bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch ligand Dll4 impairs cell recruitment into aortic clusters and limits hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Porcheri Cristina , Golan Ohad , Calero-Nieto Fernando J. , Thambyrajah Roshana , Ruiz-Herguido Cristina , Wang Xiaonan , Catto Francesca , Guillen Yolanda , Sinha Roshani , González Jessica , Kinston Sarah J. , Mariani Samanta A. , Maglitto Antonio , Vink Chris , Dzierzak Elaine , Charbord Pierre , Göttgens Bertie , Espinosa Lluis , Sprinzak David , Bigas Anna
Published: December 2019

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) develop from the hemogenic endothelium in cluster structures that protrude into the embryonic aortic lumen. Although much is known about the molecular characteristics of the developing hematopoietic cells, we lack a complete understanding of their origin and the three-dimensional organization of the niche. Here we use advanced live imaging techniques of organotypic slice cultures, clonal analysis, and mathematical modelling to show the two-step process of intra-aortic hematopoietic cluster (IACH) formation. First, a hemogenic progenitor buds up from the endothelium and undergoes division forming the monoclonal core of the IAHC. Next, surrounding hemogenic cells are recruited into the IAHC, increasing their size and heterogeneity. We identified the Notch ligand Dll4 as a negative regulator of the recruitment phase of IAHC. Blocking of Dll4 promotes the entrance of new hemogenic Gfi1+ cells into the IAHC and increases the number of cells that acquire HSC activity. Mathematical modelling based on our data provides estimation of the cluster lifetime and the average recruitment time of hemogenic cells to the cluster under physiologic and Dll4-inhibited conditions.
Mitochondrial phylogeography reveals high diversity and unique divergent lineage in Indian Dugongs (Dugong dugon)
Authors: Srinivas Yellapu , Pande Anant , Gole Swapnali , Prem Jothi P.V.R. , Madhu Magesh K. , Pathan Sameeha , Dudhat Sohini , Shekar Rukmini , Kukadia Devanshi , Johnson Jeyaraj Antony , Mondol Samrat , Sivakumar Kuppusamy
Published: December 2019

India plays a central role in dugong conservation by hosting the largest population within south Asia. Current knowledge on status of Indian dugongs is limited due to paucity of reliable ecological data. This study generates mitochondrial control region sequences from about 10% of dugong population from major dugong populations within India. These data was compared with the global data to assess genetic lineages, population structure and genetic diversity of Indian populations.

Multiple analyses suggest that the Indian dugong populations are part of a single genetic cluster, comprising south Asia, northwest Indian ocean and southwest Indian ocean populations. Despite small population size, they retain high genetic diversity with unique mitochondrial DNA haplotypes within south Asia.

Within India, novel haplotypes were observed from all sampling sites with overall high haplotype diversity (0.85±0.04) but low nucleotide diversity (0.005±0.001). Indian populations exhibit high genetic differentiation with higher within-population variance (63.41%) than among populations (36.59%), signaling population structure. Few haplotypes were shared with Sri Lanka and southeast Asian populations, indicating potential genetic connectivity.

Being the most genetically unique population within south Asia, Indian dugong populations are globally significant. We recommend that Indian Dugong populations should be managed as a Conservation Unit to ensure population recovery and long-term survival of the species.
ARP-T1 is a ciliogenesis protein associated with a novel ciliopathy in inherited basal cell cancer, Bazex-Dupré-Christol Syndrome
Authors: Park Hyun-Sook , Papanastasi Eirini , Blanchard Gabriela , Chiticariu Elena , Bachmann Daniel , Plomann Markus , Morice-Picard Fanny , Vabres Pierre , Smahi Asma , Huber Marcel , Pich Christine , Hohl Daniel
Published: December 2019

Actin-Related Protein-Testis1 (ARP-T1)/ACTRT1gene mutations cause the Bazex-Dupré-Christol Syndrome (BDCS) characterized by follicular atrophoderma, hypotrichosis and basal cell cancer. Here, we report an ARP-T1 interactome (PXD016557) involved in ciliogenesis, endosomal recycling and septin ring formation. Consequently, ARP-T1 localizes to the midbody during cytokinesis and the basal body of primary cilia in G0. Tissue samples from BDCS patients show reduced ciliary length with significant correlations of ARP-T1 expression levels, confirmed byACTRT1knock down. We report that BDCS is a novel ciliopathy and the first case of a skin cancer ciliopathy, where ARP-T1 plays a critical role to prevent pathogenesis.
A long noncoding RNA acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of heat shock protein 70 kDa synthesis in the cold hardyDiamesa tonsaunder heat shock
Authors: Bernabò P. , Viero G , Lencioni V.
Published: December 2019

Cold stenothermal insects living in glacier-fed streams are stressed by temperature variations resulting from glacial retreat during global warming. The molecular aspects of insect response to environmental stresses remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of how a cold stenothermal organism controls gene expression at the transcriptional, translational, and protein level under warming conditions. Using the chironomidDiamesa tonsaas target species and a combination of RACE, qPCR, polysomal profiling, western blotting, and bioinformatics techniques, we discovered a new molecular pathway leading to previously overlooked adaptive strategies to stress. We obtained and characterized the complete cDNA sequences of three heat shock inducible 70 (hsp70) and two members of heat-shock cognate 70 (hsc70). Strikingly, we showed that a novel pseudo-hsp70 gene encoding a putative long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) which is transcribed during thermal stress, acting as a ribosome sponge to provide post-transcriptional control of HSP70 protein levels. The expression of the pseudo-hsp70 gene and its function suggest the existence of a new and unexpected mechanism to cope with thermal stress: lowering the pace of protein production to save energy and optimize resources for recovery.
Global analysis reveals complex demographic responses of mammals to climate change
Authors: Paniw Maria , James Tamora , Archer C. Ruth , Römer Gesa , Levin Sam , Compagnoni Aldo , Che-Castaldo Judy , Bennett Joanne M. , Mooney Andrew , Childs Dylan Z. , Ozgul Arpat , Jones Owen R. , Burns Jean H. , Beckerman Andrew P. , Patwary Abir , Sanchez-Gassen Nora , Knight Tiffany M. , Salguero-Gómez Roberto
Published: December 2019

Approximately 25 % of mammals are threatened globally with extinction, a risk that is amplified under climate change1. Persistence under climate change is determined by the combined effects of climatic factors on multiple demographic rates (survival, development, reproduction), and hence, on population dynamics2. Thus, to quantify which species and places on Earth are most vulnerable to climate-driven extinction, a global understanding of how demographic rates respond to climate is needed3. We synthesise information on such responses in terrestrial mammals, where extensive demographic data are available4. Given the importance of assessing the full spectrum of responses, we focus on studies that quantitatively link climate to multiple demographic rates. We identify 106 such studies, corresponding to 86 mammal species. We reveal a strong mismatch between the locations of demographic studies and the regions and taxa currently recognised as most vulnerable to climate change5,6. Moreover, we show that the effects of climate change on mammals will operate via complex demographic mechanisms: a vast majority of mammal populations display projected increases in some demographic rates but declines in others. Assessments of population viability under climate change therefore need to account for multiple demographic responses. We advocate to prioritise coordinated actions to assess mammal demography holistically for effective conservation worldwide.
Transcriptome-based design of antisense inhibitors re-sensitizes CREE. colito carbapenems
Authors: Aunins Thomas R. , Erickson Keesha E. , Chatterjee Anushree
Published: December 2019

Carbapenems are a powerful class of antibiotics, often used as a last-resort treatment to eradicate multidrug-resistant infections. In recent years, however, the incidence of carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceae(CRE) has risen substantially, and the study of bacterial resistance mechanisms has become increasingly important for antibiotic development. Although much research has focused on genomic contributors to carbapenem resistance, relatively few studies have examined CRE pathogens through changes in gene expression. In this research, we used transcriptomics to study a CREEscherichia coliclinical isolate that is sensitive to meropenem but resistant to ertapenem, to both explore carbapenem resistance and identify novel gene knockdown targets for carbapenem re-sensitization. We sequenced total and small RNA to analyze gene expression changes in response to treatment with ertapenem or meropenem, as compared to an untreated control. Significant expression changes were found in genes related to motility, maltodextrin metabolism, the formate hydrogenlyase complex, and the general stress response. To validate these transcriptomic findings, we used our lab’s Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform to create antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNA), gene-specific molecules designed to inhibit protein translation. FAST PNA were designed to inhibit the pathways identified in our transcriptomic analysis, and each PNA was then tested in combination with each carbapenem to assess its effect on the antibiotics’ minimum inhibitory concentrations. We observed significant treatment interaction with five different PNAs across six PNA-antibiotic combinations. Inhibition of the geneshycA,dsrB, andbolAwere found to re-sensitize CREE. colito carbapenems, whereas inhibition of the genesflhCandygaCwas found to confer added resistance. Our results identify new resistance factors that are regulated at the level of gene expression, and demonstrate for the first time that transcriptomic analysis is a potent tool for designing antibiotic PNA.
BrIM and UAS for bridge inspections and management
Authors: Xu Yiye , Turkan Yelda
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel and systematic framework for bridge inspection and management to improve the efficiency in current practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A new framework that implements camera-based unmanned aerial systems (UASs) with computer vision algorithms to collect and process inspection data, and Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) to store and manage all related inspection information is proposed. An illustrative case study was performed using the proposed framework to test its feasibility and efficiency.

Findings

The test results of the proposed framework on an existing bridge verified that: high-resolution images captured by an UAS enable to visually identify different types of defects, and detect cracks automatically using computer vision algorithms, the use of BrIM enable assigning defect information on individual model elements, manage all bridge data in a single model across the bridge life cycle. The evaluation by bridge inspectors from 12 states across the USA demonstrated that all of the identified problems, except for being subjective, can be improved using the proposed framework.

Practical implications

The proposed framework enables to: collect and document accurate bridge inspection data, reduce the number of site visits and avoid data overload and facilitate a more efficient, cost-effective and safer bridge inspection process.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a novel and systematic framework for the collection and integration of inspection data for bridge inspection and management. The findings from the case study suggest that the proposed framework should help improve current bridge inspection and management practice. Furthermore, the difficulties experienced during the implementation are evaluated, which should be helpful for improving the efficiency and the degree of automation of the proposed framework further.
Work social support, work engagement and their impacts on multiple performance outcomes
Authors: Talebzadeh Niusha , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a research model in which work engagement (WE) mediates the influence of work social support on job satisfaction (JS), in-role performance (IRP), creative performance (CP) and extra-role performance (ERP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from cabin attendants via three surveys two weeks apart and their pursers. The aforesaid relationships were assessed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

In general, there is support for the preponderance of hypotheses. Specifically, WE completely mediates the impact of coworker support on JS and IRP, while the impact of supervisor support on CP is completely mediated by WE. WE partly mediates the effect of coworker support on CP and ERP. Furthermore, the effect of supervisor support on JS, IRP and ERP is partly mediated by WE.

Practical implications

Management should make sure that the work environment consists of supportive supervisors and coworkers who are trained on how they can enhance the cooperation and collaboration among employees. Management should also create an employee platform where cabin attendants can contribute to service delivery process by sharing their experiences arising from passenger requests and problems.

Originality/value

The study extends and contributes to the current service research by assessing the impact of WE simultaneously on three performance outcomes. The study adds to current knowledge by investigating the mediating mechanism linking work social support to the attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. The study also controls the threat of common method variance with at least two procedural remedies, which have been rarely used in the current service research.
Post Syrian-war material recovery, reuse and transformation in the Old City of Aleppo
Authors: Kousa Christine , Pottgiesser Uta
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Eight years of civil war in Syria severely impacted the historic core of Aleppo, with about 30 percent of its buildings completely destroyed and huge amounts of debris generated. This paper proposes recovery strategies for some of the most badly damaged sites in the city through material reuse and transformation, one of the goals of which is to ensure the continuity of the city’s urban cultural heritage. The purpose of this paper is to presents not only risks but also opportunities with respect to the integration of technologies to support recovery and reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the current situation in the Old City of Aleppo by identifying the most seriously damaged sites, namely those that have sustained damage to between 80 and 100 percent of the site. It reviews comparable international post-disaster examples and investigates appropriate options for dealing with the damage caused by the war and the management of debris, with consideration given to minimal intervention, the retention of structural integrity, technology and the integration of historic materials within new components and buildings. The methodology has relied on research through field work, including interviews with stakeholders in Aleppo.

Findings

The paper proposes two strategies to guide post-war rebuilding and conservation efforts in the Old City of Aleppo through: the creation of new multi-purpose, public open spaces and the use of debris in the repair of buildings and construction of new components and buildings, including infrastructure for solar panels within the new public spaces.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the development of a post-civil war sustainable material recovery approach for the Old City of Aleppo and for Syria more generally, where a disaster waste management strategy is still in development.
Promoting strategic performance through strategic orientation and strategic renewal
Authors: Shah Hassan Ahmed , Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Yasir Muhammad , Javed Asad
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which strategic orientation (SO) and strategic renewal (SR) could create the possibility for improving strategic performance (SP). The indirect effect of SO was also tested in this study. Furthermore, by using the moderated mediation model, the authors also investigated the moderating role of organizational ambidexterity (OA).

Design/methodology/approach

The results of this cross-sectional study are based on a survey conducted on 1,430 owner/managers of SMEs. To analyze the relationship among variables, this study used descriptive, correlation and hierarchical multiple regression approach.

Findings

Results revealed that SO positively affects SR and SP in SMEs. Furthermore, the mediating role of SR between the relationships of SO and SP was also confirmed. Moreover, OA strengthens the connection between SO, SR and SP.

Practical implications

The current study provides new insights for strategic planning and management by focusing on SO along with its different dimensions. Therefore, it provides new guidelines and a roadmap that would be helpful in achieving the objectives of SP.

Originality/value

The study makes significant contributions to the extant literature by adding new knowledge about the positive impact of SO on SP. Moreover, with the analysis of mediating role of SR in this relationship, the study has made significant addition to the existing literature on SP. Furthermore, moderated mediation model adds value to the existing body of knowledge.
Entropy generation analysis of Casson fluid flow through a vertical microchannel under combined effect of viscous dissipation, joule heating, hall effect and thermal radiation
Authors: Gireesha B.J. , Sindhu S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Fully developed Casson fluid flow through vertical microchannel is deliberated in the presence of thermal radiation. The two predominant features of micro scale phenomenon such as velocity slip and temperature jump are considered. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations of the physical phenomenon are solved using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth fifth order method.

Findings

The outcome of the present work is discussed through graphs. This computation shows that entropy generation rate decreases with enhancing wall ambient temperature difference ratio and fluid wall interaction parameter. Also, it is found that Bejan number is fully retarded with rise in fluid wall interaction parameter. Enhancement in heat transfer or Nusselt number is achieved by increasing the wall ambient temperature ratio and fluid wall interaction parameter.

Originality/value

Casson liquid flow through microchannel is analyzed by considering temperature jump and velocity slip. This computation shows that entropy generation rate decreases with enhancing wall ambient temperature difference ratio.
Carer needs on an organic inpatient unit
Authors: Clegg Jennifer , Craven-Staines Sarah
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further understand the needs of carers when a relative with dementia is admitted to an organic impatient ward.

Design/methodology/approach

A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed to generate a substantive theory to understand the needs of carers and how staff perceive carer needs when a relative is admitted to a dementia ward. Five relatives and six members of staff were interviewed using purposive and theoretical sampling. Interview transcripts were analysed using initial, focused and theoretical coding using constant comparative methods to develop the end theory.

Findings

The grounded theory concluded that carers have three categories of needs: “The Safe and Cared for Relative”, “The Informed Carer and “The Understanding, Responsive and Available Service”. Underpinning the needs are the relationships between carers, their relative and staff. Three barriers were identified which can impact on these needs being effectively met. These identified barriers were: Loss, Time and Ineffective Communication.

Originality/value

The grounded theory demonstrates that carers needs fundamentally relate to their relatives being safe and cared for and being included and informed during the admission. Relationships can be ruptured when a barrier prevents the needs from being effectively met. Recommendations are made to aim to reduce the impact of the barriers and to aid staff in developing their understanding of the carer experience.
Creating play opportunities on the school playground: Educator experiences of the Sydney playground project
Authors: Sterman Julia , Villeneuve Michelle , Spencer Grace , Wyver Shirley , Beetham Kassia S. , Naughton Geraldine , Tranter Paul , Ragen Jo , Bundy Anita
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Children with disabilities often experience unsupportive environments that restrict their play opportunities and inclusion on the school playground. This exclusion can perpetuate inequities for children with disabilities, with lifelong implications. The Sydney Playground Project uses a simple, innovative intervention consisting of placing recycled materials on the playground and engaging parents and educators in risk reframing sessions to create increased playground choice, control, independence and inclusion for all children.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to learn from participants about the utility of the intervention for promoting choice and control among children with disability on the school playground. Data included evaluative interviews with 27 school staff (teaching assistants, teachers, therapists, school leadership) across five participating schools after completing of the intervention. Analysis was thematic and explored prominent ideas first within schools, and then between schools.

Results

Prior to the intervention, participating school staff focused on active supervision to support play and student needs. During the intervention, school staff experienced role shift and confusion as they allowed the children increased independence while using the recycled materials and learned to navigate how much independence to give the children. Children engaged in increased imaginative and social play, and school staff adopted higher expectations of children's capabilities.

Conclusion

Interventions such as the Sydney Playground Project that collaboratively shift adult perceptions to focus on the capabilities of children with disabilities and increase the supportiveness of the physical environment have great promise in increasing play choice and inclusion on the school playground.
Simple mass‐rearing technique of a predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini) (Acari: Laelapidae)
Authors: Hwang Hwal‐Su , Jung Duck‐Oung , Park Jihye , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: December 2019

We developed a simple mass‐rearing technique for a soil‐dwelling predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer. The rearing container consists of two (inner and outer) plastic boxes. The inner box contains rice husks, and is placed inside the outer box which contains a small amount of water. This system is useful to keep high humidity within the inner box and to prevent mites escaping from the box. The prey mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae was also reared in a similar way using rice bran and provided to G. aculeifer once a week. Rearing condition within the inner box were maintained at 25 ± 1°C, 95 ± 5% relative humidity. In this double box system, G. aculeifer was rapidly grown and overpopulated within two weeks while another predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus require four weeks rearing period. This technique help farmers improve biological control efficacy of soil pests in greenhouse as well as open field cultivation.
The Jiangnan diet, a healthy diet pattern for Chinese
Authors: Wang Jiqiu , Lin Xu , Bloomgarden Zachary T. , Ning Guang
Published: December 2019

Geographically, the Qinling Mountain—Huai River line divides China into two parts, Northern and Southern. Surprisingly, the line also divides the high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Northern China from the low prevalence of Southern China. In past decades, the diet‐center hypothesis has gained much support from the apparent cardiometabolic disease‐protection effect of the Mediterranean diet. Questions include the following: Does the diet pattern explain the disease prevalence difference between two parts with similar genetic background? What kind of diet pattern is suitable for future national diet recommendation for Chinese, as the Mediterranean diet does for the Western countries? Here, we review the main healthy diet components, which the native inhabitants in the Yangtze River Delta region have eaten for several hundreds of years, and refer to this healthy diet as “Southern River (江南)‐style dietary pattern” or “Jiangnan Diet.”
Complete laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Linear stapled closure of the common enterotomy
Authors: Yoneda Akira , Kanetaka Kengo , Yamaguchi Shun , Koga Yoichi , Isagawa Yuriko , Maruya Yasuhiro , Inoue Yusuke , Torashima Yasuhiro , Adachi Tomohiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Kobayashi Kazuma , Ito Shinichiro , Eguchi Susumu
Published: December 2019

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome can lead to duodenal obstruction due to vascular compression. We treated a patient with superior mesenteric artery syndrome by performing a complete laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy with a linear stapled closure of the common enterotomy. A 72‐year‐old woman presented with nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. CT revealed superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Conservative management was not effective. Because the patient required a surgical bypass for long‐term relief, a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy was performed. In past cases, hand‐sewn sutures were made through a small incision to avoid stenosis when the common enterotomy was closed. For our patient, we closed the common enterotomy with a linear stapler in a complete laparoscopic maneuver. We performed the closure after placing several temporary sutures to minimize the amount of intestinal wall to be removed. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is a minimally invasive procedure, and a linear stapled closure of a common enterotomy is a safe surgical technique that reduces invasiveness.
Does Social Pressure Hinder Entrepreneurship in Africa? The Forced Mutual Help Hypothesis
Authors: Alby Philippe , Auriol Emmanuelle , Nguimkeu Pierre
Published: December 2019

In the absence of a public safety net, wealthy Africans have the social obligation to share their resources with their needy relatives in the form of cash transfers and inefficient family hiring. We develop a model of entrepreneurial choice that accounts for this social redistributive constraint. We derive predictions regarding employment choices, productivity, and profitability of firms run by entrepreneurs of African versus non‐African origin. Everything else equal, local firms are overstaffed and less productive than firms owned by non‐locals, which discourages local entrepreneurship. Using data from the manufacturing sector, we illustrate the theory by structurally estimating the proportion of missing African entrepreneurs. Our estimates, which are suggestive due to the data limitation, vary between 8% and 12.6% of the formal sector workforce. Implications for the role of social protection are discussed.
Forecasting the volatility of Bitcoin: The importance of jumps and structural breaks
Authors: Shen Dehua , Urquhart Andrew , Wang Pengfei
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the volatility of Bitcoin and determines the importance of jumps and structural breaks in forecasting volatility. We show the importance of the decomposition of realized variance in the in‐sample regressions using 18 competing heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) models. In the out‐of‐sample setting, we find that the HARQ‐F‐J model is the superior model, indicating the importance of the temporal variation and squared jump components at different time horizons. We also show that HAR models with structural breaks outperform models without structural breaks across all forecasting horizons. Our results are robust to an alternative jump estimator and estimation method.
Discordance of hepatitis B vaccination policies for healthcare workers between the USA, the UK, and Germany
Authors: Komatsu Haruki , Klenerman Paul , Thimme Robert
Published: December 2019

The hepatitis B (HB) vaccine is effective for the prevention of HB virus infection. It has been widely accepted that an anti‐HB surface antibody (HBs) level ≥10 mIU/mL is protective against HB virus infection. Although transient infection can occur in individuals who attain a peak level of anti‐HBs ≥10 mIU/mL after primary vaccination, long‐term follow‐up studies show that successful primary vaccination can prevent individuals from acute clinical hepatitis and chronic infection. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at‐risk individuals. Based on the accumulated data, the USA considers an anti‐HBs level ≥10 mIU/mL to constitute successful vaccination for HCWs. In contrast, because some anti‐HBs assays cannot accurately measure in the low anti‐HBs range, including 10 mIU/mL, the UK and Germany consider an anti‐HBs level ≥100 mIU/mL to constitute successful vaccination for HCWs. In the USA and UK, a booster dose is unnecessary for HCWs after successful vaccination. In Germany, anti‐HBs testing is recommended for HCWs who are at particularly high individual exposure risk 10 years after successful primary immunization, and a booster dose is offered if the anti‐HBs level has declined to ˂100 mIU/mL. The differences in the goal of HB vaccination, reliability of anti‐HBs assays, and use of booster vaccination cause discordance in HB vaccination policies for HCWs.
Viral and host factors are associated with retreatment failure in hepatitis C patients receiving all‐oral direct antiviral therapy
Authors: Mawatari Seiichi , Oda Kohei , Kumagai Kotaro , Tabu Kazuaki , Ijuin Sho , Fujisaki Kunio , Inada Yukiko , Uto Hirofumi , Saisyoji Akiko , Hiramine Yasunari , Hori Takeshi , Taniyama Ohki , Toyodome Ai , Sakae Haruka , Hashiguchi Masafumi , Kure Takeshi , Sakurai Kazuhiro , Tamai Tsutomu , Moriuchi Akihiro , Ido Akio
Published: December 2019

Aim

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus is associated with high sustained virologic response rates. However, patients for whom DAA therapy fails acquire resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs). We therefore evaluated the efficacy of DAA retreatment and factors associated with retreatment failure.

Methods

Non‐structural 5A RASs were investigated at the start of DAA therapy and at treatment failure in 64 patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b for whom DAA combination therapy had failed. A total of 59 patients were introduced to DAA retreatment. The factors associated with retreatment failure were investigated.

Results

A total of 20 of 43 (46.5%) daclatasvir + asunaprevir‐treated patients with virologic failure had no RASs at baseline, and three (15%) acquired P32 deletion RASs. Four of seven sofosbuvir/ledipasvir‐treated patients with virologic failure had more than two RASs of NS5A at baseline. The sustained virologic response rates on retreatment were as follows: sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, 81.8%; with elbasvir + grazoprevir, 0%; and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, 87.5%. Patients for whom sofosbuvir/ledipasvir or elbasvir + grazoprevir failed achieved sustained virologic response with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. Two of three patients for whom glecaprevir/pibrentasvir retreatment failed had Q24/L28/R30 and A92K RASs; the other had P32 deletion RAS at baseline. Interestingly, 10 of 11 patients with retreatment failure had the interleukin (IL)‐28B single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) minor allele. A multivariate analysis showed that the IL28B SNP minor allele (P = 0.005, odds ratio 28.291) was an independent risk factor for retreatment failure.

Conclusions

In addition to viral factors (e.g. Q24, L28, R30, and A92 or P32 deletion RASs), host factors (e.g. IL28B SNP) are associated with DAA retreatment failure.
Incorporation of molecular characteristics into endometrial cancer management
Authors: Vermij Lisa , Smit Vincent , Nout Remi , Bosse Tjalling
Published: December 2019

Histopathological evaluation including subtyping and grading is the current cornerstone for endometrial cancer (EC) classification. This provides clinicians with prognostic information and input for further treatment recommendations. Nonetheless, patients with histologically similar ECs may have very different outcomes, notably in patients with high‐grade endometrial carcinomas. For endometrial cancer, four molecular subgroups have undergone extensive studies in recent years: POLE ultramutated (POLEmut), mismatch repair‐deficient (MMRd), p53 mutant (p53abn) and those EC lacking any of these alterations, referred to as NSMP (non‐specific molecular profile). Several large studies confirm the prognostic relevance of these molecular subgroups. However, this ‘histomolecular’ approach has so far not been implemented in clinical routine. The ongoing PORTEC4a trial is the first clinical setting in which the added value of integrating molecular parameters in adjuvant treatment decisions will be determined. For diagnostics, the incorporation of the molecular parameters in EC classification will add a level of objectivity which will yield biologically more homogeneous subclasses. Here we illustrate how the management of individual EC patients may be impacted when applying the molecular EC classification. We describe our current approach to the integrated diagnoses of EC with a focus on scenarios with conflicting morphological and molecular findings. We also address several pitfalls accompanying the diagnostic implementation of molecular EC classification and give practical suggestions for diagnostic scenarios.
Exploratory research in alternative raw material sources and reformulation for industrial soda‐lime‐silica glass batches
Authors: Deng Wei , Spathi Charikleia , Coulbeck Teig , Erhan Kilinc , Backhouse Daniel , Marshall Martyn , Ireson Robert , Bingham Paul A.
Published: December 2019

For energy saving and CO2 emissions reduction, in addition to extending the range of suitable raw material sources for glass manufacture, compositional reformulation, and alternative raw materials have been studied in the context of industrial container and float‐type soda‐lime‐silica (SLS) glasses. Lithium, potassium, and boron were applied to modify benchmark glass compositions. Reformulation impacts on key glass properties including the viscosity‐temperature relationship, thermal expansion, liquidus temperature, forming behavior and color. Compared to the benchmark glass, representative of commercial SLS glasses, melting temperatures (taken as temperatures corresponding to log (viscosity/dPa·s) = 2) of reformulated glasses are reduced by 11°C‐55°C. Investigation of four industrial by‐products (seashell waste, eggshell waste, biomass ash, and rice husk ash), and their potential suitability as alternative glass batch raw materials, was also conducted. Seashell waste and biomass ash were successfully introduced into representative green glass formulations.
Influence of luting cement on the clinical outcomes of Zirconia pediatric crowns: A 3‐year split‐mouth randomized controlled trial
Authors: Azab Maha Moussa , Moheb Dalia Mohamed , El Shahawy Osama Ibrahim , Rashed Mervat Abdel‐Moniem
Published: December 2019

Background

There is no scientific evidence supporting the choice of luting cement for cementation of zirconia crowns.

Aim

The purpose of this split‐mouth study was to compare the efficacy of using bioactive cement versus packable glass ionomer for cementation of posterior pediatric zirconia crowns.

Design

Fifty first mandibular primary molars were restored by zirconia crowns and were randomly divided to be luted with either (a) bioactive cement or (b) packable glass ionomer. Crowns’ retention, fracture, and gingival condition were evaluated at 1 week, and 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, 12‐, 18‐, 24‐, and 36‐month intervals. Statistical analysis was carried out using Fisher's exact test, Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

At 3‐ to 36‐month follow‐ups, there were statistically significant (P = .009‐≤.001) less debonded crowns in packable glass ionomer group. There were no fractured crowns for either cements. There was no statistically significant difference between gingival index scores.

Conclusions

Packable glass ionomer is more retentive than bioactive cement when used for cementing zirconia pediatric crowns. Posterior zirconia pediatric crowns have high fracture resistance after 36 months of clinical performance, irrespective of luting cement. Luting cement for zirconia pediatric crowns has no apparent effect on gingival condition around crowns.
Solution combustion synthesis of crystalline V2O3 and amorphous V2O3/C as anode for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Zhang Ziyue , Qin Mingli , Wang Qianyu , Cao Zhiqin , Yu Ying , Jia Baorui , Qu Xuanhui
Published: December 2019

In this paper, crystalline V2O3 and amorphous V2O3/C products are synthesized via one‐pot solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method (completed within 2 minutes). The characteristics of combustion products could be tuned by changing the amounts of glucose. The as‐synthesized crystalline V2O3 nanopowder consists of nanoparticles with average size of ~100 nm. Amorphous V2O3/C composite exhibits large porous microsheet structure in which oxygen vacancy‐enabled amorphous V2O3 particles are embedded into N‐doped carbon microsheets. The existence of oxygen vacancies can promote energetics for the transport of electrons and ions and maintain the integrity of sample surface morphology. Moreover, N‐doping can enhance electrical conductivity and promote the diffusion of electrons and lithium ions. Amorphous V2O3/C composite possesses high reversible capacity and superior cycling stability (833 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 250 cycles, 867 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles), indicating its potential as excellent anode material for lithium‐ion battery. The proposed one‐step, time‐ and energy‐efficient SCS method has the potential to prepare other oxygen vacancy‐enabled transition metal oxides for energy storage.
RESERVOIR PROPERTIES OF BARREMIAN – APTIAN URGONIAN LIMESTONES, SE FRANCE, PART 1: INFLUENCE OF STRUCTURAL HISTORY ON POROSITY‐PERMEABILITY VARIATIONS
Authors: Cochard J. , Léonide P. , Borgomano J. , Guglielmi Y. , Massonnat G. , Rolando J‐P. , Marié L. , Pasquier A.
Published: December 2019

Upper Barremian – Lower Aptian inner platform “Urgonian” limestones in the Mont de Vaucluse region, SE France, consist of alternating metre‐scale microporous and tight intervals. This paper focuses on the influence of structural deformation on the reservoir properties of the Urgonian limestone succession in a study area near the town of Rustrel. Petrographic, petrophysical and structural data were recovered from five fully‐cored boreholes, from the walls of a 100 m long underground tunnel, and from a 50 m long transect at a nearby outcrop. The data allowed reservoir property variations in the Urgonian limestones to be studied from core to reservoir scale.

Eleven Reservoir Rock Types (RRTs) were identified based on petrographic features (texture, grain size), reservoir properties (porosity, permeability), and the frequency of structural discontinuities such as fractures, faults and stylolites. Tight and microporous reservoir rock types were distinguished. Tight reservoir rock types were characterised by early cementation of intergranular pore spaces and by the presence of frequent structural discontinuities. By contrast microporous reservoir rock types contained preserved intragranular microporosity and matrix permeability, but had very few structural discontinuities. Observed vertical alternations of microporous and tight rock types are interpreted to have been controlled by the early diagenesis of the Urgonian carbonates.

Deformation associated with regional‐scale tectonic phases, including Albian – Cenomanian “Durancian” uplift (∼105 to 96 Ma) and Pyrenean compression (∼55 to 25 Ma), resulted in the modification of the initial petrophysical properties of the Urgonian limestones. An early diagenetic imprint conditioned both the intensity of structural deformations and the associated circulations of diagenetic and meteoric fluids. Evolution of the Reservoir Rock Types is therefore linked both to the depositional conditions and to subsequent phases of structural deformation.
Evaluating Travel Distance to Radiation Facilities Among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Patients in the Medicare Population
Authors: Longacre Colleen F. , Neprash Hannah T. , Shippee Nathan D. , Tuttle Todd M. , Virnig Beth A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The distance patients travel for specialty care is an important barrier to health care access, particularly for those living in rural areas. This study characterizes the actual distance older breast cancer patients traveled to radiation treatment and the minimum distance necessary to reach radiation care, and examines whether any patient demographic or clinical factors are associated with greater travel distance.

Methods

We used data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database. Our cohort included 52,317 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2013. Driving distances were calculated using Google Maps. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate associations between patient demographic and disease variables and travel distance.

Findings

Patients living in rural areas traveled on average nearly 3 times as far as those from urban areas (40.8 miles vs 15.4 miles), and their nearest facility was more than 4 times farther away (21.9 miles vs 4.8 miles). Older age, being single or widowed, and lower household income were significantly associated with shorter actual travel distance, while increasing rurality was significantly associated with greater actual and minimum travel distance to radiation treatment. Disease severity (stage, grade, etc) was not significantly associated with actual or minimum travel distance.

Conclusions

In this insured population, travel distance to radiation facilities may pose a significant burden for breast cancer patients, particularly among those living in rural areas. Policymakers and patient advocates should explore service delivery models, reimbursement models, and social supports aimed at reducing the impact of travel to radiation treatment for breast cancer patients.
Unexpected side effects in biocrust after treating non‐native plants using carbon addition
Authors: Chiquoine Lindsay P. , Abella Scott R. , Greenwood Joshua L. , DeCorte Adria
Published: December 2019

Carbon addition has been proposed as an alternative to herbicide and manual removal methods to treat non‐native plants and reduce non‐target effects of treatments (e.g. impacts on native plants; surface disturbance). On Mojave Desert pavement and biocrust substrates after experimental soil disturbance and carbon addition (1,263 g C/m2 as sucrose), we observed declines in lichens and moss cover in sucrose‐treated plots. To further explore this unforeseen potential side effect of using carbon addition as a non‐native plant treatment, we conducted biocrust surveys 5 and 7 years after treatments, sampled surface soils to observe if treatments additionally affected soil filamentous cyanobacteria, and conducted laboratory trials testing the effects of different levels of sucrose on cyanobacteria and desert mosses. Sucrose addition to biocrust plots reduced lichen and moss cover by 33–78% and species richness by 40–80%. Sucrose reduced biocrust cover in biocrust plots to levels similarly detected in pavement plots (<1%). While cyanobacteria in the field did not appear to be affected by sucrose, laboratory tests showed negative effects of sucrose on both cyanobacteria and mosses. Cyanobacteria declined by 41% 1 month after exposure to 5.4 g C/m2 equivalent solutions. We detected injury to photosynthesis in mosses after 96 hour exposure to 79–316 g C/m2 equivalent solutions. Caution is warranted when using carbon addition, at least in the form and concentration of sucrose, as a treatment for reducing non‐native plants on sites where conserving biocrust is a goal.
Failures of once‐a‐week trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Castagnola Elio , Mesini Alessio , Saffioti Carolina , Moscatelli Andrea , Pierri Filomena , Giardino Stefano , Faraci Maura
Published: December 2019

Once‐a‐week cotrimoxazole is an effective prophylaxis for pneumocystosis during antineoplastic chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplant. Following allogeneic stem cell transplant, this schedule is at risk of pneumocystosis or neurotoxoplasmosis, as demonstrated by these case reports. Therefore, a 3‐times‐a‐week schedule must be adopted in these patients.
Metabolite database for root, tuber, and banana crops to facilitate modern breeding in understudied crops
Authors: Price Elliott J. , Drapal Margit , Perez‐Fons Laura , Amah Delphine , Bhattacharjee Ranjana , Heider Bettina , Rouard Mathieu , Swennen Rony , Becerra Lopez‐Lavalle Luis Augusto , Fraser Paul D.
Published: December 2019

Roots, tubers, and bananas (RTB) are vital staples for food security in the world's poorest nations. A major constraint to current RTB breeding programmes is limited knowledge on the available diversity due to lack of efficient germplasm characterization and structure. In recent years large‐scale efforts have begun to elucidate the genetic and phenotypic diversity of germplasm collections and populations and, yet, biochemical measurements have often been overlooked despite metabolite composition being directly associated with agronomic and consumer traits. Here we present a compound database and concentration range for metabolites detected in the major RTB crops: banana (Musa spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), potato (Solanum tuberosum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and yam (Dioscorea spp.), following metabolomics‐based diversity screening of global collections held within the CGIAR institutes. The dataset including 711 chemical features provides a valuable resource regarding the comparative biochemical composition of each RTB crop and highlights the potential diversity available for incorporation into crop improvement programmes. Particularly, the tropical crops cassava, sweet potato and banana displayed more complex compositional metabolite profiles with representations of up to 22 chemical classes (unknowns excluded) than that of potato, for which only metabolites from 10 chemical classes were detected. Additionally, over 20% of biochemical signatures remained unidentified for every crop analyzed. Integration of metabolomics with the on‐going genomic and phenotypic studies will enhance ’omics‐wide associations of molecular signatures with agronomic and consumer traits via easily quantifiable biochemical markers to aid gene discovery and functional characterization.