bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory cardiac arrest: where extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation fits
Authors: Bartos Jason A. , Yannopoulos Demetris
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a powerful technique increasingly used to care for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. This review will detail where ECPR fits in the current care of cardiac arrest patients, including the key aspects of ECPR deployment and patient selection shown to maximize its benefit.

Recent findings

ECPR has been shown to improve neurologically favourable survival in patients with refractory cardiac arrest in numerous nonrandomized cohort studies. The haemodynamic, oxygenation and ventilation support provided by ECPR eliminates the need for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and prevents ongoing injury from shock or rearrest. However, ECPR is one component of an entire system of resuscitation care necessary for positive outcomes. The intense resources needed require that patient eligibility criteria are well delineated to direct ECPR to patients likely to benefit. The other components of the system, including emergency medical services, cannulation teams and postarrest care teams, also require substantial training and dedication.

ECPR is a system of resuscitation care that must be optimized at every level to successfully treat patients with refractory cardiac arrest.
New drugs for acute kidney injury
Authors: Côté Jean-Maxime , Murray Patrick T. , Rosner Mitchell H.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

To describe recent advances in the development of therapeutic agents for acute kidney injury (AKI).

Recent findings

Traditional care for AKI is mostly supportive. At present, no specific therapy has been developed to prevent or treat AKI. However, based on a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI, various potential compounds have been recently identified and tested. A variety of pathways has been targeted, including oxidative and mitochondrial stress, cellular metabolism and repair, inflammation, apoptosis and hemodynamics. Many of these potential agents are currently ongoing early-phase clinical trials, and the purpose of this review is to provide a summary of those with the most potential.

Despite the lack of therapies specifically approved for AKI, many interesting potential agents are entering clinical trials, with the potential to transform the care of patients with AKI.
Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Previous Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Choi Catherine , Barajas-Ochoa Aldo , Xue Pei , Hashemipour Reza , Rotundo Laura , Nasir Umair , Jiang Yi , Ahlawat Sushil
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bariatric surgery (BS) has been proven to be effective in the treatment of obesity and weight-related diseases, but the anatomic changes after BS make endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technically challenging. This study aims to assess the safety and clinical outcomes of ERCP in patients with previous BS.

Materials and Methods:

The National Inpatient Sample from 2007 to 2013 was queried for hospitalizations of adults over 18 years of age with procedure diagnoses of ERCP. Those with prior BS were selected as cases and those without BS as controls. Case-control matching at a ratio of 1 case to 2 controls was performed based on sex, age, race, comorbidities, and obesity. The primary outcomes were inpatient mortality and ERCP-related complications. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors associated to the primary outcomes.

Results:

A total of 1,068,862 weighted hospitalizations with ERCP procedure codes were identified. Of these, 6689 with BS were selected as cases, and 13,246 were matched as controls. The reason for hospital admission was most often biliary stone disease (60.7% vs. 55.5%), followed by malignancy (3.5% vs. 12.1%) and cholangitis (7.7% vs. 4.5%) with and without BS, P<0.05. The BS group had lower rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis (0.1% vs. 1.3%), cholecystitis (0.1% vs. 0.3%), bleeding (1.0% vs. 1.4%), and inpatient mortality (0.2% vs. 0.5%), but had higher rates of cholangitis (5.0% vs. 3.7%) and systemic infections (6.2% vs. 4.8%), all P<0.05.

Conclusions:

BS group had lower post-ERCP pancreatitis, cholecystitis and bleeding while had more cholangitis, and systemic infection compared with those without BS. Also, BS was independently associated with reduced inpatient mortality after adjusted for age, race, and comorbidity.
Clinical Risk Prediction Model for Neoadjuvant Therapy in Resectable Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Thota Prashanthi N. , Alkhayyat Motasem , Gomez Cifuentes Juan D. , Haider Mahnur , Bena James , McMichael John , Sohal Davender P. , Raja Siva , Sanaka Madhusudhan R.
Published: January 2021

Goals and Background:

Clinical staging with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and positron emission tomography (PET) is used to identify esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients with locally advanced disease and therefore, benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. However, EUS is operator dependent and subject to interobserver variability. Therefore, we aimed to identify clinical predictors of locally advanced EAC and build a predictive model that can be used as an adjunct to current staging methods.

Study:

This was a cross-sectional study of patients with EAC who underwent preoperative staging with EUS and PET scan followed by definitive therapy at our institution from January 2011 to December 2017. Demographic data, symptoms, endoscopic findings, EUS, and PET scan findings were obtained.

Results:

Four hundred and twenty-six patients met the study criteria, of which 86 (20.2%) patients had limited stage EAC and 340 (79.8%) had locally advanced disease. The mean age was 65.4±10.3 years of which 356 (83.6%) were men and 393 (92.3%) were White. On multivariable analysis, age (above 75 or below 65 y), dysphagia [odds ratio (OR): 2.84], weight loss (OR: 2.06), protruding tumor (OR: 2.99), and tumor size >2 cm (OR: 3.3) were predictive of locally advanced disease, while gastrointestinal bleeding (OR: 0.36) and presence of visible Barrett’s esophagus (OR: 0.4) were more likely to be associated with limited stage. A nomogram for predicting the risk of locally advanced EAC was constructed and internally validated.

Conclusions:

We constructed a nomogram to facilitate an individualized prediction of the risk of locally advanced EAC. This model can aid in decision making for neoadjuvant therapy in EAC.
Rectal Biopsy Technique for the Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease in Children
Authors: Comes Giovana Tuccille , Ortolan Erika Veruska Paiva , de Medeiros Moreira Maressa Maria , de Oliveira Junior Wilson Elias , Angelini Marcos Curcio , El Dib Regina , de Arruda Lourenção Pedro Luiz Toledo
Published: January 2021

The diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease (HD) depends on the histopathological analysis of rectal biopsies. This review aims to define the best rectal biopsy technique. A systematic literature review and proportional meta‐analysis of the available case series studies of rectal biopsies were performed in this study. All case series with more than five rectal biopsies in children younger than 18 years of age suspected of HD that described at least one type of rectal biopsy were included. The studies that did not specify the rate of conclusive results and the rate of complications of the biopsy procedures were excluded. According to the literature review, there were four different techniques of rectal biopsy: open, suction, punch, and endoscopic. In the title and abstract screening process, we assessed 496 articles, 159 fulfilled the eligibility criteria, and 71 studies reported our outcomes of interest and were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled proportion of conclusive results was 94% in open biopsies (95% CI 0.89–0.98), 95% in punch (95% CI 0.90–0.98), and 88% in suction group (95% CI 0.85–0.92). The pooled proportion of complication rates was 2% in open biopsies (95% CI 0.00031–0.04), 0.039% in suction (95% CI 0.00023–0.0006), and 2% in punch biopsies (95% CI 0.00075–0.04). Suction, punch, and open techniques presented comparable rates of conclusive results. In the suction group, the association between different methods of histopathological analysis increased conclusive results rates; however, the punch biopsy was associated with significantly higher complication rates than the suction technique.
Expanding the Spectrum of Microscopic and Cytogenetic Findings Associated With Spitz Tumors With 11p Gains
Authors: Lezcano Cecilia M. , Yeh Iwei , Eslamdoost Nasrin , Fang Yuqiang , LeBoit Philip E. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Moy Andrea P. , Zhang Yanming , Busam Klaus J.
Published: January 2021

A subset of Spitz tumors is associated with a copy number increase of chromosome 11p and activating mutations of HRAS. These aberrations have been reported to occur in association with desmoplastic Spitz nevi. Little is known to what extent 11p gains can also be found in nondesmoplastic tumors. To learn more about the spectrum of microscopic and cytogenetic changes that can be seen in Spitz lesions in association with 11p gains, we reviewed the clinical and pathologic features of 40 cases. Patient ages ranged from 3 to 75 years. The most common anatomic site was the head and neck region, followed by the upper extremities. Prominent desmoplasia was present in 10 cases. Seven tumors lacked significant stromal fibrosis. Twenty tumors were mitotically active. Novel microscopic features encountered in a few cases include a tumor with a polypoid silhouette and papillomatous surface and rare atypical tumors with a deep bulbous growth pattern. Among 36 cases analyzed by single-nucleotide polymorphism array or comparative genomic hybridization, 28 tumors had gains of the entire or near-entire p-arm of chromosome 11 with no other coexisting unbalanced genomic aberration. Eight cases had additional changes; 6 of these with 1 additional aberration per case, and 2 cases had several chromosomal aberrations. We also examined a subset of tumors by fluorescence in situ hybridization for the HRAS gene locus (11p15.5). All tumors were fluorescence in situ hybridization–positive. In conclusion, we expand the spectrum of pathologic findings associated with Spitz tumors with 11p gains. This cytogenetic aberration is not restricted to desmoplastic Spitz nevi. It can also be seen in nondesmoplastic and papillomatous lesions and atypical melanocytic tumors with a deep bulbous growth. We also document that in some Spitz tumors additional cytogenetic aberrations may be found, the significance of which remains to be determined.
Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor Mimicking Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Chornenkyy Yevgen , Hakim Natalya , Qasem Shadi A.
Published: January 2021

We describe a case of metastatic malignant renal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in a 56-year-old male. Computed tomography initially revealed bilateral heterogeneous enhancing kidney masses, the right one significantly larger than the left. The patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy. Upon gross examination, the mass was infiltrating into the surrounding fat and had a heterogeneous cut surface with multiple hemorrhagic foci. Histologically, majority of cells were highly atypical with abundant clear cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei, and enlarged prominent nucleoli. Extensive lymphovascular invasion was noted. Based on morphology, the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade 4, with extensive rhabdoid and focal sarcomatoid features was rendered. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a hypodense area within the right hepatic lobe, which upon resection showed identical morphology to the renal mass, except for focal areas of prominent epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry of both resection specimens (kidney and liver) demonstrated positive staining for Melan-A, HMB-45, and epithelial membrane antigen, focal positive staining for TFE3, and negative staining for PAX8 and cytokeratin. The initial diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was amended to malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma with hepatic metastasis. The diagnosis of angiomyolipoma/perivascular epithelioid cell tumor is particularly problematic owing to the large number of potential mimics. Immunohistochemistry for myomelanocytic differentiation should be considered in the context of kidney lesions with epithelioid and spindled cell morphology.
Sinonasal Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Middleton Charles E. , Manucha Varsha
Published: January 2021

Objective

Review the clinical, histologic, and molecular features of sinonasal mucoepidermoid carcinoma (SN-MEC) with emphasis on the application and prognostic significance of MAML2 rearrangement.

Main points

Location of MEC in the sinonasal region accounts for less than 0.1% of primary sinonasal malignancies. Primary SN-MEC most commonly affects the maxillary sinuses, and the mean age at diagnosis is 57 years. MAML2 translocation status aids in diagnosis but has no bearing on prognosis. The most significant prognostic criteria for SN-MEC are older age, tumor size gerater than 4 cm, higher grade, and advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer stage.

Conclusions

SN-MEC is a rare entity that presents at a higher grade and has lower 5-year disease-specific survival when compared with MEC of the major salivary glands. Correct recognition is important because of the impact on clinical management and prognosis.
Evidence-Based Secondary Transition Predictors for Physical Therapists Working With High School Students
Authors: Doty Antonette , Ray Laurie , Clark Kelly , Bethune Lauren , Test David
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Individuals with disabilities experience poorer postschool outcomes compared with their peers without disabilities. Youth with orthopedic or physical disabilities experience challenges during transition particularly in the areas of education and employment. Physical therapists should continue to become more involved in transition planning and providing services for transition-age students with physical disabilities. The purpose of this article is to clarify the role of physical therapists who work with students who have disabilities, as they transition from high school to postsecondary roles as well as provide the current evidence-based predictors of postschool success and recommended practices to school-based physical therapists who work with these students.

Summary of Key Points:

Evidence-based instructional practices for secondary students with disabilities and identified in-school predictors of postschool success for students with disabilities are aligned with effective practices for physical therapists. Additionally, suggestions for involving physical therapists in transition planning and increasing collaboration in providing transition services for students with disabilities are provided.

Statement of Conclusions:

Physical therapists can provide critical expertise for many individuals with disabilities; however, they are not always included effectively in transition planning and services for students with disabilities.

Recommendations for Clinical Practice:

Recommendations for practice include ways to involve physical therapists in transition planning and services and increasing collaboration between teachers, physical therapists, and other members of the Individualized Education Program team to provide effective, comprehensive transition services.
Why Are Patients With COVID-19 at Risk for Drug-Drug Interactions?
Authors: PRESKORN SHELDON H. , QUADRI SYEDA
Published: January 2021

The goal of this column is to provide information to health care professionals about drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and why DDIs are important to consider in those at serious risk of illness with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Important considerations discussed in this column include the frequency and complexity of multiple medication use, particularly important for the older patient who often has multiple comorbid illnesses. The column covers the following issues: (1) Why patients at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 are also at high risk for DDIs. (2) Application of results of pharmacoepidemiological studies to the population at risk for serious COVID-19 illness. (3) Mechanisms underlying DDIs, frequency and potential complexity of DDIs, and how DDIs can present clinically. (4) Methods for preventing or mitigating DDIs. (5) An introduction to the University of Liverpool drug interaction checker as a tool to reduce the risk of adverse DDIs while treating patients for COVID-19. Commentary is also provided on issues related to specific psychiatric and nonpsychiatric medications a patient may be taking. A subsequent column will focus on DDIs between psychiatric medications and emerging COVID-19 treatments, as a detailed discussion of that topic is beyond the scope of this column.
Commentary on “A New Onset of Mania in a 49-Year-Old Man: An Interesting Case of Wilson Disease”
Authors: GARAKANI AMIR
Published: January 2021

Wilson disease is a rare copper metabolism disorder that generally occurs in individuals between 5 and 35 years of age. Common clinical manifestations are hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms. Roughly, 4% of all cases occur in patients over 40 years of age and, among these patients, the presenting symptoms are generally neuropsychiatric, which often leads to misdiagnosis as a primary psychiatric disorder and a delay in correct diagnosis. This report presents the case of a 49-year-old man with no formal psychiatric history who presented with a new onset of mania. We outline the distinctive characteristics that appeared inconsistent with a primary psychiatric disorder and pointed toward secondary mania. Despite low serum ceruloplasmin, the absence of brain abnormalities more typical of Wilson disease on magnetic resonance imaging led a neurology consultant to advise that the diagnosis was likely primarily psychiatric. Due to atypical components of the patient’s presentation, such as his late age of onset for bipolar disorder and acute cognitive decline, the psychiatric team advocated for further diagnostic workup. The subsequent evaluation confirmed Wilson disease based on specific ophthalmological and hepatic abnormalities and further copper studies. In addition, once diagnosed, the management of Wilson disease involves distinct clinical considerations given patients’ presumed vulnerability to neurological side effects. This case illustrates the role psychiatric providers play in advocating for diagnostic workup in patients with atypical presentations of primary psychiatric disorders and the distinct diagnostic and treatment considerations associated with Wilson disease.
Application of Virtual Planning for Three-Dimensional Guided Maxillofacial Reconstruction of Pruzansky-Kaban III Hemifacial Microsomia Using Custom Made Fixation Plate
Authors: Liu Kai , Xu Yuting , Abdelrehem Ahmed , Jiang Tengfei , Wang Xudong
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Pruzansky-Kaban III hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital facial deformity, and it is challenging to reconstruct the facial appearance. The aim of the present study was to describe a technique of application of virtual planning for three-dimensional (3D) guided maxillofacial reconstruction of Pruzansky-Kaban III HFM using custom made fixation plate.

Methods:

With the help of 3D models, a preoperative virtual planning and surgical simulation were performed. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) patient customized guides and custom fixation plates were designed to reconstruct the maxillofacial skull intraoperatively. Assessment was achieved through evaluation of the postoperative effects, such as imaging, facial appearance recovery and operation time.

Results:

Five patients with Pruzansky-Kaban III HFM were enrolled into this study. The results showed an exceptional accuracy between the preoperative virtual planning and the outcomes actually achieved postoperatively. Intraoperative measurements were no longer needed and the different surgical steps became more simple and easier. The total time was distributed as: 160 minutes for the surgical time, 40 minutes for preoperative virtual plan, and 80 minutes for designing the patient specific cutting guides and custom fixation plates. The operating time and tissue damage were reduced. All cases underwent uneventful healing without any complications.

Conclusion:

The technique of patient specific guides and custom fixation plates is a reliable method of conveying the virtual plan to the operative field with higher efficiency in patients with Pruzansky-Kaban III HFM.
Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Fibula Flap Harvest for Mandibular or Maxillary Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Santamaría Eric , Galaso-Trujillo José Roberto , Palafox Damián , Mainardi Soledad Rubio , García Rigoberto Arámburo , Romero Andrea Carrillo , Rangel Walter Angel Trujillo
Published: January 2021

Intro and Aim:

The morbidity at the donor-site in the free fibula flap is a well-studied fact in the adult population, but in children, there are few reports of the long-term adverse effects at the donor site. In this study, we evaluate donor-site morbidity, complications, and functional outcome in pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular or maxillary reconstruction, and the relation between pain and walking abilities.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 22 pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction between 2003 and 2014 was conducted. A certified point evaluation system was used, analyzing several factors like pain, walking ability, restriction in activities, gait alteration, paresthesia, and cosmetic appearance, and the relationship between variables.

Results:

Mean age follow up of patient was 8.5 years (range 2–13 years). Pain was reported in 27% (n = 6), paresthesia and numbness 9% (n = 2), walking ability alteration in 50% (n = 11), restriction in activities in 18% (n = 4), gait alteration in 23% (n = 5), and cosmetic appearance alteration in the 14% (n = 3). We compare the pain and the gait alteration and did not find any relation between pain and gait alteration (P = 0.6016) and there was no relation between restriction in activities and walking ability (P = 0.1455).

Conclusion:

Free fibula flap is the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction, but the morbidity at the donor site, especially in a growing child, should not be ignored or minimized when counseling patients and their families.

More studies, with more population and with a long-term follow-up should be carried out to determine the impact on the daily activities on the pediatric population.
Protective Effects of Helmet Type on Facial Injuries
Authors: Colangeli Walter , Cordaro Raffaella , Boschetti Ciro Emiliano , Apice Carmine , Novembre Daniela , Lo Faro Carmelo , Cristofaro Maria Giulia
Published: January 2021

The compulsory use of helmet by motorcyclists has lowered the incidence of facial trauma, but there are few studies evaluating the effects of different helmet types on such injuries. The authors collected retrospective data from the medical records of 287 motorcyclists presenting facial injuries treated at the maxillofacial surgery department of the “University Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro city in South Italy between 1 January 2007 and 1 August 2018. Patients were wearing 2 types of crash helmets at the time of the trauma, full face ones or open-face ones, and were compared using the Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS). Those wearing open-face helmet were 3 times more than those wearing full-face helmet, with a higher FISS score.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Italy's compulsory helmet law on the change in helmet use and in particular if protection offered by helmets w4as different according to helmet type. The authors correlated the FISS scores among motorcyclists wearing these 2 tipologies of crash helmet.
Augmentation Genioplasty Using a Third Molar as a Bone Graft: An Alternative Surgical Technique
Authors: Kerbrat Adeline , Ferri Joel
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Augmentation genioplasty corrects vertical chin deficiency. To stabilize the synthesis and to allow ossification, a biomaterial prop is necessary. Third molars are frequently removed during orthognathic surgery and provides good material used as autogenous grafts.

Surgical Technique:

This article describes the surgical technique of an augmentation genioplasty using a third molar as a prop biomaterial. Results are stable in time. This technique presents no risk of infection and is less invasive than other autogenous bone graft.

Conclusions:

third molar can be used as a prop biomaterial in augmentation genioplasty
Multimodal Evoked Potential Profiles in Woodhouse–Sakati Syndrome
Authors: Abusrair Ali , AlHamoud Iftetah , Bohlega Saeed
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome caused by homozygous mutations in the DCAF17 gene, characterized by marked neurologic and endocrine manifestations in the setting of brain iron accumulation and white matter lesions on neuroimaging. Here, we report electrophysiologic profiles in Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome and their possible value in understanding disease pathophysiology and phenotypic variability.

Methods:

Thirteen genetically confirmed Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome patients were evaluated via different evoked potential (EP) modalities, including brainstem auditory EPs, pattern reversal visual EPs, and somatosensory EPs to tibial and/or median nerves.

Results:

All EP modalities showed variable abnormalities. Pattern reversal visual EPs were recorded in all patients, with nine patients exhibiting abnormal results. From those, seven patients showed prolonged P100 latencies after stimulation of right and left eyes for each in turn. Two patients showed P100 latency abnormality after single eye stimulation recorded from midoccipital electrode. Median somatosensory EPs were recorded in 10 patients, with 6 patients having a prolonged cortical N19 response. Tibial somatosensory EP was performed for 11 patients, and 8 patients showed abnormal results where P37 cortical response was absent or prolonged, whereas peripheral potentials at the popliteal fossa were normal. Brainstem auditory EPs were abnormal only in two patients, with prolonged wave III and V latencies. Five patients with hearing impairment presented with normal brainstem auditory EP results.

Conclusions:

Multiple EP abnormalities are observed in Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome patients, mainly in pattern reversal visual EPs and somatosensory EPs. These findings indicate potential myelin dysfunction that has a role in the underlying pathophysiology, disease course, and phenotypic variability.
Cecil Edwin Henry Bawn. 6 November 1908—19 September 2003
Authors: Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: January 2021

Cecil Bawn was a physical chemist with particular expertise in chemical kinetics. Early in his career he made pioneering studies of free radical reactions in the gas phase and, during the war years, on the chemistry of high explosives. From mid career, he was one of the pioneers of polymer chemistry and established and led a strong and diverse group of polymer scientists at the University of Liverpool. He was a private and enigmatic person, with a strong sense of duty. His caring and helpful attitude was greatly appreciated locally by his students and younger faculty members. Nationally, he made outstanding service contributions to physical chemistry and polymer chemistry.
Vertebrate features revealed in the rudimentary eye of the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii)
Authors: Dong Emily M. , Allison W. Ted
Published: January 2021

Hagfish eyes are markedly basic compared to the eyes of other vertebrates, lacking a pigmented epithelium, a lens and a retinal architecture built of three cell layers: the photoreceptors, interneurons and ganglion cells. Concomitant with hagfish belonging to the earliest-branching vertebrate group (the jawless Agnathans), this lack of derived characters has prompted competing interpretations that hagfish eyes represent either a transitional form in the early evolution of vertebrate vision, or a regression from a previously elaborate organ. Here, we show the hagfish retina is not extensively degenerating during its ontogeny, but instead grows throughout life via a recognizablePAX6+ ciliary marginal zone. The retina has a distinct layer of photoreceptor cells that appear to homogeneously express a single opsin of theRH1rod opsin class. The epithelium that encompasses these photoreceptors is striking because it lacks the melanin pigment that is universally associated with animal vision; notwithstanding, we suggest this epithelium is a homologue of gnathosome retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) based on its robust expression of RPE65 and its engulfment of photoreceptor outer segments. We infer that the hagfish retina is not entirely rudimentary in its wiring, despite lacking a morphologically distinct layer of interneurons: multiple populations of cells exist in the hagfish inner retina and subsets of these express markers of vertebrate retinal interneurons. Overall, these data clarify Agnathan retinal homologies, reveal characters that now appear to be ubiquitous across the eyes of vertebrates, and refine interpretations of early vertebrate visual system evolution.
Whose trait is it anyways? Coevolution of joint phenotypes and genetic architecture in mutualisms
Authors: O’Brien Anna M. , Jack Chandra N. , Friesen Maren L. , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: January 2021

Evolutionary biologists typically envision a trait’s genetic basis and fitness effects occurring within a single species. However, traits can be determined by and have fitness consequences for interacting species, thus evolving in multiple genomes. This is especially likely in mutualisms, where species exchange fitness benefits and can associate over long periods of time. Partners may experience evolutionary conflict over the value of a multi-genomic trait, but such conflicts may be ameliorated by mutualism’s positive fitness feedbacks. Here, we develop a simulation model of a host–microbe mutualism to explore the evolution of a multi-genomic trait. Coevolutionary outcomes depend on whether hosts and microbes have similar or different optimal trait values, strengths of selection and fitness feedbacks. We show that genome-wide association studies can map joint traits to loci in multiple genomes and describe how fitness conflict and fitness feedback generate different multi-genomic architectures with distinct signals around segregating loci. Partner fitnesses can be positively correlated even when partners are in conflict over the value of a multi-genomic trait, and conflict can generate strong mutualistic dependency. While fitness alignment facilitates rapid adaptation to a new optimum, conflict maintains genetic variation and evolvability, with implications for applied microbiome science.
Electrostatic resistance to alpha-neurotoxins conferred by charge reversal mutations in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Harris Richard J. , Fry Bryan G.
Published: January 2021

The evolution of venom resistance through coevolutionary chemical arms races has arisen multiple times throughout animalia. Prior documentation of resistance to snake venom α-neurotoxins consists of the N-glycosylation motif or the hypothesized introduction of arginine at positions 187 at the α-1 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor orthosteric site. However, no further studies have investigated the possibility of other potential forms of resistance. Using a biolayer interferometry assay, we first confirm that the previously hypothesized resistance conferred by arginine at position 187 in the honey badger does reduce binding to α-neurotoxins, which has never been functionally tested. We further discovered a novel form of α-neurotoxin resistance conferred by charge reversal mutations, whereby a negatively charged amino acid is replaced by the positively charged amino acid lysine. As venom α-neurotoxins have evolved strong positive charges on their surface to facilitate binding to the negatively charged α-1 orthosteric site, these mutations result in a positive charge/positive charge interaction electrostatically repelling the α-neurotoxins. Such a novel mechanism for resistance has gone completely undiscovered, yet this form of resistance has convergently evolved at least 10 times within snakes. These coevolutionary innovations seem to have arisen through convergent phenotypes to ultimately evolve a similar biophysical mechanism of resistance across snakes.
Marisediminicola senii sp. nov. isolated from Queen Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Jani Kunal , Kajale Swapnil , Shetye Meghana , Palkar Shivani , Sharma Avinash
Published: January 2021

A Gram-stain-variable, aerobic, orange pigmented, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, cocci-shaped bacterium, designated SM7_A14T, isolated from glacier fed sediment sample collected from the Queen Maud Land, near India’s Maitri station in Antarctica. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed highest sequence similarity with

Marisediminicola antarctica

DSM 22350T (97.3 %), demonstrated distinct phylogenetic positioning of strain SM7_A14T within the genus

Marisediminicola

. Growth of strain SM7_A14T occurs at 5–25 °C (optimum, 20 °C), pH 7.0–10 (optimum, pH 8.0) with 0–5 % NaCl (optimum 1–4 %, w/v). C15 : 0 anteiso, C17 : 0 anteiso, C16 : 0 iso and C15 : 1 anteiso A are the major fatty acids (>5 % of the total fatty acids). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between SM7_A14T and DSM 22350T were 80.3 and 21.3 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain SM7_A14T was 68.5 %. Distinguishing characteristics based on the polyphasic analysis indicates strain SM7_A14T as a novel species of genus

Marisediminicola

for which the name Marisediminicola senii sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is SM7_A14T (=MCC 4327T=JCM 33936T=LMG 31795T).
Distinct temporal characteristics of circulating alveolar epithelial and endothelial injury markers in ARDS with COVID-19: a preliminary retrospective report
Authors: Tojo Kentaro , Yamamoto Natsuhiro , Mihara Takahiro , Abe Miyou , Goto Takahisa
Published: January 2021

The time course and specific contributions of alveolar epithelial and endothelial injury to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the characteristics of circulating markers of alveolar epithelial and endothelial injury in serum samples from eleven ARDS patients and ten non-ARDS patients, all with COVID-19. Our results indicates that the alveolar epithelial injury at the very early disease stage and the endothelial injury which continues to exacerbate during the later disease stage seem to be the hallmarks of ARDS with COVID-19.
Impact of tiered restrictions on human activities and the epidemiology of the second wave of COVID-19 in Italy
Authors: Manica Mattia , Guzzetta Giorgio , Riccardo Flavia , Valenti Antonio , Poletti Piero , Marziano Valentina , Trentini Filippo , Andrianou Xanthi , Urdiales Alberto Mateo , del Manso Martina , Fabiani Massimo , Vescio Maria Fenicia , Spuri Matteo , Petrone Daniele , Bella Antonino , Iavicoli Sergio , Ajelli Marco , Brusaferro Silvio , Pezzotti Patrizio , Merler Stefano
Published: January 2021

To counter the second COVID-19 wave in autumn 2020, the Italian government introduced a system of physical distancing measures organized in progressively restrictive tiers (coded as yellow, orange, and red) and imposed on a regional basis according to epidemiological risk assessments. The individuals’ attendance to locations outside the residential settings was progressively reduced with tiers, but less than during the national lockdown against the first COVID-19 wave in the spring. The reproduction number Rt decreased below the epidemic threshold in 85 out of 107 provinces after the introduction of the tier system, reaching average values of about 0.99, 0.89 and 0.77 in the yellow, orange and red tier, respectively. We estimate that the reduced transmissibility resulted in averting about 37% of the hospitalizations between November 5 and November 25, 2020. These results are instrumental to inform public health efforts aimed at preventing future resurgence of cases.
Household food waste: attitudes, barriers and motivations
Authors: Nunkoo Robin , Bhadain Meetali , Baboo Shabanaz
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Food waste at the household level represents a major component of all food waste. Therefore minimizing food waste at the household level remains an important component of the food chain responsibility. This study explores the problem of food waste in Mauritius through an understanding of households' attitudes toward food waste and their motivations and barriers to food waste recycling.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a grounded theory approach to identify thematic categories that represent participants' attitudes toward food waste and the barriers they face to food waste reduction. We used a purposive sampling technique to guide the selection of participants. Interviews were conducted with 14 participants: three experts in food waste and 11 households. The data were analyzed using the tools of grounded theory.

Findings

Participants' expressed views on food waste included (1) guilt toward wasting food; (2) (lack of) environmental awareness; (3) financial considerations and (4) exemption from responsibility. The findings also led to the development of four themes that defined the barriers participants face to recycling food waste: (1) lack of awareness; (2) space limitations on recycling methods; (3) inadequate policy and (4) lack of time/priority.

Practical implications

Addressing the problem of food waste requires a holistic approach that takes into account households' attitudes to food waste, their motivation and barriers to food waste recycling as well as the regulatory and institutional framework governing food waste management in Mauritius. Policymakers should try to improve households' knowledge about food waste through educational campaigns. The authorities can provide different types of bins to households freely to facilitate the sorting out of waste and impose a fee for food waste generated beyond a certain limit or provide subsidies to them for handling food waste properly.

Originality/value

The management of food waste is particularly challenging for small islands developing states because of their unique characteristics of smallness, limited resources and environmental vulnerability. Appropriate interventions to reduce household food waste require place-based and geographically sensitive analyses that take into account the specificities of local food and waste management systems and cultural norms with respect to food. However, there is not only a paucity of research on household food waste, but most studies have been carried out in nonisland economies. The study contributes to the limited research on household food waste in small islands.
Impact of organic and “protected designation of origin” labels in the perception of olive oil sensory quality
Authors: Spognardi Sara , Vistocco Domenico , Cappelli Lucio , Papetti Patrizia
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Investigate the behaviour and the habits of the consumers from central-southern Italy in relation to extra olive oil consumption, focussing on the impact of protected designation of origin (PDO) and EU–organic certification on purchase intention and quality perception.

Design/methodology/approach

A specific questionnaire was submitted to 160 consumers; a subsample of ten experts, ten semi-experts and ten habitual consumers of olive oil tested, through a blind test first and a normal one then, three Italian samples: an extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) without certification, an organic EVOO and a PDO EVOO, which were characterised also from a chemical-physical point of view. The answers provided during the tastings were statistically analysed and compared.

Findings

People interviewed prefer local olive oils; they are positively influenced by PDO/organic certification, while price is not a decisive factor on the purchasing choices. According to tasting panel results: experts gave consistent answers preferring organic olive oil, semi-experts are positively influenced by the PDO brand contrary to what they claimed; non-experts would buy EVOO, although they are positively influenced by the PDO brand and negatively by the organic certification.

Practical implications

Only knowledge and experience can aid consumers make consistent and aware choices. Information campaigns could help them to distinguish products, correctly identify food attributes and overcome their scepticism towards quality of organic products.

Originality/value

Few works investigated the impact of quality and sustainability labelling on perception of olive oils, valuing the consistency between answers provided before and after sensory assessments.
Does digital inclusive finance promote agricultural production for rural households in China? Research based on the Chinese family database (CFD)
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Chunyu , Zhou Mi
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The development of digital inclusive finance appears to be able to solve the difficulty of traditional finance, which cannot completely cover agriculture and farmers and provides better financial services and products to Chinese farmers. Thus, it improves the farmers' enthusiasm for agricultural production. The purpose of this paper is to clarify whether this goal is indeed being achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper theoretically analyzes the mechanism that influences the effect of digital inclusive finance on rural households' agricultural production decisions and conducts an empirical study based on a sample from the Chinese family database (CFD).

Findings

First, the development of digital financial inclusion in general can encourage rural households to reduce agricultural production. Second, the negative effect of digital inclusive finance on households' agricultural output is realized by widening the gap between the efficiency of non-agricultural economic activities and the efficiency of agricultural production. The wider the gap is, the lower the enthusiasm of households for agricultural production. Third, the mediating effect of “digital financial inclusion – difference in efficiency – agricultural output” has a significant negative effect on households with low agricultural production efficiency, but not households with high agricultural production efficiency. Digital inclusive finance has no significant effect on the difference in efficiency between the two economic activities of high-efficiency households, but a greater difference in efficiency between the two economic activities corresponds to higher enthusiasm of households for agricultural production.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to analyze the impact of digital financial inclusion on Chinese farmers' agricultural production. The findings of this study can provide policy-related insights to help local governments promote the development of digital finance in China's agricultural economy.
The case for internal communication: an investigation into consortia forming
Authors: Lemon Laura L. , Towery Nathan A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The present study investigates the nature of newly formed organizations and how internal communication influences these entities, where change is inherent. Organizational life for government contractors is unusual in that employees experience routine changes to upper management, company values, goals and objectives every few years, which leads to the creation of a new consortium that is loosely coupled. Such research provides insight beyond the single-entity organization, which tends to dominate most public relations and internal communication literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the lack of research exploring consortia and internal communication to get beyond the homogeneous organization, an in-depth case study methodology was the most appropriate approach. A multi-site government contractor was chosen as the research site, relying on interviews and focus groups (n = 77) to collect data.

Findings

Effective internal communication practices are even more important for consortia, like government contractors, since employees of these organizations are guaranteed to experience frequent change. Therefore, communicating to the unknown audience, building trust in the absence of a prior connection, and preparing for the unintended consequences are imperative to navigating the complexity surrounding consortia forming and cultivating employee buy-in.

Originality/value

This study presents new, transferable knowledge of internal communication during consortia forming, where to be successful, internal communication needs anticipate the unintended consequences and develop a strategy around the uncertainty. Such strategy is about welcoming diverse voices and actively listening to their preferred needs. In addition, a definition of the unknown audience is provided.
Real-time identified chaotic plants using neural enhanced learning machine technique
Authors: Anh Ho Pham Huy
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new neural-based enhanced extreme learning machine (EELM) algorithm, used as an online adaptive estimation model, regarding undetermined system dynamics and containing internal/external perturbations.

Design/methodology/approach

The EELM structure bases on the single layer feed-forward neural (SLFN) model in which the hidden weighting coefficients are initiated in random and the weighting outputs of the SLFN are online modified using an online adaptive rule implemented from Lyapunov stability concept.

Findings

Four different benchmark uncertain chaotic system tests have been satisfactorily investigated for demonstrating the superiority of proposed EELM technique.

Originality/value

Authors confirm that this manuscript is original.
Implementing open innovation for radical innovation: three successful cases in the SAES group
Authors: Urbinati Andrea , Manzini Raffaella , Piacentini Davide , Carretti Corrado
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Radical innovation is still a debated concept in the field of innovation management. Very often, firms cannot pursue radical innovation due to the lack of access to markets, right expertise and financial resources. This issue is even more relevant nowadays, as companies have started to open their innovation activity to external partners. Despite the surging interest in the topic of radical innovation in a context of open innovation, scholars have shown how it can be difficult for companies to achieve the desired outcomes because of a failure to implement the right organizational forms of collaboration with external partners. The paper examines how companies implement successful open innovation cases that lead to successful radical innovations through dedicated organizational forms of collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The present article leverages three qualitative cases of open innovation projects where SAES group (or the “Company”), an Italian technology-based company, has exploited open innovation through dedicated organizational forms of collaboration to pursue radical innovation.

Findings

The findings show how the analyzed cases have required the Company to implement three different forms of collaborations: (1) equity alliance, (2) acquisition and (3) joint venture to pursue radical innovation. In addition, the results give some suggestions about the decision-making processes of the Company and show how a set of both rational and soft factors, such as technical, cultural, geographical, dimensional and human, have to be considered in implementing open innovation for radical innovation.

Originality/value

The results of this study reinforce and enrich existing research on the factors that decision-makers can evaluate for deciding which open innovation modes are the most suitable for leading to successful radical innovations.