bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variable effects on virulence of bacteriophage resistance mechanisms in extraintestinal pathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Gaborieau Baptiste , Delattre Raphaëlle , Adiba Sandrine , Clermont Olivier , Denamur Erick , Ricard Jean-Damien , Debarbieux Laurent
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Bacteria exposed to killing agents such as antibiotics or viruses develop resistance. While phage therapy, the use of bacteriophages (phages) for treating bacterial infections, is proposed to answer the antibiotic resistance crisis, bacterial resistance to phages remains poorly characterized during phage treatment. We studied a large population of phage-resistant extra-intestinal pathogenicEscherichia coli536 clones emerging from bothin vitro(non-limited liquid medium) andin vivo(murine pneumonia) conditions. Genome sequencing revealed a mutational convergence of phage resistance mechanisms towards the modification of two cell-wall components, the K15 capsule and the LPS, whatever the condition, showing that their identification could be predicted from thein vitroconditions. The fitness cost of all phage resistant clones was broad in terms of growth rate and resistance to grazing by amoeba and could not discriminate K15 capsule to LPS mutants. By contrast, the virulence of the clones tested in mice showed that K15 capsule mutants were as virulent as the wildtype strain while LPS mutants were strongly attenuated. We also found that resistance to one phage led to the sensitization to other phages. In clinics, to control phage-resistant clones that remains virulent phage cocktail should include phages infecting both phage susceptible and future phage resistant clones.

Importance

Escherichia coliis a leading cause of life-threatening infections, including pneumonia acquired during ventilatory assistance for patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit, and a major multidrug resistant pathogen. A century-old concept, phage therapy (i.e. using specific anti-bacterial viruses), is being clinically re-evaluated supported with hundreds of successful compassionate phage treatments. However, along billions of years of coevolution bacteria have developed many ways to resist to phages. Phage resistance occurring during phage therapy remains often overlooked despite its critical role for a successful outcome. During this work we characterized phage resistant mutants in a virulent extra-intestinal pathogenicE colistrain and found that (1) phage resistance taking place during a phage treatmentin vivocould be predicted from anin vitroassay; (2) phage resistance has, often but not always, a major fitness cost in terms of virulence; and (3) could be countered by appropriate cocktails of phages.
Phagocytosis via complement receptor 3 enables microbes to evade killing by neutrophils
Authors: Smirnov Asya , Daily Kylene P. , Gray Mary C. , Ragland Stephanie A. , Werner Lacie M. , Johnson M. Brittany , Eby Joshua C. , Hewlett Erik L. , Taylor Ronald P. , Criss Alison K.
Published: September 2022

Complement receptor 3 (CR3; CD11b/CD18; αmβ2integrin) is a conserved phagocytic receptor. The active conformation of CR3 binds the iC3b fragment of complement C3 as well as many host and microbial ligands, leading to actin-dependent phagocytosis. There are conflicting reports about how CR3 engagement affects the fate of phagocytosed substrates. Using imaging flow cytometry, we confirmed that binding and internalization of iC3b-opsonized polystyrene beads by primary human neutrophils was CR3-dependent. iC3b-opsonized beads did not stimulate neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS), and most beads were found in primary granule-negative phagosomes. Similarly,Neisseria gonorrhoeae(Ngo) that does not express phase-variable Opa proteins suppresses neutrophil ROS and delays phagolysosome formation. Here, binding and internalization of Opa-deleted (Δopa) Ngo by adherent human neutrophils was inhibited using blocking antibodies against CR3 and by adding neutrophil inhibitory factor, which targets the CD11b I-domain. Neutrophils did not produce detectable amounts of C3 to opsonize Ngo. Conversely, overexpressing CD11b in HL-60 promyelocytes enhanced Δopa Ngo phagocytosis, which required CD11b I domain. Phagocytosis of Ngo was also inhibited in mouse neutrophils that were CD11b-deficient or treated with anti-CD11b. Phorbol ester treatment upregulated surface CR3 on neutrophils in suspension, enabling CR3-dependent phagocytosis of Δopa Ngo. Neutrophils exposed to Δopa Ngo had limited phosphorylation of Erk1/2, p38, and JNK. Neutrophil phagocytosis of unopsonizedMycobacterium smegmatis, which also resides in immature phagosomes, was CR3-dependent and did not elicit ROS. We suggest that CR3-mediated phagocytosis is a silent mode of entry into neutrophils, which is appropriated by diverse pathogens to subvert phagocytic killing.
Distinct features in fish Bouncer proteins determine sperm-egg compatibility
Authors: Gert Krista R.B. , Panser Karin , Surm Joachim , Steinmetz Benjamin S. , Schleiffer Alexander , Moran Yehu , Kondrashov Fyodor , Pauli Andrea
Published: September 2022

All sexually reproducing organisms depend on fertilization to survive as species. Despite the importance of fertilization, the mechanisms that drive sperm-egg compatibility are poorly understood. In fish, the egg protein Bouncer is necessary for fertilization and is species-specific between medaka and zebrafish. Here, we investigate whether Bouncer is generally species-specific in fish and identify features mediating its medaka/zebrafish specificity. In vitro fertilization experiments using zebrafish and medaka show that Bouncer is not a general specificity factor. Instead, its homologs exhibit wide compatibility with sperm, in line with the pervasive purifying selection that dominates Bouncer’s evolution. We further uncover specific features of Bouncer— distinct amino acid residues and N-glycosylation patterns—that differentially influence the function of medaka and zebrafish Bouncer homologs and contribute to medaka/zebrafish specificity. This work reveals important themes central to understanding Bouncer’s function in sperm binding and clarifying the molecular requirements for Bouncer’s sperm interaction partner.
Temperature causes species-specific responses to UV-induced DNA damage in amphibian larvae
Authors: Hird Coen , Franklin Craig E. , Cramp Rebecca L.
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic ozone depletion has led to a 2-5% increase in ultraviolet B radiation (UVBR) levels reaching the earth’s surface. Exposure to UVBR causes harmful DNA damage in amphibians, but this is minimized by DNA repair enzymes such as thermally sensitive CPD-photolyase, with cool temperatures slowing repair rates. It is unknown whether amphibian species differ in the repair response to a given dose of UVBR across temperatures. We reared larvae of three species (Limnodynastes peronii, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, and Platyplectrum ornatum) at 25°C and acutely exposed them to 80 μW cm−2 UVBR for 2 h at either 20°C or 30°C. UVBR-mediated DNA damage was measured as larvae repaired damage in photoreactive light at their exposure temperatures. Cool temperatures increased DNA damage in all two species and slowed DNA repair rate in P. ornatum. The magnitude of DNA damage incurred from UVBR was species-specific. P. ornatum had the lowest CPDs and DNA repair rates, and the depressive effects of low temperature on photorepair were greater in L. tasmaniensis. Considering the susceptibility of most aquatic organisms to UVBR, this research highlighted a need to consider the complexity of species-specific physiology when forecasting the influence of changing UVBR and temperature in aquatic ecosystems.
A dueling-competent signal-sensing module guides precise delivery of cargo proteins into target cells by engineered Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wu Li-Li , Yan Shuangquan , Pei Tong-Tong , Tang Ming-Xuan , Li Hao , Liang Xiaoye , Sun Shuyang , Dong Tao
Published: September 2022

To recognize and manipulate a specific microbe of a crowded community is a highly challenging task in synthetic biology. Here, we introduce a highly-selective protein delivery platform, termed DUEC, which responds to direct contact of attacking cells by engineering the tit-for-tat/dueling response of H1-T6SS (type VI secretion system) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using a Cre-recombinase-dependent reporter, we screened H1-T6SS secreted substrates and developed Tse6N as the most effective secretion tag for Cre delivery. DUEC cells can discriminately deliver the Tse6N-Cre cargo into the cytosol of T6SS+ but not T6SS−Vibrio cholerae cells in a mixed population. These data demonstrate that the DUEC cell is not only a prototypical physical-contact sensor and delivery platform but also may be coupled with recombination-based circuits with the potential for complex tasks in mixed microbial communities.
SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein inhibits the PKR-mediated integrated stress response through RNA-binding domain N2b
Authors: Aloise Chiara , Schipper Jelle G. , van Vliet Arno , Oymans Judith , Donselaar Tim , Hurdiss Daniel L. , de Groot Raoul J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J.M.
Published: September 2022

The nucleocapsid protein N of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enwraps and condenses the viral genome for packaging but is also an antagonist of the innate antiviral defense. It suppresses the integrated stress response (ISR), purportedly by interacting with stress granule (SG) assembly factors G3BP1 and 2, and inhibits type I interferon responses. To elucidate its mode of action, we systematically deleted and over-expressed distinct regions and domains. We show that N via domain N2b blocks PKR-mediated ISR activation, as measured by suppression of ISR-induced translational arrest and SG formation. N2b mutations that prevent dsRNA binding abrogate these activities also when introduced in the intact N protein. Substitutions reported to block post-translation modifications of N or its interaction with G3BP1/2 did not have a detectable additive effect. In an encephalomyocarditis virus-based infection model, N2b - but not a derivative defective in RNA binding - prevented PKR activation, inhibited β-interferon expression and promoted virus replication. Apparently, SARS-CoV-2 N inhibits innate immunity by sequestering dsRNA to prevent activation of PKR and RIG-I-like receptors. Similar observations were made for the N protein of human coronavirus 229E, suggesting that this may be a general trait conserved among members of other orthocoronavirus (sub)genera.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N is an antagonist of innate immunity but how it averts virus detection by intracellular sensors remains subject to debate. We provide evidence that SARS-CoV-2 N, by sequestering dsRNA through domain N2b, prevents PKR-mediated activation of the integrated stress response as well as detection by RIG-I-like receptors and ensuing type I interferon expression. This function, conserved in human coronavirus 229E, is not affected by mutations that prevent posttranslational modifications, previously implicated in immune evasion, or that target its binding to stress granule scaffold proteins. Our findings further our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 evades innate immunity, how this may drive viral evolution and why increased N expression may have been a selective advantage to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Sex differences in contextual fear learning and generalization: a behavioral and computational analysis of hippocampal functioning
Authors: Trott Jeremy M. , Krasne Franklin B. , Fanselow Michael S.
Published: September 2022

There are sex differences in anxiety disorders with regard to occurrence and severity of episodes such that females tend to experience more frequent and more severe episodes. Contextual fear learning and generalization are especially relevant to anxiety disorders, which are often defined by expressing fear and/or anxiety in safe contexts. In contextual fear conditioning, a representation of the context must first be created, and then that representation must be paired with an aversive consequence. With some variation, the experiments presented here use a 3-d procedure in which day 1 consists of pre-exposure to the to-be-shocked context, day 2 consists of a single context–shock pairing after some placement-to-shock interval (PSI), and day 3 consists of testing in either the same or a novel context. With shorter pre-exposure periods, male rats showed more contextual fear, consistent with previous literature; however, after longer pre-exposure periods, female rats showed greater contextual fear. Additionally, while pre-exposure and PSI are both periods of time prior to the shock, it was found that they were not equivalent to each other. Animals with 120 sec of pre-exposure and a 30-sec PSI show a differential level and time course of fear expression than animals who received no pre-exposure and a 150-sec PSI, and this further depended on sex of the rat. Additionally, an experiment comparing recently versus remotely acquired contextual fear was run. Males were again shown to have greater contextual fear at both time points, and this contextual fear incubated/increased over time in males but not females. To facilitate identification of what processes caused sex differences, we used BaconX, a conceptual and computational model of hippocampal contextual learning. Computational simulations using this model predicted many of our key findings. Furthermore, these simulations suggest potential mechanisms with regard to hippocampal computation; namely, an increased feature sampling rate in males, which may account for the sex differences presented here and in prior literature.
Revisiting sex differences in the acquisition and extinction of threat conditioning in humans
Authors: Wen Zhenfu , Fried Jamie , Pace-Schott Edward F. , Lazar Sara W. , Milad Mohammed R.
Published: September 2022

Findings pertaining to sex differences in the acquisition and extinction of threat conditioning, a paradigm widely used to study emotional homeostasis, remain inconsistent, particularly in humans. This inconsistency is likely due to multiple factors, one of which is sample size. Here, we pooled functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and skin conductance response (SCR) data from multiple studies in healthy humans to examine sex differences during threat conditioning, extinction learning, and extinction memory recall. We observed increased functional activation in males, relative to females, in multiple parietal and frontal (medial and lateral) cortical regions during acquisition of threat conditioning and extinction learning. Females mainly exhibited higher amygdala activation during extinction memory recall to the extinguished conditioned stimulus and also while responding to the unconditioned stimulus (presentation of the shock) during threat conditioning. Whole-brain functional connectivity analyses revealed that females showed increased connectivity across multiple networks including visual, ventral attention, and somatomotor networks during late extinction learning. At the psychophysiological level, a sex difference was only observed during shock delivery, with males exhibiting higher unconditioned responses relative to females. Our findings point to minimal to no sex differences in the expression of conditioned responses during acquisition and extinction of such responses. Functional MRI findings, however, show some distinct functional activations and connectivities between the sexes. These data suggest that males and females might use different neural mechanisms, mainly related to cognitive processing, to achieve comparable levels of acquired conditioned responses to threating cues.
Spatial anxiety and self-confidence mediate sex/gender differences in mental rotation
Authors: Arrighi Linda , Hausmann Markus
Published: September 2022

A recent meta-synthesis study with a sample of >12 million participants revealed that the male advantage in mental rotation (MR) is the largest cognitive sex/gender difference found in psychological literature. MR requires test takers to mentally rotate three-dimensional cubic figures under time restrictions. Previous studies have investigated how biological and social factors contribute to cognitive sex/gender differences in tasks of this type. Spatial anxiety and self-confidence in MR tasks have received less attention. The present study investigated the contribution of these psychological factors to sex/gender differences in MR performance. Participants (n = 269) completed two MR tasks that differed in task difficulty. Participants also indicated their self-confidence (for each item) and spatial anxiety. The results revealed that pronounced sex/gender differences in spatial anxiety and self-confidence mediate sex/gender in MR performance, especially when task demands are high. The current findings suggest that task-irrelevant factors that are not spatial cognitive in nature contribute largely to the well-known medium to large sex/gender differences in MR. Future studies should further explore mechanisms underlying cognitive sex/gender differences within a biopsychosocial approach.
Trimethylpyrazole: a simple heterocycle reflecting Kitaigorodskii's packing principle
Authors: van Terwingen Steven , Englert Ulli
Published: September 2022

The five-membered heterocycle 1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole, C6H10N2 (1) crystallizes in space group Pnma with all non-hydrogen atoms of the molecule on the crystallographic mirror plane. This arrangement has been recognized as favorable with respect to space filling by Kitaigorodskii and Wilson, pioneers in the field of crystal packing; Pnma represents a particularly rare space group for residues exclusively in a general position. Neighboring molecules in 1 interact via non-classical C—H...N bonds in the plane and C—H...π contacts between adjacent layers. In Pnma, crystallographic inversion relates dipolar molecules located on successive mirror planes and results in their head-to-tail arrangement. The interlayer distance in the [010] direction is closely related to the van der Waals radii of C and N.
Which structure of academic articles do referees pay more attention to?: perspective of peer review and full-text of academic articles
Authors: Qin Chenglei , Zhang Chengzhi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore which structures of academic articles referees would pay more attention to, what specific content referees focus on, and whether the distribution of PRC is related to the citations.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, utilizing the feature words of section title and hierarchical attention network model (HAN) to identify the academic article structures. Secondly, analyzing the distribution of PRC in different structures according to the position information extracted by rules in PRC. Thirdly, analyzing the distribution of feature words of PRC extracted by the Chi-square test and TF-IDF in different structures. Finally, four correlation analysis methods are used to analyze whether the distribution of PRC in different structures is correlated to the citations.

Findings

The count of PRC distributed in Materials and Methods and Results section is significantly more than that in the structure of Introduction and Discussion, indicating that referees pay more attention to the Material and Methods and Results. The distribution of feature words of PRC in different structures is obviously different, which can reflect the content of referees' concern. There is no correlation between the distribution of PRC in different structures and the citations.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the differences in the way referees write peer review reports, the rules used to extract position information cannot cover all PRC.

Originality/value

The paper finds a pattern in the distribution of PRC in different academic article structures proving the long-term empirical understanding. It also provides insight into academic article writing: researchers should ensure the scientificity of methods and the reliability of results when writing academic article to obtain a high degree of recognition from referees.
Entrepreneurial intentions of university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshagawi Mohammed , Ghaleb Mohanad Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of theory of planned behaviour (TPB) motivational factors, social valuation of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial risk perception in predicting entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted, and a sample of 802 students from a large public university in Saudi Arabia is studied. Structural equation modelling is used to test the relationships among the conceptual model constructs.

Findings

This study found a negative and significant impact of entrepreneurial risk perception on student’s entrepreneurial attitude, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention. Social valuation of entrepreneurship was found to have a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial attitude, PBC and subjective norms. This study provides partial support for the TPB. While the impact of entrepreneurial attitudes and PBC is significant, subjective norms has insignificant impact on EIs.

Research limitations/implications

Several recommendations are proposed from the results of this study for policymakers, universities and other educational institutes to encourage student’s entrepreneurship motivation and intention and reducing the negative effect of risk perceptions. Implications for future research are also presented.

Originality/value

This study integrated three main streams of research which are psychology of risk (entrepreneurial risk perception), the TPB and social context (social valuation of entrepreneurship) to examine the formation of students entrepreneurial motivations and intentions.
Examining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on international migrants' repatriation intention using structural equation modeling
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Kumar Vikas , Kaur Prabhjot
Published: September 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic has shattered the economic systems all around the world while creating numerous problems which were faced by all, especially international migrants. The present study offers a qualitative and quantitative perspective on the distress of international migrants and their repatriation intention during the pandemic period.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth semi-structured interviews of 30 respondents belonging to five host nations, Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Canada, revealed diverse issues. Based on qualitative study findings and past literature, 22 purposeful statements about six constructs – financial issues, social issues, mobility constraints, psychological problems, healthcare issues, and repatriation intentions – were developed. These statements were measured on a seven-point Likert scale and shared online with international migrants from India residing in the host nations. Data collected from 496 international migrants from October 2020 to July 2021 were used to analyze the influence of various determinants on the repatriation intentions by partial least square-structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The analysis results revealed that the role of financial, social, mobility, psychological and healthcare issues was significant in strengthening the repatriation intentions of the migrants. There is a need to create job opportunities, retrain laid-off workers and formulate migrant inclusive policies.

Originality/value

Although some studies have highlighted a few problems faced by international migrants, their impact on repatriation intentions has not been studied yet. The present study fills this gap and analyzes the repatriation intention of international migrants in light of different problems they faced during the pandemic.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2022-0233.
Introducing ḥalāl to construction supply chains in the UK’s construction sector
Authors: El Daouk Mohamad
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper is aimed at introducing ḥalāl supply chain management (SCM) to the British construction sector, construction supply chains and “SCM”. Ḥalāl supply chains can optimise British construction supply chains by promoting meticulous, qualitative and mutually reinforcing systems. The British construction sector has failed to overcome the inimical, inefficient, fractured and transactional attitudes (collectively, the “complexities”) pervading it and the supply chains beneath it. Construction SCM has been able to introduce change, but with limited profound effect. This is owed to its lack of human agency, proactive quality control systems, as well as other verification and assurance mechanisms. Introducing the Sharīʿa principles encapsulating ḥalāl food supply chains can offer the input needed to optimise current construction supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an integrative general review of the academic literature pertaining to the British construction sector, construction SCM, ḥalāl food supply chains, ḥalāl assurance and control processes. The extensive literature review is crucial because it will enable introducing “ḥalāl” to construction SCM, hence ḥalāl construction supply chain management (“ḤCSCM”). ḤCSCM will then be applied to one of the most recent British construction SCM systems to identify how ḤCSCM can complement existing systems.

Findings

The findings indicate that ḤCSCM can further alleviate the complexities thwarting the British construction sector on a supply chain level. This is attributed to taʿrīf’s tailored identification and traceability processes, iltizām’s cross-lateral monitoring processes and istiqāmah’s Sharīʿa-compliant, assured and verifiable certification system, all of which complement the existing construction supply chain assurance and control processes in the UK.

Originality/value

The conception of ḤCSCM promotes an untapped area in the academic literature. Academicians and practitioners can transplant ḥalāl principles from the ḥalāl food manufacturing sector into the British construction sector – similar to how construction SCM was founded by principles originating from the manufacturing industry. This paper highlights the shortfalls of construction SCM in British construction supply chains and propounds how ḤCSCM can resolve them.
Transfusions or hematopoiesis? How government subsidies and extended warranties feed decision-making about low-quality recycled used products in closed-loop supply chains
Authors: Cao Xiaogang , Li Yuan , Huang Kai
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper studies how government subsidies (GS) and extended warranties (EW) feed decision-making about low-quality recycled used products (RUP) in closed-loop supply chains (CLSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the Stackelberg game and numerical simulation to analyze how the quality of RUP affects decision-making about remanufacturing and EW.

Findings

The results show that (1) low-quality RUP will weaken the environmental and economic value of EW and harm the profits of the CLSC, and the retailer is more vulnerable to low-quality RUP than the manufacturer; (2) the participation of GS can weaken the negative impact of low-quality RUP on the CLSC, while the participation of EW cannot; (3) the participation of GS or EW can increase the recycling rate of used products and revenues of the CLSC; (4) the linkage of the two can further enhance the economic and environmental value of EW and significantly improve the resource utilization efficiency and benefits of the CLSC.

Originality/value

The authors study the impact of GS, EW and the linkage between the two on resource utilization and revenue of the CLSC.
Port personnel recruitment process based on dynamic capabilities: port managers' priorities vs customer evaluations
Authors: Bucak Umur , Mollaoğlu Mahmut , Dinçer Mehmet Fatih
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Considering the human factor, the quality of the personnel is vital to ensure especially the value creation in the ports. Therefore, employee quality stands out for withstanding the pressures that stem from global trade on its operational speed felt by ports in recent years. Accordingly, the selection of the qualified personnel at the ports is very critical and a tool based on dynamic capabilities is needed to manage this process well. The aim of this study is to develop a model based on dynamic capabilities for recruitment process of ports.

Design/methodology/approach

Port personnel should have dynamic capabilities detected from the literature. These capabilities were approached as criteria. In this study, Buckley's proposed fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed for weighting the whole criteria. After that, weights of the criteria were used to prioritize alternatives with the fuzzy TOPSIS method.

Findings

This model reflects port managers' priorities and port customers' evaluations. Thus, the model can also reflect the level of integration of ports' related department managers into the recruitment process. The analyses allow the evaluation of the attitudes of the human resources department in the related port while fulfilling the personnel recruitment function. As a result of analyses, differences between perceptions of port managers and customers served as a feedback to the human resource management department of the ports.

Originality/value

One of the originalities of this study was derived from its customer-oriented perspective. This is a unique study that gathers common personnel capabilities related to the operation, planning and customer relationship departments and evaluates the success of these capabilities from the customer perspective.
Using genetic tools to inform conservation of fragmented populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) across their range in China
Authors: CHEN Ying , SUN Yakuan , HUA Mei , SHI Kun , DUDGEON David
Published: September 2022

A herd of 15 Chinese elephants attracted international attention during their 2021 northward trek, motivating the government to propose establishment of an Asian elephant national park. However, planning is hampered by a lack of genetic information on the remaining populations in China. We collected DNA from 497 dung samples from all 5 populations encompassing the entire range of elephants in China and used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate their genetic and demographic structure. We identified 237 unique genotypes (153 females, 84 males), representing 81% of the known population. However, the effective population size was small (28, range 25–32). Historic demographic contraction appeared to account for low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.235), but moderate nucleotide and nuclear diversity (π = 0.6%, He = 0.55) was attributable to post‐bottleneck recovery involving recent population expansion plus historical gene exchange with elephants in Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. The 5 populations fell into 3 clusters, with Nangunhe elephants differing consistently from the other 4 populations (FST = 0.23); elephants from Mengyang, Simao, and Jiangcheng belonged to a single population (henceforth, MSJ), and differed from the Shangyong population (FST = 0.11). Interpopulation genetic variation reflected isolation by distance and female‐biased dispersal. Chinese elephants should be managed as 2 distinct units: Nangunhe and another combining Shangyong and MSJ; their long‐term viability will require restoring gene flow between Shangyong and MSJ, and between elephants in China and neighboring countries. Our results have the potential to inform conservation planning for an iconic megafaunal species.
Retinal peripapillary microvasculature in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy predicted prognosis of endoscopic trans‐ethmosphenoid optic canal decompression
Authors: Ye Jie , Zhu Hui , Yan Wentao , Tu Yunhai , Hu Xiaozhou , Wu Wencan
Published: September 2022

Purposes

The purpose of this study is to quantify the alteration of retinal peripapillary microvasculature and structure in unilateral indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (ITON) and figure out predicted factors of visual improvement for ITON patients with endoscopic trans‐ethmosphenoid optic canal decompression (ETOCD) after one month.

Methods

Twenty healthy controls and 72 unilateral ITON patients were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to analyse radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness, superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP) density. Associations between preoperative parameters and postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were determined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to figure out predicted factors of visual improvement for ITON after ETOCD one month.

Results

In ITON eyes, the preoperative global RPC density, pRNFL thickness and SRCP density were reduced compared with unaffected eyes (p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate linear regression showed that preoperative global RPC density (Standardizedβ = −0.273), SRCP density (Standardizedβ = −0.183), DRCP density (Standardizedβ = −0.098) and preoperative BCVA (Standardizedβ = 0.795) were associated with the postoperative BCVA (Allp < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of preoperative global RPC density to predict visual improvement after ETOCD was 0.816, while the AUCs of preoperative BCVA, global pRNFL thickness, SRCP and DRCP density were 0.575, 0.756, 0.516 and 0.615, respectively.

Conclusions

The alteration of peripapillary area, especially the reduced RPC density, occurred in ITON eyes. The preoperative RPC density was associated with postoperative BCVA and was shown to be highly predictive for visual improvement after ETOCD one month.
A resource‐based view on the role of universities in supportive ecosystems for social entrepreneurs
Authors: Diaz‐Gonzalez Abel , Dentchev Nikolay A.
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the role that universities play in supporting social entrepreneurs (SEs) across their ecosystem. Adopting the resource‐based view (RBV) approach, we argue that universities attract, mobilize, and deploy multiple resources that benefit SEs through four main mechanisms (i.e., teaching, research, outreach, and the development of partnerships). We use a qualitative approach of 62 semi‐structured interviews and 8 focus groups in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia. Our contribution shows that employing different resources and engaging in supportive activities of universities towards SEs facilitate the development of university capabilities, such as an increased reputation, development of leadership skills for students and staff, and wider access to ecosystem resources that support other university activities related to teaching, research, and community outreach. The role that partnerships play in the development of these capabilities is fundamental, thanks to the different strategic alliances and mobilization of resources between universities and other actors while supporting SEs. This study contributes to our understanding of the role universities can play to intensify the nature of supportive ecosystems for SEs. This contribution is relevant not only to academics but also to practitioners, as this will shed light on the building, development, and scaling of a supportive ecosystem for SEs.
Dramatic improvement with colchicine in antihistamine- and omalizumab-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Abe Nobuya , Bohgaki Miyuki , Kasahara Hideki
Published: September 2022

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as the presence of recurrent urticaria, angioedema or both without any specific triggers, which persists for ≥ 6 weeks. Refractory cases to standard therapeutic regimens including antihistamines, immunosuppressants and biologics have been reported. Therefore, it is crucial to evolve novel therapeutic strategies through accumulating refractory CSU cases, which are successfully treated. We here report a refractory case of CSU to antihistamines and omalizumab, which was dramatically improved with colchicine.
Breastfeeding effect on glucose tolerance assessment in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Monroy Gabriela , Fernández Cristina , Caballé Teresa , Altimira Laura , Corcoy Rosa
Published: September 2022

Aims

To test whether breastfeeding during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) affects glucose and insulin outcomes (main outcome: 120 min plasma glucose).

Methods

A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 20 women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus. Each woman undertook two OGTTs in the first 3 months after delivery, breastfeeding the infant in one and avoiding breastfeeding in the other. Glucose and insulin were measured at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min. Statistics included: T‐test for paired data, general linear model (GLM) for repeated measures. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to adjust for glucose and insulin values at 0 min. Statistical dispersion for GLM and ANCOVA outcomes is expressed as standard error.

Results

In the OGTTs with breastfeeding, higher values were observed for overall glucose and insulin concentrations, glucose and insulin peaks and individual time points of glucose (at 0, 30 and 60 min) and insulin (at 0 and 60 min) but without differences at 120 min (glucose 6.7 ± 0.3 vs. 6.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.506). The rate of abnormal tests was not different. ANCOVA confirmed higher postchallenge glucose values in the OGTT with breastfeeding and similar glucose values at 120 min.

Conclusions

According to the results of this randomized trial, we conclude that breastfeeding during the OGTT resulted in similar 120 min glucose concentration and glycaemic status categorization. However, breastfeeding during the OGTT led to clear differences in glucose and insulin values in the first hour, that warrant further studies.
Keloid: Genetic susceptibility and contributions of genetics and epigenetics to its pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Shuangfei , Yang Huan , Song Jinru , Zhang Yue , Abualhssain Ahmed T. H. , Yang Bin
Published: September 2022

Keloid, characterized by fibroproliferative disorders of the skin, can be developed in people of different genders, ages and ethnicities. Keloid can appear in any part of the body but are especially common on the earlobe, upper torso and triangular muscle. The genetic heterogeneity and susceptibility of KD (keloid) vary among different races and ethnicities. Studies have found that multiple loci on multiple chromosomes are associated with the pathogenesis of KD, and specific gene variants may also be involved. Despite multiple investigations attempting to uncover the aetiology of keloid formation, the genetic mechanism of keloid formation remains unknown. To establish a foundation for a better understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of keloids, we have evaluated and summarized current studies which are mostly related to heredity, genetic polymorphisms, predisposing gene, DNA methylation and non‐coding RNA. We also discussed the problems and potential of genetic and epigenetic investigations of keloids, with the goal of developing new therapeutic approaches to enhance the prognosis of keloid patients.
Chinese adolescents' depression, anxiety, and family mutuality before and afterCOVID‐19 lockdowns: Longitudinal cross‐lagged relations
Authors: Shi Wei , Yuan Guangzhe Frank , Hall Brian J. , Zhao Li , Jia Peng
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal cross‐lagged association between family mutuality, depression, and anxiety among Chinese adolescents before and after the COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020.

Background

Limited attention has been paid to the longitudinal links between family mutuality, depression, and anxiety in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

We used self‐administered questionnaires to collect data from three high schools and two middle schools in Chengdu City at two time points: Time 1 (T1), December 23, 2019–January 13, 2020; Time 2 (T2), June 16–July 8, 2020. The sample consisted of 7,958 participants who completed two wave surveys before and after the COVID‐19 lockdown. We analyzed the data using cross‐lagged structural equation modeling.

Results

The longitudinal cross‐lagged model showed family mutuality at T1 significantly predicted depression, anxiety, and family mutuality at T2. We observed a decreasing prevalence of depression and anxiety after the COVID‐19 lockdown.

Conclusion

Family mutuality plays an important role in mitigating long‐term mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. More family‐centered psychological interventions could be developed to alleviate mental health disorders during lockdowns.

Implications

Improving family mutuality (e.g., mutual support, interaction, and caring among family members) could be beneficial for reducing mental health disorders among Chinese adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Crystallization and phase evolution in novel (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 environmental barrier coating
Authors: Peng Yin , Luo Zhixin , Wang Haoyu , Du Tiefeng , Zhang Jie , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang
Published: September 2022

Design of multiple rare‐earth (RE) principal elements is a practical strategy to optimize key property of RE disilicate environmental barrier coating (EBC). However, multi‐RE component in the feedstocks may also introduce critical fabrication problems due to the different evaporating and crystallizing behaviors of the EBC containing various RE composition. We herein report the preparation of a novel multi‐RE disilicate (Gd1/6Tb1/6Dy1/6Tm1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6)2Si2O7 EBC by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The crystallization behavior of the as‐deposited coating annealed at 1100°C–1300°C with different durations (5 and 20 h) in air and argon atmospheres were investigated through comprehensive characterization techniques. RE disilicate, RE mono‐silicate, and RE apatite were detected in the as‐sprayed coatings, and mono‐silicate and apatite transform to RE2Si2O7 with the increment of temperature and extension of annealing duration. Furthermore, the contribution of multiple RE to the formation of apatite phase is discussed. The results provide a fundamental understanding and may guide the controllable preparation of multi‐RE disilicate EBC via APS method.
Optimizing the response to mental health deterioration: Nurses experiences of using a Mental Health Observation Response Chart
Authors: Forster John A. , Coventry Alysia A. , Daniel Catherine
Published: September 2022

Recognizing mental health deterioration remains a challenge for health systems globally, with evidence of suboptimal care for patients with increasing co‐morbid psychiatric illness. Mechanisms exist to detect and respond to physical deterioration with the use of Observation Response Charts, monitoring of vital signs and medical emergency teams but registered nurses lack psychiatric nursing skills to care for this patient population. Currently, there are no validated processes in place to recognize and respond to mental health deterioration in general hospital wards. This qualitative descriptive study explores nurses' experiences of using a Mental Health Observation Response Chart that uses signs of distress to track and trigger tiered responses to mental health deterioration on general hospital wards. Thirty‐five surgical and rehabilitation nurses participated in focus groups from January to March 2020. All qualitative data were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Analysis resulted in four themes: clinical relevance, a useful chart, identifying distress, and working with doctors. The clinical relevance of the chart was influenced by the level of nursing experience; patient distress; existing escalation pathways and ward culture. The study findings will inform the establishment of a process for nurses to recognize mental health deterioration that could improve patient outcomes and promote staff safety. Further research is needed to validate specific signs of distress with patients in general hospital wards and to develop findings for the clinical relevance of this approach to detect mental health deterioration and improve patient outcomes.
Development of a medication literacy assessment instrument (MELIA) for older people receiving home care
Authors: Gnägi Rahel , Zúñiga Franziska , Brunkert Thekla , Meyer‐Massetti Carla
Published: September 2022

Aim

To develop a consensus‐based instrument [MELIA] to assess the medication literacy of older home care patients to ultimately optimize medication safety.

Design

This study was part of the project ‘Study of Medication Safety in Home Care’ (doMESTIC), which took place from 2016 to 2020 in Switzerland. The development process for the medication literacy assessment instrument encompassed six steps.

Method

First, a scoping literature search was conducted in the Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases as 2) a basis for the development of assessment items. This was followed by 3) a cognitive interview with home care patients and 4) the first round of a Delphi process. Then, 5) a focus group interview with home care experts was conducted before 6) the second Delphi round. The project took place between August 2020 and June 2021. With these different steps, perspectives of both patients and various home care and medication safety experts were included in the development of the assessment instrument.

Results

A detailed instrument consisting of 20 items as well as a 7‐item short version were developed. The short version is intended for efficient preliminary screening to identify patients at high risk for medication management‐related problems.

Conclusion

Medication literacy in patients 65 years and older receiving professional home care is a key issue in preventing medication errors. A targeted assessment, starting with an efficient short version of MELIA, allows for prioritization of patients for interventions to optimize medication safety while ensuring their independence as much as possible.

Impact

Systematic assessment of patients' medication literacy helps to provide them with targeted and individual support in their medication management to avoid medication errors and increase patient safety. The development of MELIA is a first step in providing an assessment instrument specifically for the home care setting.

Patient or public contribution

Patient participation was an integral part of the instrument development. The initial 23 items were optimized based on cognitive interviews with four home care patients. The next steps of the instrument development were based on feedback of health care professionals—encompassing advance practice nurses, regular nurses, pharmacists and general practitioners—during a two‐step Delphi process as well as a focus group discussion.