bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biparatopic sybody constructs neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and mitigate emergence of drug resistance
Authors: Walter Justin D. , Hutter Cedric A.J. , Garaeva Alisa A. , Scherer Melanie , Zimmermann Iwan , Wyss Marianne , Rheinberger Jan , Ruedin Yelena , Earp Jennifer C. , Egloff Pascal , Sorgenfrei Michèle , Hürlimann Lea M. , Gonda Imre , Meier Gianmarco , Remm Sille , Thavarasah Sujani , van Geest Gerrit , Bruggman Rémy , Zimmer Gert , Slotboom Dirk J. , Paulino Cristina , Plattet Philippe , Seeger Markus A.
Published: November 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented global health crisis. Here, we report the identification of a synthetic nanobody (sybody) pair (Sb#15 and Sb#68) that can bind simultaneously to the SARS-CoV-2 spike-RBD and efficiently neutralize pseudotyped and live-viruses by interfering with ACE2 interaction. Two spatially-discrete epitopes identified by cryo-EM translated into the rational design of bispecific and tri-bispecific fusions constructs, exhibiting up to 100- and 1000-fold increase in neutralization potency. Cryo-EM of the sybody-spike complex further revealed a novelup-outRBD conformation. While resistant viruses emerged rapidly in the presence of single binders, no escape variants were observed in presence of the bispecific sybody. The multivalent bispecific constructs further increased the neutralization potency against globally-circulating SARS- CoV-2 variants of concern. Our study illustrates the power of multivalency and biparatopic nanobody fusions for the development of clinically relevant therapeutic strategies that mitigate the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 escape mutants.
Genetic and Immunological Evidence for Microbial Transfer Between the International Space Station and an Astronaut
Authors: Danko David C. , Singh Nitin , Butler Daniel J. , Mozsary Christopher , Jiang Peng , Keshavarzian Ali , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Chlipala George , Afshinnekoo Ebrahim , Bezdan Daniela , Garrett-Bakelman Francine , Green Stefan J. , Turek Fred W. , Vitaterna Martha Hotz , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Mason Christopher E.
Published: November 2020

Microbial transfer from the environment can influence a person’s health, but relevant studies often have confounding variables and short durations. Here, we used the unique environment of the International Space Station (ISS) to track movement of microbes between an astronaut’s commensal microbiomes and their environment. We identified several microbial taxa, includingSerratia proteamaculansandRickettsia australiswhich appear to have been transferred from the ISS to the commensal microbiomes of the astronaut. Strains were matched at the SNP and haplotype-level, and notably some strains persisted even after the astronaut’s return to Earth. Some transferred taxa correspond to secondary strains in the ISS environment, suggesting that transfer may be mediated by evolutionary selection. Finally, we show evidence that the T-Cell repertoire of the astronaut changes to become more specific to environmental taxa, suggesting that continual microbial and immune monitoring can help guide spaceflight mission planning, health monitoring, and habitat design.
Joint neutron/X-ray crystal structure of a mechanistically relevant complex of perdeuterated urate oxidase and simulations provide insight into the hydration step of catalysis
Authors: McGregor Lindsay , Földes Tamás , Bui Soi , Moulin Martine , Coquelle Nicolas , Blakeley Matthew P. , Rosta Edina , Steiner Roberto A.
Published: November 2020

Cofactor-independent urate oxidase (UOX) is an ∼137 kDa tetrameric enzyme essential for uric acid (UA) catabolism in many organisms. UA is first oxidized by O2 to dehydroisourate (DHU) via a peroxo intermediate. DHU then undergoes hydration to 5-hydroxyisourate (5HIU). At different stages of the reaction both catalytic O2 and water occupy the `peroxo hole' above the organic substrate. Here, high-resolution neutron/X-ray crystallographic analysis at room temperature has been integrated with molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the hydration step of the reaction. The joint neutron/X-ray structure of perdeuterated Aspergillus flavus UOX in complex with its 8-azaxanthine (8AZA) inhibitor shows that the catalytic water molecule (W1) is present in the peroxo hole as neutral H2O, oriented at 45° with respect to the ligand. It is stabilized by Thr57 and Asn254 on different UOX protomers as well as by an O—H...π interaction with 8AZA. The active site Lys10–Thr57 dyad features a charged Lys10–NH3
+ side chain engaged in a strong hydrogen bond with Thr57OG1, while the Thr57OG1–HG1 bond is rotationally dynamic and oriented toward the π system of the ligand, on average. Our analysis offers support for a mechanism in which W1 performs a nucleophilic attack on DHUC5 with Thr57HG1 central to a Lys10-assisted proton-relay system. Room-temperature crystallography and simulations also reveal conformational heterogeneity for Asn254 that modulates W1 stability in the peroxo hole. This is proposed to be an active mechanism to facilitate W1/O2 exchange during catalysis.
The first bismuth borate oxyiodide, Bi4BO7I: commensurate or incommensurate?
Authors: Volkov Sergey , Bubnova Rimma , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria , Galafutnik Lydia
Published: November 2020

The first bismuth borate oxyiodide, Bi4BO7I, has been prepared by solid-state reaction in evacuated silica ampoules. Its crystal structure [space groupImmm(00γ)000] comprises litharge-related layers of edge-sharing OBi4tetrahedra; the interlayer space is filled by I−and [BO3]3−anions. The wavevector,q = 0.242 (3)c*, is very close to the rational value ofc*/4, yet refinement based on commensurate modulation faces serious problems indicating the incommensurate nature of the modulation. The I-/[BO3]3−anions are ordered in a complex sequence along [001],i.e.–<–BO3–BO3–I–I–>n = 28–I–I–I–<–BO3–BO3–I–I–>n = 28–BO3–BO3–BO3–, leading to a structural modulation. The principal feature of the latter is the presence of –I–I–I– and –BO3–BO3–BO3– sequences that cannot be accounted for in thea ×b × 4csupercell. The thermal expansion of Bi4BO7I is weakly anisotropic (αa = 8,αb = 15 andαc = 17 × 10−6 K−1at 500 K) which is caused by preferential orientation of the borate groups.
A co-occurring disorders intervention for drug treatment court: 12-month pilot study outcomes
Authors: Smelson David , Shaffer Paige M. , Posada Rodriguez Camilo , Gaba Ayorkor , Harter Jennifer , Pinals Debra A. , Casey Sheila C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Many individuals in drug treatment courts (DTCs) have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD), which can negatively impact treatment engagement, behavioral health and criminal justice outcomes. This paper aims to report results of DTC participants with a COD, who received a 12-month wraparound treatment intervention called MISSION-Criminal Justice (MISSION-CJ) alongside DTC to improve treatment engagement and behavioral health outcomes and reduce reincarcerations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this pre-post, single-group pilot, 48 clients enrolled and 81% completed 12-month follow-up assessments (N = 39) and weekly MISSION-CJ fidelity for type and intensity of services delivered. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were computed with a fixed term for fidelity (e.g. high or low MISSION-CJ), time and a fidelity x time interaction term.

Findings

Among participants, at 12 months, 81% of the participants remained engaged in treatment at study completion, and 89% had high MISSON-CJ fidelity. Clients demonstrated significant reductions from baseline to 12 months in average nights in jail (B = −0.1849511, p < 0.0344), mental health symptoms via the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS) total and subscale scores (B = −0.121613,p< 0.0186) and trauma symptoms on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5) (B = −0.928791, p < 0.0138). High MISSION-CJ fidelity further improved criminal justice, and behavioral health outcomes.

Originality/value

This was the first reported 12-month MISSION-CJ trial. While feasible to implement, given the design limitations, future research should include a large randomized controlled trial.
An error-propagation aware method to reduce the software mutation cost using genetic algorithm
Authors: Mohammad Javad Hosseini Seyed , Arasteh Bahman , Isazadeh Ayaz , Mohsenzadeh Mehran , Mirzarezaee Mitra
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reduce the number of mutations and, consequently, reduce the cost of mutation test. The results of related studies indicate that about 40% of injected faults (mutants) in the source code are effect-less (equivalent). Equivalent mutants are one of the major costs of mutation testing and the identification of equivalent and effect-less mutants has been known as an undecidable problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In a program with n branch instructions (if instruction) there are 2n execution paths (test paths) that the data and codes into each of these paths can be considered as a target of mutation. Given the role and impact of data in a program, some of data and codes propagates the injected mutants more likely to the output of the program. In this study, firstly the error-propagation rate of the program data is quantified using static analysis of the program control-flow graph. Then, the most error-propagating test paths are identified by the proposed heuristic algorithm (Genetic Algorithm [GA]). Data and codes with higher error-propagation rate are only considered as the strategic locations for the mutation testing.

Findings

In order to evaluate the proposed method, an extensive series of mutation testing experiments have been conducted on a set of traditional benchmark programs using MuJava tool set. The results depict that the proposed method reduces the number of mutants about 24%. Also, in the corresponding experiments, the mutation score is increased about 5.6%. The success rate of the GA in finding the most error-propagating paths of the input programs is 99%. On average, only 7.46% of generated mutants by the proposed method are equivalent. Indeed, 92.54% of generated mutants are non-equivalent.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is as follows: Proposing a set of equations to measure the error-propagation rate of each data, basic-block and execution path of a program. Proposing a genetic algorithm to identify a most error-propagating path of program as locations of mutations. Developing an efficient mutation-testing framework that mutates only the strategic locations of a program identified by the proposed genetic algorithms. Reducing the time and cost of mutation testing by reducing the equivalent mutants.
Remembering and forgetting the arts of technical education
Authors: Pardy John
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Technical education in the twentieth century played an important role in the cultural life of Australia in ways are that routinely overlooked or forgotten. As all education is central to the cultural life of any nation this article traces the relationship between technical education and the national social imaginary. Specifically, the article focuses on the connection between art and technical education and does so by considering changing cultural representations of Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon materials, that include school archives, an unpublished autobiography monograph, art catalogues and documentary film, the article details the lives and works of two artists, from different eras of twentieth century Australia. Utilising social memory as theorised by Connerton (1989, 2009, 2011), the article reflects on the lives of two Australian artists as examples of, and a way into appreciating, the enduring relationship between technical education and art.

Findings

The two artists, William Wallace Anderson and Carol Jerrems both products of, and teachers in, technical schools produced their own art that offered different insights into changes in Australia's national imaginary. By exploring their lives and work, the connections between technical education and art represent a social memory made material in the works of the artists and their representations of Australia's changing national imaginary.

Originality/value

This article features two artist teachers from technical schools as examples of the centrality of art to technical education. Through the teacher-artists lives and works the article highlights a shift in the Australian cultural imaginary at the same time as remembering the centrality of art to technical education. Through the twentieth century the relationship between art and technical education persisted, revealing the sensibilities of the times.
A socio-technical system approach to knowledge creation and team performance: evidence from China
Authors: Cao Xiongfei , Ali Ahsan , Pitafi Abdul Hameed , Khan Ali Nawaz , Waqas Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend the existing literature on knowledge management, which generally focuses on knowledge sharing. The model of this article explains how knowledge creation and team performance can be increased through the integration of social and technological factors

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the model, multi-wave and multi-source data were collected from 80 teams whose members use social media as a tool for communication and interaction.

Findings

The analysis results provide insights into some interesting findings. The results show transactive memory system (TMS) as an important factor that can significantly contribute to knowledge creation in teams. Especially, the TMS strengthens the significant positive effect of enterprise social media (ESM) and insignificant positive effect of knowledge complementarity on knowledge creation. Furthermore, knowledge creation is found to be a significant predictor of team performance

Originality/value

Much of the knowledge management literature focuses on the ways to increase the quantity of accessible knowledge to organization members. Such knowledge management studies are more relevant to knowledge exchange among individual employees, teams and organizations. However, this study takes a nuanced approach to explore how knowledge creation can be increased in teams by implementing a knowledge integration mechanism. A general model of knowledge creation is proposed, but the strength of this model lies in the moderating effect of TMS which strengthens the effect of knowledge complementarity and ESM on knowledge creation in teams which eventually increases team performance.
International capital flows in club of convergence
Authors: Hung Ly Dai , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hoan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The paper analyzes the pattern of international capital flows, accounting for the convergence on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an empirical analysis combined with a theoretical model. The evidence is based on a cross-section regression over a sample of 172 economies. And the model is an open multi-country overlapping generation (OLG) economy.

Findings

The empirical evidence records that the pattern of international capital flows in the club of convergence can diverge from the pattern in the club of unconvergence. A higher productivity growth rate is associated with more net capital inflows in the club of convergence but less net capital inflows in the club of unconvergence. The theory shows that proximity to world technology frontier can explain the divergence of capital flows.

Research limitations/implications

The result can account for controversies between theories on the cross-border capital flows: allocation puzzle, up-hill capital flows and neoclassical growth model.

Originality/value

The paper combines both the empirical analysis with the theoretical model construction to account for the role of convergence of economic growth on determining the pattern of international capital flows.
Innovation orientation and performance of Kuwaiti family businesses: evidence from the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zainal Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper analyses the impact of innovation orientation on the family business performance in Kuwait. Further, the aim of this paper is to understand the innovation culture among Kuwaiti family businesses and the innovation orientation concept and its importance for these businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study will use a quantitative research methodology in order to investigate the relationship between independent variables: creativity, risk-taking, future orientation, openness to change and proactiveness with Kuwaiti business performance as a dependent variable. A well-structured questionnaire is distributed to 150 family businesses that operate in Kuwait, where 114 of the respondents responded positively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was used for evaluating the proposed model.

Findings

The results show that creativity, risk-taking and future orientation have significant relationship with business performance, while openness to change and proactiveness do not have any significant relationship with business performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research is conducted during the period of initial months of COVID-19 pandemic, March–July 2020 respectively, and responses might be influenced by the current situation.

Originality/value

The correlation between family businesses and innovation orientation is not studied so far in Kuwait. There is a lack of studies about family business in general in Kuwait since there are only very few research studies. This is the first research about this topic that covers Kuwait as a country.
What is bullying hiding? Exploring antecedents and potential dimension of knowledge hiding
Authors: Yuan Yunyun , Yang Lifeng , Cheng Xiangyang , Wei Jia
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among knowledge attributes (complexity and implicitness), interpersonal distrust, knowledge hiding (KH) and team efficacy and second, to explore a new dimension of KH.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this research were collected from more than 940 employees working in manufacturing, information technology (IT), finance and the purification industry. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

First, the research confirmed the existence of bullying hiding behaviors in the knowledge economy era based on “knowledge power.” Second, the findings suggest that knowledge attributes are an important predictor of KH behaviors in organizations. The findings implicate the mediating effect of interpersonal distrust and the moderating role of team efficacy, while team efficacy negatively moderated the relationships between interpersonal distrust with evasive hiding and playing dumb, but positively moderated the relationship between interpersonal distrust with rationalized hiding and bullying hiding.

Originality/value

This is the first study to propose bullying hiding, a behavior that has emerged in organizational knowledge transfer, and it is more detrimental to knowledge sharing than other KH behaviors. The results of research on the different regulating effects of team efficacy on KH behaviors enrich the boundary conditions of KH research.
Does procedural justice climate increase the identification and engagement of migrant workers? A group engagement model perspective
Authors: Adamovic Mladen , Gahan Peter , Olsen Jesse , Harley Bill , Healy Joshua , Theilacker Max
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Migrant workers often suffer from social exclusion in the workplace and therefore identify less with their organization and engage less with their work. To address this issue, the authors integrate research on migrant workers with research on the group engagement model to create a model for understanding and enhancing migrant worker engagement. This allows us to provide insight into how organizations can design their human resource management systems and practices to increase the work engagement of migrant workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey study with over 4,000 employees from more than 500 workplaces in Australia to test the model.

Findings

The results of the multilevel analysis indicate that a procedurally fair work environment increases organizational identification, which in turn is associated with higher work engagement. The results also indicate that procedural justice climate is more important for migrant workers and increases their organizational identification and engagement.

Originality/value

To increase work engagement of migrant workers, organizations can establish a procedurally fair work environment in which cultural minorities experience unbiased policies and procedures, are able to express their opinions and participate in decision-making.
Management accounting use in micro and small enterprises
Authors: Najera Ruiz Tonatiuh , Collazzo Pablo
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore if and how micro and small firms apply management accounting (MA) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on 36 semistructured interviews with micro and small firm owners/managers in Mexico. Content analysis is used to identify how these enterprises use MA tools.

Findings

Micro and small firms consistently use MA tools. Most of them have some sort of planning, set objectives, have a costing system – even if budgeting is unusual – and use one or two metrics to monitor performance.

Research limitations/implications

This is exploratory research with a limited and nonrandom sample. Only a limited number of MA tools were studied.

Practical implications

Micro and small firms’ use of MA tools. This is arguably important because these enterprises use these techniques in a way that is different from the traditional approach used in bigger corporations. A relevant implication emerging from the findings, as a contribution to practice would be the need to include MA for micro and small businesses in formal training and textbooks.

Originality/value

On top of providing and assessing empirical evidence on a debate that has been so far largely theoretical, and on the back of the relative weight of micro and small enterprises in any given economy, this paper aims at reinforcing awareness on the need to further the study of the decision-making process in such firms.
Implementing evidence-based practice: the challenge of delivering what works for people with learning disabilities at risk of behaviours that challenge
Authors: Denne Louise D. , Gore Nick J. , Hughes J. Carl , Toogood Sandy , Jones Edwin , Brown Freddy Jackson
Published: November 2020

Purpose

There is an apparent disconnect between the understanding of best practice and service delivery in the support of people with learning disabilities at risk of behaviours that challenge. We suggest, is a problem of implementation. The purpose of this paper is to explore reasons why this might be the case: a failure to recognise the collective works of successive generations of research and practice; and a failure to address the macro-systems involved and systems changes needed to support implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the consensus that exists in respect of best practice. Drawing upon ideas from implementation science the paper highlights the complexities involved in the implementation of all evidence-based practices and uses this as a framework to propose ways in which an infrastructure that facilitates the delivery of services in the learning disabilities field might be built.

Findings

This paper highlights core recommended practices that have been consistent over time and across sources and identifies the systems involved in the implementation process. This paper demonstrates that many of the necessary building blocks of implementation already exist and suggests areas that are yet to be addressed. Critically, the paper highlights the importance of, and the part that all systems need to play in the process.

Originality/value

In the absence of any generalised implementation frameworks of evidence-based practice in the learning disabilities field, the paper suggests that the findings may provide the basis for understanding how the gap that exists between best practice and service delivery in the support of people with a learning disability at risk of behaviours that challenge might be closed.
Initial burst of root development with decreasing respiratory carbon cost in Fagus crenata Blume seedlings
Authors: Kurosawa Yoko , Mori Shigeta , Wang Mofei , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Yamaji Keiko , Koyama Kohei , Haruma Toshikatsu , Doyama Kohei
Published: November 2020

As terrestrial plants are rooted in one place, their metabolism must be acclimatized to continuously changing environmental conditions. This process is influenced by different metabolic traits of plant organs during ontogeny. However, direct measurement of organ‐specific metabolic rates is particularly scarce, and little is known about their roles in whole‐plant metabolism. In this study, we investigated size scaling of respiration rate, fresh mass and surface area of leaves, stems and roots in 65 seedlings of Fagus crenata Blume (2 weeks to 16 months old). With the increase in plant mass, the proportion of roots in whole plants increased from 20.8 to 87.3% in fresh mass and from 12.8 to 95.0% in surface area, whereas there was only a 15.6 to 60.2% increase in respiration rate. As a result, the fresh‐mass‐specific and surface‐area‐specific respiration rates in the roots decreased by 85% and 90%, respectively, and these decreases were significantly size dependent. However, such a size‐dependent decrease was not observed for the surface‐area‐specific respiration rate in the leaves and stems. It is likely that this rapid root development is specific to the early growth stage after germination and would help plants acquire water and nutrients efficiently (i.e., at relatively low respiratory carbon costs). Overall, it is probable that the establishment of F. crenata forests and survival of F. crenata seedlings could be promoted by substantial root growth, with a reduction in respiratory carbon cost.
Modification of myofibrillar protein functional properties prepared by various strategies: A comprehensive review
Authors: Xu Yujuan , Xu Xinglian
Published: November 2020

Today, both consumers and food industry producers have exhibited an ever‐growing interest in improving and broadening the functional performance of proteins in food industry. Myofibrillar protein (MP) is mainly responsible for texture, yield and organoleptic characteristics of final meat products. To increase functional properties of MP, technological and nutritional improvement of MP is needed to modify its structure and functionalities. Considerable approaches, including additives, oxidation treatments, and novel food processing technologies, have been utilized to modify its functional properties to manufacture acceptable meat products with lower cost and more desirable nutritional characteristics. However, a comprehensive summary of structural and functional changes of MP in response to different modification strategies is still lacking. Hence, in this review paper, our main goal is first to provide an overview of the functional characteristics of MP. Then, this review will mainly discuss the current knowledge on the functional changes of MP caused by various modification methods and will present some examples of previous works and recent progress. Finally, future outlooks are presented to tailor the manufacture of functionality enhanced and value‐added muscle‐based products and enable modified MP can be applied as a novel meat ingredient in food industry.
Microbial diversity and structure in the gastrointestinal tracts of two stranded short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)
Authors: BAI Shijie , ZHANG Peijun , LIN Mingli , LIN Wenzhi , YANG Zixin , LI Songhai
Published: November 2020

Information on the gut microbiome composition of different mammals could provide novel insights into the evolution of mammals and succession of microbial communities in different hosts. However, there is limited information on the gut microbiome composition of marine mammals, especially cetaceans because of sampling constraints. In this study, we investigated the diversity and composition of microbial communities in the stomach, midgut, and hindgut of 2 stranded short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and hindgut of a stranded pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) by using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technology. On the basis of the 50 most abundant operational taxonomic units, principal coordinate analysis, and non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis, we confirmed that the gut microbial communities of the 3 whales were different. Our results revealed that the gut microbiome of 1 stranded short‐finned pilot whale GM16 was dominated by Firmicutes (mainlyClostridium) and Fusobacteria; whereas that of the other pilot whale GM19 was composed of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes (mainlyVibrioandBacteroides, respectively), probably caused by intestinal disease and antibiotic treatment. The gut microbiome of the pygmy sperm whale was dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Moreover, different gastrointestinal tract regions harbored different microbial community structures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the gut microbiome of short‐finned pilot whales, and our findings will expand our current knowledge on microbial diversity and composition in the gastrointestinal tract of cetaceans.
Head elevation and laryngeal mask airway Supreme insertion: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Jun‐Young , Yu Jihion , Hong Jun Hyuk , Hwang Jai‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Kug
Published: November 2020

Background

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is usually inserted by conventional 7 cm head elevation. However, little is known about the association of head elevation degree and LMA insertion. We hypothesized that 14 cm head elevation would increase the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion compared with conventional 7 cm head elevation in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumour.

Methods

Patients were randomly allocated to the high group (n = 55, 14 cm head elevation) or the control group (n = 55, conventional 7 cm head elevation). The primary outcome was the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion.

Results

The first attempt success rate was significantly higher in the high group than in the control group (53 [96.4%] vs 40 [72.7%], P = .001, relative risk = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12‐1.57, absolute risk reduction = 23.7%). Fibreoptic bronchoscope grade 4 (ie optimal position of the LMA) was significantly higher in the high group (35 [64.8%] vs 18 [36.7%], P = .004, relative risk = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.16‐2.68, absolute risk reduction = 30.9%).

Conclusions

Head elevation of 14 cm height increased the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion and fibreoptic bronchoscopic grade in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumour. High head elevation can be an effective option for successful LMA Supreme insertion.

Trial Registry Number: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04229862).
Exercise‐linked improvement in age‐associated loss of balance is associated with increased vestibular input to motor neurons
Authors: Battilana Fabienne , Steurer Stefan , Rizzi Giorgio , Delgado Ana C. , Tan Kelly R. , Handschin Christoph
Published: November 2020

Age‐associated loss of muscle function is exacerbated by a concomitant reduction in balance, leading to gait abnormalities and falls. Even though balance defects can be mitigated by exercise, the underlying neural mechanisms are unknown. We now have investigated components of the proprioceptive and vestibular systems in specific motor neuron pools in sedentary and trained old mice, respectively. We observed a strong age‐linked deterioration in both circuits, with a mitigating effect of exercise on vestibular synapse numbers on motor neurons, closely associated with an improvement in gait and balance in old mice. Our results thus describe how the proprioceptive and vestibular systems are modulated by age and exercise, and how these changes affect their input to motor neurons. These findings not only make a strong case for exercise‐based interventions in elderly individuals to improve balance, but could also lead to targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at the respective neuronal circuitry.
Impact of IFRS adoption on audit pricing: evidence from audit hours and unit audit price in the Korean audit market
Authors: Kang Minjung , Lee Jung‐wha , Ha Mihye , Cho Moon‐Kyung
Published: November 2020

We investigate the impact of IFRS adoption on audit fee components, namely audit hours and unit audit price. We find that IFRS adoption increases audit hours but decreases unit audit price, which indicates audit firms cannot charge extra audit fees for their additional effort in a competitive audit market. Further, the IFRS‐related audit fee increase depends on the client’s bargaining power and audit risk. We thus suggest that the economic burden caused by IFRS adoption cannot be generalised for audit clients, because a competitive audit market imposes an informal limit on audit pricing.
Dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of labor and women’s childbirth experiences: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Selin Lotta , Berg Marie , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Dencker Anna
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare childbirth experiences and experience of labor pain in primiparous women who had received high‐ vs low‐dose oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor.

Material and methods

A multicenter, parallel, double‐blind randomized controlled trial took place in six Swedish labor wards. Inclusion criteria were healthy primiparous women at term with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, cephalic fetal presentation, spontaneous onset of labor, confirmed delayed labor progress and ruptured membranes. The randomized controlled trial compared high‐ vs low‐dose oxytocin used for augmentation of a delayed labor progress. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire version 2 (CEQ2) was sent to the women 1 month after birth. The CEQ2 consists of 22 items in four domains: Own capacity, Perceived safety, Professional support and Participation. In addition, labor pain was reported with a visual analog scale (VAS) 2 hours postpartum and 1 month after birth. The main outcome was the childbirth experience measured with the four domains of the CEQ2. The clinical trial number is NCT01587625.

Results

The CEQ2 was sent to 1203 women, and a total of 1008 women (83.8%) answered the questionnaire. The four domains of childbirth experience were scored similarly in the high‐ and low‐dose oxytocin groups of women: Own capacity (P = .36), Perceived safety (P = .44), Professional support (P = .84), Participation (P = .49). VAS scores of labor pain were reported as similar in both oxytocin dosage groups. Labor pain was scored higher 1 month after birth compared with 2 hours postpartum. There was an association between childbirth experiences and mode of birth in both the high‐ and low‐dose oxytocin groups.

Conclusions

Different dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor did not affect women’s childbirth experiences assessed through CEQ2 1 month after birth, or pain assessment 2 hours or 1 month after birth.
Characterising and managing paediatric SARSCoV‐2 infection: Learning about the virus in a global classroom
Authors: Cardenas Maria C. , Bustos Samyd S. , Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Mofenson Lynne , Chakraborty Rana
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study is a comprehensive review with the purpose of collecting the most relevant data in several sections including current treatment guidelines in the paediatric population.

Methods

Literature was systematically searched in different databases. Results were limited to 2019+ and English, French and Spanish language.

Results

Children can exhibit mild and less severe COVID‐19 disease than adults and also have asymptomatic carriage of SARS‐CoV‐2, while severe disease is more frequently noted during infancy (<1 year). SARS‐CoV‐2 binds the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptor; age‐, racial‐, and gender‐specific differences in ACE‐2 expression need to be elucidated in order to explain the differential clinical profiles between children and adults. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) is an important condition to recognise in children. The decision to use antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy in a child or adolescent should be individualised based on the clinical scenario. Remdesivir is the only FDA‐approved therapy available for children older than 12 years old who require hospitalisation for COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Further studies are urgently required to address prevention and treatment in at‐risk and infected children, especially with underlying comorbidities. The chapter on the overall impact of COVID‐19 in children has not yet been written. Nevertheless, SARS‐CoV‐2 has now joined a long list of human pandemics, which may forever change the world's history.
Second‐trimester and early third‐trimester spontaneous uterine rupture: A 32‐year single‐center survey
Authors: Maymon Ron , Mor Matan , Betser Moshe , Kugler Nadav , Vaknin Zvi , Pekar‐Zlotin Marina , Melcer Yaakov
Published: November 2020

Background

Second‐trimester and early third‐trimester uterine rupture in a nonlaboring woman is a very rare and life‐threatening condition for both mothers and newborns. We aimed to present clinical characteristics, prenatal findings, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following second‐trimester and early third‐trimester spontaneous antepartum uterine rupture in our institute.

Method

The medical records of all women with full‐thickness second‐trimester and early third‐trimester uterine rupture treated in our department from 1988 to 2019 were retrieved from the institutional database and reviewed. Small uterine defects, incomplete ruptures, and silent uterine incision dehiscence were excluded.

Results

From 1988 to 2019, 213 665 deliveries were recorded in our institute. Of these, 12 patients experienced second‐trimester or early third‐trimester spontaneous uterine rupture. Obstetric history revealed that 50% of the women in each period had undergone previous classical uterine incisions and 50% had a short interpregnancy (IP) interval. The mean age at diagnosis of uterine rupture was 26.3 ± 5.1 weeks. The ruptures were associated with abnormal placentation in 10 cases (83.3%): placenta previa (n = 7); and placenta previa and percreta (n = 3). No maternal mortality occurred. Seven of the 10 (70%) viable newborns survived.

Conclusions

The increasing rates of cesarean births (CB) may lead to iatrogenic complications including midgestational prelabor spontaneous uterine rupture, an obstetric emergency, which is hard to diagnose. Maternal and neonatal outcomes can be optimized by a greater awareness of the risk factors, recognition of clinical signs and symptoms, and the availability of ultrasound to assist in establishing a diagnosis to enable prompt surgical intervention.
The effects of acute hyponatraemia on bone turnover in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage: A preliminary report
Authors: Garrahy Aoife , Galloway Iona , Hannon Anne Marie , Dineen Rosemary , Javadpour Mohsen , Tormey William P. , Gan KJ , Twomey Patrick J. , Mc Kenna Malachi J. , Kilbane Mark , Crowley Rachel K. , Sherlock Mark , Thompson Christopher J.
Published: November 2020

Context

Animal data and cross‐sectional human studies have established that chronic hyponatraemia predisposes to osteoporosis; the effects of acute hyponatraemia on bone turnover have not been determined. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that acute hyponatraemia leads to dynamic effects on bone turnover.

Design

A prospective observational pilot study.

Methods

Bone turnover markers [C‐terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX‐1), N‐propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP) and osteocalcin] were measured prospectively over one week in 22 eunatraemic patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Patients treated with glucocorticoids were excluded.

Results

Eight patients developed acute hyponatraemia, median nadir plasma sodium concentration 131 mmol/L (IQR 128–132), and 14 remained eunatraemic, nadir plasma sodium concentration 136 mmol/L (IQR 133–137). Significant main effects of hyponatraemia were found for P1NP (p = .02) and P1NP:CTX‐1 ratio (p = .02), both fell in patients with acute hyponatraemia, with significant interaction between hyponatraemia and time from baseline for P1NP (p = .02). Significant main effects of time from baseline (p < .001) but not hyponatraemia (p = .07) were found for osteocalcin. For CTX‐1, significant main effects of time from baseline (p = .001) but not hyponatraemia (p = .65) were found. There was a positive correlation between change in P1NP:CTX‐1 ratio and nadir plasma sodium concentration, r = +.43, p = .04. Median serum cortisol (measured on days 1, 3 and 7) was higher in the hyponatraemia group than in those who remained eunatraemic, 545 nmol/L (IQR 373–778) versus 444 nmol/L (IQR 379–542) p = .03.

Conclusion

These data suggest that acute mild hyponatraemia is associated with a reduction in bone formation activity.
A prospective cohort of people who use methamphetamine in Melbourne and non‐metropolitan Victoria, Australia: Baseline characteristics and correlates of methamphetamine dependence
Authors: Quinn Brendan , Ward Bernadette , Agius Paul A. , Jenkinson Rebecca , Hickman Matthew , Sutton Keith , Hall Cristal , McKetin Rebecca , Farrell Michael , Cossar Reece , Dietze Paul M.
Published: November 2020

Introduction and Aims

Limited research has investigated methamphetamine use and related harms in rural and regional Australia. We investigated whether people who used methamphetamine in non‐metropolitan Victoria differed in their sociodemographics and were more likely to be methamphetamine‐dependent than those recruited in Melbourne.

Design and Methods

We used baseline data from an ongoing prospective cohort study, ‘VMAX’. Participants were recruited from Melbourne and three non‐metropolitan Victorian regions. Sequential multivariable logistic regression of nested models assessed unadjusted and adjusted associations between residential locations and methamphetamine dependence.

Results

The sample mostly (77%) comprised people who used methamphetamine via non‐injecting means (N = 744). Thirty‐nine percent were female. Melbourne‐based participants were less likely than non‐metropolitan participants to identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, be heterosexual, have children and be unemployed. More frequent methamphetamine use (adjusted odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.34) and using crystal methamphetamine versus ‘speed’ powder (adjusted odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.26–3.64) were independently (P < 0.05) associated with being classified as methamphetamine‐dependent. A significantly higher percentage of participants in every non‐metropolitan region were classified as methamphetamine‐dependent vs. those in Melbourne, but this relationship was attenuated when adjusting for methamphetamine use frequency and primary form used. Despite 65% of participants being classified as methamphetamine‐dependent, less than half had recently (past year) accessed any professional support for methamphetamine, with minimal variation by recruitment location.

Discussions and Conclusions

VMAX participants in non‐metropolitan Victoria were more likely to be methamphetamine‐dependent than those living in Melbourne. Unmet need for professional support appears to exist among people using methamphetamine across the state, regardless of geographical location.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and poor prognosis after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Escudero Carlos , Acurio Jesenia , López Eduardo , Rodríguez Andrés , Benavente Antonia , Lara Evelyn , Korzeniewski Steven J.
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

Systemic inflammation conveys information about ischaemic stroke prognosis. Growth factors with neurotrophic and angiogenesis‐regulating properties might provide additional information about sequelae. The prognostic performance of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor, interleukin 6 and C‐reactive protein measured after acute ischaemic stroke was evaluated.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from n = 45 patients within 24–48 h of acute ischaemic stroke. The primary outcome was death or moderate to severe disability at 6 months (modified Rankin Scale >2). Logistic regression models were used to determine the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Correlation and principal component analyses were performed to examine interrelationships amongst biomarkers.

Results

Vascular endothelial growth factor was elevated in ischaemic stroke patients who died or had moderate to severe disability at six months. Correlation analysis revealed interrelationships between VEGF and HbA1c, triglycerides, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Rankin scores, whereas principal component analyses identified VEGF as a major loading factor that discriminated good from poor prognosis. There were no significant differences in AUC using each protein individually to identify patients who had modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 6 months (n = 15/41, AUC 0.61–0.74). However, the AUC increased significantly when combining VEGF with interleukin 6 and C‐reactive protein compared to the VEGF‐only model (AUC 0.92 vs. 0.67, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Circulating VEGF was elevated 24–48 h after acute ischaemic stroke and conveyed prognostic information about moderate to severe disability at 6 months.
Intrasynovial triamcinolone treatment is not associated with incidence of acute laminitis
Authors: Haseler Callum J. , Jarvis Gavin E. , McGovern Kate F.
Published: November 2020

Background

Intrasynovial corticosteroid injections are commonly used in the treatment of equine orthopaedic disease, but corticosteroid administration is widely considered a risk factor for the development of laminitis. Despite a list of putative mechanisms and a number of case reports of steroid‐induced laminitis, no case‐control or cohort studies investigating the association between use of intrasynovial corticosteroids and acute laminitis have been published.

Objectives

To quantify the risk of laminitis posed by intrasynovial triamcinolone acetonide (TA) administration in a mixed population of horses.

Study design

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods

Clinical records of horses registered with one large UK equine practice were reviewed retrospectively to identify all horses receiving intrasynovial TA treatment between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2017. A total of 1510 horses were selected and records investigated for incidence of laminitis over a 4‐month period following treatment. For each TA‐treated horse, an untreated horse, individually matched by age, sex, date of treatment and client type, was selected from the clinical records. Untreated horses were then investigated for laminitis over the same 4‐month period. Data were analysed in a 2 × 2 contingency table using Fisher's exact test.

Results

A total of 489 horses were lost to follow‐up and 55 horses were excluded, leaving 966 treated and matched, untreated horses. The incidence of laminitis over the 4‐month study period in both groups was identical: 3/966 horses (0.31%) (95% C.I. [0.08%, 0.91%]), equivalent to 0.93 cases per 100 horses per year (P > .9).

Main limitations

Retrospective study; large proportion (489/1510) of horses lost to follow‐up; large proportion of study population were racehorses; selection method resulted in disproportionate selection of horses born before 2013; similar incidence between groups may reflect existing risk‐based selection by clinicians.

Conclusions

intrasynovial triamcinolone acetonide administration does not increase the risk of laminitis in this study population.