bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emeritus Nurse
Authors: Boerger Judith A. , LaCross Erin , Custer Hallie , Powers Jan
Published: October 2019

A strong culture rooted in excellent nursing practice is essential to the future success of healthcare organizations. Nursing leaders face the challenge of establishing and retaining this culture with the exodus of nursing knowledge and clinical reasoning expertise from retirements of experienced nurses. This article presents a novel plan to mitigate this looming problem by rehiring and reengaging recently retired nurses to return to practice for an emeritus RN program.
Cluster Randomized Trial of a Patient-Centered Contraceptive Decision Support Tool, My Birth Control
Authors: Dehlendorf Christine , Fitzpatrick Judith , Fox Edith , Holt Kelsey , Vittinghoff Eric , Reed Reiley , Campora Maria Paula , Sokoloff Abby , Kuppermann Miriam
Published: October 2019

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:565.e1–565.e12)

More than 50% of sexually active women of reproductive age in the United States have reported receiving birth control–related care in the past 12 months. Contraceptive counseling is a common experience for these women.
Placental Growth Factor Testing to Assess Women With Suspected Preeclampsia: A Multicenter, Pragmatic, Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duhig Kate E. , Myers Jenny , Seed Paul T. , Sparkes Jenie , Lowe Jessica , Hunter Rachael M. , Shennan Andrew H. , Chappell Lucy C.
Published: October 2019

(Abstracted from Lancet 2019;393(10183):1807–1818)

Hypertension affects 10% of pregnant women, and approximately 3% of singleton pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia. Preeclampsia often presents ambiguously, and the risks for women with suspected preeclampsia are complex.
Repeat Episodes of Symptomatic Urethritis Due to a Uropathogenic Meningococcal Clade
Authors: Bazan Jose A. , Tzeng Yih-Ling , Stephens David S. , Carter Alexandria M. , Brown Morgan A. , Snyder Brandon , Prince Devlin J. , Turner Abigail Norris
Published: October 2019

In 2015, we identified a non-groupable clade of Neisseria meningitidis that causes urethritis in men (the US_NmUC). Because repeat infection is common with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, we examined whether reinfection also occurs with the US_NmUC. We provide evidence that men are susceptible to repeat episodes of urethritis from the US_NmUC.
Presence of Glandular Cells at the Preoperative Cervical Cytology and Local Recurrence in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Casarin Jvan , Bogani Giorgio , Serati Maurizio , Pinelli Ciro , Laganà Antonio Simone , Garzon Simone , Raspagliesi Francesco , Ghezzi Fabio
Published: October 2019

We investigated the correlation between glandular cells (GC) detected at preoperative cervical-smear and the histologic findings and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer (EC). We retrospectively analyzed data of all consecutive EC patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2012 with preoperative cervical smear performed within 3 mo from the EC diagnosis. Basic descriptive, logistic regression and artificial neural network analyses were used. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox hazard models. The study included 229 (89%) and 29 (11%) patients with normal cytology (control group) and GC (GC group), respectively. A higher proportion of elderly patients with nonendometrioid and FIGO grade 3 EC was observed in the GC group compared with the control group (P<0.05). No differences in 5-yr disease-free survival and overall survival were observed. However, patients in the GC group experienced a higher local recurrence rate (hazard ratio: 7.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.7–34.2; P=0.008). We observed that age, body mass index, cervical stromal invasion, vaginal brachytherapy, and GC influenced the risk for developing local recurrence. However, at the multivariable analysis, only cervical stromal invasion (odds ratio: 1.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.4; P=0.02) and GC (odds ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.14; P=0.03) correlated with the increased risk. In addition, the results of an artificial neural network analysis reported that the most critical predictor of local failure was cervical stromal invasion (importance: 0.352) followed by GC (importance: 0.194). These results suggest that cervical stromal invasion and presence of GC at the preoperative cervical smear might predict the occurrence of local recurrence in EC.
Attenuation of capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia during exposure to an immersive virtual reality environment
Authors: Hughes Sam W. , Zhao Hongyan , Auvinet Edouard J. , Strutton Paul H.
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

There is growing evidence that virtual reality (VR) can be used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. However, further research is required to better understand the analgesic mechanisms during sensitised pain states.

Objectives:

We examined the effects of an immersive polar VR environment on capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia. We also investigated whether the degree of analgesia was related to baseline conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses.

Methods:

Nineteen subjects had baseline CPM and electrical pain perception (EPP) thresholds measured before the topical application of capsaicin cream. Visual analogue scale ratings were measured to track the development of an ongoing pain state, and EPP thresholds were used to measure secondary hyperalgesia. The effects of a passive polar VR environment on ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia were compared with sham VR (ie, 2D monitor screen) in responders to capsaicin (n = 15).

Results:

Virtual reality was associated with a transient reduction in ongoing pain and an increase in EPP thresholds in an area of secondary hyperalgesia. Baseline CPM measurements showed a significant correlation with VR-induced changes in secondary hyperalgesia, but not with VR-induced changes in ongoing pain perception. There was no correlation between VR-induced changes in pain perception and VR-induced changes in secondary hyperalgesia.

Conclusion:

Virtual reality can reduce the perception of capsaicin-induced ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia. We also show that CPM may provide a means by which to identify individuals likely to respond to VR therapy.
18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT Imaging of Brown Tumors in a Patient With Severe Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang-Yin Jules , Gaujoux Sébastien , Delbot Thierry , Gauthé Mathieu , Talbot Jean-Noël
Published: October 2019

Brown tumors are rare skeletal anomalies occurring in patients with hyperparathyroidism and exposing patients to pathological fractures. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with severe primary hyperparathyroidism (calcemia, 2.9 mmol/L; parathyroid hormone, 59 pmol/L) who underwent 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT before parathyroidectomy. FCH PET localized the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland and showed multiple foci in correspondence with bone lytic lesions on CT. Those lesions were not visible on the 99mTc-MIBI dual-phase scintigraphy. The pathology of one of the FCH-positive bone lesions corresponded to a brown tumor related to hyperparathyroidism.
Endoscopic Transethmosphenoid Optic Canal and Orbital Apex Decompression for Patients With Traumatic Orbital Apex Syndrome
Authors: Zhou GuangMing , Yu Bo , Tu YunHai , Shi JieLiang , Wu WenCan
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the endoscopic optic canal and orbital apex decompression for patients with traumatic orbital apex syndrome.

Design:

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

Method:

Thirty-one patients (31 eyes) with traumatic orbital apex syndrome underwent endoscopic transethmosphenoid optic canal and orbital apex decompression at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from May 1st, 2012 to May 1st, 2018. In each case, the indication of surgery was that patient with traumatic orbital apex syndrome failed to respond to corticosteroids. Patients were followed up to 6 months after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity, visual field, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, hypoesthesia, and pupil before and after surgery were compared.

Result:

All patients presented visual decline (including 5 patients with no light perception), ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, pupil dysfunction, and visual field defect, and 20 of them also presented hypoesthesia. Nineteen of 31 (61.3%) patients gained improvement of best-corrected visual acuity after surgery, 7 of them gained 20/20 BCVA, and visual field showed improvement in 20 patients. Ptosis and ophthalmoplegia of all patients recovered in various degree; diplopia also relieved relatively. The function of the pupil was also improved in most patients (27/31, 87.1%). The improvement of hypoesthesia was also observed in most patients. No serious complications occurred.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic transethmosphenoid optic canal and orbital apex decompression seems to be a feasible, efficient, and safe approach for traumatic orbital apex syndrome patients.
Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Attenuates Endothelial Glycocalyx Damage and Stabilizes Hemodynamics in a Rat Hemorrhagic Shock Model
Authors: Tamura Tomoyoshi , Sano Motoaki , Matsuoka Tadashi , Yoshizawa Joe , Yamamoto Ryo , Katsumata Yoshinori , Endo Jin , Homma Koichiro , Kajimura Mayumi , Suzuki Masaru , Kobayashi Eiji , Sasaki Junichi
Published: October 2019

Background:

Hydrogen gas (H2) inhalation during hemorrhage stabilizes post-resuscitation hemodynamics, improving short-term survival in a rat hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R) model. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of H2 in HS/R is unclear. Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) damage causes hemodynamic failure associated with HS/R. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that H2 alleviates oxidative stress by suppressing xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and/or preventing tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α)-mediated syndecan-1 shedding during EG damage.

Methods:

HS/R was induced in rats by reducing mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 35 mm Hg for 60 min followed by resuscitation. Rats inhaled oxygen or H2 + oxygen after achieving shock either in the presence or absence of an XOR inhibitor (XOR-I) for both the groups. In a second test, rats received oxygen alone or antitumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α monoclonal antibody with oxygen or H2. Two hours after resuscitation, XOR activity, purine metabolites, cytokines, syndecan-1 were measured and survival rates were assessed 6 h after resuscitation.

Results:

H2 and XOR-I both suppressed MAP reduction and improved survival rates. H2 did not affect XOR activity and the therapeutic effects of XOR-I and H2 were additive. H2 suppressed plasma TNF-α and syndecan-1 expression; however, no additional H2 therapeutic effect was observed in the presence of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody.

Conclusions:

H2 inhalation after shock stabilized hemodynamics and improved survival rates in an HS/R model independent of XOR. The therapeutic action of H2 was partially mediated by inhibition of TNF-α-dependent syndecan-1 shedding.
Venous Thromboembolism Prediction in Postoperative Urogynecology Patients: The Utility of Risk Assessment Tools
Authors: Heft Jessica , Goulder Alison , Schneiter Mali , Adam Rony
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of risk assessment tools (Rogers and Caprini Score models) in predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a urogynecology patient population.

Methods

All surgical patients underwent a procedure in the operating room with 1 of 7 female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Attendings from January 1 to December 31, 2015, were investigated. Rogers and Caprini Scores were calculated for each patient as well as the occurrence of any VTE in the 30 days after surgery. Patients were then grouped into risk categories based on the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines.

Results

A total of 783 patients were identified and included in this study. The average patient age was 58 years (range = 18–89 years). The average operative time was 109 minutes (range = 4–491 minutes). Most patients obtained a Rogers Score of 5 (32%) and a Caprini Score of 4 (34%). Based on Caprini scoring, the American College of Chest Physicians category distribution was as follows: 10% low risk, 61% moderate risk, and 29% high risk. Based on Rogers scoring, this distribution was as follows: 96.8% very low risk, 3.1% low risk, and 0.1% moderate risk. Two VTE events were identified in the cohort. Overall, the incidence of VTE was 0.26%.

Conclusions

The standard VTE risk assessment tools grade urogynecology patients very differently. Although the Caprini Scale seems to appropriately differentiate individual patient VTE risk, the Rogers Scale does not adequately stratify this risk, thus potentially limiting its use within this population.
Changes in Central Motor Conduction Time and Its Implication on Dysfunction of Distal Upper Limb in Distal-Type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy
Authors: Zheng Chaojun , Nie Cong , Zhu Yu , Yu Qing , Zhu Dongqing , Lu Feizhou , Weber Robert , Jiang Jianyuan
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Distal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) is an uncommon syndrome associated with cervical spondylosis. The pathogenic mechanism of distal-type CSA is still unclear. The aim of the current study was to analyze central motor conduction time (CMCT) in the cases with distal-type CSA and to investigate the role of cervical cord compressive injury in the distal-type CSA.

Methods:

Both 28 cases with distal-type CSA and 21 healthy subjects accepted CMCT measures, motor unit number estimation, handgrip strength examination, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

Results:

In this study, nine (9/28, 32.1%) cases with CSA presented with prolonged CMCT, and both reduced number of motor units and decreased handgrip strength were found in these 9 cases (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation showed that 7 of these 9 patients presented with proximal cervical cord compression with or even without distal selective compression consistent with segmental atrophy. A negative relationship between CMCT and both number of motor units and handgrip strength was found on the symptomatic side (P < 0.05), and there was a positive correlation between CMCT and amplitude of single motor unit potentials on the less symptomatic side (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Corticospinal tract damage caused by proximal spinal cord compression may induce distal motor unit loss to worsen in some cases with distal-type CSA, which may contribute to the dysfunction of the distal upper limb in some cases with distal-type CSA. Therefore, treatment and rehabilitation efforts should account for both distal selective compression and proximal cord compression in distal-type CSA.
Asiaticoside but not its aglycone exhibits neuritogenicity through TrkA receptor signaling: a bridge between ERK1/2-CREB and Akt-GSK3β/RhoA
Authors: Nalinratana Nonthaneth , Meksuriyen Duangdeun , Ongpipattanakul Boonsri
Published: October 2019

The neuritogenicity and the neuroregenerative potential of asiaticoside (AS) and its aglycone, asiatic acid (AA), has been generally reported. We recently identified the participation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) in the neuritogenic mechanism of AS and AA. In this study, we further investigated the possible upstream target molecule and the associated downstream signaling of both triterpenoids in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cells. Our immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays revealed that either AS or AA exerted neurite extension activity through inhibitory effect on glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA). AS appeared significantly more potent in promoting neurite elongation than AA, and concurrently expressed a higher degree of inhibition on GSK3β and RhoA activations. The mediation of GSK3β and RhoA activities in AS-treated cells involved Akt signaling. Moreover, when using GW441756, a specific tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) receptor signaling inhibitor, the ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, the inhibitory effects on GSK3β and RhoA and the neurite outgrowth induced by AS, but not AA, were totally suppressed. In conclusion, our findings supported the different upstream regulators of AS and AA in promoting neuritogenicity in Neuro-2a cells. Although both AS and AA could enhance neurite elongation through the suppression of GSK3β and RhoA activities, only AS could modulate the effect through TrkA receptor signaling.
Mirror Readmission Study of the Association of Electroconvulsive Therapy With 1-Year Mood Disorder Readmissions in a Tertiary Mood Disorder Unit
Authors: Tor Phern-Chern , Bin Abdin Edimansyah
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for severe mood disorders and may reduce psychiatric readmissions. However, the effect on ECT on mood disorder readmissions in Asia is unclear. We embarked to assess the relationship between inpatient ECT and 1-year psychiatric readmissions for patients with mood disorders.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis of patients admitted to a tertiary Mood Disorders Unit in a developed Asian city was analyzed to investigate the association of inpatient ECT with psychiatric readmission using a 1-year mirror-image method with major depressive disorder and bipolar mania patients acting as their own controls. Covariates of age, sex, number of outpatient visits, and outpatient ECT were analyzed to account for confounders. t Tests were done to compare number and duration of psychiatric admissions and significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar mania (N = 121) receiving inpatient ECT had a 35% mean reduction from the baseline mean of number of admissions in the 1-year after ECT. Maintenance ECT (between 30 days and 1 year after discharge) was associated with the protective effect (β = −0.116, t = −2.044, P = 0.043). In major depressive disorder, there was a trend association between the number of 1-year postdischarge outpatient visits and decreased 1-year readmissions with an opposite association seen in bipolar mania.

Conclusions

Electroconvulsive therapy may be associated with decreased 1-year readmissions for mood disorders in Asia, and this effect may be mediated by maintenance ECT.
A pan-plant protein complex map reveals deep conservation and novel assemblies
Authors: McWhite Claire D. , Papoulas Ophelia , Drew Kevin , Cox Rachael M. , June Viviana , Dong Oliver Xiaoou , Kwon Taejoon , Wan Cuihong , Salmi Mari L. , Roux Stanley J. , Browning Karen S. , Chen Z. Jeffrey , Ronald Pamela C. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: October 2019

Plants are foundational to global ecological and economic systems, yet most plant proteins remain uncharacterized. Protein interaction networks often suggest protein functions and open new avenues to characterize genes and proteins. We therefore systematically determined protein complexes from 13 plant species of scientific and agricultural importance, greatly expanding the known repertoire of stable protein complexes in plants. Using co-fractionation mass spectrometry, we recovered known complexes, confirmed complexes predicted to occur in plants, and identified novel interactions conserved over 1.1 billion years of green plant evolution. Several novel complexes are involved in vernalization and pathogen defense, traits critical to agriculture. We also uncovered plant analogs of animal complexes with distinct molecular assemblies, including a megadalton-scale tRNA multi-synthetase complex. The resulting map offers the first cross-species view of conserved, stable protein assemblies shared across plant cells and provides a mechanistic, biochemical framework for interpreting plant genetics and mutant phenotypes.
Quantification of DNA methylation using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and multiplex digital PCR
Authors: Nell R.J. , van Steenderen D. , Menger N.V. , Weitering T.J. , Versluis M. , van der Velden P.A.
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic regulation is important in human health and disease, but the exact mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. DNA methylation represents one well-studied aspect of epigenetic regulation, but is challenging to quantify accurately. In this study, we introduce a digital approach for the absolute quantification of the amount, density and allele-specificity of DNA methylation. Combining the efficiency of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes with the quantitative power of digital PCR, DNA methylation is measured accurately without the need to treat the DNA samples with sodium bisulphite. Moreover, as the combination of PCR amplicon and restriction enzyme is flexible, the context and density of DNA methylation can be taken into account. Additionally, by extending the experimental setup to a multiplex digital PCR, methylation markers may be analysed together with physically linked genetic markers to determine the allele-specificity of the methylation. In-silico simulations demonstrated the mathematical validity of the experimental setup. Next the approach was validated in a variety of healthy and malignant reference samples in the context of RASSF1A promotor methylation. RASSF1A is an established tumour suppressor gene, that is aberrantly methylated in many human cancers. A dilution series of well-characterized reference samples cross-validated the sensitivity and dynamic range of the approach. Compared to conventional PCR based methods, digital PCR provides a more accurate and more sensitive approach to quantify DNA methylation. As no sodium bisulphite conversion is needed, also analysis of minute amounts of DNA could be carried out efficiently.
Genomic Outcomes of Haploid Induction Crosses in Potato (Solanum tuberosumL.)
Authors: Amundson Kirk R , Ordoñez Benny , Santayana Monica , Tan Ek Han , Henry Isabelle M , Mihovilovich Elisa , Bonierbale Merideth , Comai Luca
Published: October 2019

The challenges of breeding autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) have motivated the development of alternative breeding strategies. A common approach is to obtain uniparental dihaploids from a tetraploid of interest through pollination withS. tuberosumAndigenum Group (formerlyS. phureja) cultivars. The mechanism underlying haploid formation of these crosses is unclear, and questions regarding the frequency of paternal DNA transmission remain. Previous reports described aneuploid and euploid progeny, which, in some cases, displayed genetic markers from the haploid inducer. Here, we surveyed a population of 167 presumed dihaploids for large-scale structural variation that would underlie chromosomal addition from the haploid inducer, and for small-scale introgression of genetic markers. In 19 progeny, we detected ten of the twelve possible trisomies and, in all cases, demonstrated the non-inducer parent origin of the additional chromosome. Deep sequencing indicated that occasional, short-tract signals appearing of haploid inducer origin were better explained as technical artifacts. Leveraging recurring CNV patterns, we documented sub-chromosomal dosage variation indicating segregation of polymorphic maternal haplotypes. Collectively, 52% of assayed chromosomal loci were classified as dosage variable. Our findings help elucidate the genomic consequences of potato haploid induction and suggest that most potato dihaploids will be free of residual pollinator DNA.
Frequency of MicroRNA Response Elements Identifies Pathologically Relevant Signaling Pathways in Cancers
Authors: Nair Asha A. , Tang Xiaojia , Thompson Kevin J. , Kalari Krishna R. , Subramanian Subbaya
Published: October 2019

Complex interactions between mRNAs and microRNAs influence cellular functions. The interactions between mRNA and microRNAs also determine the post-transcriptional availability of free mRNAs and unbound microRNAs. The microRNAs bind to one or more microRNA Response Elements (MREs) predominantly located on the 3’untranslated regions (3’UTR) of mRNAs. In this study, we leveraged MRE sites and their frequencies in transcriptomes of cancer and matched normal tissues to obtain insights into disease-specific interactions between mRNAs and microRNAs. Toward this, we developed a novel bioinformatics method called ‘ReMIx’ that utilizes RNA-Seq data to quantify MRE frequencies at 3’UTR of genes across the transcriptome. We applied ReMIx to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Triple Negative (TN) breast cancer tumor-normal adjacent pairs (N=13) and identified distinctly and differentially expressed MREs specific to the TN tumors. Novel data generated by ReMIx identified candidate mRNAs and microRNAs in the MAPK signaling cascade of the TN tumors. We further analyzed the MAPK endogenous RNA network to establish regulatory microRNA partners, along with interacting protein-coding mRNAs that influence and modulate MAPK signaling in TN breast cancers.
Decoupling Genetics from Attainments: The Role of Social Environments
Authors: Fletcher Jason
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the extent to which growing up in a socially mobile environment might decouple genetic endowments related to educational attainment with actual attainments. Many models of intergenerational transmission of advantage contain both a transmission channel through endowments (i.e. genetics) from parents to children as well as from parental investments and “luck”. Indeed, many scholars consider the intergenerational links due to the transmission of genetically based advantage to place a lower bound on plausible levels of social mobility—genetics may be able to “lock in” advantage across generations. This paper explores this idea by using new genetic measurements in the Health and Retirement Study to examine potential interactions between social environments and genetics related to attainments. The results suggest evidence of gene environment interactions: children born in high mobility states have lower genetic penetrance—the interaction between state-level mobility and the polygenic score for education is negative. These results suggest a need to incorporate gene-environment interactions in models of attainment and mobility and to pursue the mechanisms behind the interactions.
Monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax using microsatellite markers indicates limited changes in population structure after substantial transmission decline in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kattenberg Johanna Helena , Razook Zahra , Keo Raksmei , Koepfli Cristian , Jennison Charlie , Lautu-Ninda Dulcie , Fola Abebe A. , Ome-Kaius Maria , Barnadas Céline , Siba Peter , Felger Ingrid , Kazura James , Mueller Ivo , Robinson Leanne J. , Barry Alyssa E.
Published: October 2019

Monitoring the genetic structure of malaria parasite populations has been proposed as a novel and sensitive approach to quantify the impact of malaria control and elimination efforts. Here we describe the first population genetic analysis of sympatric Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) populations following nationwide distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLIN) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Parasite isolates from serial cross-sectional studies pre-(2005-6) and post-LLIN (2010-2014) were genotyped using microsatellite markers. Despite parasite prevalence declining substantially in these communities (East Sepik: Pf=54.9-8.5%, Pv=35.7-5.6%, Madang: Pf=38.0-9.0%, Pv: 31.8-19.7%), genetically diverse and intermixing parasite populations remained. P. falciparum diversity declined modestly post-LLIN relative to pre-LLIN (East Sepik: Rs = 7.1-6.4, He = 0.77-0.71; Madang: Rs= 8.2-6.1, He = 0.79-0.71). Unexpectedly, population structure present in pre-LLIN populations was lost post-LLIN, suggesting that more frequent human movement between provinces may have contributed to higher gene flow between provinces. P. vivax prevalence initially declined but increased again in one province, yet diversity remained high throughout the study period (East Sepik: Rs=11.4-9.3, He=0.83-0.80; Madang: Rs=12.2-14.5, He=0.85-0.88). Although genetic differentiation values increased between provinces over time, no significant population structure was observed at any time point. For both species, the emergence of clonal transmission and significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium (mLD) due to increased focal inbreeding post-LLIN was a strong indicator of impact on the parasite population using these markers. After eight years of intensive malaria control in PNG and substantial prevalence decline the impact on parasite population diversity and structure detectable by microsatellite genotyping was limited.
Manganese uptake, mediated by SloABC and MntH, is essential for the fitness ofStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Kajfasz Jessica K. , Katrak Callahan , Ganguly Tridib , Vargas Jonathan , Wright Logan , Peters Zachary T. , Spatafora Grace A. , Abranches Jacqueline , Lemos José A.
Published: October 2019

Early epidemiological studies implicated manganese (Mn) as a possible caries-promoting agent while laboratory studies have indicated that manganese stimulates the expression of virulence-related factors in the dental pathogenStreptococcus mutans. To better understand the importance of manganese homeostasis toS. mutanspathophysiology, we first used RNA sequencing to obtain the global transcriptional profile ofS. mutansUA159 grown under Mn-restricted conditions. Among the most highly expressed genes were the entiresloABCoperon, encoding a dual iron/manganese transporter, and an uncharacterized gene, hereinmntH, that codes for a protein bearing strong similarity to Nramp-type transporters. While inactivation ofsloC, which encodes the lipoprotein receptor of the SloABC system, ormntHalone had no major consequence on the overall fitness ofS. mutans, simultaneous inactivation ofsloCandmntH(ΔsloCΔmntH) impaired growth and survival under Mn-restricted conditions, including in human saliva or in the presence of calprotectin. Further, disruption of Mn transport resulted in diminished stress tolerance and reduced biofilm formation in the presence of sucrose. These phenotypes were markedly improved when cells were provided with excess Mn. Metal quantifications revealed that the single mutant strains contain similar intracellular levels of Mn as the parent strain, whereas Mn was nearly undetectable in the ΔsloCΔmntHstrain. Collectively, these results reveal that SloABC and MntH work independently and cooperatively to promote cell growth under Mn-restricted conditions, and that mauitanence of Mn homeostasis is essential for the expression of major virulence attributes inS. mutans.

IMPORTANCE

As trace biometals such as manganese (Mn) are important for all forms of life, the ability to regulate biometals availability during infection is an essential trait of successful bacterial pathogens. Here, we showed that the caries pathogenStreptococcus mutansutilizes two Mn transport systems, namely SloABC and MntH, to acquire Mn from the environment, and that the ability to maintain the cellular levels of Mn is important for the manifestation of characteristics that associateS. mutanswith dental caries. Our results indicate that the development of strategies to depriveS. mutansof Mn hold promise in the combat against this important bacterial pathogen.
Divergent sperm traits in Carabidae ground beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera)
Authors: Sasakawa Kôji
Published: October 2019

Sperm exhibit marked morphological diversity, and investigations into sperm diversity can further the understanding of many areas of evolutionary biology. In this study, using light microscopy, sperm morphology was examined in 39 species of Carabidae from eight subfamilies, including five subfamilies in which sperm morphology has not previously been examined. In all but one of the subfamilies, the subfamily members shared the same type of sperm: single sperm were observed in Cicindelinae, Nebriinae, and Trechinae; sperm conjugates, in which numerous sperm adhere together, were observed in Elaphrinae, Patrobinae, and Brachinae; and both single sperm and sperm conjugates were observed in Broscinae. In the remaining subfamily, Harpalinae, most species formed sperm conjugates, but some species formed single sperm. Some noteworthy sperm were also observed: the shortest single sperm in the order Coleoptera was found; multiflagellated sperm were observed, which had previously been reported from only one species in the class Insecta; and size variation of sperm conjugates, which may represent size dimorphism, was observed. Based on the results of this and previous studies, the evolutionary pattern of sperm traits and the phylogenetic utility of sperm morphologies in Carabidae are discussed.
Improve Protein Solubility and Activity based on Machine Learning Models
Authors: Han Xi , Ning Wenbo , Ma Xiaoqiang , Wang Xiaonan , Zhou Kang
Published: October 2019

Improving catalytic ability of protein biocatalysts leads to reduction in the production cost of biocatalytic manufacturing process, but the search space of possible proteins/mutants is too large to explore exhaustively through experiments. To some extent, highly soluble recombinant proteins tend to exhibit high activity. Here, we demonstrate that an optimization methodology based on machine learning prediction model can effectively predict which peptide tags can improve protein solubility quantitatively. Based on the protein sequence information, a support vector machine model we recently developed was used to evaluate protein solubility after randomly mutated tags were added to a target protein. The optimization algorithm guided the tags to evolve towards variants that can result in higher solubility. Moreover, the optimization results were validated successfully by adding the tags designed by our optimization algorithm to a model protein, expressing it in vivo and experimentally quantifying its solubility and activity. For example, solubility of a tyrosine ammonium lyase was more than doubled by adding two tags to its N- and C-terminus. Its protein activity was also increased nearly 3.5 fold by adding the tags. Additional experiments also supported that the designed tags were effective for improving activity of multiple proteins and are better than previously reported tags. The presented optimization methodology thus provides a valuable tool for understanding the correlation between amino acid sequence and protein solubility and for engineering protein biocatalysts.

Contact

kang.zhou@nus.edu.sg, chewxia@nus.edu.sg
The perinuclear ER scales nuclear size independently of cell size in early embryos
Authors: Mukherjee Richik Nilay , Sallé Jérémy , Dmitrieff Serge , Nelson Katherine , Oakey John , Minc Nicolas , Levy Daniel L.
Published: October 2019

Nuclear size plays pivotal roles in gene expression, embryo development, and disease. A central hypothesis in organisms ranging from yeast to vertebrates is that nuclear size scales to cell size. This implies that nuclei may reach steady state sizes set by limiting cytoplasmic pools of size-regulating components. By monitoring nuclear dynamics in early sea urchin embryos, we found that nuclei undergo substantial growth in each interphase, reaching a maximal size prior to mitosis that declined steadily over the course of development. Manipulations of cytoplasmic volume through multiple chemical and physical means ruled out cell size as a major determinant of nuclear size and growth. Rather, our data suggest that the perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum, accumulated through dynein activity, serves as a limiting membrane pool that sets nuclear surface growth rate. Partitioning of this local pool at each cell division modulates nuclear growth kinetics and dictates size scaling throughout early development.
Loss of critical developmental and human disease-causing genes in 58 mammals
Authors: Turakhia Yatish , Chen Heidi I. , Marcovitz Amir , Bejerano Gill
Published: October 2019

Gene losses provide an insightful route for studying the morphological and physiological adaptations of species, but their discovery is challenging. Existing genome annotation tools and protein databases focus on annotating intact genes and do not attempt to distinguish nonfunctional genes from genes missing annotation due to sequencing and assembly artifacts. Previous attempts to annotate gene losses have required significant manual curation, which hampers their scalability for the ever-increasing deluge of newly sequenced genomes. Using extreme sequence erosion (deletion and non-synonymous substitution) as an unambiguous signature of loss, we developed an automated approach for detecting high-confidence protein-coding gene loss events across a species tree. Our approach relies solely on gene annotation in a single reference genome, raw assemblies for the remaining species to analyze, and the associated phylogenetic tree for all organisms involved. Using the hg38 human assembly as a reference, we discovered over 500 unique human genes affected by such high-confidence erosion events in different clades across 58 mammals. While most of these events likely have benign consequences, we also found dozens of clade-specific gene losses that result in early lethality in outgroup mammals or are associated with severe congenital diseases in humans. Our discoveries yield intriguing potential for translational medical genetics and for evolutionary biology, and our approach is readily applicable to large-scale genome sequencing efforts across the tree of life.
Work time and well-being for workers at home: evidence from the American Time Use Survey
Authors: Giménez-Nadal José Ignacio , Molina José Alberto , Velilla Jorge
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the time-allocation decisions of individuals who work from home (i.e. teleworkers), and compare them with their commuter counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the American Time Use Survey for the years 2003–2015, the authors analyze the time spent working, and the timing of work, of both commuters and teleworkers.

Findings

Results show that teleworkers devote 40 percent less time to market work activities than do commuters, and less than 60 percent of teleworkers work at “regular hours,” vs around 80 percent of their commuter counterparts. Using information from the Well-being Module for the years 2012 and 2013, the authors find that male teleworkers experience lower levels of negative feelings while working than do commuters.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the timing of work of workers working from home; and the instant well-being experienced, exploiting information at diary level.
Geographical diversification and bank performance: evidence from Indian banks
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Anand Anand
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Geographic diversification results in the improvement of firm value through an increase in scale and scope of economies, gains in synergy, reduction in cost and improved corporate governance, however, the capabilities of financial institutions get heavily affected due to information asymmetries, varied macro and microeconomic factors across economies. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impact of geographical diversification on the performance of Indian Banks.

Design/methodology/approach

For an unbalanced panel data set of Indian Banks over the period 2001–2016, fixed effect model (FEM) with a distributed lag is used and tested for firm and time fixed effects. Further, the study also examines the role of bank size and ownership on the above association.

Findings

Findings of the study suggests that geographical diversification helps in increasing bank returns for the overall sample but does not have any significant impact on bank risk. For foreign and public banks, geographical diversification helps in increasing bank returns but does not have any significant impact on bank risk. This indicates toward the adverse selection, poor monitoring incentives in new markets and suggesting a lack of managerial skills.

Originality/value

The study indicates that while formulating the policies regarding branching and expansion these findings can serve as a guiding tool for managers and regulators. Findings have important implications for financial institution and policymakers in globalized financial markets.
Antecedents of innovative work behaviour in healthcare: does efficacy play a role?
Authors: Oppi Chiara , Bagheri Afsaneh , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Exploring how to enhance innovative work behaviour (IWB) has been the main concern of top managers and researchers, particularly in knowledge-intensive and public organizations. Yet, studies investigating factors that shape innovative behaviour at work are scarce. Focussing on the healthcare setting, the purpose of this paper is to hypothesize a direct relationship between individuals’ perceived creative self-efficacy (CSE), creative collective efficacy (CCE) and IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used survey data from 446 clinical managers working in public healthcare organizations in six different Italian regions and a set of previously validated questionnaires to measure the study variables.

Findings

Findings suggest that clinical managers’ perceptions of their CSE and their perceived CCE significantly influence their self-reported IWB.

Research limitations/implications

Findings highlight the importance of constructing and developing clinical managers’ efficacy in creativity at both an individual and team level in order to incentivize the emergence of innovation behaviour. Further research is needed to assess the existence of mediating and/or moderating mechanisms underlying the relationships emerging from this study in order to support decision makers in diffusing innovation and creativity in healthcare organizations.

Originality/value

The research adds to the debate on improving IWB by introducing perceived individual and team creative efficacy as determinants of IWB in healthcare organizations. The research is among the first attempts to contribute to healthcare organizations’ management through exploring clinical managers’ characteristics that influence their IWB.
Capital-constrained bi-objective newsvendor model with risk-averse preference and bankruptcy threshold
Authors: Yang Chen , Wu Desheng , Fang Weiguo
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major factors influencing retailer’s optimal ordering strategy in a supply chain consisting of one supplier and one retailer, where the retailer is newsvendor-like and capital-constrained, and further explore the issue of supply chain coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on bi-objective programming which is modeled under the mean-variance framework, the retailer’s optimal ordering strategy is derived. Furthermore, through comparative analysis between decentralized system and centralized system along with a numerical simulation, this study examines the theoretical conclusions about supply chain coordination.

Findings

This study shows that a poor retailer with a high Expected Terminal Wealth Target Threshold (ETWTT) would ignore bankruptcy risk and order more, whereas a rich retailer is relatively conservative. It also reveals that in some cases, the optimal order quantity and performance of decentralized system could be both improved. However, the centralized system can always get more profit than the decentralized one.

Originality/value

This study uses a bankruptcy threshold to describe retailer’s bankruptcy risk, and considers retailer’s wealth status to formulate the model as an innovative bi-objective programming. The type of retailer as rich or poor in terms of his wealth status and asset structure is distinguished. Moreover, the impacts of retailer’s type and ETWTT on ordering strategy are examined.
Life story as a tool for teaching sociological imagination
Authors: Roca Beltran , Bermúdez-Figueroa Eva , Estepa-Maestre Francisco
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of life story for the teaching of sociology to Social Work students. It contains the results of a teaching experiment in higher education which aims to foster sociological imagination among students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a mixed methodology. The quantitative data came from a survey handed out to the students with closed and open questions. The qualitative information came from the contents of class exercises in which the students had to connect the theoretical contents of the course of sociology with the biographical narratives of different research subjects.

Findings

The results reflect student satisfaction or appreciation regarding the use of the life story as a teaching resource, as well as a successful acquisition of sociological skills and knowledge, such as critical thinking, micro-macro connection and the interplay between structure and agency.

Practical implications

Life story and narrative methods should be employed in post-secondary education as teaching instruments.

Originality/value

The study contributes to expand the reflection on narrative techniques as a pedagogical tool. The paper provides several examples of class exercises with biographical narratives that have demonstrated to be successful for teaching sociology in higher education.
Apparel employees’ creative, analytical and emotional intelligences and their job and career satisfaction
Authors: McAndrews Laura , Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how apparel employees’ analytic, creative and emotional intelligence (EI) influence their job (JS) and career satisfaction (CS) from the theory of EI perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to apparel employees with a response of 135 participants. Regression-based conditional process analysis using bootstrapped confidence intervals was employed to analyze the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Findings indicated that, using EI, overall participants had higher JS and, therefore, CS. However, the degree of such relationships was different for the analytic and creative groups. Specifically, when the analytic group has high EI, the direct effect of EI on JS and CS was higher than the creative group had on high EI. That is, EI seems to help the analytic group to achieve their JS and CS more directly and, respectively, while the creative group gets more indirect benefit of JS between EI and CS.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically investigate the apparel work environment by assessing employees’ analytic, creative and EIs and their relationships with JS and CS. Implications for the apparel industry and academia show that apparel companies and educators may need to enhance EI for their current and future employees to help create a more positive and long-lasting career in the apparel industry.