bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extend an Embrace: The Availability of Hugs Is an Associate of Higher Self-Rated Health in Later Life
Authors: Rogers-Jarrell Tia , Eswaran Arun , Meisner Brad A.
Published: September 2020

This study examined the relationship between the “availability of hugs” and self-rated health (SRH) in later life. Data of 20,258 older adults, aged 65 years and greater, were analyzed from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Logistic regression techniques were used to estimate the association between the availability of hugs and reporting higher SRH. Results demonstrated that participants who had hugs available to them “all,” “most,” and “some” of the time had significantly greater odds of reporting higher SRH than those who reported hugs available to them “none of the time” ( ORrange = 1.31–1.46, 95% CIrange = [1.10–1.74], prange = .01–.001). The availability of hugs was a stronger or more reliable associate of SRH than other established associates. As such, the potential health promoting role of hugs can be supported. Future research should examine the appropriate contexts, settings, and implementation practices for hugging interventions among consenting older adults.
Review of Current Vaccine Development Strategies to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Bennet Bindu M. , Wolf Jayanthi , Laureano Rodrigo , Sellers Rani S.
Published: September 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 resulted in a pandemic not seen for a century, and there is an urgent need to develop safe and efficacious vaccines. The scientific community has made tremendous efforts to understand the disease, and unparalleled efforts are ongoing to develop vaccines and treatments. Toxicologists and pathologists are involved in these efforts to test the efficacy and safety of vaccine candidates. Presently, there are several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in clinical trials, and the pace of vaccine development has been highly accelerated to meet the urgent need. By 2021, efficacy and safety data from clinical trials are expected, and potentially a vaccine will be available for those most at risk. This review focuses on the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development efforts with emphasis on the nonclinical safety assessment and discusses emerging preliminary data from nonclinical and clinical studies. It also provides a brief overview on vaccines for other coronaviruses, since experience gained from these can be useful in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. This review will also explain why, despite this unprecedented pace of vaccine development, rigorous standards are in place to ensure nonclinical and clinical safety and efficacy.

[Box: see text]
Normalized Heterotopia as a Market Failure in a Spatial Marketing System: The Case of Gated Communities in India
Authors: Roy Chaudhuri Himadri , Jagadale Sujit Raghunathrao
Published: September 2020

This article explores the spatial marketing system in India. It highlights a case where market failure is institutionalized through the normalization of heterotopia in the consumption of gated communities (GCs). We build on the earlier work by Bargends and by Sandberg on spatial marketing systems to discuss the consumption of exclusive space. We find that the gated community leads to heterotopic relations, fantasized living and, the pursuit of identity through spatial purification. This research contributes to macromarketing research by offering three theoretical interpretations of our qualitative study of residents of a gated community in India. First, spatial inequality is found to be a defining process in this spatial marketing system. The creation of such disparities is a deliberate strategy by dominant consumers to ‘other’ the outsiders. This spatial segregation is seen as a market failure. Secondly, branded space emerges as a trope for decoupling with local lower class surroundings through a process of postcolonial mimesis. In the process of imitating the West, residents engage in self-captivity and voluntary seclusion to achieve spatial purification. Thirdly, we extend marketing systems theory by locating spatial purification-related processes and mechanisms at the heart of marketing systems formation and adaptive change.
Awareness of the risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw among bisphosphonate users
Authors: El-Ma’aita Ahmad , Da’as Noor , Al-Hattab Mais , Hassona Yazan , Al-Rabab’ah Mohammad , Al-Kayed Mohammad-Awni
Published: September 2020

Objective

In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated awareness among patients using bisphosphonates (BPs) regarding the risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and whether they received appropriate dental screening and treatment prior to commencing medication.

Methods

Patients using BPs who attended the endodontics clinic at Jordan University Hospital in 2019 were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests.

Results

In total, 110 patients were interviewed (84 women, 26 men; age 40–78 years). A total of 94 patients were using oral BP and 16 received intravenous (IV) BP. We found that only 12.4% of participants were aware about the risk of MRONJ following BP use, and only one third of them has received information from their prescribing physicians. In total, 5% of participants were referred to a dentist for screening prior to initiating BP treatment. Patients receiving IV BP and those with a university-level education had better awareness about the risk of MRONJ than oral BP users and those with a high school education level.

Conclusion

Patients’ awareness about MRONJ risk was low in our population. Better patient education and collaboration among physicians and dentists are needed prior to starting BP treatment.
Fear for All Women: European women’s fear of harassment and aggression in public spaces
Authors: Moreno María José González , Prados Juan Sebastián Fernández , Cuenca-Piqueras Cristina
Published: September 2020

This work is based on the inequality that women suffer in public spaces, with fear being a constant in their lives. Women must learn to live to accept a limited and constrained existence. Based on this approach, this research establishes a European description and comparison of the insecurities, fears, or concerns expressed by women facing the risk of aggression/harassment, and the prevalence of sexual harassment in public spaces. For this, we used the Survey on Violence Against Women in the European Union (EU; 2012). In the fieldwork, we performed a factorial analysis, as well as a logistic regression analysis between the sociodemographic variables (age, educational level, income, and habitat) and prevalence of physical or virtual sexual harassment. In general, while European women report that they have suffered harassment to a considerable extent, there are even greater concerns or fear of abuse or aggression in public spaces. A fundamental fact is that there is a significant correlation between the prevalence of harassment and per capita income, such that those countries with the highest economic development show a higher incidence of harassment towards women. Similarly, European countries with higher standards of equality show a greater incidence and prevention against the risk of harassment or aggression, particularly among young women. Some results suggest that more than half of Europeans avoid certain spaces or places for fear of being attacked. The main European powers, which have higher standards of equality, report the most harmful instances of behavior against women in public spaces in relation to harassment or fear. The results obtained prompt the conclusion that socialization towards European women is both victimizing and discriminatory.
Quality of Life Among Breast and Colon Cancer Patients Before and After First-Cycle Chemotherapy
Authors: Zamel Osama N. , Inocian Ergie P. , Alshehry Abdualrahman S. , Tumala Regie B. , Patalagsa Joel G. , Alsaleh Khalid A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

This study aimed to compare the functioning, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast or colon cancer before and after their first-cycle (FC) chemotherapy.

Design:

One-group pretest/posttest design.

Method:

The study utilized the standardized Arabic-translated Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer in measuring the functioning, symptoms, and QoL of 120 Saudi patients diagnosed with breast or colon cancer. Dependent t test was used in analyzing the presence of significant differences in mean scores before and after chemotherapy with periods ranging from 14 days to 21 days following the treatment protocol.

Results:

The findings revealed significant differences in the functioning, symptoms, and QoL among patients with breast or colon cancer before and after FC chemotherapy ( p < .001). Baseline scores showed higher physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; lesser symptoms; lower financial difficulties; and better overall global health status compared to post-FC chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Assessing the QoL of patients with breast or colon cancer undergoing FC chemotherapy is essential to establish a holistic care plan in supporting and alleviating the unfavorable effects of chemotherapy and implement patient-centered interventions that aid in the enhancement of their overall QoL.
Cell-free DNA profiling in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Truszewska Anna , Wirkowska Agnieszka , Gala Kamila , Truszewski Piotr , Krzemień-Ojak Łucja , Perkowska-Ptasińska Agnieszka , Mucha Krzysztof , Pączek Leszek , Foroncewicz Bartosz
Published: September 2020

Background

Increased level of cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and might be related to disease activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cfDNA integrity, size distribution and concentration of different cfDNA fractions is associated with lupus activity and kidney involvement.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 43 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls. Nuclear and mitochondrial fractions of cfDNA and intracellular DNA were quantified by real-time qPCR. Sizing and quantification of total cfDNA level was performed on Bioanalyzer.

Results

We determined four parameters that characterized cfDNA profile: fragmentation index, ratio of intra- to extracellular mtDNA copy number, cfDNA concentration, and presence of 54–149 bp and 209–297 bp fragments. Patients with healthy-like cfDNA profile had higher eGFR ( P = 0.009) and more often no indications for kidney biopsy or less advanced lupus nephritis (LN) ( P = 0.037). In contrary, SLE patients with distinct cfDNA profile (characterized by increased cfDNA concentration and fragmentation, higher discrepancy between intra- to extracellular mtDNA copy number, and the presence of 54–149 bp and 209–297 bp fragments) had lower eGFR ( P = 0.005) and more often advanced LN or history of renal transplantation ( P = 0.001).

Conclusions

We showed that cfDNA profiling may help to distinguish SLE patients with renal involvement and severe disease course from patients with more favorable outcomes. We suggest cfDNA profile a promising SLE biomarker.
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act: Challenges for a post-COVID world?
Authors: Fellows Jamie , Chong Mark David
Published: September 2020

When the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) struck in early 2020, the Commonwealth government eased reporting deadlines and extended the date for firms required to submit modern slavery statements under Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). The economic recession caused by COVID-19 has produced the necessary conditions for further exploitation and enslavement of vulnerable individuals. This article asserts that, even without COVID-19, the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) in its current form will do little to address forms of modern slavery such as sexual exploitation, forced marriage, trafficking and domestic servitude. This is because the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) primarily targets labour exploitation and requires suppliers to voluntarily disclose their involvement with modern slavery.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Screen Time, Sleep and a Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Childhood
Authors: Levelink Birgit , van der Vlegel Marjolein , Mommers Monique , Gubbels Jessica , Dompeling Edward , Feron Frans J.M. , van Zeben-van der Aa Dorothea M.C.B. , Hurks Petra , Thijs Carel
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To evaluate longitudinal associations between recreational screen time and sleep in early childhood, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 8 to 10 years.

Method:

Questionnaires from 2,768 mother-child pairs from the Dutch KOALA Birth Cohort Study were used. General estimating equation logistic regression analyses examined associations between screen time and sleep at age 2, 4, and 6, and ADHD at age 8 to 10. Linear regression analysis examined associations between television time, sleep and CBCL/2-3 scores at age 2.

Results:

Longitudinally, neither screen time nor sleep were associated with ADHD. Cross-sectionally, CBCL/2-3 externalizing symptom scores increased by 0.03 with every hour television time (95% CI 0.002–0.05) and increased by 0.02 per hour of less sleep (95% CI −0.03–−0.01).

Conclusion:

Despite an association with externalizing symptoms at age 2, screen time and sleep in early childhood were not associated with ADHD. Carefulness is warranted when extrapolating cross-sectional associations at early age to an ADHD diagnosis.
Special Educators as Coaches to Support Paraprofessional Implementation of Functional Communication Training
Authors: Walker Virginia L. , Carpenter Megan E. , Clausen Amy , Ealer Katherine , Lyon Kristin J.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of special educators’ delivery of training that included an initial training session and follow-up coaching on paraprofessional implementation of an evidence-based practice for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three special educators each trained a paraprofessional in their classroom to implement functional communication training (FCT) to address the challenging behavior of a student with ASD. The training procedures incorporated the following aspects of behavioral skills training: instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. Training from special educators resulted in high levels of paraprofessional FCT implementation that maintained over time for two paraprofessionals. Special educators and paraprofessionals found the training to be practical and effective. We present implications for practice and future research directions for paraprofessional training models focused on challenging behavior interventions.
Incidence and predictive factors of problems after fixation of trochanteric hip fractures with sliding hip screw or intramedullary devices
Authors: Page Piers R J , Field Michael H , Vetharajan Niraj , Smith Adam , Duggleby Luke , Cazzola Dario , Whitehouse Michael R , Gill Richie
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Hip fractures are common and disabling injuries, usually managed surgically. The most common type outside the joint capsule are trochanteric fractures, usually fixed with either sliding hip screw or intramedullary nail. Data are available in the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) on early failure and other major complications, but late or subtler complications may escape recording. This study sought to quantify such problems after fixation performed at 3different sites and identify their predictors.

Methods:

Patients with a trochanteric fracture treated at 1 of 3 sites were identified from the NHFD over a 3-year period. Any with further, related episodes of care were identified, and reasons recorded, then age- and sex-matched with those with no such episodes. Data was collected on Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen classification, tip-apex distance, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, Abbreviated Mental Test Score and pre-injury mobility. The cohorts were compared, and a binomial logistic regression model used to identify predictors of problems.

Results:

A total of 4010 patients were entered in the NHFD across 3 sites between January 2013 and December 2015. Of these, 1260 sustained trochanteric fractures and 57 (4.5%) subsequently experienced problems leading to re-presentation. The most common was failure of fixation, occurring in 22 patients (1.7%). The binomial logistic regression model explained 47.6% of the variance in incidence of postoperative problems with ASA grade and tip-apex distance being predictive.

Discussion:

The incidence of re-presentation with problems was around of 5%. A failure rate of less than 2% was seen, in keeping with existing data. This study has quantified the incidence of subtler postoperative problems and identified their predictors. The type of implant used was not amongst them and patients with both implants experienced problems. Fixation continues to yield imperfect results, but patient health and robust surgical technique remain important factors in a good outcome.
Feelings of depression, pain and walking difficulties have the largest impact on the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis, irrespective of clinical phenotype
Authors: Zhang Yan , Taylor Bruce V , Simpson Steve , Blizzard Leigh , Campbell Julie A , Palmer Andrew J , van der Mei Ingrid
Published: September 2020

Background:

The symptoms that have the largest impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may vary by MS phenotype (relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS)). Knowing these symptoms assists in symptom management.

Objective:

To examine the associations between 13 common MS symptoms and HRQoL in the total sample and stratified by MS phenotype.

Method:

The study included 1985 participants. HRQoL was measured with two multi-attribute utility instruments: assessment of quality of life with eight dimensions (AQoL-8D) and European quality of life with five dimensions and five levels for each dimension (EQ-5D-5L). Multivariable linear regression was used to identify the symptoms that had the largest impact on the HRQoLs.

Results:

Feelings of depression, pain, fatigue, and feelings of anxiety were most strongly associated with AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5L. Walking difficulties additionally contributed to reduced EQ-5D-5L. The strongest single predictors in the multivariable analyses were feelings of depression or pain for AQoL-8D and walking difficulties for EQ-5D-5L, irrespective of MS phenotype.

Conclusion:

The strongest single predictors for the AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5L were feelings of depression, pain and walking difficulties, irrespective of MS phenotype. Reducing these symptoms may have the largest impact on improving HRQoL in all MS phenotypes of people with MS.
Suicide and “do not resuscitate”: An ethical dilemma
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Tariq , Ahad Abdul , Ayub Samia , Kruer James
Published: September 2020

Advance directives allow people to accept or decline medical interventions and to appoint surrogate decision makers if they become incapacitated. Living wills are written in ambiguous terms and require interpretation by clinical providers. Living wills cannot cover all conceivable end-of-life decisions. There is too much variability in clinical decision making to make an all-encompassing living will possible. While there are many limitations of advance directives, this article reviews some of the most troublesome ethical dilemmas with regard to advance directives.
College Student Aspiration as a Motivation for Engagement: The Road to Academic Success?
Authors: Moody Shanna , Bowden Randall , Brock Jesse , Bunch Phillis
Published: September 2020

Student retention has not changed in almost 40 years despite the plethora of attention. Maybe it is time to look at it differently. The study examines the relationships of parental education level, educational aspirations, and engagement. The National Survey of Student Engagement data were used in the analyses, but it raised questions about the nature of engagement. Results showed a shift from traditional thinking. Parental education levels, student aspirations, and engagement are not necessarily linked. Implications suggest that with each new generation, there are a different set engagement values. Future research should examine how engagement is conceptualized and its relationship to retention.
Lost in Space: How a Single, Directionless Protein Can Cause So Much Mayhem
Authors: Salvati Kathryn A. , Beenhakker Mark P.
Published: September 2020

[Box: see text]
Does Benevolent Leadership Promote Follower Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior? A Social Identity Perspective
Authors: Shaw Kang-Hwa , Liao Hung-Yi
Published: September 2020

This study uses the social identity perspective to explore the influence of benevolent leadership on followers’ unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). We also investigate the mediating role of supervisor identification and the moderating role of moral identity in the relationship between benevolent leadership and the followers’ UPB. We used a questionnaire survey to collect followers’ data in China at two points in time, resulting in 257 usable followers’ responses to test our hypotheses. The results show that benevolent leadership can predict follower UPB through supervisor identification. Moreover, moral identity moderates the relationship between benevolent leadership and follower UPB, as well as that between supervisor identification and follower UPB. Finally, moderated-mediation analysis revealed moral identity moderated the benevolent leadership indirect effect on the follower UPB via supervisor identification. Managers can use the insights in this study to monitor the influence of benevolence on UPB.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Cognitive Training Induces Response Inhibition Facilitation Through Distinct Neural Responses According to the Stimulation Site: A Follow-up Event-Related Potentials Study
Authors: Dousset Clémence , Ingels Anaïs , Schröder Elisa , Angioletti Laura , Balconi Michela , Kornreich Charles , Campanella Salvatore
Published: September 2020

Objective

We investigated whether the mid-term impact (1 week posttraining) of a “combined cognitive rehabilitation (CRP)/transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) program” on the performance of a Go/No-go task was enhanced compared with isolated CRP and whether it varied according to the stimulation site (right inferior frontal gyrus [rIFG] vs right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [rDLPFC]).

Methods

A total of 150 healthy participants were assigned to (1) an Inhibition Training (IT) group, (2) a group receiving active tDCS over the rIFG in combination with IT (IT + IF), (3) a group receiving active tDCS over the rDLPFC in combination with IT (IT + DL), (4) a group receiving IT with sham tDCS (ITsham), and (5) a No-Training (NT) group to control for test-retest effects. Each group undertook 3 sessions of a Go/No-go task concomitant with the recording of event-related potentials (T0, before training; T1, at the end of a 4-day training session [20 minutes each day]; T2, 1 week after T1).

Results

With the exception of the NT participants, all the groups exhibited improved performances at T2. The IT + DL group exhibited the best improvement profile, indexed by faster response times (RTs) (T0 > T1 = T2), with a reduced rate of errors at the posttraining sessions compared with both T0 and T1. This “inhibitory learning effect” was neurophysiologically indexed by shorter No-go N2d latencies and enhanced No-go P3d amplitudes.

Conclusion

CRP combined with active tDCS over the rDLPFC appears to be optimal for boosting long-term (one week) inhibitory skills as it induced specific and robust neural changes.
Comparison of 4 Screening Methods for Detecting Fluoropyrimidine Toxicity Risk: Identification of the Most Effective, Cost-Efficient Method to Save Lives
Authors: Capitain Olivier , Seegers Valérie , Metges Jean-Philippe , Faroux Roger , Stampfli Claire , Ferec Marc , Budnik Tamara Matysiak , Senellart Hélène , Rossi Valérie , Blouin Nadège , Dauvé Jonathan , Campone Mario
Published: September 2020

Background:

Fluoropyrimidines (FPs) carry around 20% risk of G3-5 toxicity and 0.2-1% risk of death, due to dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Several screening approaches exist for predicting toxicity, however there is ongoing debate over which method is best. This study compares 4 screening approaches.

Method:

472 patients treated for colorectal, head-and-neck, breast, or pancreatic cancers, who had not been tested pre-treatment for FP toxicity risk, were screened using: DPYD genotyping (G); phenotyping via plasma Uracil (U); phenotyping via plasma-dihydrouracil/uracil ratio (UH2/U); and a Multi-Parametric Method (MPM) using genotype, phenotype, and epigenetic data. Performance was compared, particularly the inability to detect at-risk patients (false negatives).

Results:

False negative rates for detecting G5 toxicity risk were 51.2%, 19.5%, 9.8% and 2.4%, for G, U, UH2/U and MPM, respectively. False negative rates for detecting G4-5 toxicity risk were 59.8%, 36.1%, 21.3% and 4.7%, respectively. MPM demonstrated significantly (p < 0.001) better prediction performance.

Conclusion:

MPM is the most effective method for limiting G4-5 toxicity. Its systematic implementation is cost-effective and significantly improves the risk-benefit ratio of FP-treatment. The use of MPM, rather than G or U testing, would avoid nearly 8,000 FP-related deaths per year globally (500 in France), and spare hundreds of thousands from G4 toxicity.
Capability of processed EEG parameters to monitor conscious sedation in endoscopy is similar to general anaesthesia
Authors: Garbe Jakob , Eisenmann Stephan , Kantelhardt Jan W. , Duenninghaus Florian , Michl Patrick , Rosendahl Jonas
Published: September 2020

Background

Reliable and safe sedation is a prerequisite for endoscopic interventions. The current standard is rather safe, yet, an objective device to measure sedation depth is missing. To date, anaesthesia monitors based on processed electroencephalogram (EEG) have not been utilised in conscious sedation.

Objective

To investigate EEG parameters to differentiate consciousness in endoscopic propofol sedation.

Methods

In total, 171 patients aged 21–83 years (ASA I–III) undergoing gastrointestinal and bronchial endoscopy were enrolled. Standard monitoring and a frontotemporal two‐channel EEG were recorded. The state of consciousness was identified by repeated requests to squeeze the investigator's hand.

Results

In total, 1132 state‐of‐consciousness (SOC) transitions were recorded in procedures ranging from 5 to 69 min. Thirty‐four EEG parameters from the frequency domain, time‐frequency domain and complexity measures were calculated. Area under the curve ranged from 0.51 to 0.82 with complexity and optimised frequency domain parameters yielding the best results.

Conclusion

Prediction of the SOC with processed EEG parameters is feasible, and the results for sedation in endoscopic procedures are similar to those reported from general anaesthesia. These results are insufficient for a clinical application, but prediction capability may be increased with optimisation and modelling.
Why a Group Relations Perspective is Valuable for Organisation Development: Insights from Indian Experience
Authors: Viswanath Rosemary
Published: September 2020

Group relations (GR)-influenced approaches have been used by practitioners in India since the mid-1970s to consult to organisational systems. This article focuses on the relevance of this framework to organisational leaders and consultants who wish to deploy their skills to manage change. It draws largely on the author’s experience of organisation development (OD) in India, approached from a GR lens. Providing an introduction to the main strands of GR work, the article goes on to argue that these are invaluable to anyone interested in OD, accompanied by brief examples of how a GR approach throws light on what may be happening. The competencies that GR-influenced consultants and leaders deploy, and some challenges that may be thrown up specifically in the Indian context, are also reflected on.
“Changing the channel”: Hybrid masculinity in a men’s prison
Authors: Umamaheswar Janani
Published: September 2020

Penological literature has focused extensively, and often exclusively, on the “hypermasculine” nature of men’s prisons. A separate and relatively recent body of sociological research has explored “hybrid masculinities,” whereby (usually privileged) men selectively enact traits conventionally associated with subordinate masculinities and even femininities. In this article, I draw on 24 in-depth interviews with incarcerated men to argue that these men construct hybrid masculinities in response to their feelings of insecurity and to resist the hypermasculine prison environment. In so doing, I link theoretical literature on hybrid masculinities with penological research to explore how a particularly marginalized group of men construct hybrid masculinities to cope with and challenge hegemonic masculinity in prison.
Limit cycles in models of circular gene networks regulated by negative feedback loops
Authors: Likhoshvai Vitaly A. , Golubyatnikov Vladimir P. , Khlebodarova Tamara M.
Published: September 2020

Background

The regulatory feedback loops that present in structural and functional organization of molecular-genetic systems and the phenomenon of the regulatory signal delay, a time period between the moment of signal reception and its implementation, provide natural conditions for complicated dynamic regimes in these systems. The delay phenomenon at the intracellular level is a consequence of the matrix principle of data transmission, implemented through the rather complex processes of transcription and translation.However, the rules of the influence of system structure on system dynamics are not clearly understood. Knowledge of these rules is particularly important for construction of synthetic gene networks with predetermined properties.

Results

We study dynamical properties of models of simplest circular gene networks regulated by negative feedback mechanisms. We have shown existence and stability of oscillating trajectories (cycles) in these models. Two algorithms of construction and localization of these cycles have been proposed. For one of these models, we have solved an inverse problem of parameters identification.

Conclusions

The modeling results demonstrate that non-stationary dynamics in the models of circular gene networks with negative feedback loops is achieved by a high degree of non-linearity of the mechanism of the autorepressor influence on its own expression, by the presence of regulatory signal delay, the value of which must exceed a certain critical value, and transcription/translation should be initiated from a sufficiently strong promoter/Shine-Dalgarno site. We believe that the identified patterns are key elements of the oscillating construction design.
Integrating binding and expression data to predict transcription factors combined function
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud , Min Do Sik , Kim Deok Ryong
Published: September 2020

Background

Transcription factor binding to the regulatory region of a gene induces or represses its gene expression. Transcription factors share their binding sites with other factors, co-factors and/or DNA-binding proteins. These proteins form complexes which bind to the DNA as one-units. The binding of two factors to a shared site does not always lead to a functional interaction.

Results

We propose a method to predict the combined functions of two factors using comparable binding and expression data (target). We based this method on binding and expression target analysis (BETA), which we re-implemented in R and extended for this purpose. target ranks the factor’s targets by importance and predicts the dominant type of interaction between two transcription factors. We applied the method to simulated and real datasets of transcription factor-binding sites and gene expression under perturbation of factors. We found that Yin Yang 1 transcription factor (YY1) and YY2 have antagonistic and independent regulatory targets in HeLa cells, but they may cooperate on a few shared targets.

Conclusion

We developed an R package and a web application to integrate binding (ChIP-seq) and expression (microarrays or RNA-seq) data to determine the cooperative or competitive combined function of two transcription factors.
The wild strawberry kinome: identification, classification and transcript profiling of protein kinases during development and in response to gray mold infection
Authors: Liu Hui , Qu Wei , Zhu Kaikai , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: September 2020

Background

Protein kinases (PKs) play an important role in signaling cascades and are one of the largest and most conserved protein super families in plants. Despite their importance, the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) kinome and expression patterns of PK genes remain to be characterized.

Results

Here, we report on the identification and classification of 954 Fragaria vesca PK genes, which were classified into nine groups and 124 gene families. These genes were distributed unevenly among the seven chromosomes, and the number of introns per gene varied from 0 to 47. Almost half of the putative PKs were predicted to localize to the nucleus and 24.6% were predicted to localize to the cell membrane. The expansion of the woodland strawberry PK gene family occurred via different duplication mechanisms and tandem duplicates occurred relatively late as compared to other duplication types. Moreover, we found that tandem and transposed duplicated PK gene pairs had undergone stronger diversifying selection and evolved relatively faster than WGD genes. The GO enrichment and transcriptome analysis implicates the involvement of strawberry PK genes in multiple biological processes and molecular functions in differential tissues, especially in pollens. Finally, 109 PKs, mostly the receptor-like kinases (RLKs), were found transcriptionally responsive to Botrytis cinerea infection.

Conclusions

The findings of this research expand the understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of PK genes in plant species and provide a potential link between cell signaling pathways and pathogen attack.
Integrated analysis of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA reveals novel insights into the fertility regulation of large white sows
Authors: Hu Huiyan , Jia Qing , Xi Jianzhong , Zhou Bo , Li Zhiqiang
Published: September 2020

Background

Improving sow fertility is extremely important as it can lead to increased reproductive efficiency and thus profitability for swine producers. There are considerable differences in fertility rates among individual animals, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, by using different types of RNA libraries, we investigated the complete transcriptome of ovarian tissue during the luteal (L) and follicular (F) phases of the estrous cycle in Large White pigs with high (H) and low (L) fecundity, and performed a comprehensive analysis of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), mRNAs and micro RNAs (miRNAs) from 16 samples by combining RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) with bioinformatics.

Results

In total, 24,447 lncRNAs, 27,370 mRNAs, and 216 known miRNAs were identified in ovarian tissues. The genomic features of lncRNAs, such as length distribution and number of exons, were further analyzed. We selected a threshold of P < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1 to obtain the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs by pairwise comparison (LH vs. LL, FH vs. FL). Bioinformatics analysis of these differentially expressed RNAs revealed multiple significantly enriched pathways (P < 0.05) that were closely involved in the reproductive process, such as ovarian steroidogenesis, lysosome, steroid biosynthesis, and the estrogen and GnRH signaling pathways. Moreover, bioinformatics screening of differentially expressed miRNAs that share common miRNA response elements (MREs) with lncRNAs and their downstream mRNA targets were performed. Finally, we constructed lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulation networks. The key genes in these networks were verified by Reverse Transcription Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qRCR), which were consistent with the results from RNA-Seq data.

Conclusions

These results provide further insights into the fertility of pigs andcan contribute to further experimental investigation of the functions of these genes.
Intracellular Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteome of the oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii DL1
Authors: Robertsson Carolina , Svensäter Gunnel , Blum Zoltan , Wickström Claes
Published: September 2020

Background

To respond and adapt to environmental challenges, prokaryotes regulate cellular processes rapidly and reversibly through protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. This study investigates the intracellular proteome and Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteome of the oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii. Intracellular proteins from planktonic cells of S. gordonii DL1 were extracted and subjected to 2D-gel electrophoresis. Proteins in general were visualized using Coomassie Brilliant Blue and T-Rex staining. Phosphorylated proteins were visualized with Pro-Q Diamond Phosphoprotein Gel Stain. Proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS and sequence analysis.

Results

In total, sixty-one intracellular proteins were identified in S. gordonii DL1, many of which occurred at multiple isoelectric points. Nineteen of these proteins were present as one or more Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylated form. The identified phosphoproteins turned out to be involved in a variety of cellular processes.

Conclusion

Nineteen phosphoproteins involved in various cellular functions were identified in S. gordonii. This is the first time the global intracellular Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation profile has been analysed in an oral streptococcus. Comparison with phosphoproteomes of other species from previous studies showed many similarities. Proteins that are consistently found in a phosphorylated state across several species and growth conditions may represent a core phosphoproteome profile shared by many bacteria.
GhCIPK6a increases salt tolerance in transgenic upland cotton by involving in ROS scavenging and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Su Ying , Guo Anhui , Huang Yi , Wang Yumei , Hua Jinping
Published: September 2020

Background

Salt stress is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses in production of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Upland cotton is defined as a medium salt-tolerant crop. Salinity hinders root development, shoots growth, and reduces the fiber quality.

Results

Our previous study verified a GhCIPK6a gene response to salt stress in G. hirsutum. The homologs of GhCIPK6a were analyzed in A2 (G. arboreum), D5 (G. raimondii), and AD1 (G. hirsutum) genomes. GhCIPK6a localized to the vacuole and cell membrane. The GhCBL1-GhCIPK6a and GhCBL8-GhCIPK6a complexes localized to the nucleus and cytomembrane. Overexpression of GhCIPK6a enhanced expression levels of co-expressed genes induced by salt stress, which scavenged ROS and involved in MAPK signaling pathways verified by RNA-seq analysis. Water absorption capacity and cell membrane stability of seeds from GhCIPK6a overexpressed lines was higher than that of wild-type seeds during imbibed germination stage. The seed germination rates and seedling field emergence percentages of GhCIPK6a overexpressed lines were higher than that of control line under salt stress. Moreover, overexpressing of GhCIPK6a in cotton increased lint percentage, and fiber length uniformity under salt stress.

Conclusions

We verified the function of GhCIPK6a by transformation and RNA-seq analysis. GhCIPK6a overexpressed lines exhibited higher tolerance to abiotic stresses, which functioned by involving in ROS scavenging and MAPK pathways. Therefore, GhCIPK6a has the potential for cotton breeding to improve stress-tolerance.
Hypertension care cascade in Chile: a serial cross-sectional study of national health surveys 2003-2010-2017
Authors: Passi-Solar Álvaro , Margozzini Paula , Mindell Jennifer S. , Ruiz Milagros , Valencia-Hernandez Carlos A. , Scholes Shaun
Published: September 2020

Background

Trend data on hypertension prevalence and attainment indicators at each step of the care cascade (awareness, treatment, control) are required in Chile. This study aims to quantify trends (2003–2017) in prevalence and in the proportion of individuals with hypertension attaining each step of the care cascade among adults aged 17 years or older, and to assess the impact of lowering the blood pressure (BP) thresholds used to define elevated BP on these indicators.

Methods

We used data from 2003, 2010, and 2017 Chilean national health surveys. Each year we assessed levels of (1) mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, (2) hypertension prevalence (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive treatment), and (3) awareness, treatment, and control. Logistic regression on pooled data was used to assess trends in binary outcomes; linear regression was used to assess trends in continuous SBP and DBP. We compared levels of hypertension prevalence using two sources to ascertain antihypertensive treatment (self-reported versus medicine inventory). The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines were used to re-define hypertension using lower thresholds (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg).

Results

Hypertension prevalence was 34.0, 32.0 and 30.8% in 2003, 2010 and 2017, respectively. Levels of treated- and controlled-hypertension were significantly higher in 2017 than in 2003 (65% versus 41% for treatment, P < 0.001; 34% versus 14% for control, P < 0.001), while levels of awareness were stable (66% versus 59%, P = 0.130). Awareness, treatment, and control levels were higher among females in 2003, 2010, and 2017 (P < 0.001). Mean SBP and DBP decreased over the 15-year period, except for SBP among females on treatment. Adopting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines would increase hypertension prevalence by 17 and 55% in absolute and relative terms, respectively.

Conclusions

Chile has experienced a positive population-wide lowering in blood pressure distribution which may be explained partly by a significant rise in levels of treated- and controlled-hypertension since 2003. Lowering the thresholds used to define elevated BP would substantially increase the financial public health challenge of further improving attainment levels at each step of the care cascade. Innovative and collaborative strategies are needed to improve hypertension management, especially among males.
The relationship between a microfinance-based healthcare delivery platform, health insurance coverage, health screenings, and disease management in rural Western Kenya
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Amisi James Akiruga , Szkwarko Daria , Tran Dan N. , Genberg Becky , Luetke Maya , Kianersi Sina , Namae Jane , Laktabai Jeremiah , Pastakia Sonak
Published: September 2020

Background

Structural barriers often prevent rural Kenyans from receiving healthcare and diagnostic testing. The Bridging Income Generation through grouP Integrated Care (BIGPIC) Family intervention facilitates microfinance groups, provides health screenings and treatment, and delivers education about health insurance coverage to address some of these barriers. This study evaluated the association between participation in BIGPIC microfinance groups and health screening/disease management outcomes.

Methods

From November 2018 to March 2019, we interviewed a sample of 300 members of two rural communities in Western Kenya, 100 of whom were BIGPIC microfinance members. We queried participants about their experiences with health screening and disease management for HIV, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate the association between microfinance membership and each health outcome, adjusting for key covariates.

Results

Microfinance members were more likely to be screened for most of the health conditions we queried, including those provided by BIGPIC [e.g. diabetes: aPR (95% CI): 3.46 (2.60, 4.60)] and those not provided [e.g. cervical cancer: aPR (95% CI): 2.43 (1.21, 4.86)]. Microfinance membership was not significantly associated with health insurance uptake and disease management outcomes.

Conclusions

In rural Kenya, a microfinance program integrated with healthcare delivery may be effective at increasing health screening. Interventions designed to thoughtfully and sustainably address structural barriers to healthcare will be critical to improving the health of those living in low-resource settings.
Growth faltering in early infancy: highlights from a two-day scientific consultation
Authors: Aneja Satinder , Kumar Praveen , Choudhary Tarun Shankar , Srivastava Akanksha , Chowdhury Ranadip , Taneja Sunita , Bhandari Nita , Daniel Abner , Menon Purnima , Chellani Harish , Bahl Rajiv , Bhan Maharaj Kishan
Published: September 2020

Background

Faltering of growth in early life has been recognized as a public health challenge among Indian babies. A two-day consultation on growth faltering in early infancy was organized to examine the data and evidence on identification and management of early growth failure and to identify knowledge gaps and future areas of research. The consultation was supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (Nutrition Chapter), Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, and the Society for Applied Studies. It brought together researchers, clinicians, policy makers and program managers.
The accuracy of four commercial broth microdilution tests in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin
Authors: Yusuf Erlangga , van Westreenen Mireille , Goessens Wil , Croughs Peter
Published: September 2020

Colistin is considered as one of the last-resort antibiotics and reliable antimicrobial susceptibility testing is therefore crucial. The reference standard for AST according to EUCAST and CLSI is broth microdilution (BMD). However, BMD is labor intensive to perform. Commercial antimicrobial susceptibility tests derived from BMD method are available. We investigated the performance of four different commercial tests: Sensititre™, SensiTest™ Colistin, Micronaut MIC Strip Colistin and UMIC Colistin using 70 clinical isolates (half of them was deemed by VITEK2 as resistant), including isolates from cystic fibrosis patients and mcr-1 bearing isolates. We used two reference standards: BMD and composite MIC as determined by all four tests. Sensititre™ had essential agreement (EA, defined as minimum inhibitory concentration within ± 1 dilution) of 87% and 89% compared to BMD and composite reference standard, respectively. For SensiTest™, the EA’s were 93% and 90%. For UMIC, 87% and 90%, and for Micronaut, 83% and 84%. All four tests demonstrated categorical agreement (CA) above 90%. CA for SensiTest™ and Micronaut was both 96%, UMIC 94%, and Sensititre™ 93%. All tests were reproducible as tested in two quality control isolates. In conclusion, in clinical isolates from a large referral center, the four commercial tests for determination of colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations showed acceptable performance.