bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposing the bidirectional effects of alcohol on coagulation in trauma: Impaired clot formation and decreased fibrinolysis in rotational thromboelastometry
Authors: Howard Benjamin Michael , Kornblith Lucy Z. , Redick Brittney J. , Conroy Amanda S. , Nelson Mary F. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Callcut Rachael A. , Cohen Mitchell Jay
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Alcohol has been associated with altered viscoelastic testing in trauma, indicative of impaired coagulation. Such alterations, however, show no correlation to coagulopathy-related outcomes. Other data suggest that alcohol may inhibit fibrinolysis. We sought to clarify these mechanisms after traumatic injury using thromboelastometry (ROTEM), hypothesizing that alcohol-related clot formation impairment may be counter-balanced by inhibited fibrinolysis.

METHODS

Laboratory, demographic, clinical, and outcome data were prospectively collected from 406 critically injured trauma patients at a Level I trauma center. ROTEM and standard coagulation measures were conducted in parallel. Univariate comparisons were performed by alcohol level (EtOH), with subsequent regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 274 (58%) patients with detectable EtOH, median EtOH was 229 mg/dL. These patients were primarily bluntly injured and had lower GCS (p < 0.05) than EtOH-negative patients, but had similar admission pH and injury severity (p = NS). EtOH-positive patients had prolonged ROTEM clotting time and rate of clot formation time (CFT/α); they also had decreased fibrinolysis (max lysis %; all p < 0.05). In linear regression, for every 100 mg/dL increase in EtOH, clotting time increased by 13 seconds and fibrinolysis decreased by 1.5% (both p < 0.05). However, EtOH was not an independent predictor of transfusion requirements or mortality. In high-EtOH patients with coagulopathic ROTEM tracings, transfusion rates were significantly lower than expected, relative to EtOH-negative patients with similar ROTEM findings.

CONCLUSION

As assayed by ROTEM, alcohol appears to have a bidirectional effect on coagulation in trauma, both impairing initial clot formation and inhibiting fibrinolysis. This balancing of mechanisms may explain lack of correlation between altered ROTEM and coagulopathy-related outcomes. Viscoelastic testing should be used with caution in intoxicated trauma patients.

Level of Evidence

Epidemiological study, level III.
The vascular facet of late-onset Alzheimer's disease: an essential factor in a complex multifactorial disorder
Authors: Iturria-Medina Yasser , Hachinski Vladimir , Evans Alan C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

This article provides a brief overview of relevant cerebrovascular mechanisms implicated in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) development, and highlights the main reasons for incorporating novel cerebrovascular biomarkers to the models defining a multifactorial LOAD pathogenesis. We also discuss how novel brain mapping techniques and multifactorial data-driven models are having a critical role on understanding LOAD and may be particularly useful for identifying effective therapeutic agents for this disorder.

Recent findings

A growing body of evidence supports that LOAD is a complex disorder, causally associated to a high multiplicity of pathologic mechanisms. New experimental and neuroimaging data, in combination with the recent use of integrative multifactorial data-driven models, support the early role of vascular factors in LOAD genesis and development. Among other relevant roles, the cerebrovascular system has a key modulatory effect on prion-like propagation, deposition and toxicity (e.g. Aβ, tau proteins). The early signs of vascular dysregulation during LOAD progression are notable both at the microscopic and the macroscopic scales.

We emphasize that LOAD should be studied as a complex multifactorial disorder, not dominated by a dominant biological factor (e.g. Aβ), and without disregarding any relevant pathologic factor, such as vascular dysregulation. Cerebrovascular biomarkers are invaluable for defining multifactorial disease progression models as well as for evaluating the effectiveness of different therapeutic strategies.
Mammal decline, linked to invasive Burmese python, shifts host use of vector mosquito towards reservoir hosts of a zoonotic disease
Authors: Hoyer Isaiah J. , Blosser Erik M. , Acevedo Carolina , Thompson Anna Carels , Reeves Lawrence E. , Burkett-Cadena Nathan D.
Published: October 2017

Invasive apex predators have profound impacts on natural communities, yet the consequences of these impacts on the transmission of zoonotic pathogens are unexplored. Collapse of large- and medium-sized mammal populations in the Florida Everglades has been linked to the invasive Burmese python,
Python bivittatus
Kuhl. We used historic and current data to investigate potential impacts of these community effects on contact between the reservoir hosts (certain rodents) and vectors of Everglades virus, a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen that circulates in southern Florida. The percentage of blood meals taken from the primary reservoir host, the hispid cotton rat,
Sigmodon hispidus
Say and Ord, increased dramatically (422.2%) from 1979 (14.7%) to 2016 (76.8%), while blood meals from deer, raccoons and opossums decreased by 98.2%, reflecting precipitous declines in relative abundance of these larger mammals, attributed to python predation. Overall species diversity of hosts detected in
Culex cedecei
blood meals from the Everglades declined by 40.2% over the same period (
H
(1979) = 1.68,
H
(2016) = 1.01). Predictions based upon the dilution effect theory suggest that increased relative feedings upon reservoir hosts translate into increased abundance of infectious vectors, and a corresponding upsurge of Everglades virus occurrence and risk of human exposure, although this was not tested in the current study. This work constitutes the first indication that an invasive predator can increase contact between vectors and reservoirs of a human pathogen and highlights unrecognized indirect impacts of invasive predators.
Great cormorants reveal overlooked secondary dispersal of plants and invertebrates by piscivorous waterbirds
Authors: van Leeuwen Casper H. A. , Lovas-Kiss Ádám , Ovegård Maria , Green Andy J.
Published: October 2017

In wetland ecosystems, birds and fish are important dispersal vectors for plants and invertebrates, but the consequences of their interactions as vectors are unknown. Darwin suggested that piscivorous birds carry out secondary dispersal of seeds and invertebrates via predation on fish. We tested this hypothesis in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carboL.). Cormorants regurgitate pellets daily, which we collected at seven European locations and examined for intact propagules. One-third of pellets contained at least one intact plant seed, with seeds from 16 families covering a broad range of freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats. Of 21 plant species, only two have an endozoochory dispersal syndrome, compared with five for water and eight for unassisted dispersal syndromes. One-fifth of the pellets contained at least one intact propagule of aquatic invertebrates from seven taxa. Secondary dispersal by piscivorous birds may be vital to maintain connectivity in meta-populations and between river catchments, and in the movement of plants and invertebrates in response to climate change. Secondary dispersal pathways associated with complex food webs must be studied in detail if we are to understand species movements in a changing world.
Effects of dynamic matrix remodelling on
en masse
migration of fibroblasts on collagen matrices
Authors: Ozcelikkale Altug , Dutton J. Craig , Grinnell Frederick , Han Bumsoo
Published: October 2017

Fibroblast migration plays a key role during various physiological and pathological processes. Although migration of individual fibroblasts has been well studied, migration
in vivo
often involves simultaneous locomotion of fibroblasts sited in close proximity, so-called ‘
en masse
migration’, during which intensive cell–cell interactions occur. This study aims to understand the effects of matrix mechanical environments on the cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions during
en masse
migration of fibroblasts on collagen matrices. Specifically, we hypothesized that a group of migrating cells can significantly deform the matrix, whose mechanical microenvironment dramatically changes compared with the undeformed state, and the alteration of the matrix microenvironment reciprocally affects cell migration. This hypothesis was tested by time-resolved measurements of cell and extracellular matrix movement during
en masse
migration on collagen hydrogels with varying concentrations. The results illustrated that a group of cells generates significant spatio-temporal deformation of the matrix before and during the migration. Cells on soft collagen hydrogels migrate along tortuous paths, but, as the matrix stiffness increases, cell migration patterns become aligned with each other and show coordinated migration paths. As cells migrate, the matrix is locally compressed, resulting in a locally stiffened and dense matrix across the collagen concentration range studied.
Flagellar swimming in viscoelastic fluids: role of fluid elastic stress revealed by simulations based on experimental data
Authors: Li Chuanbin , Qin Boyang , Gopinath Arvind , Arratia Paulo E. , Thomases Becca , Guy Robert D.
Published: October 2017

Many important biological functions depend on microorganisms' ability to move in viscoelastic fluids such as mucus and wet soil. The effects of fluid elasticity on motility remain poorly understood, partly because the swimmer strokes depend on the properties of the fluid medium, which obfuscates the mechanisms responsible for observed behavioural changes. In this study, we use experimental data on the gaits ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiiswimming in Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids as inputs to numerical simulations that decouple the swimmer gait and fluid type in order to isolate the effect of fluid elasticity on swimming. In viscoelastic fluids, cells employing the Newtonian gait swim faster but generate larger stresses and use more power, and as a result the viscoelastic gait is more efficient. Furthermore, we show that fundamental principles of swimming based on viscous fluid theory miss important flow dynamics: fluid elasticity provides an elastic memory effect that increases both the forward and backward speeds, and (unlike purely viscous fluids) larger fluid stress accumulates around flagella moving tangent to the swimming direction, compared with the normal direction.
Infectious virus in exhaled breath of symptomatic seasonal influenza cases from a college community
Authors: Yan Jing , Grantham Michael , Pantelic Jovan , Bueno de Mesquita P. Jacob , Albert Barbara , Liu Fengjie , Ehrman Sheryl , Milton Donald K. ,   for the EMIT Consortium
Published: September 2017

Little is known about the amount and infectiousness of influenza virus shed into exhaled breath. This contributes to uncertainty about the importance of airborne influenza transmission. We screened 355 symptomatic volunteers with acute respiratory illness and report 142 cases with confirmed influenza infection who provided 218 paired nasopharyngeal (NP) and 30-minute breath samples (coarse >5 μm and fine <5 μm fractions) on days 1 to 3 post symptom onset. We assessed viral RNA copy number for all samples and cultured NP swabs and fine aerosols. We recovered infectious virus from 52 (39%) of the fine aerosols and 150 (89%) of the NP swabs with valid cultures. The geometric mean RNA copy numbers were 3.8×104/30-min fine, 1.2×104/30-min coarse aerosol sample, and 8.2×108per NP swab. Fine and coarse aerosol viral RNA was positively associated with body mass index (fine p<0.05, coarse p<0.10) and number of coughs (fine p<0.001, coarse p<0.01) and negatively associated with increasing days since symptom onset (fine p<0.05 to p<0.01, coarse p<0.10) in adjusted models. Fine aerosol viral RNA was also positively associated with having influenza vaccination for both the current and prior season (p<0.01). NP swab viral RNA was positively associated with upper respiratory symptoms (p<0.01) and negatively associated with age (p<0.01) but was not significantly associated with fine or coarse aerosol viral RNA or their predictors. Sneezing was rare, and sneezing and coughing were not necessary for infectious aerosol generation. Our observations suggest that influenza infection in the upper and lower airways are compartmentalized and independent.

Significance

Lack of human data on influenza virus aerosol shedding fuels debate over the importance of airborne transmission. We provide overwhelming evidence that humans generate infectious aerosols and quantitative data to improve mathematical models of transmission and public health interventions. We show that sneezing is rare and not important for, and that coughing is not required for influenza virus aerosolization. Our findings, that upper and lower airway infection are independent and that fine particle exhaled aerosols reflect infection in the lung, open a new pathway for understanding the human biology of influenza infection and transmission. Our observation of an association between repeated vaccination and increased viral aerosol generation demonstrated the power of our method, but needs confirmation.
Spatial Correlation as an Early Warning Signal of Regime Shifts in a Multiplex Disease-Behaviour Network
Authors: Jentsch Peter C. , Anand Madhur , Bauch Chris T.
Published: September 2017

Early warning signals of sudden regime shifts are a widely studied phenomenon for their ability to quantify a system’s proximity to a tipping point to a new and contrasting dynamical regime. However, this effect has been little studied in the context of the complex interactions between disease dynamics and vaccinating behaviour. Our objective was to determine whether critical slowing down (CSD) occurs in a multiplex network that captures opinion propagation on one network layer and disease spread on a second network layer. We parameterized a network simulation model to represent a hypothetical self-limiting, acute, vaccine-preventable infection with shortlived natural immunity. We tested five different network types: random, lattice, small-world, scale-free, and an empirically derived network. For the first four network types, the model exhibits a regime shift as perceived vaccine risk moves beyond a tipping point from full vaccine acceptance and disease elimination to full vaccine refusal and disease endemicity. This regime shift is preceded by an increase in the spatial correlation in non-vaccinator opinions beginning well before the bifurcation point, indicating CSD. The early warning signals occur across a wide range of parameter values. However, the more gradual transition exhibited in the empirically-derived network underscores the need for further research before it can be determined whether trends in spatial correlation in real-world social networks represent critical slowing down. The potential upside of having this monitoring ability suggests that this is a worthwhile area for further research.
Structural network maturation of the preterm human brain
Authors: Zhao Tengda , Mishra Virendra , Jeon Tina , Ouyang Minhui , Peng Qinmu , Chalak Lina , Wisnowski Jessica Lee , Heyne Roy , Rollins Nancy , Shu Ni , Huang Hao
Published: September 2017

During the 3rdtrimester, large-scale of neural circuits are formed in the human brain, resulting in the adult-like brain networks at birth. However, how the brain circuits develop into a highly efficient and segregated connectome during this period is unknown. We hypothesized that faster increases of connectivity efficiency and strength at the brain hubs and rich-club are critical for emergence of an efficient and segregated brain connectome. Here, using high resolution diffusion MRI of 77 preterm-born and term-born neonates scanned at 31-42 postmenstrual weeks (PMW), we constructed the structural connectivity matrices and performed graph-theory-based analyses. We found faster increases of nodal efficiency mainly at the brain hubs, distributed in primary sensorimotor regions, superior-middle frontal and posterior cingulate gyrus during 31-42PMW. The rich-club and within-module connections were characterized by higher rates of edge strength increases. Edge strength of short-range connections increased faster than that of long-range connections. The nodal efficiencies of the hubs predicted individual postmenstrual ages more accurately than those of non-hubs. Collectively, these findings revealed regionally differentiated maturation in the baby brain structural connectome and more rapid increases of the hub and rich-club connections, which underlie network segregation and differentiated brain function emergence.
Green microalga Trebouxia sp. produces strigolactone-related compounds
Authors: Smýkalová I. , Ludvίková M. , Ondráčková E. , Klejdus B. , Bonhomme S. , Kronusová O. , Soukup A. , Rozmoš M. , Guzow-Krzemińska B. , Matúšová R.
Published: September 2017

Different algal species that may have germination inducing activity of holoparasitic broomrape weeds Phelipanche aegyptiaca and P. ramosa seeds were screened through germination bioassay. Green alga produce SL-related compounds. Applied extracts of biomass obtained from the culture of green alga Trebouxia arboricola increased seeds germination of both parasites. An optimatization of the alga extraction led to an increase of P. aegyptiaca germination. Exhausted medium also contained SL-related compounds. The crude extract stimulated the roots length of Arabidopsis thaliana tested in vitro. A similar effect had the algae and GR24 aplications on expression levels of the SL-related genes in Physcomitrella patens. The novel analytical method DESI-MSI detected production of carlactone in the algae. The Trebouxia sp. culture applications in pot experiments had positive effect on growth characteristics of pea plants.
Genome-wide association study of social relationship satisfaction: significant loci and correlations with psychiatric conditions
Authors: Warrier Varun ,   the 23andMe Research Team, Bourgeron Thomas , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: September 2017

Dissatisfaction in social relationships is reported widely across many psychiatric conditions. We investigated the genetic architecture of family relationship satisfaction and friendship satisfaction in the UK Biobank. We leveraged the high genetic correlation between the two phenotypes (rg= 0.87±0.03; P < 2.2x10-16) to conduct multi-trait analysis of Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) (Neffectivefamily = 164,112; Neffectivefriendship = 158,116). We identified two genome-wide significant associations for both the phenotypes: rs1483617 on chromosome 3 and rs2189373 on chromosome 6, a region previously implicated in schizophrenia. eQTL and chromosome conformation capture in neural tissues prioritizes several genes includingNLGN1. Gene-based association studies identified several significant genes, with highest expression in brain tissues. Genetic correlation analysis identified significant negative correlations for multiple psychiatric conditions including highly significant negative correlation with cross-psychiatric disorder GWAS, underscoring the central role of social relationship dissatisfaction in psychiatric diagnosis. The two phenotypes were enriched for genes that are loss of function intolerant. Both phenotypes had modest, significant additive SNP heritability of approximately 6%. Our results underscore the central role of social relationship satisfaction in mental health and identify genes and tissues associated with it.
Functional analyses of the CIF1-CIF2 complex inTrypanosoma bruceiidentify the structural motifs required for complex formation and cytokinesis
Authors: Hu Huiqing , Majneri Paul , Li Dielan , Kurasawa Yasuhiro , An Tai , Dong Gang , Li Ziyin
Published: September 2017

Cytokinesis in trypanosome occurs uni-directionally along the longitudinal axis from the cell anterior towards the cell posterior and requires a trypanosome-specific CIF1-CIF2 protein complex. However, little is known about the contribution of the structural motifs in CIF1 and CIF2 to complex assembly and cytokinesis. Here, we demonstrated that the two zinc-finger motifs but not the coiled-coil motif in CIF1 are required for interaction with the EF-hand motifs in CIF2. We further showed that localization of CIF1 depends on the coiled-coil motif and the first zinc-finger motif and that localization of CIF2 depends on the EF-hand motifs. Deletion of the coiled-coil motif and mutation of either zinc-finger motifs in CIF1 disrupted cytokinesis. Further, mutation of either zinc-finger motif in CIF1 mis-localized CIF2 to the cytosol and destabilized CIF2, whereas deletion of the coiled-coil motif in CIF1 spread CIF2 over to the new flagellum attachment zone and stabilized CIF2. Together, these results uncovered the requirement of the coiled-coil motif and zinc-finger motifs for CIF1 function in cytokinesis and for CIF2 localization and stability, providing structural insights into the functional interplay between the two cytokinesis regulators.
Mechanisms underlying serotonergic excitation of callosal projection neurons
Authors: Stephens Emily K. , Baker Arielle L. , Gulledge Allan T.
Published: October 2017

Serotonin (5-HT) selectively excites subpopulations of pyramidal neurons in the neocortex via activation of 5-HT2A(2A) receptors coupled to Gqsubtype G-protein alpha subunits. Gq-mediated excitatory responses have been attributed primarily to suppression of potassium conductances, including those mediated by KV7 potassium channels (i.e., the M-current), or activation of nonspecific cation conductances that underly calcium-dependent afterdepolarizations (ADPs). However, 2A-dependent excitation of cortical neurons has not been extensively studied, and no consensus exists regarding the underlying ionic effector(s) involved. We tested potential mechanisms of serotonergic excitation in commissural/callosal projection neurons (COM neurons) in layer 5 of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex, a subpopulation of cortical pyramidal neurons that exhibit 2A-dependent excitation in response to 5-HT. In baseline conditions, 5-HT enhanced the rate of action potential generation in COM neurons experiencing suprathreshold somatic current injection. This serotonergic excitation was occluded by activation of muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, confirming that 5-HT acts via the same Gq-signaling cascades engaged by ACh. Like ACh, 5-HT promoted the generation of calcium-dependent ADPs following spike trains. However, calcium was not necessary for serotonergic excitation, as responses to 5-HT were enhanced (by >100%), rather than reduced, by chelation of intracellular calcium with 10 mM BAPTA. This suggests intracellular calcium negatively regulates additional ionic conductances contributing to 2A excitation. Removal of extracellular calcium had no effect when intracellular calcium signaling was intact, but suppressed 5-HT response amplitudes, by about 50% (i.e., back to normal baseline values) when BAPTA was included in patch pipettes. This suggests that 2A excitation involves activation of a nonspecific cation conductance that is both calcium-sensitive and calcium-permeable. M-current suppression was found to be a third ionic effector, as blockade of KV7 channels with XE991 (10 μM) reduced serotonergic excitation by ∼50% in control conditions, and by ∼30% with intracellular BAPTA present. These findings demonstrate a role for at least three distinct ionic effectors, including KV7 channels, a calcium-sensitive and calcium-permeable nonspecific cation conductance, and the calcium-dependent ADP conductance, in mediating serotonergic excitation of COM neurons.
Revisiting the erythroid-myeloid lineage decision – a data-driven dynamical model analysis
Authors: Teles Jose , Olariu Victor , Peterson Carsten
Published: October 2017

It is widely conjectured that the mutually antagonizing pair of transcription factors GATA1 and PU.1, deter-mines the choice between the erythroid and myeloid lineages in hematopoiesis. In theoretical approaches, this appears natural with a bistable switch driving the decision. Recent extensive binding and gene expression experiments with some focus on the triad GATA1, GATA2 and PU.1 indicate that GATA2 may be more involved in this lineage decision than previously anticipated. Here, we analyze these experimental data by modeling regulatory sub-networks with deterministic rate equations. Using network dynamical parameters determined by the data, we deduce from increasing the self-interaction bindingsin silicoamong the triad genes that GATA2 and PU.1 exhibit non-linear behavior with one unstable and one stable state. This is in contrast to GATA1, which shows smoother behavior. We extend the network to include the downstream regulators FOG1 and CEBPA, and extract the nature of the corresponding regulatory interactions, excitatory or suppressing, between this pair and the triad by fitting to experimental gene expression time series. Based on this extended network, we simulate and explore different knockout scenarios, providing insight into the role of these regulators in the process of lineage specification, as well as predictions for future experimental validation. We address the mechanism of GATA switching as a mechanism of lineage differentiation by investigating the dynamics of FOG1 regulation by GATA2 and GATA1. Overall, this analysis strongly suggests that within this network, GATA2 is the key driver of erythroid lineage specification through its repression of PU.1, whereas GATA1 appears to be more relevant for the downstream differentiation events.
Novel NR2F1 variants likely disrupt DNA binding: molecular modeling in two cases, review of published cases, genotype–phenotype correlation, and phenotypic expansion of the Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome
Authors: Kaiwar Charu , Zimmermann Michael T. , Ferber Matthew J. , Niu Zhiyv , Urrutia Raul A. , Klee Eric W. , Babovic-Vuksanovic Dusica
Published: September 2017

Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) is a recently described autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the NR2F1 gene. There are presently 28 cases of BBSOAS described in the literature. Its common features include developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia, optic nerve atrophy, attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, seizures, hearing defects, spasticity, and thinning of the corpus callosum. Here we report two unrelated probands with novel, de novo, missense variants in NR2F1. The first is a 14-yr-old male patient with hypotonia, intellectual disability, optic nerve hypoplasia, delayed bone age, short stature, and altered neurotransmitter levels on cerebrospinal fluid testing. The second is a 5-yr-old female with severe developmental delay, motor and speech delay, and repetitive motion behavior. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel missense NR2F1 variant in each case, Cys86Phe in the DNA-binding domain in Case 1, and a Leu372Pro in the ligand-binding domain in Case 2. The presence of clinical findings compatible with BBSOAS along with structural analysis at atomic resolution using homology-based molecular modeling and molecular dynamic simulations, support the pathogenicity of these variants for BBSOAS. Short stature, abnormal CNS neurotransmitters, and macrocephaly have not been previously reported for this syndrome and may represent a phenotypic expansion of BBSOAS. A review of published cases along with new evidence from this report support genotype–phenotype correlations for this disorder.
Design and performance of an X-ray scanning microscope at the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline of NSLS-II
Authors: Nazaretski E. , Yan H. , Lauer K. , Bouet N. , Huang X. , Xu W. , Zhou J. , Shu D. , Hwu Y , Chu Y. S.
Published: October 2017

A hard X-ray scanning microscope installed at the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source II has been designed, constructed and commissioned. The microscope relies on a compact, high stiffness, low heat dissipation approach and utilizes two types of nanofocusing optics. It is capable of imaging with ∼15 nm × 15 nm spatial resolution using multilayer Laue lenses and 25 nm × 26 nm resolution using zone plates. Fluorescence, diffraction, absorption, differential phase contrast, ptychography and tomography are available as experimental techniques. The microscope is also equipped with a temperature regulation system which allows the temperature of a sample to be varied in the range between 90 K and 1000 K. The constructed instrument is open for general users and offers its capabilities to the material science, battery research and bioscience communities.
Knowledge creation and play
Authors: Suorsa Anna Reetta
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for empirically studying knowledge creation (KC) with phenomenological approach and propose that understanding interaction as play conceptualized by Hans-Georg Gadamer allows examining KC starting from the idea of a human being interacting in the events of co-creation. The presented framework is used to examine KC in a community of librarians and teachers collaborating to promote children’s joy of reading.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic approach is applied to investigate knowledge-creating interaction in a working community. The triangulated data consist of ethnographic observations and video recordings of the community’s gatherings, its members’ interviews and produced documents.

Findings

The phenomenological conceptions of temporality of a human being and play are suitable for understanding being in the knowledge-creating interaction, as they give means to understand the meaningfulness of the past experiences, but promote an open attitude toward the future possibilities in a way which promotes KC. Studying interactive events allows understanding how KC can be examined as a collective accomplishment. The playful mode of being in the event was seen as a way to use the limited time available for interaction effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study was conducted in one community, and further research is needed to test the developed approach in other contexts.

Practical implications

The results may be utilized to develop organizational circumstances, which promote KC by acknowledging the meaningfulness of interaction.

Originality/value

The study presents a novel way to conceptualize and examine KC as an experience and an event with phenomenological approach.
The impact of other customer perception on consumer-brand relationships
Authors: S. Sreejesh , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan , Eshghi Abdolreza , M.R. Anusree
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Extant research evidence demonstrates that customer satisfaction in a service encounter is influenced by other customer perception (OCP). However, scholarly research on the impact of OCP on brand love and the moderating influence of customers’ attachment styles in the context of hospitality industry is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from customers of five and three-star hotels in India. Regression-based process analysis (Hayes, 2013) was used to test the proposed set of hypotheses.

Findings

The data analysis shows that OCP predicts brand love through the mediation of satisfaction. Individual’s anxious attachment style positively moderates “other customer perception-satisfaction” relationship, and avoidant attachment style negatively moderates the same relationship. Thus the effect of OCP is positively moderated by anxious attachment style, and negatively moderated by avoidant attachment style.

Originality/value

The value of this study lies in quantitatively investigating the roles played by OCP and individual attachment styles in shaping brand love in hospitality industry. In contrast to findings from previous research, the findings from this study suggest that anxious attachment style positively influences brand satisfaction and formation of brand love.
Involvement of the JAK‐STAT pathway in collagen regulation of decidual NK cells
Authors: Fu Qiang , Sun Yufei , Tao Yu , Piao Hailan , Wang Xiaoqiu , Luan Xiying , Du Meirong , Li Dajin
Published: October 2017

Problem

The mechanisms underlying the regulation of decidual natural killer cells (dNKs) at the maternal‐fetal interface are unclear.

Method of study

Primary trophoblasts (TROs), decidual stromal cells (DSCs), and dNKs were cocultured, and responses to LAIR‐2 (LAIR‐1 inhibitor) and P4H shRNA (collagen inhibitor) were studied.

Results

Coculture of dNKs with primary TROs/DSCs resulted in downregulation of Th1 cytokine production by dNKs. These effects were abrogated by LAIR‐2 and P4H shRNA. LAIR‐1 binds to SHP‐1, which in turn binds to JAK1 and JAK2. Further, the phosphorylation of STAT1/STAT4 and the expression of the downstream transcription factors T‐bet and Helios in dNKs were decreased by collagen treatment and primary TROs/DSCs coculture.

Conclusion

The JAK‐STAT pathway and its downstream transcription factors T‐bet and Helios are involved in the regulation of dNK function by collagen/LAIR‐1 interaction, and this signaling mechanism may contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance at the maternal‐fetal interface.
Improved neonatal outcome after active management of prolonged pregnancies beyond 41+2 weeks in nulliparous, but not among multiparous women
Authors: Lindegren Lina , Stuart Andrea , Herbst Andreas , Källén Karin
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Prolonged pregnancies are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcome. In Sweden, no national guidelines exist for when to induce prolonged pregnancies.

Material and methods

Singleton cephalic prolonged pregnancies (defined as ≥ 41+3 gestational weeks) during 2001–2013 (n = 199 770) were identified using the Swedish Medical Birth Register. The maternity units were divided into three groups (tertiles) based on the proportion of pregnancies ≥ 42+3 gestational weeks among all pregnancies ≥ 41+3 weeks. The pregnancy outcome among women delivered at the units with the most expectant management of prolonged pregnancies (> 17.6% proceeding to 42+3 weeks), was compared with that among women delivered at units with the most active management (< 12.6% proceeding to 42+3 weeks). Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using simple and multiple logistic regression. Adjustments were made for year of delivery, hospital level, maternal age, body mass index, and smoking.

Results

Among primiparas, an increased risk of Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes [odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% CI 1.16–1.41] and meconium aspiration (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.14–1.95) was found after birth at most expectant units compared with most active units, but among multiparas, no such associations were detected. A decreased rate of cesarean section was found for both primiparas (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.86) and multiparas (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77–0.86) at units with expectant vs. active management. No association between perinatal death and delivery‐unit specific management of prolonged pregnancies was detected.

Conclusions

Offspring to primiparas might gain from a more active management of prolonged pregnancies, whereas no such improvement of neonatal outcome among multiparous women was detected.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting the severity of abnormally invasive placentation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pagani Giorgio , Cali Giuseppe , Acharya Ganesh , Trisch Ilan‐Timor , Palacios‐Jaraquemada Jose , Familiari Alessandra , Buca Danilo , Manzoli Lamberto , Flacco Maria E. , Fanfani Francesco , Liberati Marco , Scambia Giovanni , D'antonio Francesco
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Our objective was to elucidate the overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting the severity of abnormally invasive placentation (AIP).

Material and methods

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and The Cochrane databases were searched. The ultrasound signs explored were: loss of hypoechoic (clear) zone in the placental–uterine interface, placental lacunae, bladder wall interruption, myometrial thinning, focal exophitic mass, placental lacunar flow, subplacental vascularity, and uterovesical hypervascularity.

Results

Twenty studies (3209 pregnancies) were included. Ultrasound had an overall good diagnostic accuracy in identifying the depth of placental invasion with sensitivities of 90.6%, 93.0%, 89.5%, and 81.2% for placenta accreta, increta, accreta/increta, and percreta, respectively; the corresponding specificities were 97.1%, 98.4%, 94.7%, and 98.9%. Placental lacunae had sensitivities of 74.8%, 88.6%, and 76.3% for the detection of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of loss of the clear zone in identifying placenta accreta were 74.9% and 92.0%, whereas the corresponding figures for placenta increta and percreta were 91.6% and 76.9%, and 88.1% and 71.1%. Lacunar flow had sensitivities of 81.2%, 84.3%, and 45.2% for the detection of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta respectively; the corresponding figures for specificity were 84.0%, 79.7%, and 75.3%. Sensitivity of uterovesical hypervascularity was low for the detection of placenta accreta (12.3%) but high for placenta increta (94.4%) and percreta (86.2%); the corresponding figures for specificity were 90.8%, 88.0% and 88.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasound has an overall good diagnostic accuracy in recognizing the depth and the topography of placental invasion.
Development of one paediatric and one neonatal formulary list in hospital settings
Authors: Haslund‐Krog Sissel Sundell , Rolighed Christensen Hanne , Bjerager Mia , Holst Helle
Published: September 2017

Aims

The aim of this study is to describe the stepwise process towards creating two formulary lists: one for paediatric and one for neonatal patients covering common diseases in hospital settings.

Methods

This study presents the concept for developing a formulary list, namely how to: (1) organize the editorial board, (2) procure drug consumption data and database management, including information on labelling status, dosing options, excipients and problematic adverse events, current guidelines, evidence and price, (3) develop the first edition for the formulary list and formulary manual, and (4) to establish a paediatric sub‐committee within the Regional Drug and Therapeutic Committee to maintain and continually develop the two formularies.

Results

The total number of drugs was 411 ATC level 5, which covers 1097 unique item numbers prior to the paediatric formulary list, of which 263 item numbers were included in the final list. In neonates, 201 drugs ATC level 5 were evaluated, covering 348 unique item numbers, of which 104 item numbers were included in the final neonatal formulary list. Eighty‐eight percent of the included drugs in the paediatric formulary were licensed to children (not specified by age group), 2% were unlicensed in Denmark, and 7% were extemporaneous preparations. For neonates, the percentage was 48%, 4% and 16%, correspondingly.

Conclusion

The process is time‐consuming as studies are lacking and age‐appropriate dosage forms and concentrations differ amongst countries. Nevertheless, the process should be somewhat similar between countries, albeit different drugs may be selected for the final formulary lists.
Developmental cascade models linking peer victimization, depression, and academic achievement in Chinese children
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Bullock Amanda , Coplan Robert J. , Chen Xinyin , Li Dan , Zhou Ying
Published: October 2017

This study explored the longitudinal relations among peer victimization, depression, and academic achievement in Chinese primary school students. Participants were N = 945 fourth‐grade students (485 boys, 460 girls; Mage = 10.16 years, SD = 2 months) attending elementary schools in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Three waves of data on peer victimization, depression, and academic achievement were collected from peer nominations, self‐reports, and school records, respectively. The results indicated that peer victimization had both direct and indirect effects on later depression and academic achievement. Depression also had both direct and indirect negative effects on later academic achievement, but demonstrated only an indirect effect on later peer victimization. Finally, academic achievement had both direct and indirect negative effects on later peer victimization and depression. The findings show that there are cross‐cultural similarities and differences in the various transactions that exist among peer victimization, depression, and academic achievement.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Peer victimization directly and indirectly relates to depression and academic achievement.

Depression directly and indirectly relates to academic achievement.

Academic achievement directly and indirectly relates to depression.

What the present study adds?

A developmental cascade approach was used to assess the interrelations among peer victimization, depression, and academic achievement.

Academic achievement mediates the relation between peer victimization and depression.

Depression is related to peer victimization through academic achievement.

Academic achievement directly and indirectly relates to peer victimization.

Academic achievement is related to depression through peer victimization.
Authoring and enactment of mobile pyramid‐based collaborative learning activities
Authors: Manathunga Kalpani , Hernández‐Leo Davinia
Published: October 2017

Collaborative learning flow patterns (CLFPs) formulate best practices for the orchestration of activity sequences and collaboration mechanisms that can elicit fruitful social interactions. Mobile technology features offer opportunities to support interaction mediation and content accessibility. However, existing mobile collaborative learning research has mostly focussed on simple activity orchestrations from the perspective of collaborative flow orchestration and flexibility requirements, predominantly in face‐to‐face pre‐university educational contexts. This paper proposes a particularisation of the Pyramid CLFP to support flexible face‐to‐face and distance mobile learning scenarios in which learners interact in increasingly larger groups along a sequence of activities (Pyramid levels). PyramidApp implements this Pyramid particularisation that provides both a web‐based authoring tool and an enactment tool accessible through web or mobile devices. The authoring tool was evaluated in workshops where teachers appreciated its design and applicability to their educational contexts. PyramidApp flows were enacted in three higher education settings. Learners enjoyed the activities but usage and satisfaction varied depending on several design and contextual factors like the epistemic tasks given, the education level and application mode (face‐to‐face or distance).
BIO 300, a nanosuspension of genistein, mitigates pneumonitis/fibrosis following high‐dose radiation exposure in the C57L/J murine model
Authors: Jackson Isabel L , Zodda Andrew , Gurung Ganga , Pavlovic Radmila , Kaytor Michael D , Kuskowski Michael A , Vujaskovic Zeljko
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

BIO 300 nanosuspension (Humanetics Corporation) is being developed as a medical countermeasure (MCM) for the mitigation of the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure, specifically pneumonitis and fibrosis of the lung. The objective of this study was to determine the best dose and treatment duration of BIO 300 to mitigate lung injury and improve the likelihood for survival in C57L/J mice exposed to whole thorax lung irradiation (WTLI).

Experimental Approach

Age‐ and sex‐matched C57L/J mice received a single dose of 11.0 or 12.5 Gy WTLI. BIO 300 (200 or 400 mg·kg−1, oral gavage) was administered daily starting 24 h post‐exposure for a duration of 2, 4, 6 or, in some cases, 10 weeks. Non‐treated controls were included for comparison in both sexes. Animals were observed daily for signs of major morbidity. Respiratory function was assessed biweekly. Lungs were collected, weighed and paraffin embedded for histological evaluation post mortem.

Key Results

BIO 300 administered at an oral dose of 400 mg·kg−1 for 4 to 6 weeks starting 24 h post‐WTLI reduced morbidity associated with WTLI. The improvement in survival correlated with reduced respiratory frequency and enhanced pause. The irradiated lungs of mice treated with BIO 300 (400 mg·kg−1) for 4 to 6 weeks displayed less morphological damage and airway loss due to oedema, congestion and fibrotic scarring than the untreated, irradiated controls.

Conclusions and Implications

BIO 300 is a promising MCM candidate to mitigate pneumonitis/fibrosis when administered daily for 4–6 weeks starting 24 h post‐exposure.
Inflammatory proteins in nasal lavage of workers exposed to occupational agents
Authors: Castano R. , Yucesoy B. , Johnson V. J. , Castellanos L. , Cartier A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) agents have been recognized as causes of occupational rhinitis (OR). Immunological mechanisms underlying OR differ according to the type of exposure. While HMW agents act mainly through IgE‐mediated mechanisms, LMW agents appear to act through both immunological and non‐immunological mechanisms.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify potential differences in the upper airways inflammatory response after exposure to LMW and HMW agents by specific inhalation challenge test (SIC).

Methods

Nasal lavage (NL) samples from 20 subjects who were exposed to HMW (n = 10, Group I) and LMW (n = 10, Group II) at their workplaces were collected after SIC with control and specific occupational agents. These samples were analysed for 47 inflammatory markers using multiplex bead technology.

Results

After exposure to specific agent, Group I exhibited higher concentrations of the following proteins compared to Group II: fibrinogen (median (interquartile range) Group I: 0.09 (0.00) μg/mL, Group II: 0.04 (0.05) μg/mL, P = .05); haptoglobin (Group I: 0.86 (0.01) μg/mL, Group II: 0.14 (0.20) μg/mL, P = .02); vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) (Group I: 0.34 (0.67) ng/mL, Group II: 0.11 (0.11) ng/mL, P = .01); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Group I: 157.0 (154.0) pg/mL, Group II: 98.0 (20.25) pg/mL, P = .01); and vitamin D (VDBP) (Group I: 0.06 (0.13) μg/mL, Group II: 0.03 (0.03) μg/mL, P = .04). No statistically significant differences in proteins profiles were observed between the groups after exposure to control agent. Also, subjects exposed to HMW agents showed a significant increase in NL levels of C‐reactive protein compared to control‐day exposure.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Exposure to HMW and LMW agents by SIC induced a differential nasal airway response including acute‐phase reactants proteins (fibrinogen, haptoglobin and CRP), cell adhesion molecules (VCAM‐1), endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and VDBP.