bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein predicted to form complexes with host receptor protein orthologues from a broad range of mammals
Authors: Lam SD , Bordin N , Waman VP , Scholes HM , Ashford P , Sen N , van Dorp L , Rauer C , Dawson NL , Pang CSM , Abbasian M , Sillitoe I , Edwards SJL , Fraternali F , Lees JG , Santini JM , Orengo CA
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic origin and was transmitted to humans via an undetermined intermediate host, leading to infections in humans and other mammals. To enter host cells, the viral spike protein (S-protein) binds to its receptor, ACE2, and is then processed by TMPRSS2. Whilst receptor binding contributes to the viral host range, S-protein:ACE2 complexes from other animals have not been investigated widely. To predict infection risks, we modelled S-protein:ACE2 complexes from 215 vertebrate species, calculated changes in the energy of the complex caused by mutations in each species, relative to human ACE2, and correlated these changes with COVID-19 infection data. We also analysed structural interactions to better understand the key residues contributing to affinity. We predict that mutations are more detrimental in ACE2 than TMPRSS2. Finally, we demonstrate phylogenetically that human SARS-CoV-2 strains have been isolated in animals. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can infect a broad range of mammals, but few fish, birds or reptiles. Susceptible animals could serve as reservoirs of the virus, necessitating careful ongoing animal management and surveillance.
Product innovation types: a discussion considering building facade products
Authors: Sezegen Aysegul , Edis Ecem
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In the construction industry, building facade systems are gaining significance as reflected in the number of facade product innovations available on the market. While research studies on the adoption of these facade product innovations are comparatively limited in number. An awareness of the advantages and impacts that a product innovation brings is critical in its adoption, and therefore the purpose of this paper is to develop a classification framework for the use of producers/vendors present the advantages and impacts of their innovative facade products to the architects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, in addition to literature review, consisted of four main steps without distinct boundaries, namely, (1) case study sample selection regarding facade products, (2) data collection through review of published documents, analysis of the data via content analysis and generation of a preliminary framework for the evaluation of facade product innovations, (3) further data collection through semi-structured interviews and analysis of the products and (4) redefining innovation types and finalizing classification framework through assessment of new facade products.

Findings

Innovation types may vary according to the product groups under investigation and viewpoints of the classifications. Selected facade products were evaluated in terms of their specific characteristics through identified viewpoints: as a physical object and as an agent. It was revealed that assessing a product innovation in terms of changes in its structural composition and impact on other related physical objects/processes can change the type of innovation. Additionally, insights about improved characteristics specific to facade products, forms of change in these products and architects' new actions in the facade design process were obtained.

Research limitations/implications

Only the products stated by the producers/vendors as being new to the Turkish market at the time they were introduced were evaluated in terms of all aspects proposed in the framework. For these products and others that were evaluated, the product data obtained from the producers/vendors have been deemed to be accurate. Research on equivalent products in the market has not been conducted.

Originality/value

Studies identifying innovation types in the facade industry are very rare. The proposed framework can be regarded as a detailed investigation of product innovation types in the facade industry which offers component-system level improvement/change analysis. Moreover, it can be an effective tool for producers/vendors to ensure that architects have knowledge about their innovative products and their impacts on facade design and also to facilitate the adoption of these products.
Predicting the critical path changes using sensitivity analysis: a delay analysis approach
Authors: Hammad Mohammed , Abbasi Alireza , Chakrabortty Ripon K. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This research presents a framework that allows project managers to predict the next critical paths (CP(s)) and to take extra care when planning and executing those activities that have the potential to cause changes in a project's current CP(s).

Design/methodology/approach

The method presented here is based on an assessment of each activity's contribution to the overall schedule variance, which involves assigning a probability distribution function to each activity duration in the project. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out, which forms the basis of identifying which activity most affects the project completion date and therefore will have the greatest effect in changing the CP.

Findings

The authors’ analysis reveals that the most appropriate probability density function (PDF) for the targeted project is the normal distribution. However, the aim of this work is not to determine the most suitable distribution for each activity but rather to study the effect of the activity distribution type on the CP prediction. The results show that the selection of the appropriate probability distribution is very important, since it can impact the CP prediction and estimated project completion date.

Originality/value

This research work proposes a delay analysis scheme which can help the project manager to predict the next CP and to improve performance by identifying which activity is the bottleneck. On the other hand, the simplicity arises from the fact that this method does not require any expensive machines or software to generate results.
Perceived leadership integrity and organisational commitment
Authors: Nangoli Sudi , Muhumuza Benon , Tweyongyere Maureen , Nkurunziza Gideon , Namono Rehema , Ngoma Muhammed , Nalweyiso Grace
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which perceived leadership integrity influences changes in organisational commitment. The premise of the study is the argument that non-financial rewards alleviate the challenges associated with low levels of commitment in economies that are riddled with incessant situations of economic scarcity.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory study approach was adopted to investigate the envisaged linkage between the study variables from a socio-psychological perspective.

Findings

The results of the study establish that perceived leadership integrity significantly influences variations in commitment among organisational employees.

Research limitations/implications

The study results provide a reason for firms to invest more resources towards promoting honesty among organisational leaders. The findings of the study support the idea that perceived integrity of an organisation's leadership generates a sustainable win–win position not only between the organisation and employees, but also among the leaders and subordinates.

Practical implications

Organisations must regularly consider the drivers of organisational commitment and pay sufficient attention to non-financial drivers. As advanced by this study, a very important yet economical way of effecting such a strategy is through instituting measures that sustainably create a perception among employees that organisational leaders execute their duties with the utmost integrity.

Originality/value

This article has both empirical and theoretical value. Empirically, this work is the first of its kind aimed at investigating the effect of perceived leadership integrity on organisational commitment within Uganda's hospitality setting. Theoretically, the study extends the versatility of the hierarchy of needs theory by clarifying that higher-level needs offer a basis for explaining the effect of psychological processes (in this case, perceived leadership integrity) on behavioural changes (in this case, organisational commitment).
The future of your job represents your future: a moderated mediation model of transformational leadership and job crafting
Authors: Naeem Rana Muhammad , Channa Khalil Ahmed , Hameed Zahid , Ali Arain Ghulam , Islam Zia Ul
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this study, the authors aim to explain the mechanism between transformational leadership and job crafting. They predict that job-based psychological ownership (job-based PO) mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and job crafting. Furthermore, job-based PO is more effective when employees have a high level of affective organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected time-lagged data through a paper–pencil survey from the sales department of large pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that job-based PO mediates the positive relationship between transformational leadership and job crafting. Moreover, the relationship of job-based PO with job crafting is moderated by affective organizational commitment such that the relationship was stronger at the high levels of affective organizational commitment than that of the low levels of affective organizational commitment.

Practical implications

On practical grounds, job crafting can be useful for individuals and organizations. On individuals’ side, it helps them to balance their job demands and resource; on organizations’ side, it provides a solution to the ongoing problem of disengaged employees and suggests managers identify new ways to support employees with their job redesign.

Originality/value

This study suggests that job-based PO and affective organizational commitment are important factors that influence the relationship between transformational leadership and job crafting.
Tree diversity effects through a temporal lens: Implications for the abundance, diversity and stability of foraging birds
Authors: May‐Uc Yanely , Nell Colleen S. , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Navarro Jorge , Abdala‐Roberts Luis
Published: May 2020

Tree diversity exerts a strong influence on consumer communities, but most work has involved single time point measurements over short time periods. Describing temporal variation associated with diversity effects over longer time periods is necessary to fully understand the effects of tree diversity on ecological function.

We conducted a year‐long study in an experimental system in southern Mexico assessing the effects of tree diversity on the abundance and diversity of foraging birds. To this end, we recorded bird visitation patterns in 32 tree plots (21 × 21 m; 12 tree species monocultures, 20 four‐species polycultures) every 45 days (n = 8 surveys) and for each plot estimated bird abundance, richness, functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). In each case, we reported temporal (intra‐annual) variation in the magnitude of tree diversity effects, and calculated the temporal stability of these bird responses.

Across surveys, tree diversity noticeably affected bird responses, demonstrated by significantly higher abundance (43%), richness (32%), PD (25%) and FD (25%) of birds visiting polyculture plots compared to monoculture plots, as well as a distinct species composition between plot types. We also found intra‐annual variation in tree diversity effects on these response variables, ranging from surveys for which the diversity effect was not significant to surveys where a significant 80% increase (e.g. for bird FD and PD) was observed in polyculture relative to monoculture plots. Notably, tree diversity increased the stability of all bird responses, with polycultures having a greater stability abundance (18%), richness (38%), PD (32%), and FD (35%) of birds visiting tree species polycultures compared to monocultures.

These results show that tree diversity not only increases bird visitation to plots, but also stabilizes bird habitat usage over time in ways that could implicate insurance‐related mechanisms. Such findings are highly relevant for understanding the long‐term effects of plant diversity on vertebrates and the persistence of bird‐related ecosystem functions. More work is needed to unveil the ecological mechanisms behind temporal variation in vertebrate responses to tree diversity and their consequences for community structure and function.
Climate change and vessel traffic create networks of invasion in marine protected areas
Authors: Iacarella Josephine C. , Lyons Devin A. , Burke Lily , Davidson Ian C. , Therriault Thomas W. , Dunham Anya , DiBacco Claudio
Published: May 2020

Establishment of protected areas to maintain biodiversity requires identification, prioritization and management of stressors that may undermine conservation goals. Nonindigenous species and climate change are critical ecosystem stressors that need greater attention in the context of spatial planning and management of protected areas. Risk of invasion into protected areas needs to be quantified under current and projected climate conditions in conjunction with prioritization of key vectors and vulnerable areas to enable development of effective management strategies.

We assessed the likelihood of invasion across networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) to determine how invaded MPAs may compromise MPA networks by sharing nonindigenous species. We evaluated invasion risk in 83 MPAs along Canada's Pacific coast for eight nonindigenous species based on environmental suitability under current and future (average conditions from 2041 to 2070) climate conditions and association with shipping and boating pathways. We applied species distribution models and network analysis of vessel tracking data for 805 vessels in 2016 that connected MPAs.

The probability of occurrence within MPAs and the proportion of MPA area that is suitable to the modelled species significantly increased under future climate conditions, with six species reaching over 90% predicted occurrence across MPAs and over 70% of suitable area within MPAs. Vessel traffic created four network clusters of 61 highly connected MPAs that spanned the coastline. Occupancy of over 90% of the MPAs within the clusters was predicted for most species.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate a high likelihood of marine protected area (MPA) network invasion based on current and future environmental conditions and vectors of spread, and the potential for extensive nonindigenous species distributions within MPAs. Our approach highlights how interacting stressors can exacerbate MPA susceptibility to nonindigenous species, adding further challenges for protected area management. Management planning that invests in understanding connectivity and vector processes (human behaviours) is more likely to derive effective policies to stem the flow of nonindigenous species under both current and future conditions. In particular, biosecurity measures including vessel biofouling regulations and MPA‐ and MPA network‐specific plans for prevention, monitoring and mitigation of nonindigenous species are needed.
Use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for occult neck of femur fractures: A single‐centre study
Authors: Kutaiba Numan , Lamanna Anthony , Malara Frank , Yap Lee‐Pheng
Published: May 2020

Objective

Neck of femur (NOF) fractures are common and serious injuries in the elderly. When a NOF fracture is suspected but is not clearly visible on radiographs, guidelines recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) if MRI is not available/contraindicated. The aim of our study was to review the use of CT and subsequent MRI for suspected NOF fractures in patients with negative or equivocal radiographs.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult patients with negative or equivocal plain radiographs with suspected NOF fractures presenting between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2017 was performed. Review of CT and subsequent MRI studies was performed with documentation of reported findings, time intervals from plain radiographs to CT and MRI and final outcomes.

Results

A total of 184 CT studies in 181 patients were reviewed; median age was 82 years (interquartile range 71–89 years) with 110 (60.8%) female patients. CT reported 20 occult fractures; all proceeded to surgery. MRI was performed in 23 patients and revealed additional four NOF fractures missed by CT. An additional fifth fracture missed by CT was confirmed by follow‐up radiographs. Median time was approximately 4 h from radiographs to CT and approximately 56 h from radiographs to MRI.

Conclusion

Access to CT for evaluation of suspected occult NOF fractures is much quicker compared to MRI. When CT results are negative with on‐going clinical suspicion of an occult fracture, MRI should be performed in a time efficient manner.
Today's protected areas: supporting a more sustainable future for humanity
Authors: MCNEELY Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2020

Nature provides significant benefits to people, especially those living in and around protected areas. Ecosystem services from protected areas include producing wild food, supporting biodiversity and water cycles, regulating climate, and providing cultural services like better health, tourism, and legacy for future generations. In economic terms, the flows of ecosystem services provided by protected areas are worth hundreds of billions of dollars each year, well justifying the costs of managing these sites, but protected areas are suffering from environmental problems such as impacts from human population growth, rural poverty, growing demands for natural resources, land use change that degrades ecosystem productivity, invasive non‐native species that harm natural ecosystems, and climate change that is affecting all ecosystems. Addressing these linked challenges will require mobilizing all parts of the economy, including the protected area estate. For example, protected areas can take a leadership role in rural development, expand the conservation estate to half of the planet through connectivity and improved management of more of the non‐agricultural land, enhance the prominent role of protected areas in contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, encourage productive research on applying modern technology to protected areas management, seek broader private sector participation in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services, and include protected areas as relevant parties in relevant trade and other international negotiations. When protected area managers embrace this broader role, they will find enthusiastic public support for this contribution to a sustainable human society.
The unicellular eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii hijacks the migration machinery of mononuclear phagocytes to promote its dissemination
Authors: Ólafsson Einar B. , Barragan Antonio
Published: May 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan with the ability to infect virtually any type of nucleated cell in warm‐blooded vertebrates including humans. Toxoplasma gondii invades immune cells, which the parasite employs as shuttles for dissemination by a Trojan horse mechanism. Recent findings are starting to unveil how this parasite orchestrates the subversion of the migratory functions of parasitised mononuclear phagocytes, especially dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes. Here, we focus on how T. gondii impacts host cell signalling that regulates leukocyte motility and systemic migration in tissues. Shortly after active parasite invasion, DCs undergo mesenchymal‐to‐amoeboid transition and adopt a high‐speed amoeboid mode of motility. To trigger migratory activation – termed hypermigratory phenotype – T. gondii induces GABAergic signalling, which results in calcium fluxes mediated by voltage‐gated calcium channels in parasitised DCs and brain microglia. Additionally, a TIMP‐1‐CD63‐ITGB1‐FAK signalling axis and signalling via the receptor tyrosine kinase MET promotes sustained hypermigration of parasitised DCs. Recent reports show that the activated signalling pathways converge on the small GTPase Ras to activate the MAPK Erk signalling cascade, a central regulator of cell motility. To date, three T. gondii‐derived putative effector molecules have been linked to hypermigration: Tg14‐3‐3, TgWIP and ROP17. Here, we discuss their impact on the hypermigratory phenotype of phagocytes. Altogether, the emerging concept suggests that T. gondii induces metastasis‐like migratory properties in parasitised mononuclear phagocytes to promote infection‐related dissemination.
A rational roadmap for SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 pharmacotherapeutic research and development: IUPHAR Review 29
Authors: Alexander Steve P.H. , Armstrong Jane F. , Davenport Anthony P. , Davies Jamie A. , Faccenda Elena , Harding Simon D. , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Maguire Janet J. , Pawson Adam J. , Southan Christopher , Spedding Michael
Published: May 2020

In this review, we identify opportunities for drug discovery in the treatment of COVID‐19 and, in so doing, provide a rational roadmap whereby pharmacology and pharmacologists can mitigate against the global pandemic. We assess the scope for targeting key host and viral targets in the mid‐term, by first screening these targets against drugs already licensed, an agenda for drug repurposing, which should allow rapid translation to clinical trials. A simultaneous, multi‐pronged approach using conventional drug discovery methods aimed at discovering novel chemical and biological means of targeting a short list of host and viral entities which should extend the arsenal of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents. This longer term strategy would provide a deeper pool of drug choices for future‐proofing against acquired drug resistance. Second, there will be further viral threats, which will inevitably evade existing vaccines. This will require a coherent therapeutic strategy which pharmacology and pharmacologists are best placed to provide.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Causes of death in patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden, 1970‐2014: A population‐based study
Authors: Xie Shao‐Hua , Chen Hai , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2020

The causes of death in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have not been well characterized. This nationwide population‐based cohort study included 56 240 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma in 1970‐2014 in Sweden. We used competing‐risks regression to compare cause‐specific risks of death in patients with different characteristics and a multiple‐cause approach to assess proportions of deaths attributable to each cause. Among 53 049 deaths, gastric cancer was the main (77.7% of all deaths) underlying cause. Other major underlying causes were nongastric malignancies (8.0%), ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease (6.5%), and respiratory diseases (1.4%). Risk of death from gastric cancer steadily decreased in patients with cardia adenocarcinoma over the study period, but remained relatively stable in patients with noncardia adenocarcinoma since the 1980s. Risk of death from other malignancies increased during later calendar periods (subhazard ratio [SHR] = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97‐2.38, comparing 2001‐2014 with 1970‐1980). Compared with men, the risk of death in women with cardia adenocarcinoma was higher from gastric cancer (SHR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.10‐1.27), but lower from other malignancies (SHR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.71‐0.91). In multiple‐cause models, 60.4%‐71.2% of all deaths were attributable to gastric cancer and 9.5%‐12.1% to other malignancies. The temporal trends of cause‐specific risks from multiple‐cause models were similar to those of underlying causes. Our findings suggest that although most deaths in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma are due to gastric cancer, other causes of death are common. Patients with cardia adenocarcinoma face considerable increasing risk of death from other causes over time, particularly from other malignancies.
Prone en bloc sacrectomy with proctectomy: a surgical approach to the inaccessible and hostile pelvis
Authors: Solomon M. J. , Loizides S. , Däster S. , Austin K. K. S. , Lee P. J.
Published: May 2020

Aim

Reoperative pelvic surgery is rarely hostile and unsafe. Kraske’s procedure has historically been used to approach the mid‐rectum and to resect retrorectal tumors. However, it provides limited access to the pelvis and is best in the ‘virgin’ pelvis. We have encountered a select group of patients who required completion proctectomy or resection of a disconnected ileoanal J‐pouch where trans‐abdominal access to the pelvis was not possible and access to the pelvis could only be safely gained by a prone en bloc sacrectomy.

Method

We describe a prone approach that provides an alternative route of access to the hostile pelvis. After exposure of the sacrum and coccyx and transection of the sacrum, access to the mesorectal plane is achieved and a proctectomy (or resection of an ileoanal J‐pouch) can be completed. The procedure is similar to the Kraske approach but requires a higher and wider exposure similar to the extent of an abdominal resection; however, the operation is performed in ‘reverse’.

Results

We found that this approach was feasible and safe in the previously operated, hostile pelvis. We employed it in one patient to excise a disconnected J‐pouch with chronic sepsis and in another patient for a completion proctectomy. Both patients had an uneventful recovery and clear margins were obtained with no complications.

Conclusion

The en bloc prone sacrectomy approach is a useful alternative in a very select group of patients with difficult trans‐abdominal access to the pelvis. Experience in pelvic surgery and identification of clear anatomical landmarks is paramount to avoid catastrophic uncontrollable bleeding.
Dynein assembly factor with WD repeat domains 1 (DAW1) is required for the function of motile cilia in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Lesko Sydney Lynn , Rouhana Labib
Published: May 2020

Motile cilia propel directed cell movements and sweep fluids across the surface of tissues. Orthologs of Dynein Assembly Factor with WD Repeat Domains 1 (DAW1) support normal ciliary beating by enhancing delivery of dynein complexes to axonemal microtubules. DAW1 mutations in vertebrates result in multiple developmental abnormalities and early or prenatal lethality, complicating functional assessment of DAW1 in adult structures. Planarian flatworms maintain cellular homeostasis and regenerate through differentiation of adult pluripotent stem cells, and systemic RNA‐interference (RNAi) can be induced to analyze gene function at any point after birth. A single ortholog of DAW1 was identified in the genome of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea (Smed‐daw1). Smed‐DAW1 is composed of eight WD repeats, which are 55% identical to the founding member of this protein family (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ODA16) and 58% identical to human DAW1. Smed‐daw1 is expressed in the planarian epidermis, protonephridial excretory system, and testes, all of which contain cells functionally dependent on motile cilia. Smed‐daw1 RNAi resulted in locomotion defects and edema, which are phenotypes characteristic of multiciliated epidermis and protonephridial dysfunction, respectively. Changes in abundance or length of motile cilia were not observed at the onset of phenotypic manifestations upon Smed‐daw1 RNAi, corroborating with studies showing that DAW‐1 loss of function leads to aberrant movement of motile cilia in other organisms, rather than loss of cilia per se. However, extended RNAi treatments did result in shorter epidermal cilia and decreased abundance of ciliated protonephridia, suggesting that Smed‐daw1 is required for homeostatic maintenance of these structures in flatworms.
The mental health of aid workers: risk and protective factors in relation to job context, working conditions, and demographics
Authors: Young Tarli , Pakenham Kenneth I.
Published: May 2020

This study utilised a cross‐sectional survey of 369 participants in 77 countries to examine 15 possible risk and protective factors pertaining to the mental health of aid workers—many of which have not been assessed before—in the categories of job context, working conditions, and demographics. Risk factors associated with job context include emergency postings and being an international worker. No significant differences were found between humanitarian and development workers and none between organisation type; the number of past traumas was not associated with negative mental health outcomes. Protective factors with regard to working conditions include higher income, long‐term contracts, previous psychosocial training, and voluntary postings. With respect to demographics, protective factors include older age, more work experience, and greater religiosity and spirituality, while female gender was a risk factor. Ultimately, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the aid worker sector, which can inform the development of more targeted mental health support.
‘Branching’ with complex coarse woody debris reduces herbivory on recovering erosion scalds
Authors: Neilly Heather , Cale Peter
Published: May 2020

Coarse woody debris (CWD) has many benefits in restoration, including protecting seedlings from herbivory, and it is often reintroduced where CWD is depauperate. At Calperum Station on the Murray River floodplain, artificially applied CWD (‘branching’) is being trialled to restore erosion scalds. At two erosion scalds, we applied 900 m2 of branching and created a 900 m2 branching‐free control. We predicted that branching would protect seedlings from browsing by mammalian herbivores. We planted Nitre Goosefoot (Chenopodium nitrariaceum) seedlings in each treatment and measured the number of terminal ends affected by herbivory and plant height for 8 weeks. Branching reduced the number of terminal ends affected by herbivory by ~80% and plant height loss by ~60%. Remote cameras detected some browsing by kangaroos, the most abundant herbivores on the Calperum floodplain, although cameras were too few to directly observe much of the browsing that occurred. We did not detect an effect of site browsing pressure on overall herbivory or the effectiveness of the branching. Despite the small sample size, our results suggest that branching can effectively reduce herbivory. It is likely that the effectiveness of branching in reducing herbivory is conditional on a range of factors, such as browsing pressure (i.e. scat density), so a large‐scale trial is required to clarify the role branching has on reducing herbivory in relation to these complex interactions.
Full assessment of Sida (Sida hermaphrodita) biomass as a solid fuel
Authors: Jablonowski Nicolai D. , Kollmann Tobias , Meiller Martin , Dohrn Matthias , Müller Michael , Nabel Moritz , Zapp Petra , Schonhoff Andreas , Schrey Silvia D.
Published: May 2020

Due to an increased awareness of climate change and limited fossil resources, the demand for alternative energy carriers such as biomass has risen significantly during the past years. This development is supported by the idea of a transition to a bio‐based economy reducing fossil‐based carbon dioxide emissions. Based on this trend, biomass for energy is expected to be used in the EU mainly for heating until the end of the decade. The perennial herbaceous mallow plant Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby (‘Sida’) has high potential as an alternative biomass plant for energy purposes. Different density cultivation scenarios of Sida accounting for 1, 2, or 4 plants per m2 resulted in a total biomass yield of 21, 28, and 34 tons dry matter/ha, respectively, over a 3‐year period under agricultural conditions while the overall investment costs almost doubled from 2 to 4 plants per m2. Subsequently, Sida biomass was used as SI) chips, SII) pellets, and SIII) briquettes for combustion studies at pilot plant scale. Pellets outcompeted chips and briquettes by showing low CO emission of 40 mg/Nm3, good burnout, and low slagging behavior, however, with elevated NOx and SO2 levels. In contrast, combustion of chips and briquettes displayed high CO emissions of >1,300 mg/Nm3, while SO2 values were below 100 mg/Nm3. Contents of HCl in the flue gas ranged between 32 and 52 mg/Nm3 for all Sida fuels tested. High contents of alkaline earth metals such as CaO resulted in high ash melting points of up to 1,450°C. Life cycle assessment results showed the lowest ecological impact for Sida pellets taking all production parameters and environmental categories into consideration, showing further advantages of Sida over other alternative biomasses. Overall, the results indicate the improved applicability of pelletized Sida biomass as a renewable biogenic energy carrier for combustion.
Comparative genetics of the major histocompatibility complex in humans and nonhuman primates
Authors: Heijmans Corrine M.C. , de Groot Natasja G. , Bontrop Ronald E.
Published: May 2020

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the most gene‐dense regions of the mammalian genome. Multiple genes within the human MHC (HLA) show extensive polymorphism, and currently, more than 26,000 alleles divided over 39 different genes are known. Nonhuman primate (NHP) species are grouped into great and lesser apes and Old and New World monkeys, and their MHC is studied mostly because of their important role as animal models in preclinical research or in connection with conservation biology purposes. The evolutionary equivalents of many of the HLA genes are present in NHP species, and these genes may also show abundant levels of polymorphism. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive comparison relating to the organization and polymorphism of human and NHP MHC regions.
The association between father involvement in caregiving and early childhood overweight or obesity
Authors: Sato Rikako , Fujiwara Takeo , Kino Shiho , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite the increasing trend of paternal engagement in caregiving, fathers remain underrepresented in studies on parenting and childhood obesity.

Objectives

This study examined the association between father involvement in caregiving and child's weight status within a longitudinal dataset from Japan.

Methods

The data were obtained from a population‐based cohort study in Japan (N = 29 584). The association between father's involvement in child caregiving (age 18 months) on the weight status of the same children at age 3.5 years was examined by logistic regression and linear regression analysis. Furthermore, we checked the interaction between maternal employment & father involvement by creating four mutually exclusive groups of families.

Results

Children whose fathers were highly involved in caregiving were less likely to be overweight (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.85‐0.96). Employed mothers with high paternal involvement in caregiving were 30% less likely to have children with overweight or obesity compared to those with low paternal involvement (95% CI, 0.55‐0.90).

Conclusions

Father involvement in caregiving is associated with the development of overweight or obesity in early childhood, and may also modify the association between maternal employment and child's weight status. Social policies to support shared child‐rearing such as expanding paid parental leave could help families to raise children with healthy weight.
Prevalence and sites of pain in remote‐living older Aboriginal Australians, and associations with depressive symptoms and disability
Authors: Wong Aaron , Hyde Zoë , Smith Kate , Flicker Leon , Atkinson David , Skeaf Linda , Malay Roslyn , LoGiudice Dina
Published: May 2020

Background

Pain is a growing public health problem associated with significant health and functional implications. Limited data exist for Aboriginal Australians.

Aims

To describe the prevalence, severity and sites of pain, analgesic use and associated factors, including depression and disability, in remote‐living Aboriginal Australians.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 263 Aboriginal Australians aged ≥45 years from six remote Indigenous communities and the town of Derby in the Kimberley region of Western Australia between 2011 and 2013. Pain was assessed using a culturally adapted pain scale. Factors associated with pain were investigated with binary logistic regression.

Results

One hundred and seventy (64.6%) participants reported having pain and 53 (20.2%) reported persistent pain. Of those reporting pain, 61 (35.9%) rated it as moderate and 70 (41.2%) as severe. The most common sites of pain were back and knee, and 38 (22.4%) participants with pain indicated three or more sites of pain. Only 70 (41.2%) participants with pain were on some type of analgesic medication. After adjustment, poor vision (odds ratio (OR) = 2.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–4.00), hypertension (OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.03–3.45) and heart problems (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.01–4.14) were associated with pain. Higher depression scores were associated with more persistent pain, but pain was not significantly associated with clinically relevant depressive symptoms, or requiring assistance with two or more personal and/or instrumental activities of daily living.

Conclusion

High levels of pain were reported, although the prevalence of persistent pain was comparable to the general population. Identifying risk factors, improving pain recognition and assessment and evaluating culturally tailored management approaches should be a priority.
Australian public hospital inpatient satisfaction related to early patient involvement and shared decision‐making in discharge planning
Authors: Chia Yong Yau Paul , Ekladious Adel
Published: May 2020

Background

Surveys of hospital inpatient satisfaction may help develop actionable plans for quality improvement, and patients have preferred to give feedback during admission at the point of service compared to after discharge. However, patient satisfaction measurement has often been done by questionnaires post‐discharge, and without focussing on an Australian general internal medicine setting.

Aims

To understand patients' perceptions of their admission experiences in an Australian public teaching hospital's general internal medicine unit, and to understand the opportunities for quality improvement.

Methods

A prospective study of 50 inpatients of a general internal medicine unit at an Australian public teaching hospital was carried out using a patient satisfaction questionnaire given to patients on the day of discharge.

Results

Patients perceived deficits in early communication about discharge destination planning, and provision of written discharge instructions. Responses highlighted the importance of checking with patients to elicit further information that was not previously captured during initial history‐taking, patient‐centred communication to enable informed consent and decision making, use of language readily understandable to laypersons, and checking for patients' understanding of messages as communicated by the treating clinician.

Conclusions

In an Australian general internal medicine service, early involvement and shared decision‐making in discharge planning are valued by patients. Incorporating checking of patients' understanding of diagnoses, management, discharge instructions, and follow‐up plans into ward round routines may benefit patient satisfaction. This study stimulates further research into the use of a proforma to capture and check patients' understanding of discharge diagnoses and plans.
Clinical, psychological and demographic factors in a contemporary adult cohort with diabetic ketoacidosis and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hare Matthew J. L. , Deitch Jessica M. , Kang Matthew J. Y. , Bach Leon A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life‐threatening but often preventable acute complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Understanding clinical and psychosocial characteristics of people with DKA, particularly those with multiple presentations, may aid the development of prevention strategies.

Aims

To describe clinical, psychological and demographic factors in adults with DKA and particularly those factors associated with recurrent admissions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of all admissions with DKA in people with T1D over a 4‐year period from 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2017 at a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Australia. Potential cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases–10th Revision coding data. Data were then manually extracted by clinicians from the electronic medical record.

Results

There were 154 clinician‐adjudicated admissions for DKA among 128 people with T1D. Of these, 16 (13%) had multiple DKA admissions. Forty‐one (32%) had a history of depression. The most common factors contributing to presentation included insulin omission (54%), infection (31%), alcohol excess (26%) and new diabetes diagnosis (16%). Compared to people with single admissions, those with recurrent DKA were more likely to smoke (69% vs 27%, P = 0.003), be unemployed (31% vs 11%, P = 0.04) and use illicit substances (44% vs 17%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of psychiatric illness, illicit substance use and social disadvantage among people admitted with DKA, particularly those with recurrent presentations. Insulin omission, often due to inappropriate sick day management, was the most common reason for DKA occurrence. Innovative multidisciplinary models of care are required to address these challenges.
Atomic picture of crack propagation in Li2O‐2SiO2 glass‐ceramics revealed by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Deng Binghui , Harris Jason T. , Luo Jian
Published: May 2020

Fundamental understanding of the interaction between glass and ceramic phases with a running crack and the mechanisms by which propagation is hindered or altered as compared to the precursor parent glasses remains elusive for the lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics. We herein conduct extensive molecular dynamics simulations to reveal some atomic details that are otherwise extremely challenging to be probed by experiments. The results show that the crack propagation pathway in glass‐ceramics is dramatically different as compared to the precursor parent glass. In glassy sample, clean crack branching seems to be triggered by multiple cavitation events ahead of crack tip. In glass‐ceramic samples, however, branching is characterized by microcracks at multiple glass‐nanocrystal interface sites, clean nanocrystal cleavage along certain crystalline plane, and even secondary cracks due to the percolation of multiple microcracks. Additionally, the nanocrystal distribution, total volume fraction, and aspect ratio also have pronounced effects on the propagation of a primary crack and can lead to very diverse crack patterns.
Synthesis of high‐entropy diboride nanopowders via molten salt‐mediated magnesiothermic reduction
Authors: Ye Beilin , Fan Che , Han Yangjie , Ma Mengdong , Chu Yanhui
Published: May 2020

Powder synthesis is critical for implementing the wide applications of high‐entropy diborides (HEBs). However, the low‐temperature synthesis of HEB powders was rarely reported. Herein, the low‐temperature synthesis of the single‐phase HEB nanopowders via molten salt‐mediated magnesiothermic reduction (MMR) method was reported for the first time. The results showed that the as‐synthesized nanopowders consisted of the single‐phase HEBs and their average particle sizes are in the range of 28‐56 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed the good compositional homogeneity and the low‐content oxygen impurity in the range of 4.13‐6.12 at%. In addition, their formation mechanism could be well interpreted by a classical MMR growth process.
Molecular characterization of serine/threonine protein phosphatase of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Yu Yu , Zhao Qiping , Zhu Shunhai , Dong Hui , Huang Bing , Liang Shanshan , Wang Qingjie , Wang Haixia , Yu Shuilan , Han Hongyu
Published: May 2020

Avian coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant poultry disease caused by several Eimeria species, including Eimeria tenella. Previously, E. tenella serine/threonine protein phosphatase (EtSTP) was found to be differentially expressed in drug‐sensitive (DS) and drug‐resistant strains using RNA‐seq. In the present study, we found that transcription and translation levels of EtSTP were higher in diclazuril‐resistant (DZR) strains and maduramicin‐resistant (MRR) strains than in DS strains using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Enzyme activity results indicated that the catalytic activity of EtSTP was higher in the two drug‐resistant strains than in DS strains. Western blot and qPCR analysis also showed that expression levels of EtSTP were higher in unsporulated oocysts (UO) and second‐generation merozoites (SM). Indirect immunofluorescence localization showed that EtSTP was located in most areas of the parasite with the exception of refractile bodies, and fluorescence intensity was enhanced during development. In vitro inhibition experiments showed that the ability of sporozoites (SZ) to invade cells was significantly decreased after treatment with anti‐rEtSTP antibody. These results indicated that EtSTP acted mainly during the developmental and reproductive stages of the parasite and may be related to the resistance of coccidia to external drug pressure.
Is 640 nm high‐fluence visible red light a valuable adjunct for treating pemphigus vegetans? A single case report
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Xiaoyue , Chen Yue , Liu Shuguang , Song Pengfei
Published: May 2020

Background

Pemphigus vegetans is an autoimmune bullous disorder characterized by vegetating lesions commonly over the flexures. This disorder is characterized by vegetating lesions more commonly over flexures. Cerebriform tongue, a morphology with typical pattern of sulci and gyri over dorsum of the tongue, is a well‐known sign seen in pemphigus vegetans.

Aims

To emphasize the exceptional but successful use of corticosteroid and 640 nm high‐fluence visible red light in pemphigus vegetans.

Methods

The patient was successfully treated with low dose systemic corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 20 mg daily) and high‐fluence 640 nm LED red light on pustules and exudates (LIFOTRONICR, 120 mw/cm2 power density and 210 J/cm2 energy density).

Results

The cerebriform plaques improved quickly after the treatment of corticosteroid and 640 nm high‐fluence visible red light.

Conclusion

We propose to consider low dosage of methylprednisolone and 640 nm high fluence visible red light as first‐line monotherapy in pemphigus vegetans, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities and contraindications to standard therapy, as it avoids the toxicities of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.