascular necrosis (19.4% vs. 15.9%, P=0.454) and redislocation (11.5% vs. 9.3%, P=0.561).

Conclusions:

The results of our study suggest that in patients with DDH, unilateral right-sided hip dislocation does not have poorer outcomes compared with unilateral left-sided hip dislocation during an 8-year follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level III – retrospective follow-up study.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES IN IDIOPATHIC NONINFECTIOUS INTERMEDIATE, POSTERIOR, OR PANUVEITIS
Authors: Felfeli Tina , Eshtiaghi Arshia , Tai Felicia , Batawi Hatim , Rhee Jess , Kryshtalskyj Michael , Dzulynsky Kira , Bakshi Nupura K. , Derzko-Dzulynsky Larissa A.
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

To characterize optical coherence tomography features in patients with idiopathic intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series of all consecutive cases of idiopathic intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis at four tertiary care centres between 2010 and 2021.

Results:

A total of 94 eyes (55 patients) were followed for an average duration of 29.8 (SD 21) months. The median central macular thickness was 284 µm at baseline and 267 µm at last follow-up. At baseline and last follow-up, respectively, 24% and 20% of uveitic eyes had intraretinal fluid, 12% and 1% subretinal fluid, and 43% and 54% epiretinal membrane. In addition, ellipsoid zone abnormalities on en-face were noted in 34% and 19% of cases at baseline and last follow-up, respectively. The baseline median visual acuity was significantly lower among cases with ellipsoid zone en-face slab abnormalities compared with those without (0.2 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [interquartile range: 0–0.6] vs. 0.1 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [interquartile range: 0–0.3], P = 0.0051).

Conclusion:

With initiation of treatment, the central macular thickness, intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and ellipsoid zone en-face abnormalities improved over time, whereas the number of cases with epiretinal membrane increased among eyes with idiopathic intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis. Presence of ellipsoid zone en-face abnormalities at presentation may be associated with worse visual acuity.
P-glycoprotein, FK-binding Protein-12, and the Intracellular Tacrolimus Concentration in T-lymphocytes and Monocytes of Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Udomkarnjananun Suwasin , Francke Marith I. , Dieterich Marjolein , van De Velde Daan , Litjens Nicolle H.R. , Boer Karin , De Winter Brenda C.M. , Baan Carla C. , Hesselink Dennis A.
Published: September 2022

Background

. Transplant recipients may develop rejection despite having adequate tacrolimus whole blood predose concentrations (C0). The intra-immune cellular concentration is potentially a better target than C0. However, little is known regarding intracellular tacrolimus concentration in T-lymphocytes and monocytes. We investigated the tacrolimus concentrations in both cell types and their relation with the expression and activity of FK-binding protein (FKBP)-12 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Methods

. T-lymphocytes and monocytes were isolated from kidney transplant recipients followed by intracellular tacrolimus concentration measurement. FKBP-12 and P-gp were quantified with Western blot, flow cytometry, and the Rhodamine-123 assay. Interleukin-2 and interferon-γ in T-lymphocytes were measured to quantify the effect of tacrolimus.

Results

. Tacrolimus concentration in T-lymphocytes was lower than in monocytes (15.3 [8.5–33.4] versus 131.0 [73.5–225.1] pg/million cells; P < 0.001). The activity of P-gp (measured by Rhodamine-123 assay) was higher in T-lymphocytes than in monocytes. Flow cytometry demonstrated a higher expression of P-gp (normalized mean fluorescence intensity 1.5 [1.2–1.7] versus 1.2 [1.1–1.4]; P = 0.012) and a lower expression of FKBP-12 (normalized mean fluorescence intensity 1.3 [1.2–1.7] versus 1.5 [1.4–2.0]; P = 0.011) in T-lymphocytes than monocytes. Western blot confirmed these observations. The addition of verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor, resulted in a 2-fold higher intra-T-cell tacrolimus concentration. This was accompanied by a significantly fewer cytokine-producing cells.

Conclusions

. T-lymphocytes have a higher activity of P-gp and lower concentration of the FKBP-12 compared with monocytes. This explains the relatively lower tacrolimus concentration in T-lymphocytes. The addition of verapamil prevents loss of intracellular tacrolimus during the cell isolation process and is required to ensure adequate intracellular concentration measurement.
Virome diversity in rodents and their zoonotic viral infectious diseases: an essential reservoir of emerging and re-emerging viruses infecting humans
Authors: Yodjan Naluepanat
Published: September 2022

Rodents are the largest mammalian order (Rodentia) and are extraordinarily diverse. Several rodent species are closely relevant to humans, such as destroying agricultural products and spreading viral pathogens. Rodents are essential reservoirs for zoonotic viruses, with notable instances including the Lassa virus and hantaviruses. A few characteristics of rodents, such as the number of species, colonial, population communities, and immune response, make them an exquisitely suitable essential reservoir of viruses. Mainly infecting humans reflects direct contact with wildlife, including secretion and body fluids. Here, the author summarises the current understanding of the virome diversity in rodents and their zoonotic viral infectious diseases. However, a significant consideration is that although rodents maintain multiple viruses, some rodent viruses have not caused human disease.
Antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of gene cassettes from class 1 integrons in Salmonella strains
Authors: Ma Jie , An Na , Li Wanxiang , Liu Mi , Li Shirong
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant

Salmonella

isolates is a global concern and has been attributed to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Integrons are mobile gene elements closely related to bacterial drug resistance. Among them, class 1 integrons containing various resistance gene cassettes could play an important role in disseminating and maintaining antibiotic resistance in

Salmonella

isolates.

Hypothesis.

Salmonella

class 1 integrons have a relationship with

Salmonella

drug resistance.

Aim. This study aims to investigate the distribution of class 1 integrons and their variable regional molecular characteristics, as well as the diversity of the promoters and drug sensitivity among

Salmonella

strains.

Methodology. A total of 111

Salmonella

strains, collected between 2018 and 2020, underwent fully automated bacterial identification using the VITEK 2 Compact system and an antibiotic sensitivity test. PCR was employed to screen class 1 integrase genes (IntI1) and integron variable regions, while promoter type and variable region gene cassette characteristics were determined using sequencing analysis.

Results. A total of 24 IntI1-positive strains were detected in 111

Salmonella

strains. Moreover, IntI1-positive strains exhibited statistically significant resistance to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin compared to integron-negative strains (P<0.05). The multidrug resistance rate of IntI1-positive strains was significantly higher than that of negative strains. Variable regions were observed in 6 of the 24 IntI1-positive strains. Four gene cassettes were detected, namely dfrA17-aadA5, dfrA12-aadA2, aadA22 and aar-3-dfrA27. Finally, 3 types of class 1 integron variable region promoters were identified in 24 strains, including PcW, PcH1 and PcWTGN-10; they are all relatively weak promoters.

Conclusion. The integron and the drug resistance genes carried by integron have a certain relationship with drug resistance.
In vitro synergy between manuka honey and amikacin against Mycobacterium abscessus complex shows potential for nebulisation therapy
Authors: Nolan Victoria C. , Harrison James , Cox Jonathan A. G.
Published: September 2022

Mycobacterium abscessusis an opportunistic human pathogen of increasing concern, due to its ability to cause aggressive pulmonary infections (especially in cystic fibrosis patients), as well as skin and soft tissue infections.

M. abscessus

is intrinsically drug resistant and treatment regimens are lengthy, consisting of multiple antibiotics with severe side effects and poor patient success rates. New and novel strategies are urgently required to combat these infections. One such strategy thus far overlooked for mycobacteria is manuka honey. For millennia manuka honey has been shown to have wide ranging medicinal properties, which have more recently been identified for its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Here we demonstrate that manuka honey can be used to inhibit

M. abscessus

and a variety of drug resistant clinical isolates in vitro. We also demonstrate using a microbroth dilution checkerboard assay that manuka honey works synergistically with amikacin, which is one of the current front line antibiotics used for treatment of

M. abscessus

infections. This was further validated using an in vitro inhalation model, where we showed that with the addition of manuka honey, the amikacin dosage can be lowered whilst increasing its efficacy. These findings demonstrate the utility of manuka honey for incorporation into nebulised antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections, in particular

M. abscessus

. These results pave the way for a change of strategy for

M. abscessus

management, offering new therapeutic options for this deadly infection.
New forms of ecological knowledge acquisition for freshwater mussels’ conservation
Authors: Ferreira-Rodríguez Noé
Published: September 2022

Freshwater mussels are of recognized importance for ecosystem functioning, for the provision of ecosystem services, and for human well-being. Whether people are more concerned about freshwater mussels has a large role to play in promoting and supporting political decisions that protect their habitat. A pilot study was performed in the Midwest of the United States to evaluate the awareness people have about freshwater mussels both native and non-native. Using semi-structured face-to-face interviews, I explore whether ecological knowledge is still in place in the community, and what the relationship is between knowledge, age and urbanization. Multinomial logistic regression has shown that population size and age class are significant predictors of ecological knowledge. Present results suggest that common channels of ecological knowledge transmission have been interrupted long ago. As a result, local ecological knowledge is being substituted by modern ecological knowledge. Nevertheless, new processes of ecological knowledge acquisition emerge. Under this scenario, future management prospects would rely on state institutions which are implementing alternative dissemination pathways in modern socio-ecological systems.
Measuring digital transformation in higher education institutions – content validity instrument
Authors: Castro Benavides Lina María , Tamayo Arias Johnny Alexander , Burgos Daniel , Martens Alke
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to validate the content of an instrument which identifies the organizational, sociocultural and technological characteristics that foster digital transformation (DT) in higher education institutions (HEIs) through the Delphi method.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is quantitative, non-experimental, and descriptive in scope. First, expert judges were selected; Second, Aiken'sVcoefficients were obtained. Nine experts were considered for the validation.

Findings

This study’s findings show that the instrument has content validity and there was strong consensus among the judges. The instrument consists of 29 questions; 13 items adjusted and 2 merged.

Originality/value

A novel instrument for measuring the DT at HEIs was designed and has content validity, evidenced by Aiken'sVcoefficients of 0.91 with a 0.05 significance, and consensus among judges evidenced by consensus coefficient of 0.81.
Evolution model and quantitative assessment of risk network in housing construction accidents
Authors: Cheng Lianhua , Cao Dongqiang
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Clarifying the risk evolution mechanism of housing construction for work-safety management is essential. Existing studies have inadequately discussed the risk-accumulation process in housing construction. Therefore, this study aimed to use the complex network theory and risk allocation mechanisms to explore the evolution of risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed a database of housing construction accidents in China from 2015 to 2020 to identify risk factors. Moreover, the causal relationship between risk factors was determined through a systematic analysis of the logical sequence of risk factors. A complex network was used to construct a risk network for housing construction accidents (RNHCA).

Findings

The risk matrix method was used to define the factor risk threshold, and a risk value was assigned based on the correlation between risk factors. This contributes to the examination of the evolution mechanism of risk networks in the process of risk factor transmission. The case verification results show that the RNHCA quantitative assessment model can better evaluate the system risk status of housing construction accidents. Furthermore, this model can identify the key risk factors and risk chains with high risk in the evolution of the risk network.

Research limitations/implications

Accident investigation reports need to be classified and processed to analyse the evolution law of risk networks under different scales of construction project, such as high-rise buildings, middle-rise buildings, and low-rise buildings.

Practical implications

This study clarified the risk evolution process of complex systems in housing construction and provided a new method for analysing accidents.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the risk value allocation of risk factors in the transmission process and reveals the process of risk factor evolution in housing construction. This study explains the individual risk factors that form a systemic risk through the transmission chain. Moreover, this paper clarified the transformation relationship between system risk and accidents. The paper also provided a new perspective for risk analysis.
Governmental accounting and budgeting in Malta and Poland – a different dance to the same tune
Authors: Kowalczyk Magdalena , Caruana Josette
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper compares governmental accounting and budgeting in two European Union (EU) member states, analysing the developments in each country as to how they “fit” into the EU's harmonization project and the push towards the implementation of accrual accounting compliant with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory multiple case study is used to describe the structures and changes in governmental systems (accounting and budgetary) in Malta and Poland. The methodology takes a qualitative interpretative approach, examining the underlying legislations and related ministerial publications as secondary sources.

Findings

Focusing on the output from financial accounting and budgetary systems, the results illustrate how organizations respond in a different manner to similar institutional pressures. In particular, Poland shows no inclination to adopt the IPSAS, but emerges with a sophisticated budgeting system while Malta is more focused on developing its financial reporting in line with the IPSAS. The theoretical lens highlights that while both countries tend towards pragmatic legitimacy, Poland appears more inclined towards exchange legitimacy, and Malta is more subject to influence legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

At a practical level, this study should be read by public sector accounting standard setters. It illustrates how EU member states are engaging with the IPSAS, emphasizing the ambitious nature of the EU's harmonization project, in spite of the structural legitimacy that the EU institution emanates.

Originality/value

Previous comparative international governmental accounting studies have examined accounting reform processes and developed or applied various theoretical models to try to understand the process. This study looks at the output from such reform processes. The two countries are seemingly experiencing the same type of pressures exerted by the demands of EU membership. However, the translation of the same external macro-forces at macro-level to micro (organizational)-level results in different compliance with the desired harmonization of governmental accounting systems.
The role of technological absorption capacity, enviropreneurial orientation, and green marketing in enhancing business' sustainability: evidence from fast-moving consumer goods in Tanzania
Authors: Ismail Ismail Juma
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Given current global environmental concerns, traditional marketing and entrepreneurial practices of small businesses are considered ineffective. This is because sustainability requires the involvement of social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This study, therefore, aims at analyzing the moderating effect of technological absorptive capacity (TEOC) in the relationship between green marketing mix (GMX), enviropreneurial orientation (ENVO) and the sustainability of small businesses (SUST).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional. This study used data from 243 fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries, such as food and beverages, cleaning products, office supplies, cosmetics, and toiletries. Structural equation mdeling (SEM) and the PROCESS macro test were employed during data analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that GMX and ENVO are significant determinants of SUST. Also, TEOC is a significant moderator of GMX, ENVO, and SUST.

Research limitations/implications

This study used owner-managers as the respondents; future studies can use employees and customers to find out how small businesses involve other stakeholders in designing GMX and ENVO and adopting technologies for business sustainability and adopting technologies for business sustainability.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for policymakers and owner-managers, especially on the significant contributions of GMX, ENVO, and TEOC to business sustainability.

Originality/value

Depending only on traditional marketing and entrepreneurial practices is no longer a reliable technique for business sustainability. By bringing environmental aspects into business management through a green marketing mix and enviropreneurial orientation, the study provides a unique and new way of thinking about sustainability. Also, the study adds knowledge to the body of literature through a moderating effect of TEOC in the relationship between GMX, ENVO, and SUST.
A case study of implementing interprofessional education in care home settings
Authors: Stephens Melanie , Hubbard Lydia , Kelly Siobhan , Clark Andrew , Chesterton Lorna
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an interprofessional (IPE) student training scheme recently conducted in three care homes across the Northwest of England. The intervention was designed as a feasibility study to explore the impacts such schemes have on residents, students and care home staff. Additional lessons emerged that contribute to the design and direction of future IPE initiatives in other care homes and care settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study outlines how the intervention was designed and implemented and the findings from its evaluation. This paper uses Biggs’ (1993) presage–process–product framework to evaluate the process of setting up care homes as a site of collaborative learning.

Findings

Collaborative working between stakeholders is necessary for the successful implementation of IPE in care home settings. The process is complex and requires communication and commitment across all levels of engagement. For this model to grow and have a beneficial impact on older people’s lives, there are layered factors to consider, such as the socio-political context, the characteristics of the individuals who participate and diverse approaches to learning.

Research limitations/implications

This case study reports the subjective views of the research collaborators. While this raises the potential for bias, it presents an “insider” perspective of the research process and offers learning that might be beneficial in efforts to run future IPE training schemes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other research studies or published interventions have been identified that explicitly address the experiences of implementing an IPE training scheme in UK care home settings. This paper will therefore be useful to academic researchers, individuals managing student placements and to health and social care staff who wish to learn about of the value of IPE learning schemes.
Race, Nutrition and Empire: Domestic Reform and Japanese Immigrants in Territorial‐Era Hawaiʻi
Authors: Koikari Mire
Published: September 2022

The article examines the rise of domestic science in territorial‐era Hawaiʻi. At the dawn of the twentieth century, as the Pacific became a new frontier, ‘manifest domesticity’ emerged as a prominent dynamic, and home economics became linked to empire‐building. At the centre of this phenomenon was Carey D. Miller, a self‐proclaimed ‘pioneer’ whose pursuit of nutritional research and reform was inseparable from American expansionism. The Pacific was complex terrain, however. Japan also was asserting influence in the region, dispatching emigrant workers and pursuing its own ambitions of settler colonialism in which the home and homemaking, including dietary reform, also assumed exceptional significance.
The value of a simple sonographic screening test for placenta accreta spectrum prediction: A case–control study
Authors: Aiob Ala , Gaziyev Ziyada , Mikhail Susana Mustafa , Wolf Maya , Lowenstein Lior , Odeh Marwan
Published: September 2022

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) represents life‐threatening conditions; however, early diagnosis reduces complications and mortality rates.

Aims

To develop and evaluate the accuracy of a simple sonographic screening test for PAS prediction.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective case–control study of 481 women with singleton pregnancies at 28 weeks or later, with a scarred uterus or placenta praevia, who underwent sonographic testing for PAS detection during 2010–2020. We compared demographic and sonographic features, and delivery outcomes between women who were and were not confirmed to have a PAS condition at delivery. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and predictive probability for the sonographic screening model.

Results

Among all the women with at least one sonographic sign (large lacunae or loss of clear zone), the odds ratio (OR) of PAS was 21.7 (95% CI, 16.7–70.4), among those with placenta praevia (and at least one sonographic sign), the OR was 41.9 (95% CI, 15.8–111). For the screening model (the combinations of placental location (major or minor placenta praevia) with at least one sonographic sign (large lacunae or loss of clear zone)), sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and predicted probability were 94.9% (85.8–98.9%), 91.5% (88.4–93.9%), 60.9% (50.1–70.9%), 99.2% (97.7–99.8%) and 92.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

A combination of simple ultrasound signs for PAS screening may be highly effective for prenatal assessment and prediction of placenta accreta. This screening test can be carried out as routine pregnancy follow‐up for women with risk factors for PAS.
Telemedicine versus face‐to‐face follow up in general surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fink Teagan , Chen Qianyu , Chong Lynn , Hii Michael W. , Knowles Brett
Published: September 2022

Background

Telemedicine provides healthcare to patients at a distance from their treating clinician. There is a lack of high‐quality evidence to support the safety and acceptability of telemedicine for postoperative outpatient follow‐up. This randomized controlled trial—conducted before the COVID‐19 pandemic—aimed to assess patient satisfaction and safety (as determined by readmission, reoperation and complication rates) by telephone compared to face‐to‐face follow‐up after uncomplicated general surgical procedures.

Methods

Patients following laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy and laparoscopic or open umbilical or inguinal hernia repairs were randomized to a telephone or face‐to‐face outpatient clinic. Patient demographics, perioperative details and postoperative outcomes were compared. Patient satisfaction was assessed via a standardized Likert‐style scale.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐three patients were randomized over 12 months. Mean consultation times were significantly shorter for telemedicine than face‐to‐face clinics (telemedicine 10.52 ± 7.2 min, face‐to‐face 15.95 ± 9.96 min, P = 0.0021). There was no difference between groups in the attendance rates, nor the incidence or detection of postoperative complications. Of the 58 patients randomized to the telemedicine arm, 40% reported high, and 60% reported very high satisfaction with the method of clinic follow‐up.

Conclusion

Telemedicine postoperative follow‐up is safe and acceptable to patients and could be considered in patients undergoing uncomplicated benign general surgery.