bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second-Site Noncomplementation Identifies Genomic Regions Required for Drosophila Nonmuscle Myosin Function During Morphogenesis
Authors: Halsell Susan R , Kiehart Daniel P
Published: February 2021

Drosophila is an ideal metazoan model system for analyzing the role of nonmuscle myosin-II (henceforth, myosin) during development. In Drosophila, myosin function is required for cytokinesis and morphogenesis driven by cell migration and/or cell shape changes during oogenesis, embryogenesis, larval development and pupal metamorphosis. The mechanisms that regulate myosin function and the supramolecular structures into which myosin incorporates have not been systematically characterized. The genetic screens described here identify genomic regions that uncover loci that facilitate myosin function. The nonmuscle myosin heavy chain is encoded by a single locus, zipper. Contiguous chromosomal deficiencies that represent approximately 70% of the euchromatic genome were screened for genetic interactions with two recessive lethal alleles of zipper in a second-site noncomplementation assay for the malformed phenotype. Malformation in the adult leg reflects aberrations in cell shape changes driven by myosin-based contraction during leg morphogenesis. Of the 158 deficiencies tested, 47 behaved as second-site noncomplementors of zipper. Two of the deficiencies are strong interactors, 17 are intermediate and 28 are weak. Finer genetic mapping reveals that mutations in cytoplasmic tropomyosin and viking (collagen IV) behave as second-site noncomplementors of zipper during leg morphogenesis and that zipper function requires a previously uncharacterized locus, E3.10/J3.8, for leg morphogenesis and viability.
Evidence for a Multistep Control in Transposition of I Factor in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: de La Roche Saint André Christophe , Bregliano Jean-Claude
Published: February 2021

Drosophila melanogaster strains belong to one of two interactive categories, inducer (I) or reactive (R), with respect to the I-R system of hybrid dysgenesis. The dysgenic interaction results from the presence of several transposition-competent copies of a LINE-like element, the I factor, only in the genome of I strains. When a cross is performed between I males and R females, I factor transposes at high frequency in the germ line of F1 daughters, known as SF females. This transposition burst results in the sterility of SF females. I factor transposes by reverse transcription of a full-length transcript. Specific RT-PCR experiments were done to compare the amount of I factor transcript in samples corresponding to various transposition frequencies. The sensitivity of the method allowed the ready detection of the I factor RNA in every tissue and genetic background examined. Comparison of amplification signals suggests that I factor activity in ovaries is regulated at different levels. First, the amount of I factor RNA subjected to negative and positive regulation. Whereas the negative control, which limits transposition in nonpermissive contexts, may be exerted by an I factor encoded repressor function, the positive control is linked to reactivity level, a cellular state maternally inherited from R mothers. Additionally, negative regulation is also exerted downstream of I factor RNA. This differs notably from previous conclusions in which transcription was envisaged as the main level of regulation of the I factor transposition.
Heteroplasmy, Length and Sequence Variation in the mtDNA Control Regions of Three Percid Fish Species (Perca fluviatilis, Acerina cernua, Stizostedion lucioperca)
Authors: Nesbø Camilla Lothe , Arab Mohammed O , Jakobsen Kjetill S
Published: February 2021

The nucleotide sequence of the control region and flanking tRNA genes of perch (Perca fluviatilis) mtDNA was determined. The organization of this region is similar to that of other vertebrates. A tandem array of 10-bp repeats, associated with length variation and heteroplasmy was observed in the 5′ end. While the location of the array corresponds to that reported in other species, the length of the repeated unit is shorter than previously observed for tandem repeats in this region. The repeated sequence was highly similar to the Mt5 element which has been shown to specifically bind a putative D-loop DNA termination protein. Of 149 perch analyzed, 74% showed length variation heteroplasmy. Single-cell PCR on oocytes suggested that the high level of heteroplasmy is passively maintained by maternal transmission. The array was also observed in the two other percid species, ruffe (Acerina cernua) and zander (Stizostedion lucioperca). The array and the associated length variation heteroplasmy are therefore likely to be general features of percid mtDNAs. Among the perch repeats, the mutation pattern is consistent with unidirectional slippage, and statistical analyses supported the notion that the various haplotypes are associated with different levels of heteroplasmy. The variation in array length among and within species is ascribed to differences in predicted stability of secondary structures made between repeat units.
Molecular Genetic Dissection of Mouse Unconventional Myosin-VA: Tail Region Mutations
Authors: Huang Jian-Dong , Mermall Valerie , Strobel Marjorie C , Russell Liane B , Mooseker Mark S , Copeland Neal G , Jenkins Nancy A
Published: February 2021

We used an RT-PCR-based sequencing approach to identify the mutations responsible for 17 viable dilute alleles, a mouse-coat-color locus encoding unconventional myosin-VA. Ten of the mutations mapped to the MyoVA tail and are reported here. These mutations represent the first extensive collection of tail mutations reported for any unconventional mammalian myosin. They identify sequences important for tail function and identify domains potentially involved in cargo binding and/or proper folding of the MyoVA tail. Our results also provide support for the notion that different myosin tail isoforms produced by alternative splicing encode important cell-type-specific functions.
Genetic Identification of Multiple Loci That Control Breast Cancer Susceptibility in the Rat
Authors: Shepel Laurie A , Lan Hong , Haag Jill D , Brasic Gerlyn M , Gheen Megan E , Simon Jason S , Hoff Peter , Newton Michael A , Gould Michael N
Published: February 2021

We have used a rat model of induced mammary carcinomas in an effort to identify breast cancer susceptibility genes. Using genetic crosses between the carcinoma-resistant Copenhagen (COP) and carcinoma-sensitive Wistar-Furth rats, we have confirmed the identification of the Mcs1 locus that modulates tumor number. We have now also identified two additional loci, Mcs2 and Mcs3. These three loci map to chromosomes 2, 7, and 1, respectively, and interact additively to suppress mammary carcinoma development in the COP strain. They are responsible for a major portion of the tumor-resistant phenotype of the COP rat. No loss of heterozygosity was observed surrounding the three loci. A fourth COP locus, Mcs4, has also been identified on chromosome 8 and acts in contrast to increase the number of carcinomas. These results show that mammary carcinoma susceptibility in the COP rat is a polygenic trait. Interestingly, a polymorphism in the human genomic region homologous to the rat Mcs4 region is associated with an increased breast cancer risk in African-American women. The isolation of the Mcs genes may help elucidate novel mechanisms of carcinogenesis, provide information important for human breast cancer risk estimation, and also provide unique drug discovery targets for breast cancer prevention.
Molecular Mapping of Segregation Distortion Loci in Aegilops tauschii
Authors: Faris J D , Laddomada B , Gill B S
Published: February 2021

Distorted segregation ratios of genetic markers are often observed in progeny of inter- and intraspecific hybrids and may result from competition among gametes or from abortion of the gamete or zygote. In this study, 194 markers mapped in an Aegilops tauschii F2 population were surveyed for distorted segregation ratios. Region(s) with skewed segregation ratios were detected on chromosomes 1D, 3D, 4D, and 7D. These distorter loci are designated as QSd.ksu-1D, QSd.ksu-3D, QSd.ksu-4D, and QSd.ksu-7D. Three regions of segregation distortion identified on chromosome 5D were analyzed in two sets of reciprocal backcross populations to analyze the effect of sex and cytoplasm on segregation distortion. Extreme distortion of marker segregation ratios was observed in populations in which the F1 was used as the male parent, and ratios were skewed in favor of TA1691 alleles. There was some evidence of differential transmission caused by nucleo-cytoplasmic interactions. Our results agree with other studies stating that loci affecting gametophyte competition in male gametes are located on 5DL. The distorter loci on 5DL are designated as QSd.ksu-5D.1, QSd.ksu-5D.2, and QSd.ksu-5D.3.
Plastome Mutator–Induced Alterations Arise in Oenothera Chloroplast DNA Through Template Slippage
Authors: Stoike Lara L , Sears Barbara B
Published: February 2021

The plastome mutator of Oenothera hookeri strain Johansen causes deletions and duplications at target sites defined by direct repeats in the plastid genome. Previous studies characterized the mutations long after they had occurred and could not discriminate between the possibilities that the plastome mutator acted through unequal homologous recombination or template slippage. From the known hotspots, the rRNA spacer in the large inverted repeat was chosen for this study because it contains both direct and indirect repeats. Identical deletions were recovered from independently derived plants; the altered regions were always flanked by direct repeats. The regions in which the deletions occurred have the potential to form secondary structures that would stabilize the intervening sequence. Of the two affected regions, the one with the stronger potential secondary structure was altered more frequently. Because no duplication products or inversions were recovered, it is proposed that the plastome mutator acts through template slippage rather than through a recombination mechanism.
Mutations Synthetically Lethal with cep1 Target S. cerevisiae Kinetochore Components
Authors: Baker Richard E , Harris Kendra , Zhang Keming
Published: February 2021

CP1 (encoded by CEP1) is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromatin protein that binds a DNA element conserved in centromeres and in the 5′-flanking DNA of methionine biosynthetic (MET) genes. Strains lacking CP1 are defective in chromosome segregation and MET gene transcription, leading to the hypothesis that CP1 plays a general role in assembling higher order chromatin structures at genomic sites where it is bound. A screen for mutations synthetically lethal with a cep1 null allele yielded five recessive csl (cep1 synthetic lethal) mutations, each defining a unique complementation group. Four of the five mutations synergistically increased the loss rate of marker chromosomes carrying a centromere lacking the CP1 binding site, suggesting that the cep1 synthetic lethality was due to chromosome segregation defects. Three of these four CSL genes were subsequently found to be known or imputed kinetochore genes: CEP3, NDC10, and CSE4. The fourth, CSL4, corresponded to ORF YNL232w on chromosome XIV, and was found to be essential. A human cDNA was identified that encoded a protein homologous to Csl4 and that complemented the csl4-1 mutation. The results are consistent with the view that the major cellular role of CP1 is to safeguard the biochemical integrity of the kinetochore.
Inherited and Environmentally Induced Differences in Mutation Frequencies Between Wild Strains of Sordaria fimicola From “Evolution Canyon”
Authors: Lamb Bernard C , Saleem Muhammad , Scott William , Thapa Nina , Nevo Eviatar
Published: February 2021

We have studied whether there is natural genetic variation for mutation frequencies, and whether any such variation is environment-related. Mutation frequencies differed significantly between wild strains of the fungus Sordaria fimicola isolated from a harsher or a milder microscale environment in “Evolution Canyon,” Israel. Strains from the harsher, drier, south-facing slope had higher frequencies of new spontaneous mutations and of accumulated mutations than strains from the milder, lusher, north-facing slope. Collective total mutation frequencies over many loci for ascospore pigmentation were 2.3, 3.5 and 4.4% for three strains from the south-facing slope, and 0.9, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.3% for five strains from the north-facing slope. Some of this between-slope difference was inherited through two generations of selfing, with average spontaneous mutation frequencies of 1.9% for south-facing slope strains and 0.8% for north-facing slope strains. The remainder was caused by different frequencies of mutations arising in the original environments. There was also significant heritable genetic variation in mutation frequencies within slopes. Similar between-slope differences were found for ascospore germination-resistance to acriflavine, with much higher frequencies in strains from the south-facing slope. Such inherited variation provides a basis for natural selection for optimum mutation rates in each environment.
A Phase II Safety and Efficacy Study on Prognosis of Moderate Pneumonia in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients With Regular Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
Authors: Raman R S , Bhagwan Barge Vijaykumar , Anil Kumar Darivenula , Dandu Himanshu , Rakesh Kartha R , Bafna Varun , Aravinda Vishaly T , Raghuram Thummala C
Published: February 2021

Background

Currently, there is no specific drug for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therapeutic benefits of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have been demonstrated in wide range of diseases. The present study is conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IVIG in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with moderate pneumonia.

Methods

An open-label, multicenter, comparative, randomized study was conducted on COVID-19 patients with moderate pneumonia. One hundred eligible patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio either to receive IVIG + standard of care (SOC) or SOC.

Results

Duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the IVIG group compared with that of SOC alone (7.7 vs 17.5 days). Duration for normalization of body temperature, oxygen saturation, and mechanical ventilation were significantly shorter in IVIG compared with SOC. Percentages of patients on mechanical ventilation in 2 groups were not significantly different (24% vs 38%). Median time to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction negativity was significantly shorter with IVIG than SOC (7 vs 18 days). There were only mild to moderate adverse events in both groups except for 1 patient (2%), who died in SOC.

Conclusions

Intravenous immunoglobulin was safe and efficacious as an adjuvant with other antiviral drugs in the treatment of COVID-19.
Deep Learning-Based Image Classification in Differentiating Tufted Astrocytes, Astrocytic Plaques, and Neuritic Plaques
Authors: Koga Shunsuke , Ghayal Nikhil B , Dickson Dennis W
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based image classification model that can differentiate tufted astrocytes (TA), astrocytic plaques (AP), and neuritic plaques (NP) based on images of tissue sections stained with phospho-tau immunohistochemistry. Phospho-tau-immunostained slides from the motor cortex were scanned at 20× magnification. An automated deep learning platform, Google AutoML, was used to create a model for distinguishing TA in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from AP in corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and NP in Alzheimer disease (AD). A total of 1500 images of representative tau lesions were captured from 35 PSP, 27 CBD, and 33 AD patients. Of those, 1332 images were used for training, and 168 images for cross-validation. We tested the model using 100 additional test images taken from 20 patients of each disease. In cross-validation, precision and recall for each individual lesion type were 100% and 98.0% for TA, 98.5% and 98.5% for AP, and 98.0% and 100% for NP, respectively. In a test set, all images of TA and NP were correctly predicted. Only eleven images of AP were predicted to be TA or NP. Our data indicate the potential usefulness of deep learning-based image classification methods to assist in differential diagnosis of tauopathies.
Successful treatment of emphysematous cholecystitis by laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Funahashi Hitoshi , Komori Tetsuya , Sumita Naoki
Published: February 2021

Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is a severe and rare variant of acute cholecystitis characterized by ischemia of the gallbladder wall with gas-forming bacterial proliferation. Open cholecystectomy is traditionally the gold standard approach to treatment due to difficulty in isolating Calot’s triangle in the setting of intense inflammation. We present a case of EC successfully and safely treated by laparoscopic surgery.
The Role of Lexical Collocation in Luther’s Translation of עָמָל (ʿāmāl) in Eccl. 1:3
Authors: Niggemann Andrew J
Published: February 2021

This article investigates an unexplored facet of Luther’s translation of the Book of Ecclesiastes. It shows how he identified a technical linguistic phenomenon in the Hebrew text known as lexical collocation and how this ultimately shaped a number of his German renderings. This helps to solve an enigma concerning his translation of עָמָל (ʿāmāl) in Eccl. 1:3 in his Deutsche Bibel. This article also illuminates the role of intertexts in Luther’s Bible translation method, demonstrating how he frequently consulted, compared, and ultimately borrowed from multiple texts and languages to formulate his German renderings, far beyond the simple colloquial German of his day—the language of the ‘common man in the market’ and the ‘mother in the home’, which biographers of Luther so often cite. It also furthers the scholarly understanding of certain linguistic aspects of intertextuality which have not been discussed before. Finally, it identifies a number of important implications for Hebrew and German linguistics, Luther studies, and the history of medieval and early modern Bible translation. In short, this research opens up a new window, in an area never before addressed, for studies on one of the most important and influential Bible translators of all time.
How Did Esau Die? On Jewish–Gentile Relations in Pseudepigrapha and Rabbinic Literature
Authors: Hacham Noah
Published: February 2021

The Bible is silent regarding the death of Esau, Jacob’s brother, but Second Temple and rabbinic literature filled the lacuna. Although similar in their basic narrative, these versions differ in significant details, most notably the circumstances of and the person responsible for Esau’s death. This paper examines the extent to which these accounts not only present different views of the fraternal relationship but also reflect divergent attitudes towards Jewish relations with the non-Jewish world that are dictated by the time and place of their authorship. Reflecting its diasporan setting, the version in the Babylonian Talmud, it is shown, employs a particularly complex tactic of message encryption.
Unmarried Lovers in the Song of Songs
Authors: Andruska J L
Published: February 2021

The unmarried status of the lovers in the Song of Songs stands out against the expected cultural norms of an ancient Israelite society and of other more conservative biblical writers. Yet, as this article will argue, human lovers in love songs throughout the ancient Near East appear to be unmarried. The Egyptian love songs depict unmarried human lovers, and a number of new and recently published Akkadian love songs also depict human lovers who appear to be unmarried. Chastity, at least for women, was a common cultural expectation throughout the ancient Near East. Yet, in their love songs the lovers are unmarried, and this contrast with the social expectations of their culture should alert us to the fact that it is likely a mark of genre. Genres need not reflect the social setting within which they are written, and artistic works, like love poetry, often do not depict actual circumstances. Unmarried human lovers appear to have been characteristic of the love song genre in the ancient Near East, and as this article will suggest, this may perhaps explain why the Song of Songs would have been permitted and even gained popularity in such a society.
Aneurysmal Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in an Active Duty U.S. Military Male (Case Report)
Authors: Hussain Ali , Yiu Alvin C , Okonkwo Uzoagu A
Published: February 2021

We present a rare case of four-vessel aortic arch with an aneurysmal aberrant right retro-esophageal subclavian artery (ARSA) in a healthy, asymptomatic active duty U.S. military male. ARSA has a prevalence of 0.6%-1.4%, of which ∼80%-84% are retro-esophageal ARSAs. Intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms are rare and often occur in association with congenital aortic arch anomalies and/or concomitant thoracic aortic pathology. This case adds to three previously documented cases of thoracic aortic disease (TAD) in the U.S. military and is the second documented case of ARSA in the U.S. military. This case highlights successful TAD identification in a service member before clinical decompensation.
While We Endure This Pandemic, What New Respiratory Virus Threats Are We Missing?
Authors: Gray Gregory C , Abdelgadir Anfal
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we review recent human respiratory virus epidemics, their zoonotic nature, and our current inability to identify future prepandemic threats. We propose a cost-efficient, One Health surveillance strategy that will be more efficient and more sustainable than previous efforts.
The Role of Angioplasty Alone in Intracranial Atherosclerosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Cohen-Cohen Salomon , Lanzino Giuseppe , Brinjikji Waleed ,   The Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG), Arthur Adam , Bain Mark , Bendock Bernard , Jo Binning Mandy , Boulos Alan S , Crowley Webster , Fessler Richard , Grande Andrew , Guterman Lee , Hanel Ricardo , Hoit Daniel , Hopkins III L Nelson , Howington Jay , James Robert , Jankowitz Brian , Kan Peter , Khalessi Alex A , Kim Louis , Langer David , Lanzino Giuseppe , Levitt Michael , Levy Elad , Lopes Demetrius , Mack William , Mericle Robert , Mocco J , Ogilvy Chris , Pandey Aditya , Replogle Robert , Riina Howard , Ringer Andrew , Rodriguez Rafael , Saugaveau Eric , Schirmer Clemens , Siddiqui Adnan , Spiotta Alex , Sultan Ali , Tawk Rabih , Thomas Ajith , Turner Raymond , Veznedaroglu Erol , Welch Babu , White Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Intracranial atherosclerosis disease (IAD) is the cause of stroke in up to 10% of cases. Symptomatic IAD results mainly from hypoperfusion, embolic phenomenon, and occlusion. Treatment consists of conservative management with aggressive medical treatment, surgery, and endovascular therapy.
1,2
This video is about a 62-yr-old male who presented with left-sided hemiparesis and right gaze preference secondary to an acute ischemic stroke in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory treated initially with  tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Head computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) revealed occlusion of the extracranial and cavernous segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA). CT perfusion (CTP) showed hypoperfusion in the MCA territory and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal, wedge-shaped areas of restricted diffusion in the right hemisphere. During his hospitalization, he experienced worsening of his symptoms in the setting of hypoperfusion (hypotension). The patient underwent a cerebral angiogram with thrombectomy and submaximal angioplasty (SA). Successful revascularization of the right ICA was obtained. No procedure-related complications occurred, and the patient's neurological exam improved. SA can be as efficient and a safer option than conventional angioplasty or angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic IAD. The patient consented for the procedure and for the video production.
Predictors of Disability Attributed to Symptoms of Increased Interrecti Distance in Women after Childbirth: An Observational Study
Authors: Crommert Martin Eriksson , Flink Ida , Gustavsson Catharina
Published: February 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate how various physical and psychological factors are linked to disability attributed to symptoms from increased interrecti distance (IRD) in women after childbirth.

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, 141 women with an IRD of at least 2 finger-widths and whose youngest child was between the ages of 1 and 8 years participated. A multiple linear regression model was performed, with disability as the outcome variable and fear-avoidance beliefs, emotional distress, body mass index, lumbopelvic pain, IRD, and physical activity level as predictor variables.

Results

The regression model accounted for 60% (R2 = 0.604, adjusted R2 = 0.586) of the variance in disability (F6,132 = 33.5). The 2 strongest predictors were lumbopelvic pain, with a regression coefficient of 1.4 (95% CI = 1.017 to 1.877), and fear avoidance, with a regression coefficient of 0.421 (95% CI = 0.287 to 0.555). The actual IRD, with a regression coefficient of −0.133 (95% CI = −1.154 to 0.888), did not contribute significantly to the variation in disability.

Conclusion

Disability attributed to symptoms from an increased IRD is explained primarily by the level of lumbopelvic pain but also by the degree of fear-avoidance beliefs and emotional distress.

Impact

This study highlights pain intensity and psychological factors as crucial factors for understanding disability attributed to increased IRD.
A methodology for carbamate post-translational modification discovery and its application in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Linthwaite Victoria L. , Cann Martin J.
Published: February 2021

Carbon dioxide can influence cell phenotypes through the modulation of signalling pathways. CO
2
regulates cellular processes as diverse as metabolism, cellular homeostasis, chemosensing and pathogenesis. This diversity of regulated processes suggests a broadly conserved mechanism for CO
2
interactions with diverse cellular targets. CO
2
is generally unreactive but can interact with neutral amines on protein under normal intracellular conditions to form a carbamate post-translational modification (PTM). We have previously demonstrated the presence of this PTM in a subset of protein produced by the model plant species
Arabidopsis thaliana
. Here, we describe a detailed methodology for identifying new carbamate PTMs in an extracted soluble proteome under biologically relevant conditions. We apply this methodology to the soluble proteome of the model prokaryote
Escherichia coli
and identify new carbamate PTMs
.
The application of this methodology, therefore, supports the hypothesis that the carbamate PTM is both more widespread in biology than previously suspected and may represent a broadly relevant mechanism for CO
2
–protein interactions.
Carbon dioxide transport across membranes
Authors: Michenkova Marie , Taki Sara , Blosser Matthew C. , Hwang Hyea J. , Kowatz Thomas , Moss Fraser. J. , Occhipinti Rossana , Qin Xue , Sen Soumyo , Shinn Eric , Wang Dengke , Zeise Brian S. , Zhao Pan , Malmstadt Noah , Vahedi-Faridi Ardeschir , Tajkhorshid Emad , Boron Walter F.
Published: February 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) movement across cellular membranes is passive and governed by Fick's law of diffusion. Until recently, we believed that gases cross biological membranes exclusively by dissolving in and then diffusing through membrane lipid. However, the observation that some membranes are CO2impermeable led to the discovery of a gas molecule moving through a channel; namely, CO2diffusion through aquaporin-1 (AQP1). Later work demonstrated CO2diffusion through rhesus (Rh) proteins and NH3diffusion through both AQPs and Rh proteins. The tetrameric AQPs exhibit differential selectivity for CO2versus NH3versus H2O, reflecting physico-chemical differences among the small molecules as well as among the hydrophilic monomeric pores and hydrophobic central pores of various AQPs. Preliminary work suggests that NH3moves through the monomeric pores of AQP1, whereas CO2moves through both monomeric and central pores. Initial work on AQP5 indicates that it is possible to create a metal-binding site on the central pore's extracellular face, thereby blocking CO2movement. The trimeric Rh proteins have monomers with hydrophilic pores surrounding a hydrophobic central pore. Preliminary work on the bacterial Rh homologue AmtB suggests that gas can diffuse through the central pore and three sets of interfacial clefts between monomers. Finally, initial work indicates that CO2diffuses through the electrogenic Na/HCO3cotransporter NBCe1. At least in some cells, CO2-permeable proteins could provide important pathways for transmembrane CO2movements. Such pathways could be amenable to cellular regulation and could become valuable drug targets.
Hospitalizations for emergency-sensitive conditions in Germany during the Covid-19 pandemic Insights from the German-wide Helios hospital network
Authors: Bollmann Andreas , Hohenstein Sven , Pellissier Vincent , König Sebastian , Ueberham Laura , Hindricks Gerhard , Meier-Hellmann Andreas , Kuhlen Ralf
Published: February 2021

Background

While there are numerous reports that describe emergency care during the early Covid-19 pandemic, there is scarcity of data for later stages. This study analyzes hospitalization rates for 37 emergency-sensitive conditions in the largest German-wide hospital network during different pandemic phases.

Methods

Using claims data of 80 hospitals, consecutive cases between January 1 and November 17, 2020 were analyzed and compared to a corresponding period in 2019. Incidence-rate ratios (IRR) comparing the both periods were calculated using Poisson regression to model the number of hospitalizations per day.

Results

There was a hospitalization deficit between March 12 and June 13, 2020 (coinciding with the 1st pandemic wave) with 32,807 hospitalizations as opposed to 39,379 in 2019 (IRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.82 – 0.85, P<0.01). During the following period (June 14 to November 17, 2020, including the start of 2nd wave), hospitalizations were reduced from 63,799 in 2019 to 59,910 in 2020, but this reduction was not that pronounced (IRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93 – 0.95, P<0.01). There was an increase in hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, aortic aneurism/dissection and pulmonary embolism after the 1st wave during which hospitalizations had been reduced for those conditions. In contrast, hospitalizations for sepsis, pneumonia, obstructive pulmonary disease, and intracranial injuries were reduced during the entire pandemic.

Conclusions

There was an overall reduction of hospitalizations for emergency-sensitive conditions in Germany during the Covid-19 pandemic with heterogeneous effects on different disease categories. The increase of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, aortic aneurism/dissection and pulmonary embolism is an alarming signal that requires attention and further studies.

KEY MESSAGES

What is already known on this subject

There has been a reduction in emergency room visits and hospital admissions for several emergent medical and surgical conditions during the early Covid-19 pandemic (1st wave).

What this study adds

Using claims data of 80 German-wide Helios hospitals, we found an overall reduction of hospitalizations for emergency-sensitive conditions in Germany during the Covid-19 pandemic until mid November 2020 with heterogeneous effects on different disease categories. While hospitalizations for sepsis, pneumonia, obstructive pulmonary disease, and intracranial injuries were reduced during the entire pandemic. There was an alarming increase of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, aortic aneurism/dissection and pulmonary embolism after the 1st wave.
How has the prevalence of smoking cigarettes among HIV-infected patients changed over the last decade? Single-center analysis
Authors: Tochman Pola , Mikuła Tomasz , Wiercińska-Drapało Alicja
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The WHO report from 2016 estimates the prevalence of smoking as 22% worldwide and 28% in Poland. The prevalence of smoking in HIV-infected persons is 2-3 times higher than in the general population. The study conducted in 2009 in our department among n=116 HIV-infected patients showed 87.1% smoking cigarettes at least 2.5 pack-years (85.0% of males and 93.5% of females). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the change in the prevalence of cigarette smoking among HIV-infected patients over the last decade.

Methods

We analyzed data from the survey conducted in n=204 HIV-infected patients hospitalized from November 2018 to November 2019 in our department. The survey included: age; sex, number of cigarettes smoked daily presently and in the past, the number of years as a smoker; the influence of HIV diagnosis on the number of cigarettes smoked.

Results

Among all n=204 patients current smokers n=78/204 (38.2%) with n=65/176 (36.9%) males and n=13/28 (46.4%) females. Among all n=115 current smokers and ex-smokers n=29 (25.2%) diagnosing the HIV infection had an impact on their smoking habits: n=26 (89.7%) increased and n=3 - all males (10.3%) decreased the number of smoked cigarettes.

Conclusion

The prevalence of smoking cigarettes among HIV-infected individuals in our department has decreased since 2009 but is still much higher than in the general population. The outcome indicates the need to improve smoking education provided by HIV care professionals. Smoking cessation guidance or treatment should become an integral part of HIV care for patients to fully benefit from antiretroviral therapy.
RNA expression classifiers from a model of breast epithelial cell organization to predict pathological complete response in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Chen Joan W. , Russell Ryan P. , Desai Trushna , Fiel-Gan Mary , Bhat Varun , de Fátima Dias Gaui Maria , Amendola Luis Claudio , Vasconcelos Zilton , Brufsky Adam M. , Fournier Marcia V. , Tannenbaum Susan H.
Published: February 2021

Pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is correlated with better outcomes for breast cancer, especially for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We developed RNA expression classifiers from a model of breast epithelial cell organization to predict which patients will achieve pCR to NAC, and which will have residual disease (RD). An exclusive collection of retrospective formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pretreatment biopsies from 222 multi-institutional breast cancer patients treated with NAC, including 90 TNBC patients, were processed using standard procedures. A novel strategy using machine learning algorithms and statistical cross-validation were used to develop predictive classifiers based on AmpliSeq differential gene expression analysis of patient samples. Two RNA expression classifiers of 18 genes and 15 genes applied sequentially to the total cohort, classified patients into three distinct classes which accurately identified 83.75% of pCR and 86.62% of RD patients in the total population, and 92.10% of pCR and 80.77% of RD patients in the TNBC subset. This new approach identified a subset of TNBC patients predicted to have RD showing significantly higher levels of Ki-67 expression and having significantly poorer survival rates than the other TNBC patients. Stratification of patients may allow identification of TNBC patients with the worst prognosis prior to NAC, allowing for personalized treatments with the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Statement of Significance

Stratification of TNBC patients by prognosis prior to NAC, may allow for more personalized treatment approaches with the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity.
Analyzing Healthcare Safety Climate Through A Collaborative Filtering of Safety Attitudes Questionnaire for A Hospital Case Study
Authors: Huang Huiyu , Chou Chun-An , Weng Shao-Jen , Wu Chieh-Liang
Published: February 2021

Background

Patient safety climate in healthcare is an important element to improve quality of current healthcare system globally. Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), one of measurable tools for patient safety climate, is applied as an effective research survey to collect opinions and information from medical workers in a long term.

Method

SAQ data in this study consists of medical employee scores to 46 questions in 8 aspects or dimensions and personal information during 2014 to 2017 from a teaching hospital. A quantitative analysis with a core user based collaborative filtering method is conducted to analyze the SAQ data for discovering the latent inter-related pattern among different SAQ aspects of sub-sectors in this hospital for four years.

Results

There are not interrelationships between these 8 independent aspects for wards at different level (A, B and C) consistently across 4 years. The correlation patterns of aspects are not strong consistent over years for wards.

Conclusion

Observations in this study can be used to support understanding patient safety climate assessment. They are contributed to further study in this area and understand SAQ aspects dynamically in a real hospital case.
Learning Sparse Log-Ratios for High-Throughput Sequencing Data
Authors: Gordon-Rodriguez Elliott , Quinn Thomas P. , Cunningham John P.
Published: February 2021

The automatic discovery of sparse biomarkers that are associated with an outcome of interest is a central goal of bioinformatics. In the context of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data, andcompositional data(CoDa) more generally, an important class of biomarkers are the log-ratios between the input variables. However, identifying predictive log-ratio biomarkers from HTS data is a combinatorial optimization problem, which is computationally challenging. Existing methods are slow to run and scale poorly with the dimension of the input, which has limited their application to low- and moderate-dimensional metagenomic datasets. Building on recent advances from the field of deep learning, we presentCoDaCoRe, a novel learning algorithm that identifies sparse, interpretable, and predictive log-ratio biomarkers. Our algorithm exploits acontinuous relaxationto approximate the underlying combinatorial optimization problem. This relaxation can then be optimized efficiently using the modern ML toolbox, in particular, gradient descent. As a result, CoDaCoRe runs several orders of magnitude faster than competing methods, all while achieving state-of-the-art performance in terms of predictive accuracy and sparsity. We verify the outperformance of CoDaCoRe across a wide range of microbiome, metabolite, and microRNA benchmark datasets, as well as a particularly high-dimensional dataset that is outright computationally intractable for existing sparse log-ratio selection methods.1
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethyl 2-[9-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-1,8-dioxo-2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8a,9,9a,10,10a-dodecahydroacridin-10-yl]acetate
Authors: Allah Omyma A. A. Abd , Kaur Manpreet , Akkurt Mehmet , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Elgarhy Sahar M. I.
Published: February 2021

In the title compound, C27H33NO5, a 3,3,6,6-tetramethyltetrahydroacridine-1,8-dione ring system carries an ethyl acetate substituent on the acridine N atom and an o-hydroxyphenyl ring on the central methine C atom of the dihydropyridine ring. The benzene ring is inclined to the acridine ring system at an angle of 80.45 (7)° and this conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the hydroxy substituent on the benzene ring and one of the carbonyl groups of the acridinedione unit. The ester C=O oxygen atom is disordered over major and minor orientations in a 0.777 (9):0.223 (9) ratio and the terminal –CH3 unit of the ethyl side chain is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.725 (5): 0.275 (5) ratio. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds combine to link the molecules into a three-dimensional network. van der Waals H...H contacts contribute the most to the Hirshfeld surface (66.9%) followed by O...H/H...O (22.1%) contacts associated with weak hydrogen bonds.
Critical success factors for cost management in public-housing projects
Authors: Obi Lovelin Ifeoma , Arif Mohammed , Awuzie Bankole , Islam Rubina , Gupta Aman Deep , Walton Robert
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in public-housing projects. This paper aims to analyse the vital underlying factors surrounding the successful cost management process (CMP) outcomes in public housing projects (PHPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document success factors affecting cost performances and management. In stage two, brainstorming sessions were undertaken with construction experts knowledgeable in cost management practices and have been involved in PHPs. These sessions were used to refine those success factors for the PHPs settings and define their criticality with respect to the CMP stages using interpretive ranking process. In stage three, focus group sessions were performed to validate the interrelationships of the contextualised critical success factors.

Findings

The top three most critical factors for successful implementation and outcomes at all CMP stages in PHPs settings were found to relate to competencies, team qualities and collaborative practices of the project team. Early contractor involvement and effective construction planning and management also emerged relevant to the process.

Practical implications

Government project departments, project managers and construction organisations (consultants and contractors) need to commit and mandate continuous development of cost management competencies for all professionals engaged in PHPs. Channels supporting team integration and collaborative practices between design and construction teams are required to increase the likelihood of successful project cost management practice and outcomes in PHPs.

Originality/value

The research has developed a factor-process relationship model that can be used to improve and evaluate the efficacy of CMP implementation in PHP settings.
Determinants of research output submission in institutional repositories by faculty members in Nigerian universities
Authors: Onyebinama Colette Ogugua , Anunobi Chinwe Veronica , Onyebinama Uzochukwu Anelechi Ubaferem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine and analyze the rate of content submission by lecturers in relation to type of university, discipline, academic qualification, rank and teaching experience and identified the determinants of research output submission by faculty members in Nigerian varsities.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted in six universities with functional institutional repositories in Southern Nigeria. Data collated through questionnaire from the university lecturers were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages and regression analysis.

Findings

Results showed that submission of research output was higher for lecturers in Social Sciences than for those in the Sciences; the highest among those with doctorate degree, senior lecturers and those with 6–10 years of teaching experience. The rank of faculty members and the type of university were significant determinants of research output submission.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was limited to universities in Southern Nigeria with functional institutional repositories. There should be further investigations on same study in universities with functional institutional repositories in other regions in Nigeria.

Practical implications

Increased submission rate by faculty members will sustain the institutional repositories.

Social implications

Faculty members get in contact, make friends and engage in collaborative research.

Originality/value

This report contributes to the global knowledge and communication’s field through the provision of empirical evidence on the determinants of content submission in open access institutional repositories.
The effect of winning-losing perception on consumers’ variety-seeking behavior
Authors: Chang En-Chung , Wen Beixi , Tang Xiaofei
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of winning-losing perception, including the winning or losing result and the closeness of this result, on consumers’ subsequent variety-seeking behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experimental designs, one with a modified version of the Tetris game, were used to show how and when winning or losing perceptions will influence individuals’ variety-seeking behavior.

Findings

Consumers who have failed in a competition or not achieved a goal tend to seek less variety in their later consumption than do consumers who have succeeded because losing feedback weakens consumers’ perception of their control of personal mastery. This effect only exists when the closeness of winning or losing is narrow (e.g. the success is just missed) and diminishes when the result is clear and obvious.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has systematically explored the interaction between winning-losing outcomes and the closeness of these outcomes.

Practical implications

This study offers marketing managers practical guidance on how to use competition results to conduct marketing activities, such as transmitting advertisements for classic flavors to those who have lost in a video game or properly increasing the proportion of new flavors or products in stores or vending machines near sports venues.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on competition, which has largely overlooked the possible moderating role of the closeness of the competition result and its influence on individuals’ follow-up irrelevant behaviors and it also adds to the work on variety-seeking behavior, which has not explored the impact of winning-losing perception.
Why medical journalism wins public health journalism: systems thinking recommendations for health-promoting media
Authors: Mohammadi Samira , Ramezankhani Ali , Montazeri Ali , Nasrollahi Akbar , Keshavarz Mohammadi Nastaran
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Health-related issues are widely covered in news agencies by medical and health journalists. The quantity, format and quality of their coverage influence the general public as well as policymakers and professions. Current studies and observations suggest that news agencies are more dominated by medical topics (disease, symptoms, epidemiology, treatment and medicines) than general public health issues (risk prevention, health protection, education and promotion). This study explores the causes of the current situation in Iran and generates solutions for supporting health-promoting media that may also prove beneficial for other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted to explore the coverage of health-related topics in selected news agencies. Stakeholders, including health journalists, health professionals and public relations staff at the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education were interviewed. Data were collected until data saturation was reached. The transcripts of all the 17 interviews conducted were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Findings

Four groups of causes were identified, including individual factors, organizational factors, socioeconomic factors and the different nature of medicine and public health. The participants proposed several solutions that were classified into three categories, including the empowerment of stakeholders through capacity development, organizational change and mutual communication and culture change.

Originality/value

Creating health-promoting media is a complex but urgent task, and providing a comprehensive and deep understanding of the dynamic interdependencies of the multiple factors at play in it and developing and implementing the most effective interventions for it requires a systematic approach.