bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twentieth century US labor history: Pedagogy, politics, and controversies Part 2
Authors: Pearson Chad
Published: July 2018

Recent scholarship demonstrates the enduring richness of labor historiography, but its overall popularity has declined in recent years compared to other areas of study. Part one of this two‐part study describes the industrial relations origins of labor historiography in the Progressive Era, the ways New Left scholars in the '60s, '70s, and '80s broadened its meaning to include the study of working class people both in and outside of workplaces, and the several controversies over how labor historians have, or have not, incorporated gender and race into their studies from the '80s to roughly the present. It demonstrated that labor historians remained committed to intersectional examinations of the past while deepening our understanding of workers' experiences in a variety of different settings, including factories, mines, service sector jobs, and homes. Moreover, part one illustrates that some of the most innovative approaches to the past—“history from the bottom up,” instances of militant rank‐and‐file activism, gendered divisions of labor, the challenges, failures, and successes of interracial unionism, and “whiteness” studies—were developed by labor historians. Part two examines important scholarly developments and political controversies since the late 1980s. It points out that some one‐time labor historians have shifted slightly to the right politically. Many have explicitly distanced themselves from the New Left generation's style of writing labor history. However, many continue to demonstrate enormous creativity, releasing studies focusing on public sector employees, unfree workers, sexuality, environmentalism, religion, race, international and comparative studies, and precarious labor. Given the escalating levels of poverty, widening inequality, and the insidious nature of exploitation in our society, labor historians continue to have a critical role to play in helping students make sense of the roots of many of society's most far‐reaching problems.
The influence of glucocorticoid receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms on outcome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Norden Jean , Pearce Kim F. , Irving Julie A. E. , Collin Matthew P. , Wang Xiao N. , Wolff Daniel , Kolb Hans‐Jochem , Socie Gerard , Kuzmina Zoya , Greinix Hildegard , Holler Ernst , Rocha Vanderson , Gluckman Eliane , Hromadnikova Ilona , Dickinson Anne M.
Published: July 2018

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only cure for most haematological malignancies, however, the mortality rate remains high. Complications after HSCT include relapse, graft versus host disease (GvHD), graft rejection and infection. Over the last few years several groups, have demonstrated that non‐HLA gene polymorphisms can be predictive of outcome after HSCT. Since the glucocorticoid cortisol is pivotal in the regulation of the immune system, we decided to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs6198, rs33388 and rs33389) within the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and correlate with HSCT outcome. The training set consisted of patients (n = 458) who underwent HSCT for acute leukaemia between 1983 and 2005. In the recipients, the absence of the ACT haplotype and absence of the T allele of rs33388 were associated with decreased OS and the absence of the ACT haplotype, the absence of the T allele of rs33388 and the presence of the ATA haplotype were associated with increased risk of relapse. In addition, the presence of the ACT haplotype in the recipient showed a trend to be associated with increased risk of chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD). The patients in this cohort received mainly myeloablative conditioning (n = 327). The SNPs in the glucocorticoid receptor were then investigated in a validation set (n = 251) of HSCT patients transplanted for acute leukaemia from 2006. This cohort contained significantly more patients that had received reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). Some of the results could be validated in these patients. However, contrary to the training set, the absence of the haplotype ACT in the donor in this cohort was associated with increased risk of cGvHD. Differences in the conditioning were shown to influence the results. These results are the first to associate GR SNPs with HSCT outcome and demonstrate the inherent problems of replicating SNP association studies in HSCT, due to different pre‐transplant regimens.
Staggering shifts to rebalance night medical registrar workload
Authors: Thakkar Harsh V. , Wadhwa Vikas
Published: July 2018

Background

Lone night medical registrars, particularly those working at busy urban hospitals have high workloads and low job satisfaction. Handover of pending referrals from day staff can contribute to further delays in providing care with increased risks for patient safety.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a staggered roster for daytime medical registrar on the workload of night registrar.

Methods

Prospective data were collected of the night medical registrar workload over a 6‐month period. The first 3 months included standard shifts from 1330 to 2130 hours with two registrars. The second 3 months followed the introduction of a staggered shift for one registrar to 1530 hour‐midnight, providing a 3‐h overlap with the night registrar commencing at 2100 hour.

Parameters recorded included the number of total admissions, pending admissions, referrals from emergency department, ward reviews and Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls/CODE Blues.

Data from weekends and public holidays were not recorded.

Results

During the standard rostering period, the average number of medical admissions completed per night shift was 8.66 (n = 60, SD = 3.58). With staggered shifts, the average number was significantly reduced at 6.38 (n = 65, SD = 2.74, P = 0.000057).

In addition, there was greater number of ward reviews conducted by the night registrar in the staggered roster period, potentially reflecting greater time availability and reduction in MET calls/codes.

Conclusion

Rearranging medical registrar shifts can result in significant reduction in night medical registrar workload. It may also have other potential benefits in terms of increased capacity for ward reviews and reduced MET calls/codes.
Conditions at the breeding grounds and migration strategy shape different moult patterns of two populations of Eurasian golden plover Pluvialis apricaria
Authors: Machín Paula , Remisiewicz Magdalena , Fernández‐Elipe Juan , Jukema Joop , Klaassen Raymond H. G.
Published: July 2018

Events in the life cycle of migrant birds are generally time‐constrained. Moult, together with breeding and migration, is the most energetically demanding annual cycle stages, but it is the only stage that can be scheduled at different times of the year. However, it is still not fully understood what factors determine this scheduling.

We compare the timing of primary feather moult in relation to breeding and migration between two populations of Eurasian golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, the continental population breeding in Scandinavia and in N Russia that migrates to the Netherlands and southern Europe, and the Icelandic population that migrates mainly to Ireland and western UK. Moult was studied at the breeding grounds (N Sweden, N Russia, Iceland) and at stopover and wintering sites (S Sweden, the Netherlands). In both populations, primary moult overlapped with incubation and chick rearing, and females started on average 9 d later than males. Icelandic plovers overlapped moult with incubation to a larger extent and stayed in the breeding grounds until primary moult was completed. In contrast, continental birds only moulted the first 5–7 primaries at the breeding grounds and completed moult in stopover and wintering areas, such as S Sweden and the Netherlands.

This overlap, although rare in birds, can be understood from an annual cycle perspective. Icelandic plovers presumably need to initiate moult early in the season to be able to complete it at the breeding grounds. The latter is not possible for continental plovers as their breeding season is much shorter due to a harsher climate. Additionally, for this population, moulting all the primaries at the stopover/wintering site is also not possible as too little time would remain to prepare for cold‐spell movements. We conclude that environmental conditions and migration strategy affect the annual scheduling of primary feather moult in the Eurasian golden plover.
MicroRNA‐194 protects against chronic hepatitis B‐related liver damage by promoting hepatocyte growth via ACVR2B
Authors: Gao Xue , Zhao Pan , Hu Jie , Zhu Hongguang , Zhang Jiming , Zhou Zhongwen , Zhao Jingmin , Tang Feng
Published: July 2018

Persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in a variety of biological processes; however, the role of miRNAs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐induced liver damage remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of miRNAs in CHB‐related liver damage. Microarray analysis of the expression of miRNAs in 22 CHB patients and 33 healthy individuals identified miR‐194 as one of six differentially expressed miRNAs. miR‐194 was up‐regulated in correlation with increased liver damage in the plasma or liver tissues of CHB patients. In mice subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy, miR‐194 was up‐regulated in liver tissues in correlation with hepatocyte growth and in parallel with the down‐regulation of the activin receptor ACVR2B. Overexpression of miR‐194 in human liver HL7702 cells down‐regulated ACVR2B mRNA and protein expression, promoted cell proliferation, acceleratedG1 to S cell cycle transition, and inhibited apoptosis, whereas knockdown of miR‐194 had the opposite effects. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that ACVR2B is a direct target of miR‐194, and overexpression of ACVR2B significantly repressed cell proliferation and G1 to S phase transition and induced cell apoptosis. ACVR2B overexpression abolished the effect of miR‐194, indicating that miR‐194 promotes hepatocyte proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by down‐regulating ACVR2B. Taken together, these results indicate that miR‐194 plays a crucial role in hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration by targeting ACVR2B and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of CHB‐related liver damage.
Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 concentration, but not PADI4 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in septic shock patients
Authors: Costa Nara Aline , Gut Ana Lúcia , Azevedo Paula Schmidt , Polegato Bertha Furlan , Magalhães Eloá Siqueira , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Bruder Rita de Cassia Siqueira , Silva Evelyn Aparecida da , Gonçalves Renan Braga , Tanni Suzana Erico , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Norde Marina Maintinguer , Cunha Natália Baraldi , Zornoff Leonardo Antonio Mamede , de Paiva Sergio Alberto Rupp , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira
Published: July 2018

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) concentration and its polymorphisms with mortality in patients with septic shock. We prospectively evaluated 175 patients aged over 18 years with septic shock upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, 48 patients were excluded. Thus, 127 patients were enrolled in the study. At the time of the patients’ enrollment, demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were taken within the first 24 hours of the patient's admission to determine serum PAD4 concentrations and its polymorphism PADI4_89 [rs11203366], PADI4_94 [rs2240340] and PADI4_104 [rs1748033]. The mean age was 63.3 ± 15.2 years, 56.7% were male, PAD4 concentration was 4.62 (2.48‐6.20) ng/mL and the ICU mortality rate was 67.7%. The patients who died in the ICU had higher APACHE II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. In addition, PAD4 concentration was higher in patients who died during ICU stay. However, there were no differences regarding PADI4 polymorphisms and ICU mortality. In the logistic regression models, PAD4 concentrations were associated with ICU mortality when adjusted for APACHE II score and lactate (OR: 1.477; CI 95%: 1.186‐1.839; P < .001), and when adjusted for age, gender and APACHE II score (OR: 1.392; CI 95%: 1.145‐1.692; P < .001). In conclusion, PAD4 concentration, but not PADI4_89, PADI4_94 and PADI4_104 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in septic shock patients.
Communication With Physicians as a Mediator in the Relationship Between the Nursing Work Environment and Select Nurse Outcomes in Jordan
Authors: Al‐Hamdan Zaid , Banerjee Tanima , Manojlovich Milisa
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To test whether communication mediated relationships among nurses’ work environments and nurse outcomes of job satisfaction and intent to stay.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional, quantitative survey design to query 650 nurses who worked in three hospitals in Jordan.

Methods

We used Arabic versions of valid, reliable instruments measuring the nursing work environment, nurse perceptions of communication with physicians, intent to stay, and job satisfaction. Mediation analysis was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

A total of 582 questionnaires were returned (89.5% response rate). Nurse perceptions of communication with physicians mediated the relationship between the nursing work environment and job satisfaction in medical, surgical, and critical care units. Nurse perceptions of communication with physicians mediated the relationship between the nursing work environment and intent to stay in all but maternity and “other” units.

Conclusions

Depending on the nurse outcome, communication was a significant mediator for various unit types. These results may be related to the type of work that is done in each unit and the influence of patient care. Communication is one of many mechanisms that can specify how a positive nursing work environment can contribute to nurses’ job satisfaction and intent to stay.

Clinical Relevance

A potential solution to the nursing shortage in Jordan emerges by identifying communication with physicians as a mediator in the relationship between the work environment and selected nurse outcomes.
Association between biomarkers of vitamin B12 status and the risk of neural tube defects
Authors: Senousy Sameh M. , Farag Mona K. , Gouda Amr S. , El Noury Mohamed A. , Dabbous Ola A. , Gaber Khaled R.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin B12 and its biomarkers and the risk of neural tube defects.

Methods

A total of 120 pregnant Egyptian women were included in the study. They were classified into two groups. Group A consisted of 50 women with neural tube defects in current pregnancy or with a history in previous pregnancies, and Group B consisted of 70 women with no history of neural tube defects in previous pregnancies or in the current pregnancy. All women were subjected to ultrasound anomaly scan and serum analysis of vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), methyl malonic acid (MMA) and active vitamin B12 concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the best cut‐off values of vitamin B12.

Results

Serum levels of vitamin B12 were decreased in Neural tube defects (NTDs) cases compared to controls (2.736 vs 3.091 ng/mL; P = 0.0015), while Hcy and MMA concentrations were elevated (18.39 vs 13.95 μmol/L; P = 0.0008 and 263 vs 229.7 μmol/L; P = 0.003, respectively). Active vitamin B12 reduction was not statistically significant (96.8 vs 99.36 pmol/L; P = 0.8013). The optimal cut‐off value of vitamin B12, 2.9 ng/mL, is the best threshold to expect neural tube defects, with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 74.29%.

Conclusion

Low vitamin B12 is a risk factor for having a fetus with neural tube defects. The monitoring of MMA and Hcy levels might be important in understanding and following cases with neural tube defects. Adding vitamin B12 to folic acid may help to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the Egyptian population.
Feeling safe? A conservation of resources perspective examining the interactive effect of leader competence and leader self‐serving behaviour on team performance
Authors: Mao Jih‐Yu , Chiang Jack Ting‐Ju , Chen Lifan , Wu Yangzi , Wang Jiang
Published: July 2018

In this study, we explored the interplay of leader competence and leader self‐serving behaviour on followers’ perceptions of psychological safety and its downstream implication on team performance. Using a time‐lagged study of 166 leaders and 514 followers from six firms in central China, we found that leader self‐serving behaviour was an important contingent factor for how subordinates perceive their leader. Specifically, when competent leaders were perceived as being non‐self‐serving, team psychological safety as well as team performance were enhanced. In contrast, such positive influences were non‐existent when leaders were seen as self‐serving. Practical implications and important insights to future research were also discussed.

Practitioner points

Organizations are encouraged to establish and adopt adequate training and development programmes to ensure that employees are constantly provided with resources to enhance their competencies.

Organizations should foster a culture of ethical behaviour and institute systematic monitoring to ensure that employees act in the best interest of the organization and not at the expense of the larger collective.
Exploring the perception of Mexican urban consumers toward functional foods using the Free Word Association technique
Authors: Rojas‐Rivas Edgar , Espinoza‐Ortega Angélica , Martínez‐García Carlos G. , Moctezuma‐Pérez Sergio , Thomé‐Ortiz Humberto
Published: July 2018

Demographic changes in contemporary societies has promoted sectors of consumers aware of the food they buy for health reasons, as functional foods, whose demand has grown in diverse countries as Mexico, recognized as one of the emergent market with the highest consumption of these products in Latin America. However, there is little knowledge on the attitudes of Mexican consumers toward functional foods. The objective was to explore the perception of functional foods by Mexican urban consumers using the free word association technique. A total of 610 persons were asked the three first words that came to their minds with the stimulus “functional food.” Twenty‐three categories were grouped in nine dimensions, the most important were: Health, Nutrition, and Foods and Nutrients. Differences due to age and schooling level were found in dimensions and categories. Consumers have a clear idea of “functional food” that explains growth in this market. The promotion of functional foods should take into consideration the demands that specific groups of consumers have for these products.

Practical applications

This work is a first approach on the study of the perception of Mexican urban consumers toward functional foods, with results that may be useful for public or private entities. As mentioned in works conducted in other areas of the world, demographic and socio‐economic characteristics are identified as significant determinants; the perception toward functional foods is positively associated with educational achievement, age and women. Taking into consideration the diabetes and overweight problems of the Mexican population, research results indicate an opportunity for producers of functional foods for an adequate development, improvement, and promotion of these products to meet specific perceptions of each target group of consumers.
Effect of temperature–time pretreatments on the texture and microstructure of abalone (Haliotis discus hanai)
Authors: Dong Xiuping , Hou Yawen , Wang Yang , Xu Xianbing , Wang Kexin , Zhao Meiyu , Prakash Sangeeta , Yu Chenxu
Published: July 2018

The effects of temperature/time pretreatments on the texture and microstructure of abalone (Haliotis discus hanai) meat with the same myofibril extraction rate (60–66.7%) were investigated. The abalone samples were categorized into control and four treatment groups of different heating temperature/heating time combinations as 50°C/120 min, 60°C/10 min, 70°C/5 min, and 80°C/2 min, respectively. Compared to the control samples, the abalone samples heated at 60°C/10 min were the most tender (minimum shear force). It is clear that a sharp reduction in hardness was observed in heat treated abalone meat samples, compared to the raw samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that the water distribution pattern in abalone samples changed as they were experiencing different heat treatments. Particularly, the immobilized water components in samples heated at 60°C/10 min increased significantly. The textural properties of these samples evaluated after an 80 s‐reheating by microwave were of superior quality. It is concluded that the optimal condition for pretreatment abalone was 60°C/10 min, which could significantly improve the textural properties of preprocessed abalones.

Practical applications

Ready‐to‐eat foods can either be consumed directly, or further prepared according to consumers' preference. They are processed and packed following scientifically defined criteria to meet ready‐to‐eat requirements. For consumers, the quality of the food is one of the most important factors affecting purchasing decisions. Pretreatment through heating plays a key role in determining the eating quality of the product. Our study investigated the effects of pretreatment temperature and time on the food quality. These findings will establish optimal conditions for pretreating abalone to develop high‐quality ready‐to‐eat food products.
The Shape of a Life and Desire Satisfaction
Authors: Bruckner Donald W.
Published: July 2018

It is widely accepted by philosophers of well‐being that the shape or narrative structure of a life is a significant determinant of its overall welfare value. Most arguments for this thesis posit agent‐independent value in certain life shapes. The desire theory of well‐being, I argue, has all of the resources needed to account for the value that many philosophers have identified in lives with certain shapes. The theory denies that there is any agent‐independent value in shapes and, indeed, allows that there can be both agent‐dependent value and agent‐dependentdisvalue in the shapes commonly claimed to hold agent‐independent value.
A Structural Explanation of Injustice in Conversations: It's about Norms
Authors: Ayala‐López Saray
Published: July 2018

In contrast to individualistic explanations of social injustice that appeal to implicit attitudes, structural explanations are unintuitive: they appeal to entities that lack clear ontological status, and the explanatory mechanism is similarly unclear. This makes structural explanations unappealing. The present work proposes a structural explanation of one type of injustice that happens in conversations, discursive injustice. This proposal meets two goals. First, it satisfactorily accounts for the specific features of this particular kind of injustice; and second, it articulates a structural explanation that overcomes their unattractiveness. The main idea is that discursive injustice is not the result of biased interlocutors, but of problematic discursive norms.
Genome sequence and genetic transformation of a widely distributed and cultivated poplar
Authors: Ma Jianchao , Wan Dongshi , Duan Bingbing , Bai Xiaotao , Bai Qiuxian , Chen Ningning , Ma Tao
Published: July 2018

Populus alba is widely distributed and cultivated in Europe and Asia. This species has been used for diverse studies. In this study, we assembled a de novo genome sequence of P. alba var. pyramidalis (= P. bolleana) and confirmed its high transformation efficiency and short transformation time by experiments. Through a process of hybrid genome assembly, a total of 464 M of the genome was assembled. Annotation analyses predicted 37 901 protein‐coding genes. This genome is highly collinear to that of P. trichocarpa, with most genes having orthologs in the two species. We found a marked expansion of gene families related to histone and the hormone auxin but loss of disease resistance genes in P. alba if compared with the closely related P. trichocarpa. The genome sequence presented here represents a valuable resource for further molecular functional analyses of this species as a new tree model, poplar breeding practices and comparative genomic analyses across different poplars.
The Use of UAVs in Humanitarian Relief: An Application of POMDP‐Based Methodology for Finding Victims
Authors: Bravo Raissa Zurli Bittencourt , Leiras Adriana , Cyrino Oliveira Fernando Luiz
Published: July 2018

Researchers have proposed the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in humanitarian relief to search for victims in disaster‐affected areas. Once UAVs must search through the entire affected area to find victims, the path‐planning operation becomes equivalent to an area coverage problem. In this study, we propose an innovative method for solving such problem based on a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), which considers the observations made from UAVs. The formulation of the UAV path planning is based on the idea of assigning higher priorities to the areas that are more likely to have victims. We applied the method to three illustrative cases, considering different types of disasters: a tornado in Brazil, a refugee camp in South Sudan, and a nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan. The results demonstrated that the POMDP solution achieves full coverage of disaster‐affected areas within a reasonable time span. We evaluate the traveled distance and the operation duration (which were quite stable), as well as the time required to find groups of victims by a detailed multivariate sensitivity analysis. The comparisons with a Greedy Algorithm showed that the POMDP finds victims more quickly, which is the priority in humanitarian relief, whereas the performance of the Greedy focuses on minimizing the traveled distance. We also discuss the ethical, legal, and social acceptance issues that can influence the application of the proposed methodology in practice.
Neurofibromatosis type II dental management, case report, and review of the literature
Authors: Paschalidou Maria , Dermata Anastasia , Arhakis Aristidis
Published: July 2018

Α 30‐year‐old male with features of Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) including vision and hearing loss, imbalance, and cranial and peripheral nerve tumors, was referred for dental prosthetic rehabilitation. Treatment plan was established to rehabilitate the patient with periodontal, endodontic treatment, extractions, restorative, and prosthetic procedures. Due to severe vision impairment and hearing loss, special communication methods were required in order to achieve patient's cooperation, mainly utilizing the sense of touch. Devices such as tablets and smartphones were also used to facilitate communication and patient's comfort. The patient was followed up every 3 months. During the recalls special emphasis was given to the oral hygiene and motivation. It was possible to surpass the severe vision and hearing impairments of this special care patient and fully treat him in the dental chair under a multidiscipline protocol.
Effect of ACASI on Reporting of Abortion and Other Pregnancy Outcomes in the US National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Lindberg Laura , Scott Rachel H.
Published: July 2018

Abortion is a behavior that is stigmatized and difficult to measure. To improve reporting of abortion and other sensitive behaviors in the United States, the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) supplements the interviewer administered face‐to‐face (FTF) interview with audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (ACASI). This paper estimates differential reporting of abortion and other pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, live birth) in the NSFG (2002, 2006–2010, 2011–2015) between women's ACASI and FTF interviews. Examining reporting of less stigmatized pregnancy outcomes can help understand the relative contributions of stigma and survey‐level factors in reporting of abortions. More women reported abortions, miscarriages and births in the ACASI than the FTF interview. Differences in reporting were moderated by the length of recall. The ACASI elicited relatively more reporting of abortions and miscarriages among non‐white and low‐income women. Reporting ratios increased over time. ACASI is a tool that may work differently across time, for different measures, and with varying survey contexts.
A highly sensitive, self-powered triboelectric auditory sensor for social robotics and hearing aids
Authors: Guo Hengyu , Pu Xianjie , Chen Jie , Meng Yan , Yeh Min-Hsin , Liu Guanlin , Tang Qian , Chen Baodong , Liu Di , Qi Song , Wu Changsheng , Hu Chenguo , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2018

A self-powered triboelectric auditory sensor is designed for human-robot interactions.
Bioinspired dual-stiffness origami
Authors: Mintchev Stefano , Shintake Jun , Floreano Dario
Published: July 2018

An origami inspired by insect wings addresses the challenges of achieving both high load bearing and resilience in folding structures.
A Consensus Ochratoxin A Biosynthetic Pathway: Insights from the Genome Sequence of Aspergillus ochraceus and a Comparative Genomic Analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Liuqing , Wu Fan , Liu Fei , Wang Qi , Zhang Xiaoling , Selvaraj Jonathan Nimal , Zhao Yueju , Xing Fuguo , Yin Wen-Bing , Liu Yang
Published: July 2018

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a significant mycotoxin that contaminates cereal products, coffee, grapes, wine, cheese, and meat. OTA is nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and immunotoxic. OTA contamination is a serious threat to food safety, endangers human health, and can cause huge economic losses. At present, >20 species of the genera
Aspergillus
and
Penicillium
are known to produce OTA. Here we demonstrate that a consensus OTA biosynthetic pathway exists in all OTA-producing fungi and is encoded by a gene cluster containing four highly conserved biosynthetic genes and a bZIP transcription factor.
Complete Genome Sequences of Streptococcus sobrinus SL1 (ATCC 33478 = DSM 20742), NIDR 6715-7 (ATCC 27351), NIDR 6715-15 (ATCC 27352), and NCTC 10919 (ATCC 33402)
Authors: Sales Mia J. , Herbert William G. , Du Yuting , Sandur Amitha S. , Stanley Naaman M. , Jensen Paul A.
Published: July 2018

The bacterium
Streptococcus sobrinus
causes tooth decay in humans. We present complete circularized genome sequences for four strains of
S. sobrinus
, type strain SL1, strain NIDR 6715-7 and the related NIDR 6715-15, and strain NCTC 10919.
Optimising the mandatory reporting process for drivers admitted to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit
Authors: MacDonald Shannon L , Joseph Pamela L , Cavaliere Ida J , Bayley Mark Theodore , Lo Alexander
Published: July 2018

Ontario physicians are legally obligated to report patients who may be medically unfit to drive to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). Currently at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), there are no standardised processes for MTO reporting, resulting in inconsistent communication regarding driving with patients and between healthcare providers, redundant assessments and ultimately reduced patient satisfaction. TRI received 10 patient complaints regarding the driving reporting process in the 5 years prior to this project and a large number of patients were not being reported appropriately.

The project aim was to use Lean Methods to achieve 100% reporting and optimise communication and education of drivers admitted to a 23-bed inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. Interventions included process mapping, identification of wasteful steps and implementation of a standard work. Chart audits before and after implementation were performed.

Value stream process mapping identified inconsistent reporting procedures and lack of use of the government-issued driver reporting form. Following implementation of standard work processes, use of the MTO Medical Conditions Report Form increased from 0% to 100%. Indication of whether drivers were reported to the MTO in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation consultation notes increased from 50% to 91%. Identifying reported drivers in the discharge summary, of which patients receive a copy at the time of discharge, increased from 0% to 90%. Physician satisfaction with the new standard work process was qualitatively assessed to be high, with no negative impacts reported.

Lean methodology was effective for increasing the usage of the MTO Medical Conditions Report Form, documenting driver status in the initial Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation consultation and indicating MTO reporting status in the discharge summary.

Communication between healthcare providers regarding patients’ driving status has been successfully standardised, resulting in improved coordination of care and a reduction in patient complaints to zero in the 14 months since implementation.
Tracey judgement and hospice DNACPR orders: steady as she goes or seismic change?
Authors: Macfarlane Michael , Shayler Stephanie , Nelms Louisa , Willis Derek
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The 2014 Court of Appeals decision with respect to Tracey vs Cambridge University Hospital (‘the Tracey judgement’) changed the requirements for discussing Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions with patients. This study is a retrospective case note review aiming to identify any changes in practice around discussing DNACPR decisions in hospices following the judgement.

Methods

150 case notes from 2013 (before the Tracey judgement) were compared with 150 case notes from 2015 (following the Tracey judgement). These notes came from five hospices in the West Midlands. The notes were analysed to determine if the judgement resulted in changes to how frequently DNACPR decisions were discussed with patients and their families, as well as whether there were any changes in the documentation of reasons fornotdiscussing such decisions.

Results

Discussions with patients around DNACPR decisions increased from 31% to 60% and with relatives from 29% to 59% following the Tracey judgement. Prior to the judgement the most frequently documented reason for not discussing was to avoid distress (23%), whereas after judgement it was patients lacking capacity to engage in such a discussion (40%). There was a lack of consistency and clarity in defining the concept of ‘physical or psychological harm’.

Conclusions

Although DNACPR decisions are being discussed more frequently with patients and families following the Tracey judgement, clarity on what constitutes ‘physical or psychological harm’ caused by these discussions is still required. Future research must examine whether the judgement is delaying or preventing DNACPR decisions being made.
Recent developments in the treatment of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Hussain Haseena , Dubicka Bernadka , Wilkinson Paul
Published: July 2018

Major depressive disorder in adolescents is an important public health concern. It is common, a risk factor for suicide and is associated with adverse psychosocial consequences. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend that children and young people with moderate-to-severe depression should be seen within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and receive specific psychological interventions, possibly in combination with antidepressant medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy (in some studies) and interpersonal psychotherapy have been demonstrated to be more effective than active control treatments for depressed adolescents. For children with depression, there is some evidence that family focused approaches are more effective than individual therapy. Fluoxetine is the antidepressant with the greatest evidence for effectiveness compared with placebo. Treatment with antidepressants and/or psychological therapy is likely to reduce suicidality, although in some young people, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors lead to increased suicidality. There is limited evidence that combination of specific psychological therapy and antidepressant medication is better than treatment with monotherapy. There are methodological limitations in the published literature that make it difficult to relate study findings to the more severely ill clinical population in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Young people should have access to both evidence-based psychological interventions and antidepressants for paediatric depression. Collaborative decisions on treatment should be made jointly by young people, their carers and clinicians, taking into account individual circumstances and potential benefits, risks and availability of treatment.
Sensitivity of wake parameters to diameter changes for a circular cylinder
Authors: Fezai Salwa , Oueslati Fakher , Ben-Cheikh Nader , Ben-Beya Brahim
Published: July 2018

Two-dimensional, incompressible fluid flow past a circular cylinder, having a variable diameter, is analyzed numerically at low Reynolds numbers (Re). The Reynolds number is based on the cylinder diameter and free-stream velocity. Numerical outcomes demonstrate that at low Reynolds number, the flow remains steady. Analysis of the flow evolution also shows that with enhancing Re beyond a certain critical value, the flow becomes unstable and undergoes a Hop bifurcation. The critical Reynolds number beyond which the flow becomes unsteady is determined for each configuration by an extrapolation procedure. A nonuniform variation of the critical Reynolds number (Rec) with the diameter is observed. On the other hand, it is observed that elongating the diameter of the cylinder leads to increasing the critical Reynolds number. It was also noted that the variation of the diameter value has a significant influence on the different regimes criteria as well as on the vortex detachment. Besides, it is seen that the diameter variation may lead to the birth of vortices with different oscillating frequencies due to the increase of the cylinder diameter that modifies considerably the Strouhal number.
Nascent Entrepreneurs Managing in Networks: Equivocality, Multiplexity and Tie Formation
Authors: Burström Thommie , Harri Jussi , Wilson Timothy. L.
Published: July 2018

This paper studies the dynamics of network development in early phases of venture development. Seven ventures were studied through interviews and visualization techniques. An equivocal three-phase process was studied — conceptualization, early foundation and early establishment. This paper defines network equivocality, draw on multiplexity theory and contributes by fine-tuning the concept of tie formation. The paper presents a conceptual model where the dynamics behind network development in early phases of venture development is explained. It is proposed that each phase of development is divided by knowledge boundaries. As ventures mature, they pass knowledge boundaries, and this passage triggers network transformation. Thus, the roles of both nascent firms and of multiplex network contacts change, and consequently tie formation also change. Three distinct tie formations are identified; esoteric, enlarged and exoteric.
Promising Carbon Matrix Derived from Willow Catkins for the Synthesis of SnO2/C Composites with Enhanced Electrical Performance for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yong , Zhao Yun , Ma Canliang , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: July 2018

Willow catkins as a kind of seasonal biomass are harmful to human health in terms of causing respiratory ailments and skin anaphylaxis every spring. To explore the high-value utilization of willow catkins, in this study, we attempt to develop a kind of tin-based anode materials with willow catkin derived carbon (WCC) as the matrix. A designed solvent-thermal method involving thiourea as stabilizer and acetone–H2O mixture as solvent has been employed to fabricate SnO2–WCC composites, which exhibit uniform deposition of well-dispersed SnO2 nanoparticles on the surface of WCC. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the SnO2–WCC composite delivered a stable discharge capacity of 565[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 100[Formula: see text]mA g[Formula: see text] after 70 cycles and a good rate capability of 349[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 1000[Formula: see text]mA g[Formula: see text]. The high dispersity of SnO2 nanoparticles and high conductivity of WCC are both believed to contribute to the excellent electrochemical performances. These results suggest the potential of willow catkins derived carbonaceous materials applied in anode materials of LIBs and shed light on the creation of advanced carbon materials from other biomass materials towards energy storage applications.
Challenges in Orphan Drug Development: Identification of Effective Therapy for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Smith Terry J.
Published: July 2018

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), the ocular manifestation of Graves’ disease, is a process in which orbital connective tissues and extraocular muscles undergo inflammation and remodeling. The condition seems to result from autoimmune responses to antigens shared by the thyroid and orbit. The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), expressed at low levels in orbital tissues, is a leading candidate antigen. Recent evidence suggests that another protein, the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), is overexpressed in TAO, and antibodies against IGF-IR have been detected in patients with the disease. Furthermore, TSHR and IGF-IR form a physical and functional complex, and signaling initiated at TSHR requires IGF-IR activity. Identification of therapy for this rare disease has proven challenging and currently relies on nonspecific and inadequate agents, thus representing an important unmet need. A recently completed therapeutic trial suggests that inhibiting IGF-IR activity with a monoclonal antibody may be an effective and safe treatment for active TAO.
Role of Cell Death in Toxicology: Does It Matter How Cells Die?
Authors: Orrenius Sten
Published: July 2018

My research activity started with studies on drug metabolism in rat liver microsomes in the early 1960s. The CO-binding pigment (cytochrome P450) had been discovered a few years earlier and was subsequently found to be involved in steroid hydroxylation in adrenal cortex microsomes. Our early studies suggested that it also participated in the oxidative demethylation of drugs catalyzed by liver microsomes, and that prior treatment of the animals with phenobarbital caused increased levels of the hemoprotein in the liver, and similarly enhanced rates of drug metabolism. Subsequent studies of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of toxic drugs in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes characterized critical cellular defense systems and identified mechanisms by which accumulating toxic metabolites could damage and kill the cells. These studies revealed that multiple types of cell death could result from the toxic injury, and that it is important to know which type of cell death results from the toxic injury.
Support of bone mineral deposition by regulation of pH
Authors: Blair Harry C. , Larrouture Quitterie C. , Tourkova Irina L. , Liu Li , Bian Jing Hao , Stolz Donna Beer , Nelson Deborah J. , Schlesinger Paul H.
Published: July 2018

Osteoblasts secrete collagen and isolate bone matrix from extracellular space. In the matrix, alkaline phosphatase generates phosphate that combines with calcium to form mineral, liberating 8 H+ per 10 Ca+2 deposited. However, pH-dependent hydroxyapatite deposition on bone collagen had not been shown. We studied the dependency of hydroxyapatite deposition on type I collagen on pH and phosphate by surface plasmon resonance in 0–5 mM phosphate at pH 6.8–7.4. Mineral deposition saturated at <1 mM Ca2+ but was sensitive to phosphate. Mineral deposition was reversible, consistent with amorphous precipitation; stable deposition requiring EDTA removal appeared with time. At pH 6.8, little hydroxyapatite deposited on collagen; mineral accumulation increased 10-fold at pH 7.4. Previously, we showed high expression Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) and ClC transporters in osteoblasts. We hypothesized that, in combination, these move protons across osteoblasts to the general extracellular space. We made osteoblast membrane vesicles by nitrogen cavitation and used acridine orange quenching to characterize proton transport. We found H+ transport dependent on gradients of chloride or sodium, consistent with apical osteoblast ClC family Cl−,H+ antiporters and basolateral osteoblast NHE family Na+/H+ exchangers. Little, if any, active H+ transport, supported by ATP, occurred. Major transporters include cariporide-sensitive NHE1 in basolateral membranes and ClC3 and ClC5 in apical osteoblast membranes. The mineralization inhibitor levamisole reduced bone formation and expression of alkaline phosphatase, NHE1, and ClC5. We conclude that mineral deposition in bone collagen is pH-dependent, in keeping with H+ removal by Cl−,H+ antiporters and Na+/H+-exchangers. Periodic orientation hydroxyapatite is organized on type I collagen-coiled coils.
Motor unit activity, force steadiness, and perceived fatigability are correlated with mobility in older adults
Authors: Mani Diba , Almuklass Awad M. , Hamilton Landon D. , Vieira Taian M. , Botter Alberto , Enoka Roger M.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of our study was to examine the associations between the performance of older adults on four tests of mobility and the physical capabilities of the lower leg muscles. The assessments included measures of muscle strength, muscle activation, and perceived fatigability. Muscle activation was quantified as the force fluctuations—a measure of force steadiness—and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. Perceived fatigability was measured as the rating of perceived exertion achieved during a test of walking endurance. Twenty participants (73 ± 4 yr) completed one to four evaluation sessions that were separated by at least 3 wk. The protocol included a 400-m walk, a 10-m walk at maximal and preferred speeds, a chair-rise test, and the strength, force steadiness, and discharge characteristics of motor units detected by high-density electromyography of lower leg muscles. Multiple-regression analyses yielded statistically significant models that explained modest amounts of the variance in the four mobility tests. The variance explained by the regression models was 39% for 400-m walk time, 33% for maximal walk time, 42% for preferred walk time, and 27% for chair-rise time. The findings indicate that differences in mobility among healthy older adults were partially associated with the level of perceived fatigability (willingness of individuals to exert themselves) achieved during the test of walking endurance and the discharge characteristics of soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior motor units during steady submaximal contractions with the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Differences among healthy older adults in walking endurance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair can be partially explained by the performance capabilities of lower leg muscles. Assessments comprised the willingness to exert effort (perceived fatigability) and the discharge times of action potentials by motor units in calf muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. These findings indicate that the nervous system contributes significantly to differences in mobility among healthy older adults.