bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A-26 ADHD and Neurocognitive Functioning Following Late or Moderate Preterm Birth
Authors: Hennrick Heather , Gindlesperger Maggie , Coultis Nora
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study sought to broaden the findings of the current research on the relationship between late and moderate preterm (LAMP) birth and long-term neurocognitive outcomes, specifically those related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). LAMP children were compared to term-born children on rates of ADHD prevalence and neurocognitive functioning.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 169 patients, ages 8–12 years, who completed neuropsychological evaluation; 30.2% were female, 37.87% identified with a non-White racial group, 36.7% were Medicaid, 18.34% had in-utero exposure to substances, 40.8% were LAMP, 9.47% were born following pre-eclampsia, 21.3% required intensive care at birth, and 51.5% had ADHD family history. Measures of intellectual functioning (IQ), attention, working memory (WM), executive functioning (EF), and processing speed were derived from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition, Conners Continuous Performance Test, Second and Third Editions (CPT-2/CPT-3), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, and NEPSY, Second Edition.

Results

ADHD prevalence was similar between LAMP (79.7%) and term-born children (75%), as were neurocognitive outcomes. Interestingly, no significant differences in performance-based WM or EF were observed between those with and without ADHD; inattention (CPT-2/CPT-3 Omissions) was the only performance-based measure that was significantly higher among those with ADHD (M = 61.93, SD = 15.35) than those without (M = 54.31, SD = 11.27), t(165) = −3.38, p < 0.01, 95% CI [−12.11, −3.13].

Conclusion(s)

Prevalence of ADHD and measured neurocognitive outcomes were not significantly different between LAMP and term-born children. This affirms the multifactorial etiological pathways to ADHD and supports ADHD as a heterogenous neurocognitive presentation.
A-32 Does Inhibition Contribute to Word Reading beyond Non-inhibition Processes?
Authors: Eason Michael , Decker Scott
Published: August 2021

Objective

The current study aims to extend the study conducted by Van der Sluis and colleagues (2012) and investigate whether the statistical relationships between executive functioning (EF) and reading performance is causal or merely correlational.

Methods

A sample of children ages 5 to 12 years (N = 44) were given a standardized test of inhibition and its corresponding non-inhibition condition from the NEPSY-II assessment battery (Korkman, Kirk & Kemp, 2007) and the Letter-Word Identification test from the Woodcock Johnson IV Achievement Test Battery was given to assess reading (Schrank et al., 2014). Two separate hierarchical regressions were conducted to determine if inhibition predicted reading performance beyond that of its non-inhibition condition.

Results

The first regression examined the contribution of inhibition on reading after first accounting for the non-inhibition condition, and the second regression examined the contribution of the non-inhibition condition after first accounting for inhibition. Results indicate that inhibitory ability showed no significant contribution to prediction after controlling for the non-inhibition processes, and when first controlling for inhibitory ability, the non-executive processes from the non-inhibition condition continued to significantly contribute to word reading performance (ΔR2 = 0.21, F(1,44) = 25.11, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of the current study provide further support that relationship between EF and reading performance may be more of a statistical and procedural confound than it is a mechanism directly implicated in reading ability attainment. More work should be done to determine if the findings from this study are replicable across different tests of reading (i.e., comprehension, fluency).
A-38 Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in a Cohort of School-Aged Children & Adolescents Receiving Integrated Care Via a Pediatric Critical Care & Neurotrauma Recovery Program
Authors: Greene Rachel , Williams Cydni N , Hall Trevor A
Published: August 2021

Objective

We aimed to identify critical issues related to Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) through an integrated model of care whereby children and families participate in follow-up clinics with a neuropsychologist and a critical care physician. To demonstrate the impact of direct assessment, we present pilot program findings on early identification and treatment of PICS in a cohort of school-aged children and adolescents through a combination of multi-professional direct assessment and parent proxy questionnaires.

Method

64 children and adolescents ages 8–17 years participated in the current study. PICS issues related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health were screened 1–3 months after discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The primary outcome was nine performance-based neurocognitive measures combined through principal components analysis to create a neurocognitive index (NCI). Pearson correlation (r) was used to determine the NCI association with other PICS measures at the p < 0.05 significance level.

Results

The NCI accounted for 52% of the overall variance. Better NCI performance was significantly associated with improved quality of life (r = 0.4). Poorer neurocognitive functioning was significantly associated with the presence of intracranial lesions on imaging (r = −0.28), a neurodevelopmental (r = −0.3) or neurocognitive (r = −0.29) disorder clinician diagnosis, and parent-reported sleep disturbances (r = −0.5), fatigue (r = −0.46), and global executive functioning (r = −0.42).

Conclusions

Performance-based measures of neurocognitive functioning were associated with core PICS features including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning. Direct assessment of neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning in the initial healing phase following PICU admission is needed to provide patients and their families with expedited and comprehensive guidance for recovery.
A-60 Case of Moyamoya Syndrome in Haitian Female without Known Risk Factors
Authors: Elie Emmauela , Puentes Gisela Aguila , Ireland Susan , Kumbhani Sheba
Published: August 2021

Objective

Moyamoya is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by carotid artery stenosis or occlusion. Tiny “moyamoya” blood vessels open at the brain base to compensate, often resulting in large vessel ischemic strokes or from hemorrhage of moyamoya vessels. Peak incidence in adults is 30 to 50 years old and 30% progress bilaterally. 54 year-old right-handed Black Haitian female with 13 years of education presented with new stroke, now diagnosed with bilateral moyamoya syndrome. Premorbid history includes hypertension, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, patent foramen ovale, and malignant phyllodes breast tumor treated by resection and local radiation. Presents with no traditional risk factors for moyamoya (e.g., brain radiation, sickle cell disease, neurofibromatosis).

Method

Five years previously patient experienced multi-focal embolic MCA strokes from left internal carotid occlusion attributed to hypercoagulability of malignancy, returning to previous activities except driving. Present perfusion CT showed complete occlusion of bilateral cavernous carotid arteries. Diagnostic angiogram showed collateral system via PCA-MCA pial-pial collaterals in parieto-occipital-temporal regions, and leptomeningeal collaterals to ACA territory. She underwent bilateral STA-MCA direct bypass.

Results

Acute neuropsychological testing conducted in Haitian Creole by native-speaking trainee showed expressive aphasia, orientation to person and situation, ability to follow 1-step commands, moderately impaired naming of familiar objects, reduced sustained attention. Also left hemiparesis, right gaze preference, and left homonymous hemianopsia.

Conclusions

The present case study delineates development of secondary moyamoya in a Black Haitian woman without known risk factors, resulting in significant cognitive-linguistic deficits consistent with brain findings. Limitations include lack of validated measures in Haitian Creole.
A-68 Neuropsychological Predictors of Seizure Freedom in Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Laser Ablation of the Hippocampus (SLAH) for Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Park Sydney E , Cummings Tiffany L , Rigdon Joseph , Robles Christian , Bhaskar Brinda , Horn Alex , Allen Calisha , Flashman Laura , Peterson Keyan , Lemley Regan , Liberatore Grace , Morgan Katie , Munger Clary Heidi M
Published: August 2021

Objective

Presurgical cognitive and psychiatric status can serve as predictors of surgical outcomes; however, there are no studies that assess the predictive nature of cognitive factors and psychiatric illness on seizure freedom following stereotactic laser ablation, a novel, minimally invasive surgical approach, of the hippocampus (SLAH). Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether neuropsychological factors were associated with long-term postoperative outcome, defined as time maintaining continuous postoperative seizure freedom (Engel Class I outcome persistently after surgery), after mesial temporal laser ablation surgery.

Method

Forty-one patients (Age M = 37.5 ± 12.6; 61% female; 63% left mesial temporal ablation; 37% right mesial temporal ablation) were selected from retrospective data collection of epilepsy surgery outcomes following mesial temporal laser ablation. Patients were assessed with a presurgical neuropsychological battery as part of Phase I work-up.

Results

Wilcoxon rank-sum tests revealed there were no significant differences between groups (seizure free and non-seizure free) across presurgical intellectual functioning, (seizure free M = 37.6; non-seizure free M = 40.6; p = 0.31), verbal memory (p = 0.59), visual memory (p = 0.39), and language composite scores (p = 0.87). There was also no significant difference in presurgical mean depression scores (p = 0.81).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences between groups in presurgical cognitive and psychiatric predictors on seizure outcomes; however, sample size is a limitation. Further investigations are needed given that cognitive and psychiatric predictors may be associated with SLAH outcomes. Additionally, these findings add to the absence of literature on cognitive and psychiatric predictors in SLAH.
Perineal Outcomes After Delivery in 179 Mothers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Compared to 31 258 Controls: A Single-Centre Cohort Study
Authors: Lever Gillian , Chipeta Hlupe , Glanville Tracey , Selinger Christian
Published: August 2021

Background

Women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] have an increased risk for caesarean section [CS], but perineal obstetric outcomes, which may have significant consequences for women with IBD, have not been previously studied.

Method

Maternal outcomes in singleton pregnancies of IBD and non-IBD patients [2014–2018] in a single centre were studied.

Results

In 31 528 non-IBD and 179 IBD patients delivery by CS was more likely in IBD patients (p = 0.0021, relative risk [RR] 1.45, confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.81). Elective CS in IBD patients occurred in 40% for IBD indications, all in accordance with current international guidelines. Perineal trauma, including tears involving the anal sphincter, were equally uncommon in IBD [2.23%] and non-IBD patients [3.40%; p = 0.35, RR 0.64, CI 0.24–1.68]. Of the four IBD patients with clinically significant tears, none had pelvic floor dysfunction or incontinence at follow-up in a specialist postnatal perineal trauma clinic. One IBD patient who had a clinically non-significant second-degree perineal tear reported incontinence a year after giving birth. Previous perianal disease was not associated with significant perineal trauma.

Conclusion

The low rate of perineal trauma is reassuring for promotion of vaginal delivery in most IBD patients. In those who experienced tears involving the anal sphincter no continence issues occurred. Women with IBD having a greater incidence of delivery by CS was only partially explained by IBD indications.
A case report of unexpected right-to-left shunt under mechanical support for post-infarction ventricular septal defect: evaluation with haemodynamic simulator
Authors: Hiraoka Arudo , Saku Keita , Nishikawa Takuya , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: August 2021

Background

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a complication of acute myocardial infarction with high mortality. A percutaneous left ventricular assist device, Impella, is currently used in maintaining haemodynamic stability in PIVSD.

Case summary

A 65-year-old man was transferred to our hospital for treatment of acute myocardial infarction of the proximal right coronary artery. Percutaneous intervention was performed but haemodynamic instability continued. At 10 days after onset, the patient was diagnosed with PIVSD by echocardiogram. To stabilize haemodynamics, we initiated venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Three days after ECMO initiation, pulmonary congestion increased and an echocardiogram revealed closed aortic valve and spontaneous echo contrast at the aortic root. After an Impella 2.5 was inserted for unloading of the left ventricle, the oxygenation level and cardiac function rapidly declined. Unexpectedly, an echocardiogram showed a right-to-left shunt (to-and-fro pattern) via PIVSD. By increasing the ECMO and decreasing Impella flow, the shunt flow changed to left-to-right, and oxygenation level and cardiac function improved. Ten days after ECMO was started, elective surgical repair was successfully performed.

Conclusion

ECPELLA (ECMO + Impella) can offset the adverse effects of isolated ECMO support and reduce the PIVSD shunt flow. However, the risk of right-to-left shunt has not been reported, and ECPELLA caused a right-to-left shunt with deoxygenated systemic perfusion in the present case. A simulation study indicated that the right ventricular failure in PIVSD may pose a risk for right-to-left PIVSD shunt under Impella support.
Anticholinergic Medication Use, Dopaminergic Genotype, and Recurrent Falls
Authors: Rosso Andrea L , Marcum Zachary A , Zhu Xiaonan , Bohnen Nicolaas , Rosano Caterina
Published: August 2021

Background

Anticholinergic medications are associated with fall risk. Higher dopaminergic signaling may provide resilience to these effects. We tested interactions between anticholinergic medication use and dopaminergic genotype on risk for recurrent falls over 10 years.

Methods

Participants in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study (n = 2 372, mean age = 73.6; 47.8% men; 60.0% White) without disability or anticholinergic use at baseline were followed for up to 10 years for falls. Medication use was documented in 7 of 10 years. Highly anticholinergic medications were defined by Beers criteria, 2019. Recurrent falls were defined as ≥2 in the 12 months following medication assessment. Generalized estimating equations tested the association of anticholinergic use with recurrent falls in the following 12 months, adjusted for demographics, health characteristics, and anticholinergic use indicators. Effect modification by dopaminergic genotype (catechol-O-methyltransferase [COMT]; Met/Met, higher dopamine signaling, n = 454 vs Val carriers, lower dopamine signaling, n = 1 918) was tested and analyses repeated stratified by genotype.

Results

During follow-up, 841 people reported recurrent falls. Anticholinergic use doubled the odds of recurrent falls (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 2.09 [1.45, 3.03]), with suggested effect modification by COMT (p = .1). The association was present in Val carriers (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.44, 3.23]), but not in Met/Met genotype (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.70 [0.66, 4.41]). Effect sizes were stronger when excluding baseline recurrent fallers.

Conclusion

Higher dopaminergic signaling may provide protection against increased 12-month fall risk from anticholinergic use. Assessing vulnerability to the adverse effects of anticholinergic medications could help in determination of risk/benefit ratio for prescribing and deprescribing anticholinergics in older adults.
MultiInflammatory Syndrome in Children: A View into Immune Pathogenesis from a Laboratory Perspective
Authors: Bohn Mary Kathryn , Yousef Peter , Steele Shannon , Sepiashvili Lusia , Adeli Khosrow
Published: August 2021

Background

Multiinflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel and rare inflammatory disorder associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in school-age children. Reports in the past year have suggested a multisystem pathophysiology characterized by hyperinflammation, gastrointestinal distress, and cardiovascular complications. Clinical laboratory investigations, including routine blood testing for inflammatory (e.g., C-reactive protein, ferritin) and cardiac (e.g., troponin, brain natriuretic peptides) markers have provided insight into potential drivers of disease pathogenesis, highlighting the role of the laboratory in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with similar conditions (e.g., Kawasaki disease, macrophage activating syndrome).

Content

While few studies have applied high-dimensional immune profiling to further characterize underlying MIS-C pathophysiology, much remains unknown regarding predisposing risk factors, etiology, and long-term impact of disease onset. The extent of autoimmune involvement is also unclear. In the current review, we summarize and critically evaluate available literature on potential pathogenic mechanisms underlying MIS-C onset and discuss the current and anticipated value of various laboratory testing paradigms in MIS-C diagnosis and monitoring.

From initial reports, it is clear that MIS-C has unique inflammatory signatures involving both adaptive and innate systems. Certain cytokines, inflammatory markers, and cardiac markers assist in the differentiation of MIS-C from other hyperinflammatory conditions. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding of MIS-C pathogenesis, including T cell, B cell, and innate response. It is essential that researchers not only continue to decipher initial pathogenesis but also monitor long-term health outcomes, particularly given observed presence of circulating autoantibodies with unknown impact.
Newspaper Coverage of Snus in an Emerging Norwegian Snus Market 2002–2011: A Content Analysis
Authors: Gunnar Sæbø , Rikke Iren Tokle , Ingeborg Lund
Published: August 2021

Background

In a context where snus is a legal product, its advertising is prohibited and its prevalence of use has been on the rise among adolescents and young adults, the aim of this article is to identify the extent of snus coverage in Norwegian newspapers and the themes and values communicated about snus therein from 2002 to 2011.

Aim and methods

All major Norwegian newspapers were scanned for articles with “snus” (and relevant connectors) in headings, ingresses, and/or pictures/captions as search criteria. Using the Retriever media monitoring service as a database, the search returned 943 unique articles, which were subjected to quantitative content analysis.

Results

The number of articles per year increases over the period, while their average length decreases slightly. Thematically, the greatest attention is on the extent of “snus use” (occurring in 52.7% of the articles), and then more equally divided between “tobacco policy” (24.5%), “economy/markets” (29.1%), and “health” (28.7%). A total of 48.6% of the articles are “neutral/mixed” in respect of framing, 28.1% are “negative,” and only 20.7% are “positive” in tone. Articles about tobacco policy are more often negative, while articles on economic factors are more often positive. Articles on health are usually negatively focused, or neutral/mixed.

Conclusion

The slight predominance of negative and/or neutral/mixed articles indicates that the newspaper coverage does not glamorize the snus product. However, the sheer amount of (and growth in) articles over time, as well as positive articles available for selective exposure and perception, may nevertheless have contributed to a normalization of snus use.

Implications

Little is known about media coverage of smokeless tobacco and whether editorial mass media glamorize or criticize its use. This study shows that the extent of snus coverage in Norwegian newspapers has increased over time, but also that the framing of Norwegian newspaper coverage of snus has mainly been neutral/mixed or negative toward snus and its use.
CaAIL1 Acts Positively in Pepper Immunity against Ralstonia solanacearum by Repressing Negative Regulators
Authors: Zheng Yutong , He Shicong , Cai Weiwei , Shen Lei , Huang Xueying , Yang Sheng , Huang Yu , Lu Qiaoling , Wang Hui , Guan Deyi , He Shuilin
Published: August 2021

APETALA2 (AP2) subfamily transcription factors participate in plant growth and development, but their roles in plant immunity remain unclear. Here, we discovered that the AP2 transcription factor CaAIL1 functions in immunity against Ralstonia solanacearum infection (RSI) in pepper (Capsicum annuum). CaAIL1 expression was upregulated by RSI, and loss- and gain-of-function assays using virus-induced gene silencing and transient overexpression, respectively, revealed that CaAIL1 plays a positive role in immunity to RSI in pepper. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) uncovered a subset of transcription-factor-encoding genes, including CaRAP2-7, CaGATA17, CaGtf3a and CaTCF25, that were directly targeted by CaAIL1 via their cis-elements, such as GT or AGGCA motifs. ChIP-qPCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed these findings. These genes, encoding transcription factors with negative roles in immunity, were repressed by CaAIL1 during pepper response to RSI, whereas genes encoding positive immune regulators such as CaEAS were derepressed by CaAIL1. Importantly, we showed that the atypical EAR motif (LXXLXXLXX) in CaAIL1 is indispensable for its function in immunity. These findings indicate that CaAIL1 enhances the immunity of pepper against RSI by repressing a subset of negative immune regulators during the RSI response through its binding to several cis-elements in their promoters.
Horizontal transfer and subsequent explosive expansion of a DNA transposon in sea kraits (
Laticauda
)
Authors: Galbraith James D. , Ludington Alastair J. , Sanders Kate L. , Suh Alexander , Adelson David L.
Published: August 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) are self-replicating genetic sequences and are often described as important ‘drivers of evolution’. This driving force is because TEs promote genomic novelty by enabling rearrangement, and through exaptation as coding and regulatory elements. However, most TE insertions potentially lead to neutral or harmful outcomes, therefore host genomes have evolved machinery to suppress TE expansion. Through horizontal transposon transfer (HTT) TEs can colonize new genomes, and since new hosts may not be able to regulate subsequent replication, these TEs may proliferate rapidly. Here, we describe HTT of the
Harbinger-Snek
DNA transposon into sea kraits (
Laticauda
), and its subsequent explosive expansion within
Laticauda
genomes. This HTT occurred following the divergence of
Laticauda
from terrestrial Australian elapids approximately 15–25 Mya. This has resulted in numerous insertions into introns and regulatory regions, with some insertions into exons which appear to have altered UTRs or added sequence to coding exons.
Harbinger-Snek
has rapidly expanded to make up 8–12% of
Laticauda
spp. genomes; this is the fastest known expansion of TEs in amniotes following HTT. Genomic changes caused by this rapid expansion may have contributed to adaptation to the amphibious-marine habitat.
Centers for Mendelian Genomics: A decade of facilitating gene discovery
Authors: Baxter Samantha M. , Posey Jennifer E. , Lake Nicole J. , Sobreira Nara , Chong Jessica X. , Buyske Steven , Blue Elizabeth E. , Chadwick Lisa H. , Coban-Akdemir Zeynep H. , Doheny Kimberly F. , Davis Colleen P. , Lek Monkol , Wellington Christopher , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Gerstein Mark , Gibbs Richard A. , Lifton Richard P. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Matise Tara C. , Lupski James R. , Valle David , Bamshad Michael J. , Hamosh Ada , Mane Shrikant , Nickerson Deborah A. ,   Centers for Mendelian Genomics Consortium, Rehm Heidi L. , O’Donnell-Luria Anne
Published: August 2021

Mendelian disease genomic research has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade. With increasing availability of exome and genome sequencing, the role of Mendelian research has expanded beyond data collection, sequencing, and analysis to worldwide data sharing and collaboration. Over the last 10 years, the NIH-supported Centers for Mendelian Genomics (CMGs) have played a major role in this research and clinical evolution. We highlight the cumulative gene discoveries facilitated by the program, biomedical research leveraged by the approach, and the larger impact on the research community. Mendelian genomic research extends beyond generating lists of gene-phenotype relationships, it includes developing tools, training the larger community to use these tools and approaches, and facilitating collaboration through data sharing. Thus, the CMGs have also focused on creating resources, tools, and training for the larger community to foster the understanding of genes and genome variation. The CMGs have participated in a wide range of data sharing activities, including deposition of all eligible CMG data into AnVIL (NHGRI’s Genomic Data Science Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-Space), sharing candidate genes through Matchmaker Exchange (MME) and the CMG website, and sharing variants in Geno2MP and VariantMatcher. The research genomics output remains exploratory with evidence that thousands of disease genes, in which variant alleles contribute to disease, remain undiscovered, and many patients with rare disease remain molecularly undiagnosed. Strengthening communication between research and clinical labs, continued development and sharing of knowledge and tools required for solving previously unsolved cases, and improving access to data sets, including high-quality metadata, are all required to continue to advance Mendelian genomics research and continue to leverage the Human Genome Project for basic biomedical science research and clinical utility.
Short Term Reduction in the Odds of Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2; a Comparison Between Two Doses and Three doses of the BNT162b2 Vaccine
Authors: Patalon Tal , Gazit Sivan , Pitzer Virginia E. , Prunas Ottavia , Warren Joshua L. , Weinberger Daniel M.
Published: August 2021

With the evidence of waning immunity of the BNT162b2 vaccine, a national third dose vaccination campaign was initiated in Israel during August 2021; other countries have announced their intention to administer a booster shot as well. Leveraging data from Maccabi Healthcare Services, we conducted a preliminary retrospective study aimed at evaluating initial short-term effectiveness of a three dose versus a two dose regimen against infection due to the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, using two complementary approaches; a test-negative design and a matched case-control design. We found that 7-13 days after the booster shot there is a 48-68% reduction in the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and that 14-20 days after the booster the marginal effectiveness increases to 70-84%. Further studies are needed to determine the duration of protection conferred by the third dose and its effect on severe disease.
Revealing the genetic components responsible for the unique photosynthetic stem capability of the wild almond Prunus arabica (Olivier) Meikle
Authors: Brukental Hillel , Doron-Faigenboim Adi , Bar-Ya’akov Irit , Harel-Beja Rotem , Attia Ziv , Azoulay-Shemer Tamar , Holland Doron
Published: August 2021

Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb) is a major deciduous fruit tree crop worldwide. During dormancy, under warmer temperatures and inadequate chilling hours, the plant metabolic activity increases and may lead to carbohydrate deficiency. Prunus arabica (Olivier) Meikle is a bushy wild almond species known for its green, un-barked stem, which stays green even during the dormancy period. Our study revealed that P. arabica green stems assimilate significantly high rates of CO2 during the winter as compared to P. dulcis cv. Um el Fahem (U.E.F), and may improve carbohydrate status throughout dormancy. To uncover the genetic inheritance and mechanism behind the P. arabicaStem Photosynthetic Capability (SPC), a segregated F1 population was generated by crossing P. arabica to U.E.F. Both parent’s whole genome was sequenced, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling identified 4,887 informative SNPs for genotyping. A robust genetic map for U.E.F and P. arabica was constructed (971 and 571 markers, respectively). QTL mapping and association study for the SPC phenotype revealed major QTL (log of odd (LOD)=20.8) on chromosome 7, and another minor but significant QTL on chromosome 1 (LOD=3.9). Finally, a list of 73 candidate genes was generated. This work sets the stage for future research to investigate the mechanism regulating the SPC trait, how it affects the tree’s physiology, and its importance for breeding new cultivars better adapted to high winter temperatures.
Idea Paper: Effects of gonad type and body mass on the time required for sex change in fishes
Authors: Tokunaga Soma , Kadota Tatsuru , Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Kuwamura Tetsuo , Kawabata Yuuki
Published: August 2021

Sex change is a well-known phenomenon in teleost fishes, and it takes several days to a few months depending on the species and direction of sex change. However, the underlying factors influencing the time required for sex change (TS) remain unclear. Given that the time for producing a new gonad largely determines TS, the gonad type (i.e., whether fish retain the gonad of opposite sex or not [delimited or non-delimited]) and metabolic rate are the ultimate determinants of TS. This study sought to test two hypotheses: (1) the delimited gonad shortens TS; and (2) TS scales with mass0.1–0.2, because the metabolic scaling exponent (β) in fishes is 0.8–0.9 and biological times scale with mass1−β in general. We compiled data on TS for 12 female-to-male and 14 male-to-female sex-changing species from the literature. Results of individual examinations of the effects of gonad type and mass were consistent with our hypotheses. However, upon simultaneous examination of the effects of gonad type and mass, these effects became unclear because of their strong multicollinearity. The compiled data for delimited and non-delimited gonads were biased toward the smaller and larger species, respectively, precluding us from being able to statistically distinguish between these effects. Small species with non-delimited gonads and large species with delimited gonads exist; however, their TS has not been measured with high temporal resolution thus far. Therefore, additional experiments on these species are required to statistically distinguish between, as well as to better understand, the effects of gonad type and mass on TS.
An accelerated thrombosis model for computational fluid dynamics simulations in rotary blood pumps
Authors: Blum Christopher , Groß-Hardt Sascha , Steinseifer Ulrich , Neidlin Michael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Thrombosis is one of the major complications in blood-carrying medical devices and a better understanding to influence design of such devices is desirable. Over the past years many computational models of thrombosis have been developed. However, open questions remain about the applicability and implementation within a pump development process. The aim of the study was to develop and test a computationally efficient model for thrombus risk prediction in rotary blood pumps.

Methods

We used a two-stage approach to calculate thrombus risk. At the first stage, the velocity and pressure fields were computed by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. At the second stage, platelet activation by mechanical and chemical stimuli was determined through species transport with an Eulerian approach. The model was implemented in ANSYS CFX and compared with existing clinical data on thrombus deposition within the HeartMate II.

Results

Our model shows good correlation (R2>0.94) with clinical data and identifies the bearing and outlet stator region of the HeartMate II as the location most prone to thrombus formation. The calculation of platelet activation requires an additional 10-20 core hours of computation time.

Discussion

The concentration of activated platelets can be used as a surrogate marker to determine risk regions of thrombus deposition in a blood pump. Model expansion, e.g. by including more chemical species can easily be performed. We make our model openly available by implementing it for the FDA benchmark blood pump.

Declarations

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Open access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.

Conflict of interest

All of the authors have nothing to disclose.

Availability of data and material

The raw data can be retrieved by request from the authors.

Code availability

The implementation of the thrombus model in the FDA benchmark blood pump geometry is available onhttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5116063.

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. CB developed the numerical model, performed the simulations, gathered, analysed and discussed the results. SGH, MN and US were involved in the analysis and discussion of the results. MN supervised the project. MN and CB wrote the manuscript based on the input of all co-authors. All co-authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Cosmopolitanism at the Roman Danubian Frontier, Slavic Migrations, and the Genomic Formation of Modern Balkan Peoples
Authors: Olalde Iñigo , Carrión Pablo , Mikić Ilija , Rohland Nadin , Mallick Shop , Lazaridis Iosif , Korać Miomir , Golubović Snežana , Petković Sofija , Miladinović-Radmilović Nataša , Vulović Dragana , Stewardson Kristin , Lawson Ann Marie , Zalzala Fatma , Callan Kim , Tomanović Željko , Keckarević Dušan , Grbić Miodrag , Lalueza-Fox Carles , Reich David
Published: August 2021

The Roman Empire expanded through the Mediterranean shores and brought human mobility and cosmopolitanism across this inland sea to an unprecedented scale. However, if this was also common at the Empire frontiers remains undetermined. The Balkans and Danube River were of strategic importance for the Romans acting as an East-West connection and as a defense line against “barbarian” tribes. We generated genome-wide data from 70 ancient individuals from present-day Serbia dated to the first millennium CE; including Viminacium, capital of Moesia Superior province. Our analyses reveal large scale-movements from Anatolia during Imperial rule, similar to the pattern observed in Rome, and cases of individual mobility from as far as East Africa. Between ∼250-500 CE, we detect gene-flow from Central/Northern Europe harboring admixtures of Iron Age steppe groups. Tenth-century CE individuals harbored North-Eastern European-related ancestry likely associated to Slavic-speakers, which contributed >20% of the ancestry of today’s Balkan people.
Intravenous administration of BCG protects mice against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge
Authors: Hilligan Kerry L. , Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Clancy Chad S. , O’Mard Danielle , Oland Sandra D. , Robertson Shelly J. , Baker Paul J. , Castro Ehydel , Garza Nicole L. , Lafont Bernard A. P. , Johnson Reed , Ronchese Franca , Mayer-Barber Katrin D. , Best Sonja M. , Sher Alan
Published: August 2021

Early events in the host response to SARS-CoV-2 are thought to play a major role in determining disease severity. During pulmonary infection, the virus encounters both myeloid and epithelioid lineage cells that can either support or restrict pathogen replication as well as respond with host protective versus detrimental mediators. In addition to providing partial protection against pediatric tuberculosis, vaccination with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been reported to confer non-specific resistance to unrelated pulmonary pathogens, a phenomenon attributed to the induction of long-lasting alterations within the myeloid cell compartment. Here we demonstrate that prior intravenous, but not subcutaneous, administration of BCG protects human-ACE2 transgenic mice against lethal challenge with SARS-CoV-2 and results in reduced viral loads in non-transgenic animals infected with an alpha variant. The observed increase in host resistance was associated with reductions in SARS-CoV-2-induced tissue pathology, inflammatory cell recruitment and cytokine production that multivariate analysis revealed to be only partially related to diminished viral load. We propose that this protection stems from BCG-induced alterations in the composition and function of the pulmonary cellular compartment that impact the innate response to the virus and the ensuing immunopathology.
Structural and functional analysis of the C-terminal region of Streptococcus gordonii SspB
Authors: Schormann Norbert , Purushotham Sangeetha , Mieher Joshua L. , Patel Manisha , Wu Hui , Deivanayagam Champion
Published: August 2021

Streptococcus gordonii is a member of the viridans streptococci and is an early colonizer of the tooth surface. Adherence to the tooth surface is enabled by proteins present on the S. gordonii cell surface, among which SspB belongs to one of the most well studied cell-wall-anchored adhesin families: the antigen I/II (AgI/II) family. The C-terminal region of SspB consists of three tandemly connected individual domains that display the DEv-IgG fold. These C-terminal domains contain a conserved Ca2+-binding site and isopeptide bonds, and they adhere to glycoprotein 340 (Gp340; also known as salivary agglutinin, SAG). Here, the structural and functional characterization of the C123
SspB domain at 2.7 Å resolution is reported. Although the individual C-terminal domains of Streptococcus mutans AgI/II and S. gordonii SspB show a high degree of both sequence and structural homology, superposition of these structures highlights substantial differences in their electrostatic surface plots, and this can be attributed to the relative orientation of the individual domains (C1, C2 and C3) with respect to each other and could reflect their specificity in binding to extracellular matrix molecules. Studies further confirmed that affinity for Gp340 or its scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains requires two of the three domains of C123
SspB, namely C12 or C23, which is different from AgI/II. Using protein–protein docking studies, models for this observed functional difference between C123
SspB and C123
AgI/II in their binding to SRCR1 are presented.
Managerial innovative capabilities, competitive advantage and performance of healthcare sector during Covid-19 pandemic period
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , El Chaarani Hani , El Abiad Zouhour , El Nemar Sam , Yassine Haddad Alissar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the impact of dynamic managerial innovative capabilities on the competitive advantage (CA), financial performance (FP) and non-financial performance (NFP) of the health-care sector during the very turbulent Covid-19 pandemic period. The focus is on human behavior and personnel interaction in the hospitals that receive Covid-19 cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this research was collected from the medical sector in Lebanon. The authors approached 14 public hospitals and 60 private hospitals for the study and only 48 hospitals (total of 284 respondents) accepted to complete the survey and provide data using a structured questionnaire.

Findings

This study reveals the moderating impact of CA on the relationship between dynamic managerial innovative capabilities and the performance of the health-care sector. Based on 48 Lebanese health-care centers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the results of the structural equation modeling model indicate that dynamic managerial innovative practices positively impact on CA and NFP. The results also reveal that CA has a moderating effect on the relationship between dynamic managerial innovative practices and NFP.

Practical implications

This study does not reveal any direct or indirect relationship between managerial capabilities and FP during the pandemic.

Originality/value

As the world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, the health-care sector needs new approaches and methods for confronting the constantly evolving and turbulent environment. This study examines how health-care leaders are dealing with these dynamic challenges and tests a three-dimensional SEM model of dynamic managerial capabilities (sensing, seizing and reconfiguration) that impact CA.
Replicating a study of women and men in state government administration 30 years later
Authors: Mastracci Sharon , Mahallati Nadia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine data from a 2016 replication of a 1986 study of upper-level administrators in government agencies in the US State of Utah. The unique cultural context of this state is used to challenge Hakim’s preference theory; specifically, that the individual agency of work-oriented women is stronger than structural constraints, including culture. This study joins others that have questioned the preference theory’s applicability in certain cultural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple approach using difference-of-means t-tests shows that female respondents in 2016 are more like their male contemporaries than they are to their sister administrators 30 years prior. T-tests are also used to compare male respondents in 1986 and 2016.

Findings

Women in upper management in 2016 are more likely to be married and have preschool-aged children at home than they were in 1986. These results suggest that women are succeeding at the highest levels in state government administration and also adhering to strong cultural norms. Women’s views on labor market policies changed over time, as well. While women in 2016 are found to resemble their male counterparts in 2016 more than they resemble female respondents in 1986, variations in men’s responses in 1986 and 2016 are statistically no different from zero.

Originality/value

This study challenges the predictions of Hakim’s preference theory in the context of strong cultural norms that dictate separate gender roles. The results contradict the preference theory’s predictions and are consistent with critiques of its applicability across cultural contexts.
Constructing the “good” mother: pride and shame in lone mothers' narratives of motherhood
Authors: Leonard Madeleine , Kelly Grace
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how lone mothers define “good” mothering and outlines the extent to which feelings of pride and shame permeate their narratives.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data on which the paper is based is drawn from semi-structured interviews with 32 lone mothers from Northern Ireland. All the lone mothers resided in low-income households.

Findings

Lone mothers experienced shame on three levels: at the level of the individual whereby they internalised feelings of shame; at the level of the collective whereby they internalised how they perceived being shamed by others in their networks but also engaged in shaming and at the level of wider society whereby they recounted how they felt shamed by government agencies and the media.

Originality/value

While a number of researchers have explored how shame stems from poverty and from “deviant” identities such as lone motherhood, the focus on pride is less developed. The paper responds to this vacuum by exploring how pride may counterbalance shame's destructive and scarring tendencies.
Understanding the social media interactivity paradox: the effects of social media interactivity on communication quality, work interruptions and job performance
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Zheng Bowen , Liu Hefu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Although social media is widely used for organizational communication, studies have begun to show its controversial effects on job performance in the workplace. To investigate these effects, this study developed a conceptual framework for how social media interactivity affects communication quality and work interruption, as well as how such effects impact job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical model was empirically validated through a survey study of 556 employees in China.

Findings

The results verified a social media interactivity paradox that indicated social media interactivity increased both communication quality and work interruptions. The results further showed that high levels of social media dependency were a detriment to organizations.

Originality/value

This study verified the existence of a social media interactivity paradox in the use of social media for workplace communication. Moreover, results revealed that the effect of social media interactivity on organizational outcomes depends on its respective dimensions.
Relinquishing power: creating space for youth of color leaders
Authors: Salisbury Jason
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate how school and district leaders supported the youth of color leadership initiatives at the district and school levels in ways to advance youth agencies and transformative change. The specific research question guiding this study was What actions do formalized leaders engage in to share leadership opportunities with the youth of color that protect student agencies and control?

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-site qualitative case study design was used, drawing on the understanding of shared leadership and student voice as analytical lenses.

Findings

Leaders across both sites supported the youth of color leadership in three ways: (1) being open to new and different sources of knowledge related to persistent issues of inequity in their schools; (2) initiating spaces for the youth of color to engage in leadership and (3) buffering student leaders from outside pressures.

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates the ways leaders with positional power can support youth of color leadership while not removing youth agencies and independence.

Originality/value

This manuscript contributes to existing scholarship by demonstrating how the understanding of shared leadership and student voice scholarship combines to deepen understanding of supporting youth of color leadership.