bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cascade Analysis: An Adaptable Implementation Strategy Across HIV and Non-HIV Delivery Platforms
Authors: Wagner Anjuli D. , Gimbel Sarah , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana H. , Cherutich Peter , Coutinho Joana , Crocker Jonny , Cruz Emilia , Cuembelo Fatima , Cumbe Vasco , Eastment McKenna , Einberg Jennifer , Floriano Florencia , Gaitho Douglas , Guthrie Brandon L. , John-Stewart Grace , Kral Alex H. , Lambdin Barrot H. , Liu Shan , Maina Martin , Manaca Nelia , Matsuzaki Mika , Mattox Loris , Mburu Nancy , McClelland R. Scott , Micek Mark A. , Mocumbi Ana Olga , Muanido Alberto , Nduati Ruth , Njuguna Irene N. , Oluoch Geoffrey , Oyiengo Laura B. , Ronen Keshet , Soi Caroline , Wagenaar Bradley H. , Wanje George , Wenger Lynn D. , Sherr Kenneth
Published: November 2019

Background:

Cascades have been used to characterize sequential steps within a complex health system and are used in diverse disease areas and across prevention, testing, and treatment. Routine data have great potential to inform prioritization within a system, but are often inaccessible to frontline health care workers (HCWs) who may have the greatest opportunity to innovate health system improvement.

Methods:

The cascade analysis tool (CAT) is an Excel-based, simple simulation model with an optimization function. It identifies the step within a cascade that could most improve the system. The original CAT was developed for HIV treatment and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Results:

CAT has been adapted 7 times: to a mobile application for prevention of mother-to-child transmission; for hypertension screening and management and for mental health outpatient services in Mozambique; for pediatric and adolescent HIV testing and treatment, HIV testing in family planning, and cervical cancer screening and treatment in Kenya; and for naloxone distribution and opioid overdose reversal in the United States. The main domains of adaptation have been technical—estimating denominators and structuring steps to be binary sequential steps—as well as logistical—identifying acceptable approaches for data abstraction and aggregation, and not overburdening HCW.

Discussion:

CAT allows for prompt feedback to HCWs, increases HCW autonomy, and allows managers to allocate resources and time in an equitable manner. CAT is an effective, feasible, and acceptable implementation strategy to prioritize areas most requiring improvement within complex health systems, although adaptations are being currently evaluated.
Tenascin C Plasma Levels in Critically Ill Patients with or Without Sepsis: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Meijer Mariska T. , Uhel Fabrice , Cremer Olaf L. , Schultz Marcus J. , van der Poll Tom
Published: November 2019

Tenascin C (TNC) is an extracellular matrix protein able to modulate the immune response. Knowledge regarding its role during sepsis and general critical illness is still limited. We here assessed the temporal dynamics of plasma TNC during sepsis and nonseptic critical illness, its capacity to predict patient outcome, and its specificity toward infection. TNC plasma concentrations were measured in 895 consecutive sepsis patients on ICU admission, day 2 and 4 thereafter, and, in a subset, before ICU discharge. To assess TNC diagnostic value, we compared patients with abdominal sepsis (N = 143) to noninfectious abdominal surgery controls (N = 98), and patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP, N = 227) to patients whose CAP diagnosis was retrospectively refuted (no-CAP controls, N = 70). Plasma TNC levels were persistently elevated in sepsis patients compared with healthy volunteers throughout the ICU stay. TNC levels varied by the site of infection and increased with the number of organs failing. Association of TNC levels with 30-day mortality could be wholly attributed to differences in disease severity. Noninfectious ICU patients also showed elevated TNC levels, albeit with different temporal dynamics. Although admission TNC was higher in CAP than in no-CAP patients, it performed poorly in distinguishing the 2 groups.

TNC plasma levels are persistently elevated during sepsis and nonseptic critical illness. In sepsis patients, they are reflective of disease severity more than independent predictors of mortality. Despite higher levels in patients with infection compared with noninfectious controls, TNC does not perform sufficiently to be used as a standalone biomarker discriminating sepsis from noninfectious critical illness.
Utilization of the Falciform Ligament to Buttress the Spleen Transection Staple Line During Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy: A Novel Technique
Authors: Ammori Basil J.
Published: November 2019

Preservation of all or part the spleen is desired whenever oncologically acceptable and technically possible. Although a number of techniques for partial splenectomy have been described, the ideal approach remains elusive. We describe a novel technique in which the autologous falciform ligament was harvested, wrapped around the proposed splenic transection site, and secured with sutures to act as a buttress to a splenic transection staple line during a laparoscopic multivisceral resection for gastrocolic fistula secondary to locally advanced colon cancer. The spleen transection staple line was bloodless and the patient’s recovery was uneventful. Our novel application of the falciform ligament to buttress the staple line at the time of spleen transection during partial splenectomy appears safe and warrants further assessment.
Complete Uniportal Thoracoscopic Anatomic Lung Resection With Systematic Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Personal Experience of 326 Cases
Authors: Deng Youjun , Wang Jiaqing , Mu Juwei , Wang Zheng , Wang Guangsuo
Published: November 2019

Background:

With its growing popularity and potential outcome, complete uniportal thoracoscopic (CUT) surgery has been used in the treatment of thoracic diseases. This study aimed to summarize a personal experience of CUT anatomic lung resection with systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy (CUT-ALR-SML) for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of CUT-ALR-SML in our institute.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 326 patients with NSCLC were chosen to undergo CUT-ALR-SML in our institute from August 2013 to July 2018. Data such as clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were reviewed in this article.

Results:

For the 326 cases of ALR, the specific procedures and the corresponding number of cases were as follows: segmentectomy, 90; lobectomy, 218; sleeve lobectomy, 9; ipsilateral lobe combined with segment resected synchronously (i-L+S), 6; and pneumonectomy, 3. A total of 31 cases required conversion to open surgery, and 4 cases were converted to multiportal thoracoscopic surgery. All patients underwent SML. The average mediastinal lymph node stations and mediastinal lymph nodes dissected under CUT-ALR-SML were 3.3±1.4 and 9.6±8.4, respectively. Approximately 99.7% of the patients acquired free resection margins. A total of 42 (12.9%) patients suffered from postoperative complications, and 1 patient died of pneumonia during the perioperative period.

Conclusions:

Complete uniportal ALR, particularly for segmentectomy and lobectomy is safe and feasible with low complication rates and excellent free resection margin rates. SML during complete uniportal thoracoscopic surgery adequately assesses the N2 lymph node. However, further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the role of CUT-ALR-SML in the treatment of NSCLC.
Pretransplant Opioid Use and Survival After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Vahidy Sana , Li David , Hirji Alim , Kapasi Ali , Weinkauf Justin , Laing Bryce , Lien Dale , Halloran Kieran
Published: November 2019

Background.

The impact of opioid use in lung transplant candidates on posttransplant outcomes is unknown. Studies on opioid therapy in kidney and liver transplant candidates have suggested increased risk of graft failure or death. We sought to analyze the relationship between pretransplant opioid use in lung transplant candidates and retransplant-free survival.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed adult patients transplanted consecutively between November 2004 and August 2015. The exposure was any opioid use at time of transplant listing and primary outcome was retransplant-free survival, analyzed via Cox regression model adjusted for recipient age, gender, ethnicity, diagnosis, and bridging status. Secondary outcomes included duration of ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, 3-month and 1-year survival, continuing opioid use at 1 year, and time to onset of chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Results.

The prevalence of opioid use at time of listing was 14% (61/425). Median daily oral morphine equivalent dose was 31 mg (18–54). Recipient ethnicity was associated with pretransplant opioid use. Opioid use at time of listing did not increase risk of death or retransplantation in an adjusted model (hazard ratio 1.12 [95% confidence interval 0.65-1.83], P = 0.6570). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups except hospital length of stay (opioid users 35 versus nonusers 27 d, P = 0.014). Continued opioid use at 1-year posttransplant was common (27/56, 48%).

Conclusions.

Pretransplant opioid use was not associated with retransplant-free survival in our cohort and should not necessarily preclude listing. Further work stratifying opioid use by indication and the association with opioid use disorder would be worthwhile.
Selecting the best meta-analytic estimator for evidence-based practice: a simulation study
Authors: Doi Suhail A.R. , Furuya-Kanamori Luis
Published: November 2019

Studies included in meta-analysis can produce results that depart from the true population parameter of interest due to systematic and/or random errors. Synthesis of these results in meta-analysis aims to generate an estimate closer to the true population parameter by minimizing these errors across studies. The inverse variance heterogeneity (IVhet), quality effects and random effects models of meta-analysis all attempt to do this, but there remains controversy around the estimator that best achieves this goal of reducing error. In an attempt to answer this question, a simulation study was conducted to compare estimator performance. Five thousand iterations at 10 different levels of heterogeneity were run, with each iteration generating one meta-analysis. The results demonstrate that the IVhet and quality effects estimators, though biased, have the lowest mean squared error. These estimators also achieved a coverage probability at or above the nominal level (95%), whereas the coverage probability under the random effects estimator significantly declined (<80%) as heterogeneity increased despite a similar confidence interval width. Based on our findings, we would recommend the use of the IVhet and quality effects models and a discontinuation of traditional random effects models currently in use for meta-analysis.
WENGAN: Efficient and high quality hybrid de novo assembly of human genomes
Authors: Genova Alex Di , Buena-Atienza Elena , Ossowski Stephan , Sagot Marie-France
Published: November 2019

The continuous improvement of long-read sequencing technologies along with the development of ad-doc algorithms has launched a new de novo assembly era that promises high-quality genomes. However, it has proven difficult to use only long reads to generate accurate genome assemblies of large, repeat-rich human genomes. To date, most of the human genomes assembled from long error-prone reads add accurate short reads to further polish the consensus quality. Here, we report the development of a novel algorithm for hybrid assembly, WENGAN, and the de novo assembly of four human genomes using a combination of sequencing data generated on ONT PromethION, PacBio Sequel, Illumina and MGI technology. WENGAN implements efficient algorithms that exploit the sequence information of short and long reads to tackle assembly contiguity as well as consensus quality. The resulting genome assemblies have high contiguity (contig NG50:16.67-62.06 Mb), few assembly errors (contig NGA50:10.9-45.91 Mb), good consensus quality (QV:27.79-33.61), and high gene completeness (BUSCO complete: 94.6-95.1%), while consuming low computational resources (CPU hours:153-1027). In particular, the WENGAN assembly of the haploid CHM13 sample achieved a contig NG50 of 62.06 Mb (NGA50:45.91 Mb), which surpasses the contiguity of the current human reference genome (GRCh38 contig NG50:57.88 Mb). Providing highest quality at low computational cost, WENGAN is an important step towards the democratization of the de novo assembly of human genomes. The WENGAN assembler is available at https://github.com/adigenova/wengan
Artificial selection finds new hypotheses for the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated dengue blocking in mosquitoes
Authors: Ford S.A. , Albert I. , Allen S. L. , Chenoweth S. , Jones M. , Koh C. , Sebastian A. , Sigle L.T. , McGraw E.A.
Published: November 2019

Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium that blocks virus replication in insects and has been introduced into the mosquito, Aedes aegypti for the biocontrol of arboviruses including dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Despite ongoing research, the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated virus blocking remains unclear. We recently used experimental evolution to reveal that Wolbachia-mediated dengue blocking could be selected upon in the A. aegypti host and showed evidence that strong levels of blocking could be maintained by natural selection. In this study, we investigate the genetic variation associated with blocking and use these analyses to generate testable hypotheses surrounding the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated dengue blocking. From our results, we hypothesise that Wolbachia may block virus replication by increasing the regeneration rate of mosquito cells via the Notch signalling pathway. We also propose that Wolbachia modulates the host’s transcriptional pausing pathway either to prime the host’s anti-viral response or to directly inhibit viral replication.
Evolutionary Stalling and a Limit on the Power of Natural Selection to Improve a Cellular Module
Authors: Venkataram Sandeep , Monasky Ross , Sikaroodi Shohreh H , Kryazhimskiy Sergey , Kaçar Betül
Published: November 2019

Cells consist of molecular modules which perform vital biological functions. Cellular modules are key units of adaptive evolution because organismal fitness depends on their performance. Theory shows that in rapidly evolving populations, such as those of many microbes, adaptation is driven primarily by common beneficial mutations with large effects, while other mutations behave as if they are effectively neutral. As a consequence, if a module can be improved only by rare and/or weak beneficial mutations, its adaptive evolution would stall. However, such evolutionary stalling has not been empirically demonstrated, and it is unclear to what extent stalling may limit the power of natural selection to improve modules. Here, we empirically characterize how natural selection improves the translation machinery (TM), an essential cellular module. We experimentally evolved populations ofEscherichia coliwith genetically perturbed TMs for 1,000 generations. Populations with severe TM defects initially adapted via mutations in the TM, but TM adaptation stalled within about 300 generations. We estimate that the genetic load in our populations incurred by residual TM defects ranges from 0.5 to 19%. Finally, we found evidence that both epistasis and the depletion of the pool of beneficial mutations contributed to evolutionary stalling. Our results suggest that cellular modules may not be fully optimized by natural selection despite the availability of adaptive mutations.
Tuning of feedforward control enables stable muscle force-length dynamics after loss of autogenic proprioceptive feedback
Authors: Gordon JC , Holt NC , Biewener AA , Daley MA
Published: November 2019

Animals must integrate feedforward, feedback and intrinsic mechanical control mechanisms to maintain stable locomotion. Recent studies of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) revealed that the distal leg muscles rapidly modulate force and work output to minimize perturbations in uneven terrain. Here we probe the role of reflexes in the rapid perturbation response of muscle by studying the effects of proprioceptive loss. We induced bilateral loss of autogenic proprioception in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle (LG) using self-reinnervation. We compared ankle kinematics andin vivomuscle dynamics in birds with reinnervated LG and intact LG. Reinnervated and intact muscles exhibit similar force-length dynamics, with rapid changes in work to stabilize running obstacle terrain. Reinnervated LG exhibits 23ms earlier steady-state activation, consistent with feedforward tuning of activation phase to compensate for lost proprioception. Modulation of force duration is impaired in rLG, confirming the role of reflex feedback in regulating force duration in intact muscle.
Dimensional neuroimaging: (Internet) Gaming Disorder symptoms according to the WHO and APA frameworks associate with lower striatal volume
Authors: Zhou Xinqi , Wu Renjing , Liu Congcong , Kou Juan , Chen Yuanshu , Pontes Halley M. , Yao Dezhong , Kendrick Keith M. , Becker Benjamin , Montag Christian
Published: November 2019

Growing concerns about the addictive nature of internet and computer games led to the endorsement of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as an emerging disorder by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2013 and the recognition of Gaming Disorder (GD) as a new diagnosis by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. While the definition of clear diagnostic criteria for IGD is beneficial for clinicians and those in need of treatment, it may also stigmatize normal behavior. Furthermore, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying IGD symptoms, and whether they resemble those of other addictive disorders remains highly debated. To this end the present study employed a dimensional imaging approach to determine associations between IGD symptom-load according to the APA and WHO diagnostic frameworks and brain structure in a comparably large sample of healthy subjects. It was found that higher symptom-load on psychometric tests assessing the APA and WHO diagnostic frameworks convergently associated with lower volumes of the striatum. The present results suggest for the first time a neurobiological foundation of the proposed diagnostic criteria for IGD according to both diagnostic classification systems, further indicating that the transition from non-disordered to disordered gaming is accompanied by progressive neuroplastic changes in the striatum, thus resembling progressive changes in other addictive disorders.
Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Raw Milk to Predict the Blood Plasma Non-Esterified Fatty Acid Concentration in Dairy Cows
Authors: Aernouts Ben , Adriaens Ines , Diaz-Olivares José , Saeys Wouter , Mäntysaari Päivi , Kokkonen Tuomo , Mehtiö Terhi , Kajava Sari , Lidauer Paula , Lidauer Martin H. , Pastell Matti
Published: November 2019

In high yielding dairy cattle, severe postpartum negative energy status is often associated with metabolic and infectious disorders that negatively affect production, fertility and welfare. Mobilization of adipose tissue associated with a negative energy status is reflected through an increased level of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood plasma. Earlier, identification of a negative energy status through the detection of increased blood plasma NEFA concentration required laborious and stressful blood sampling. More recently there have been attempts to predict blood NEFA concentration from milk samples. This study aimed to develop and validate a model to predict the blood plasma NEFA concentration using milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra that are routinely measured in the context of milk recording. To this end, blood plasma and milk samples were collected in weeks 2, 3 and 20 post-partum for 192 lactations in 3 different herds. The blood plasma samples were taken in the morning, while representative milk samples were collected during the morning and evening milk session on the same day. To predict the blood plasma NEFA concentration from the milk MIR spectra, partial least squares regression models were trained on part of the observations from the first herd. The models were then thoroughly validated on all other observations of the first herd and on the observations of the two independent herds to explore their robustness and wide applicability. The final model can accurately predict blood plasma NEFA concentrations below 0.6 mmol/L with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSE) of less than 0.143 mmol/L. However, for blood plasma with more than 1.2 mmol/L NEFA, the model clearly underestimates the true level. Additionally, it was found that morning blood plasma NEFA levels were predicted with a significantly higher accuracy (p = 0.009) using MIR spectra of evening milk samples compared to morning samples, with RMSEP values of respectively 0.182 and 0.197 mmol/L and R2 values of 0.613 and 0.502. These results suggest a time delay between variations in blood plasma NEFA and related milk biomarkers. Based on the MIR spectra of evening milk samples, cows at risk for a negative energy status, indicated with detrimental morning blood plasma NEFA levels (> 0.6 mmol/L), could be identified with a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 0.831 and 0.800. As this model can be applied to millions of historical and future milk MIR spectra, it opens opportunities for regular metabolic screening and improved resilience phenotyping.
Cell therapy as a new approach on hepatic fibrosis of murine model ofSchistosoma mansoniinfection
Authors: Muslimah N. ALsulami
Published: November 2019

Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genusSchistosoma. Schistosomiasis is disease that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. Previous studies have shown that the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) therapy in improvement of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, the current study was designed to assess the therapeutic role of BMSCs in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. BMSCs derived male mice were intraperitoneal injected into female mice that receivedS. mansonicercariae through subcutaneous route. Mice were divided into four groups: negative control group (noninfected non treated); positive control group (infected non treated); BMSCs treated group; and untreated group. Liver histopathology and immunohistochemically were evaluated. BMSC intraperitoneal injection resulted in a significant reduction in liver collagen, granuloma size, and significant increase in OV-6 expression in the Schistosomiasis treated mice group. There was overall improvement of the pathological changes of the liver. The findings support that BMSCs has a regenerative potential in the histopathology and function of the liver tissue by decreasing liver fibrosis.
14-3-3ζ mediates an alternative, non-thermogenic mechanism to reduce heat loss and improve cold tolerance
Authors: Diallo Kadidia , Dussault Sylvie , Noll Christophe , Lopez Angel F. , Rivard Alain , Carpentier André C. , Lim Gareth E.
Published: November 2019

Following prolonged cold exposure, adaptive thermogenic pathways are activated to maintain homeothermy, and elevations in body temperature are generally associated with UCP1-dependent and -independent increases in energy expenditure. One of the earliest, identified functions of the molecular scaffold, 14-3-3ζ, was its role in the synthesis of norepinephrine, a key endogenous factor that stimulates thermogenesis. This suggests that 14-3-3ζ may have critical roles in cold-induced thermogenesis. Herein, we report that transgenic over-expression of TAP-14-3-3ζ in mice significantly improved tolerance to prolonged cold. When compared to wildtype controls, TAP mice displayed significantly elevated body temperatures and paradoxical decreases in energy expenditure. No changes in β-adrenergic sensitivity or oxidative metabolism were observed; instead, 14-3-3ζ over-expression significantly decreased thermal conductance via increased peripheral vasoconstriction. These findings suggest 14-3-3ζ mediates alternative, non-thermogenic mechanisms to mitigate heat loss for homeothermy. Our results point to an unexpected role of 14-3-3ζ in the regulation of body temperature.

Graphical abstract
When is a control not a control? Reactive microglia occur throughout the control contralateral visual pathway in experimental glaucoma
Authors: Tribble James R , Kokkali Eirini , Otmani Amin , Plastino Flavia , Lardner Emma , Vohra Rupali , Kolko Miriam , André Helder , Morgan James E , Williams Pete A
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Animal models show retinal ganglion cell injuries that replicate features of glaucoma and the contralateral eye is commonly used as an internal control. There is significant cross-over of retinal ganglion cell axons from the ipsilateral to the contralateral side at the level of the optic chiasm which may confound findings when damage is restricted to one eye. The effect of unilateral glaucoma on neuroinflammatory damage to the contralateral visual pathway has largely been unexplored.

Methods

Ocular hypertensive glaucoma was induced unilaterally or bilaterally in the rat and retinal ganglion cell neurodegenerative events were assessed. Neuroinflammation was quantified in the retina, optic nerve head, optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superior colliculus by high resolution imaging, and in the retina by flow cytometry and protein arrays.

Results

Following ocular hypertensive stress, peripheral monocytes enter the retina, and microglia become reactive. This effect is more marked in animals with bilateral ocular hypertensive glaucoma. In rats where glaucoma was induced unilaterally there was significant microglia activation in the contralateral (control) eye. Microglial activation extended into the optic nerve and terminal visual thalami, where it was similar across hemispheres irrespective of whether ocular hypertension was unilateral or bilateral.

Conclusions

These data suggest that caution is warranted when using the contralateral eye as control in unilateral models of glaucoma.

Translational Relevance

Use of a contralateral eye as a control may confound discovery of human relevant mechanism and treatments in animal models. We also identify neuroinflammatory protein responses that warrant further investigation as potential disease modifiable targets.
Persistent deleterious effects of an unstable deleteriousWolbachiainfection
Authors: Ross Perran A. , Axford Jason K. , Callahan Ashley G. , Richardson Kelly M. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: November 2019

Wolbachiaare being used to reduce dengue transmission byAedes aegyptimosquitoes around the world. To date releases have mostly involvedWolbachiastrains with limited fitness effects but strains with larger fitness costs could be used to suppress mosquito populations. However, such infections are expected to evolve towards decreased deleterious effects. Here we investigate potential evolutionary changes in thewMelPop infection transferred fromDrosophila melanogastertoAedes aegyptimore than ten years (~120 generations) ago. We show that most deleterious effects of this infection have persisted despite strong selection to ameliorate them. ThewMelPop infection is difficult to maintain in laboratory colonies, likely due to the persistent deleterious effects coupled with occasional maternal transmission leakage. Furthermore, female mosquitoes can be scored incorrectly as infected due to transmission ofWolbachiathrough mating. Infection loss in colonies was not associated with evolutionary changes in the nuclear background. These findings suggest thatWolbachiatransinfections with deleterious effects may have stable phenotypes which could ensure their long-term effectiveness if released in natural populations to reduce population size.

Author summary

Mosquitoes infected withWolbachiabacteria are being deployed into the field where they can suppress mosquito populations and reduce dengue transmission. These programs rely on the use ofWolbachiastrains that have desirable phenotypes, which can include deleterious fitness effects, reproductive manipulation and virus blocking. However, theory predicts thatWolbachiawill evolve to become less costly to their hosts, reducing the effectiveness of these programs. We investigate the potential for evolutionary changes by performing a comprehensive phenotypic analysis of a deleteriousWolbachiastrain,wMelPop, that was introduced toAedes aegyptimosquitoes fromDrosophilaover ten years ago. In contrast to theoretical expectations and research fromDrosophila, our results suggest thatWolbachiastrains with deleterious effects may have stable phenotypes, ensuring their long-term effectiveness if released into natural populations.
CORE GREML: Estimating covariance between random effects in linear mixed models for genomic analyses of complex traits
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Im Hae Kyung , Lee S. Hong
Published: November 2019

Linear mixed models (LMMs) using genome-based restricted maximum likelihood (GREML) are a key variance partitioning tool, where effects of multiple sources, such as different functional genomic regions, on phenotypes are treated as random. Classic LMMs assume independence between random effects, which can cause biased estimation of variance components. Here, we relax this independence assumption by introducing a generalised GREML, called CORE GREML, that can explicitly estimate the covariance between random effects. Using extensive simulations, we show that CORE GREML outperforms the conventional GREML, providing unbiased estimates of variance and covariance components. Using data from the UK biobank, we demonstrate that CORE GREML is useful for genomic partitioning analyses and for genome-transcriptome partitioning of phenotypic variance. For example, we found that the transcriptome, imputed using genotype data, explained a significant proportion of phenotypic variance for height (0.15, se = 5.4e-3, p-value = 1.5e-283), and that these transcriptomic effects on phenotypes correlated with effects of the genome (r = 0.35, se = 4.6e-2, p-value = 1.2e-14). We conclude that the covariance between random effects is a key parameter that needs to be estimated, especially when partitioning phenotypic variance by omic layer.
Kinship does not predict the structure of a shark social network
Authors: Mourier Johann , Planes Serge
Published: November 2019

Genetic relatedness in animal societies is often a factor that drives the structure of social groups. In the marine world, most studies which have investigated this question have focused on marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. For sharks, recent studies have demonstrated preferential associations among individuals from which social communities emerge. Assortment patterns have been found according to phenotypic or behavioural traits but the role of genetic relatedness in shaping the social structure of adult shark populations has, to the best our knowledge, never been investigated. Here, we used a social network analysis crossed with DNA microsatellite genotyping to investigate the role of the genetic relatedness in the social structure of a blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) population. Based on data from 156 groups of sharks, we used generalized affiliation indices to isolate social preferences from non-social associations, controlling for the contribution of sex, size, gregariousness, spatial and temporal overlap on social associations, to test for the influence of genetic relatedness on social structure. A double permutation procedure was employed to confirm our results and account for issues arising from potentially elevated type I and type II error rates. Kinship was not a predictor of associations and affiliations among sharks at the dyad or community levels as individuals tended to associate independently of the genetic relatedness among them. The lack of parental care in this species may contribute to the breakdown of family links in the population early in life, thereby preventing the formation of kin-based social networks.
The necrotrophic fungusMacrophomina phaseolinainduces oxidative stress-associated genes and related biochemical responses in charcoal rot susceptible sorghum genotypes
Authors: Bandara Ananda Y. , Weerasooriya Dilooshi K. , Liu Sanzhen , Little Christopher R.
Published: November 2019

Macrophomina phaseolina(MP) is a necrotrophic fungus that causes charcoal rot disease in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench]. The host resistance and susceptibility mechanisms for this disease are poorly understood. Here, the transcriptional and biochemical aspects of the oxidative stress and antioxidant system of charcoal rot resistant and susceptible sorghum genotypes in response to MP inoculation were investigated. RNA sequencing revealed 96 differentially expressed genes between resistant (SC599) and susceptible (Tx7000) genotypes that are related to the host oxidative stress and antioxidant system. Follow-up functional experiments demonstrated MP’s ability to significantly increase reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) content in the susceptible genotypes. This was confirmed by increased malondialdehyde content, an indicator of ROS/RNS-mediated lipid peroxidation. The presence of nitric oxide (NO) in stalk tissues of susceptible genotypes was confirmed using a NO-specific fluorescent probe (DAF-FM DA) and visualized by confocal microscopy. Inoculation significantly increased peroxidase activity in susceptible genotypes while catalase activity was significantly higher in MP-inoculated resistant genotypes. MP inoculation significantly reduced superoxide dismutase activity in all genotypes. These findings suggested MP’s ability to promote a host-derived oxidative stress response in susceptible sorghum genotypes, which contributes to induced cell death-associated disease susceptibility to this necrotrophic phytopathogen.
Restoration, dispersal and settlement of native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) in energetic tidal areas
Authors: Willis Jay , Kamphausen Lisa , Jensen Anthony , Herbert Roger J.H. , Jones Elfed
Published: November 2019

We modelled the pelagic larval phase of native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) in the Solent. The Solent is a complex and tidally energetic environment on the south coast of the UK. Until recently it was the largest self-sustaining fishery of the native oyster in Europe. We developed a new larval settlement behavioural model that is the simplest plausible model which remains consistent with all available data and evidence on larval behaviour. We used a hydrodynamic sub-model, a Lagrangian advection sub-model, and an individual agent based model. The results demonstrate how isolated oyster assemblages can re-populate larger areas of historical inhabitance. We predict the most likely patterns of redistribution from refugia or from fisheries seeding. We show that settlement swimming behaviour is as equally important as passive hydrodynamic transport for larval survival and adult distribution and that settlement swimming behaviour has a profound impact on settlement patterns. The models show that managed broodstock refugia have the potential to seed much larger oyster beds in contrast to broad-scale seeding. Such refugia have the advantage of maintaining a locally high and mature population with potential for reef features and their associated biodiversity. We show that such refugia may be best placed in the tidally dynamic and exposed areas rather than on sheltered coastal sites as they have been in the past. Our model is insensitive to parameter variation and could be an effective and practical management tool in the face of a paucity of field data on larval distribution and behaviour.
Mate discrimination among subspecies through a conserved olfactory pathway
Authors: Khallaf Mohammed A. , Auer Thomas O. , Grabe Veit , Depetris-Chauvin Ana , Ammagarahalli Byrappa , Zhang Dan-Dan , Lavista-Llanos Sofía , Kaftan Filip , Weißflog Jerrit , Matzkin Luciano M. , Rollmann Stephanie M. , Löfstedt Christer , Svatoš Aleš , Dweck Hany K.M. , Sachse Silke , Benton Richard , Hansson Bill S. , Knaden Markus
Published: November 2019

Signaling mechanisms underlying the sexual isolation of species are poorly understood. Using four subspecies ofDrosophila mojavensisas a model, we identify two behaviorally active male-specific pheromones. One functions as a conserved male anti-aphrodisiac in all subspecies and acts via gustation. The second induces female receptivity via olfaction exclusively in the two subspecies that produce it. Genetic analysis of the cognate receptor for the olfactory pheromone indicates an important role for this sensory pathway in promoting sexual isolation of subspecies, in collaboration with auditory signals. Surprisingly, the peripheral sensory pathway detecting this pheromone is conserved molecularly, physiologically and anatomically across subspecies. These observations imply that subspecies-specific behaviors arise from differential interpretation of the same peripheral cue, reminiscent of sexually conserved detection but dimorphic interpretation of male pheromones inD. melanogaster. Our results reveal that, during incipient speciation, pheromone production, detection and interpretation do not necessarily evolve in a coordinate manner.
Development of PAR-CLIP to analyze RNA-protein interactions in prokaryotes
Authors: Ojha Sandeep , Jain Chaitanya
Published: November 2019

The ability to identify RNAs that are recognized by RNA-binding proteins (RNA-BPs) using techniques such as “Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation” (CLIP) has revolutionized the genome-wide discovery of RNA targets. Among the different versions of CLIP developed, the incorporation of photoactivable nucleoside analogs into cellular RNA has proven to be especially valuable, allowing for high efficiency photoactivable ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP (PAR-CLIP). Although PAR-CLIP has become an established technique for use in eukaryotes, it has not yet been applied in prokaryotes. To determine if PAR-CLIP can be used in prokaryotes, we first investigated whether 4-thiouridine (4SU), a photoactivable nucleoside, can be incorporated into E. coli RNA. After determining 4SU incorporation into RNA, we developed suitable conditions for crosslinking of proteins in E. coli cells and for the isolation of crosslinked RNA. Applying this technique to Hfq, a well-characterized regulator of small RNA (sRNA) - messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions, we showed that PAR-CLIP identified most of the known sRNA targets of Hfq. Based on our results, PAR-CLIP represents an improved method to identify the RNAs recognized by RNA-BPs in prokaryotes.
Emerging masculinities in Chinese luxury social media marketing
Authors: Jiang Jiani , Huhmann Bruce A. , Hyman Michael R.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate masculinity in Chinese social media marketing for global luxury fashion brands through two studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 compares physical characteristics of males in visually oriented US (Instagram) and Chinese (Weibo) social media posts promoting global luxury fashion magazine brands (e.g. Vogue, Cosmopolitan, GQ and Esquire). Study 2 examines the prevalence of and Chinese consumers’ responses (reposts, comments and likes) to different masculinities depicted in luxury fashion brand-sponsored Weibo posts.

Findings

Male portrayals for Chinese audiences feature more characteristics associated with emerging East Asian hybrid masculinities – “Little Fresh Meat” (LFM) and “Old Grilled Meat” (OGM) – than associated with global or regional hegemonic masculinity (i.e. the scholarly Wén and action-oriented Wu). Wén remains common in social media posts for luxury fashion goods, but LFM and OGM engender more consumer responses.

Practical implications

Chinese luxury fashion marketing depicts masculinity more similarly to other East Asian marketing than to Western marketing. Some luxury fashion brands are struggling for acceptance among Chinese youth. Luxury fashion marketers should incorporate hybrid rather than hegemonic masculinities to prompt more favorable responses among Chinese consumers, especially younger female target markets.

Originality/value

Growing female occupational and consumer power and shifting male employment from blue-collar to white-collar jobs have influenced media portrayals of masculinity. Social media marketing for luxury fashion brands demonstrates the prevalence and appeal of hybrid masculinities in China.
Exploring factors behind project scope creep – stakeholders’ perspective
Authors: Ajmal Mian , Khan Mehmood , Al-Yafei Hanan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the different views of major project stakeholders about the factors that contribute to poor project scope leading to project scope creep.

Design/methodology/approach

Major factors of project scope creep are identified using commonality analysis of stakeholders’ views. An interview-based industry research method is applied to collect data from different projects in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

Relying on stakeholders’ theory, the study proposes a framework for managing project scope creep. Results indicate that communication is among the major causes of project scope creep, as reported by all project stakeholder groups in this study.

Practical implications

The study is expected to support the assessment of the causes of project scope creep, simultaneously expanding knowledge on the topic for both researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This study is among the first few to explore the commonality of various stakeholder views in the factors that hinder project success.
Improving the effectiveness of the employee performance management process
Authors: Neher Alain , Maley Jane
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of managerial values in improving the effectiveness of employee performance management (EPM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been conducted as a conceptual study, in which EPM criteria are compared to managerial values and the related maturity model. A thorough review of the EPM and values literature identified relevant and significant works.

Findings

Despite copious extant literature on EPM, the process is riddled with persistent problems, particularly concerning the manager’s enthusiasm to adequately implement EPM and its subsequent effectiveness. A managerial grounded values framework is, therefore, proposed. Using a circular approach that is assisted by a values maturity model, it serves as a charter that guides the supervisor’s actions, goals, choices, decisions and attitudes; principles that are very much at the heart of an effective EPM process. Curiously, managerial values and EPM have not generally been connected.

Practical implications

This values-based circular framework contributes to the effectiveness of the EPM process and thus to a positive EPM experience that motivates, enhances engagement and guides personal development. When enacted individual values and EPM are linked, they are argued to lead to sustained superior financial performance.

Originality/value

This study makes an important and novel contribution to the performance literature by using a values-based maturity model to improve the effectiveness of the EPM process.
Halal certification mark, brand quality, and awareness
Authors: Jaiyeoba Haruna Babatunde , Abdullah Moha Asri , Dzuljastri Abdul Razak
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to ascertain whether halal certification mark, halal brand quality and halal awareness influence Nigerian consumers when making buying decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers reflect on the newly collected data to shed light on the above issues from the perspective of Nigerian consumers. To this end, a questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from 282 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

This study found that halal certification mark and halal brand quality are the most influential factors that contributed to the consumers’ buying decisions in Nigeria.

Originality/value

Based on the findings of this study, the researchers have argued that more efforts are needed in the area of halal awareness in Nigeria. Similarly, the study argues that halal brand quality should always be held at the esteemed position. Based on the study’s findings, the authors have been able to fill the literature gap, particularly in the context of the Nigerian halal industry.
The role of customer engagement facets on the formation of attitude, loyalty and price perception
Authors: Bergel Maxi , Frank Phillip , Brock Christian
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of customer satisfaction on four facets of customer engagement: customer influencer behavior, knowledge behavior, referral behavior and purchase behavior. Furthermore, its (in)direct influence on affective attitude, price perception and loyalty is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted. First, an experimental scenario design was set up to investigate the hypothesized relations between customer engagement; customers’ affective attitude and their loyalty; and their price perceptions. Second, a survey at a national forest park center helped to secure external validity.

Findings

The results indicate that engaged customers develop a more positive affective attitude, which leads to increased future loyalty and positive price perceptions. In addition, the results suggest that assessing cognitive approaches exclusively is not sufficient for understanding customers’ price perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should investigate antecedents of customer engagement behaviors (CEBs) other than satisfaction, and extend this research by taking into account further mediators that might be cognitive rather than affective.

Practical implications

The results are of superior importance for services or tourism destinations. Fostering CEB can help in improving a destinations’ performance.

Originality/value

This research expands the current state of literature by investigating several dimensions of CEB at one time, as well as by examining customers’ affective attitude toward the organization as a potential mediator, extending previous research approaches.