bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the heterogeneity and equifinality of knowledge transfer in small innovative organizations
Authors: Spraggon Martin , Bodolica Virginia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To date, it remains unclear whether the experiences of large corporations with regard to knowledge transfer and process formalization can be successfully replicated in small companies. In this paper, the authors seek to contribute to the specialized literature on internal knowledge transfer processes and their degree of formalization in the context of small-sized innovative firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a multiple case study approach to perform an in-depth comparative analysis of processes deployed to transfer knowledge internally and their degree of formalization, relying on rich narratives shared by informants during the data gathering stage. This sample is composed of five small innovators operating in the software industry in Quebec and Ontario.

Findings

The authors identify seven knowledge transfer processes in our sample, namely communities of practice, within project teams, across project teams, non-project related meetings, in-house exchanges with clients, technological devices, and playful activities. Uncovering a high cross-case variation in terms of process formalization, the findings imply that the degree of formalization of intra-firm knowledge transfer processes has no direct bearing on the innovative success of small software companies.

Originality/value

The study sheds new light on the topic of heterogeneity of small organizations from the perspective of knowledge transfer endeavors and provides empirical evidence in support of equifinality for a subset of small-sized innovators from the software sector.
Stress and myths related to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on remote work
Authors: Madero Gómez Sergio , Ortiz Mendoza Oscar Eliud , Ramírez Jacobo , Olivas-Luján Miguel R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to know the implications that COVID-19 has presented in the workplace to develop research strategies related to issues of human and organizational behavior on the business perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative, exploratory based on primary and secondary sources, an online questionnaire was designed and applied with 33 items that was applied in the Mexican work environment, during the period from March 7 to 16, that is, in the same week as WHO made the pandemic declaration for COVID-19, obtaining a total of 332 responses.

Findings

With the descriptive analyzes carried out, it was possible to know the perception that people have of various aspects related to COVID-19, and subsequently the corresponding reliability tests were carried out, obtaining Cronbach’s alpha indexes greater than 0.8. At the beginning of the declaration of pandemic by COVID-19, a relationship was shown between stress and the aspects related to the arrival of COVID-19, showing evidence of its impact on the workforce.

Research limitations/implications

This work has contributed ideas for academics, managers and areas of human resources that can promote the growth and development of people with the aim of achieving comprehensive well-being in the workplace, generating better working conditions owing to the proposal to make remote work a successful strategy in the function of human resources in the workplace and in the improvement of society in general.

Originality/value

This research, in addition to being carried out with information obtained in the first weeks of March 2020, presents a model with ideas and themes to design future research projects and to analyze the post-COVID-19 effects in the workplace, with a business perspective, human behavior and organization.
Functional redundancy imparts process stability to acidic Fe(II)‐oxidizing microbial reactors
Authors: Ayala‐Muñoz Diana , Simister Rachel L. , Crowe Sean A. , Macalady Jennifer L. , Burgos William D.
Published: September 2020

In previous work, lab‐scale reactors designed to study microbial Fe(II) oxidation rates at low pH were found to have stable rates under a wide range of pH and Fe(II) concentrations. Since the stirred reactor environment eliminates many of the temporal and spatial variations that promote high diversity among microbial populations in nature, we were surprised that the reactors supported multiple taxa presumed to be autotrophic Fe(II) oxidizers based on their phylogeny. Metagenomic analyses of the reactor communities revealed differences in the metabolic potential of these taxa with respect to Fe(II) oxidation and carbon fixation pathways, acquisition of potentially growth‐limiting substrates and the ability to form biofilms. Our findings support the hypothesis that the long‐term co‐existence of multiple autotrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizing populations in the reactors are due to distinct metabolic potential that supports differential growth in response to limiting resources such as nitrogen, phosphorus and oxygen. Our data also highlight the role of biofilms in creating spatially distinct geochemical niches that enable the co‐existence of multiple taxa that occupy the same apparent metabolic niche when the system is viewed in bulk. The distribution of key metabolic functions across different co‐existing taxa supported functional redundancy and imparted process stability to these reactors.
The bacterial sulfur cycle in expanding dysoxic and euxinic marine waters
Authors: van Vliet Daan M. , von Meijenfeldt F.A. Bastiaan , Dutilh Bas E. , Villanueva Laura , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Stams Alfons J.M. , Sánchez‐Andrea Irene
Published: October 2020

Dysoxic marine waters (DMW, < 1 μM oxygen) are currently expanding in volume in the oceans, which has biogeochemical, ecological and societal consequences on a global scale. In these environments, distinct bacteria drive an active sulfur cycle, which has only recently been recognized for open‐ocean DMW. This review summarizes the current knowledge on these sulfur‐cycling bacteria. Critical bottlenecks and questions for future research are specifically addressed. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) are core members of DMW. However, their roles are not entirely clear, and they remain largely uncultured. We found support for their remarkable diversity and taxonomic novelty by mining metagenome‐assembled genomes from the Black Sea as model ecosystem. We highlight recent insights into the metabolism of key sulfur‐oxidizing SUP05 and Sulfurimonas bacteria, and discuss the probable involvement of uncultivated SAR324 and BS‐GSO2 bacteria in sulfur oxidation. Uncultivated Marinimicrobia bacteria with a presumed organoheterotrophic metabolism are abundant in DMW. Like SRB, they may use specific molybdoenzymes to conserve energy from the oxidation, reduction or disproportionation of sulfur cycle intermediates such as S0 and thiosulfate, produced from the oxidation of sulfide. We expect that tailored sampling methods and a renewed focus on cultivation will yield deeper insight into sulfur‐cycling bacteria in DMW.
Usage of in situ exopolysaccharide‐forming lactic acid bacteria in food production: Meat products—A new field of application?
Authors: Loeffler Myriam , Hilbig Jonas , Velasco Lina , Weiss Jochen
Published: October 2020

In the meat industry, hydrocolloids and phosphates are used to improve the quality attributes of meat products. However, latest research results revealed that the usage of exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐forming lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are able to produce EPS in situ during processing could be an interesting alternative. The current review aims to give a better understanding of bacterial EPS production in food matrices with a special focus on meat products. This includes an introduction to microbial EPS production (homopolysaccharides as well as heteropolysaccharides) and an overview of parameters affecting EPS formation and yield depending on LAB used. This is followed by a summary of methods to detect and characterize EPS to facilitate a rational selection of starter cultures and fermentation conditions based on desired structure–function relationships in different food matrices. The mechanism of action of in situ generated EPS is then highlighted with an emphasis on different meat products. In the process, this review also highlights food additives currently used in meat production that could in the future be replaced by in situ EPS‐forming LAB.
Deep sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from the tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in Korea
Authors: Park Ki Beom , Roh Jong Yul , Kim Seong Yoon , Kim Nam‐Yeon , Jo Yong Hun , Jeong Rae‐Dong , Lee Wook‐Gyo , Lee Hee‐Il , Cho Shin‐Hyeong , Lee Yong Seok , Han Yeon Soo
Published: October 2020

The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is widely distributed in China, Japan, and Korea and may transmit infectious diseases. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an important tick‐borne disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Deep sequencing to confirm the presence of SFTSV in ticks has not been reported in Korea. To detect SFTSV, RNA was extracted from tick samples and analyzed using high‐throughput deep sequencing. Based on BLASTN results, numerous SFTSV reads were identified. Moreover, a nearly complete genome of SFTSV (JNU‐1 isolate) was obtained using Sanger sequencing. The genome of the JNU‐1 isolate includes three segments of 6,286, 3,299 and 1,642 nucleotides (nt) termed large (L), medium (M), and small (S), respectively. Also, phylogenetic and recombination analyses for each segment of SFTSV were performed using the JNU‐1 isolate. The three segments of JNU‐1 isolate were closely related to the genotype B known human‐derived Korean SFTSV isolate; the JNU‐1 isolate showed no recombination sites with other isolates. This study is the first report of detection of SFTSV from ticks using deep sequencing in Korea and provides information on the genetic diversity of SFTSV in East Asia.
Occurrence of wooden breast and white striping in Brazilian slaughtering plants and use of near‐infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis to identify affected chicken breasts
Authors: de Carvalho Leila Moreira , Madruga Marta Suely , Estévez Mario , Badaró Amanda Teixeira , Barbin Douglas Fernandes
Published: September 2020

White Striping (WS) and Wooden Breast (WB) are emerging poultry myopathies that occur worldwide, affecting the quality of meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of N, WS, WB, and WS/WB (myopathies combined) in chicken breast from Brazilian commercial plant, comparing (1) inspection based on visual aspect and palpation ofPectoralis majormuscle, and (2) identification of these myopathies by near‐infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Chickens slaughtered at Brazilian commercial plant at four age ranges (4 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 9, and 65 weeks) were inspected. Spectral information was acquired using a portable NIR spectrometer, and classification models were performed using and Successive Projection Algorithm‐Linear Discriminant Analysis (SPA‐LDA) and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) to distinguish normal and affected muscles. Results showed that occurrence of myopathies was aggravated by age of slaughter, as chicken slaughtered at 4 to 5 and 65 weeks exhibited 13.6 and 95% of myopathies, respectively. Birds slaughtered at 65 weeks showed no occurrence of WB, isolated or combined with WS. It was not possible to differentiate the WB and WS/WB classes; therefore, those samples were grouped (WB+WS/WB). SPA‐LDA model showed greater accuracy (92 to 93%) in identifying Normal (N), WS, and WB+WS/WB groups, compared to SIMCA (89 to 91%). It can be concluded that the level of occurrence of myopathies in meat is directly related to the age of slaughter. This study demonstrated that NIRS combined with SPA‐LDA model could be used as a tool to detect myopathies in chicken breast. This technique has potential for application in industrial processing lines as an alternative to the traditional methods of identification.

Practical Application

This study shows that NIRS combined with chemometric techniques can be used to identify chicken breast myopathies in a wide range of ages at slaughter. In addition to being able to discriminate chicken muscles into subclasses, namely, Normal, WS, and WB/WB+WS, this technique has potential for application in industrial processing lines as it is a portable and nondestructive method. This procedure is emphasized as an alternative to the conventional method of identification based on palpation and visual assessment of muscle.
SCRAPP: A tool to assess the diversity of microbial samples from phylogenetic placements
Authors: Barbera Pierre , Czech Lucas , Lutteropp Sarah , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: September 2020

Microbial ecology research is currently driven by the continuously decreasing cost of DNA sequencing and the improving accuracy of data analysis methods. One such analysis method is phylogenetic placement, which establishes the phylogenetic identity of the anonymous environmental sequences in a sample by means of a given phylogenetic reference tree. However, assessing the diversity of a sample remains challenging, as traditional methods do not scale well with the increasing data volumes and/or do not leverage the phylogenetic placement information. Here, we present scrapp, a highly parallel and scalable tool that uses a molecular species delimitation algorithm to quantify the diversity distribution over the reference phylogeny for a given phylogenetic placement of the sample. scrapp employs a novel approach to cluster phylogenetic placements, called placement space clustering, to efficiently perform dimensionality reduction, so as to scale on large data volumes. Furthermore, it uses the phylogeny‐aware molecular species delimitation method mPTP to quantify diversity. We evaluated scrapp using both, simulated and empirical data sets. We use simulated data to verify our approach. Tests on an empirical data set show that scrapp‐derived metrics can classify samples by their diversity‐correlated features equally well or better than existing, commonly used approaches. scrapp is available at https://github.com/pbdas/scrapp.
Observations of supervisors and an actuarial research student on the qualitative research process
Authors: Du Jiajie , Bruhn Aaron , Whiting Bronwen
Published: October 2020

We report on lessons and insights concerning an interview‐based, qualitative research thesis undertaken by an honours year university student in actuarial studies, who had no previous experience with qualitative research. Motivations and the need for research of this nature are provided in depth. Observations are presented on key areas of the research process, from the perspective of both research student and supervisors. This informs future students who may be considering qualitative research, who have not previously engaged in this approach. It also informs supervisors in predominantly quantitative disciplines who may be unfamiliar with some of the nuances of interview‐based approaches.
Epididymal and ejaculated sperm functionality is regulated differently by periovulatory oviductal fluid in pigs
Authors: Soriano‐Úbeda Cristina , Avilés‐López Karen , García‐Vázquez Francisco A. , Romero‐Aguirregomezcorta Jon , Matás Carmen
Published: September 2020

Background

The current results of in vitro reproduction techniques in pigs, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development, show high performance with both epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. However, the results using ejaculated spermatozoa are even better. Ejaculated spermatozoa are exposed to the secretions of the accessory seminal glands: the seminal plasma (SP). It has been reported that exposure of spermatozoa to reproductive fluids, such as SP or periovulatory oviductal fluid (pOF), modulates sperm functionality both in vivo and in vitro. But whether or not this modulating effect of pOF depends on the origin of the spermatozoa being epididymal or ejaculated, is still unknown.

Objectives

To determine and compare the effect of pOF on epididymal and ejaculated sperm functionality.

Material and methods

The effects of incubating spermatozoa from the epididymis and ejaculate with pOF in capacitating conditions were investigated by analyzing sperm motility, phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and proteins in tyrosine (pPKAs and pTyr, respectively), the interaction of the spermatozoa with the oocyte in IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and, finally, the spermatozoa chromatin condensation status.

Results

The pOF modified events related to capacitation in epididymal spermatozoa by decreasing motility, pPKAs and pTyr. In the interaction with the oocyte after sperm capacitation, pOF regulated the epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa differently. While pOF decreased the number of spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida (Spz/ZP) and increased oocyte activation after ICSI with epididymal spermatozoa, with the ejaculated spermatozoa, it decreased the mean number penetrating each oocyte (Spz/O). Additionally, pOF significantly increased the nuclear decondensation of the epididymal spermatozoa after the fertilization of the oocyte.

Conclusion

The modulation of sperm functionality by pOF is conditioned by the origin of the spermatozoa.
Seminal exosomal miR‐210‐3p as a potential marker of Sertoli cell damage in Varicocele
Authors: Ma Yi , Zhou Yan , Xiao Qian , Zou Sha‐Sha , Zhu Yin‐Ci , Ping Ping , Chen Xiang‐Feng
Published: October 2020

Background

Varicocoele‐associated stressors, such as hypoxia and heat, can damage cell function and viability, and some exosomal biomarkers released from impaired cells may reflect the cell status in testis.

Objectives

To find if seminal exosomal microRNAs can reflect the Sertoli cell function in varicocoele.

Materials and methods

Experimental left varicocoele rat model was established (n = 24), and patients with different grades of varicocoele (n = 104) were enrolled. Primary rat Sertoli cells were isolated with enzymatic hydrolysis. Exosomes were isolated from primary rat Sertoli cells, rat epididymis tissue, and human seminal plasma with polymer‐based precipitation method. Exosomal microRNAs were quantified with qPCR. Inhibin‐B was detected with enzyme immunoassay. The correlation analysis between microRNA and inhibin‐B was evaluated with Spearman's correlation.

Results

We screened 12 previously reported hypoxia‐responsive microRNAs in the primary rat Sertoli cells and found that 4 exosomal microRNAs increased significantly in response to in vitro hypoxia treatment (P < .05). Of the 4 microRNAs, only miR‐210‐3p was upregulated in the rats with experimental varicocoele (P < .01). In the patients with varicocoele, we found that seminal exosomal miR‐210‐3p significantly increased in patients with grade II and III varicocoele (P < .01), and miR‐210‐3p negatively correlated with sperm count (P < .01) and seminal inhibin‐B expression (r = −0.39, P < .01). For the 30 patients with microsurgical varicocelectomy, the operation notably decreased miR‐210‐3p (P < .01).

Discussion and Conclusion

Seminal exosomal miR‐210‐3p may be a novel, sensitive, and non‐invasive biomarker of Sertoli cell damage in varicocoele.
Permeability and Protest in Lane 49: Entangling Materialities of Place with Housing Activism in Shanghai
Authors: Larrington‐Spencer Harriet , Browne Alison , Petrova Saska
Published: September 2020

Since China’s implementation of a neo‐liberal housing regime, housing activism has boomed. Whilst activism is ultimately in place, as increasingly recognised within protest work, there is limited reflection upon how permeable material histories are entangled with thethrowntogethernessof place as a site for protest. Employing ethnography over three months, this article follows the emergence, organisation and implementation of housing activism in Lane 49, a public housing community in downtown Shanghai. Utilising feminist geography and feminist political theorisations of material permeability this article contributes to Chinese geographies of protest, providing a local epistemology of housing activism which demonstrates the importance of drawing materiality into understandings of activist tactics. The article also contributes to radical geographies of protest by deconstructing the idea of public protest in a public place and thus offering opportunities to demonstrate how, through blurring public‐private binaries, protest can emerge and survive in authoritative governance regimes.
Education, skill training, and lifelong learning in the era of technological revolution: a review
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Park Cyn‐Young
Published: September 2020

Rapid technological development makes skills depreciate faster than in the past while new technologies generate gaps in workers' skills and call for the acquisition of appropriate skills and lifelong learning. Proper skill mixes for future jobs include strong cognitive skills, basic information and communication technology, and analytical skills, as well as a range of non‐cognitive skills such as creativity, problem‐solving, critical thinking, and communication. Retraining and reskilling workers are also crucial, particularly as life expectancy increases. All these changes lead to a major rethinking of education and skill training throughout a person's life. This paper reviews the recent studies on human capital and skill formation in the era of rapid technological progress. Findings from these studies, particularly in labour economics, can shed light on new directions for lifelong education policies, for example (1) parental investment in pre‐school learning is reflected in highly positive adult outcomes; (2) as far as education inputs are concerned, teacher quality is far more important than additional school resources; and (3) government workforce training programs are largely ineffective as compared to private training, which contribute significantly to worker productivity.
Autism research is ‘all about the blokes and the kids’: Autistic women breaking the silence on menopause
Authors: Moseley Rachel L. , Druce Tanya , Turner‐Cobb Julie M.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The menopause is a major transition marked by considerable challenges to health and well‐being. Its impact on autistic women has been almost largely ignored but is of significant concern, given the poorer physical and mental health, emotion regulation and coping skills, and the common social isolation of this group. We aimed to explore awareness and perception of the menopause; menopausal experiences and their impact across each individual’s life; ways that menopause with autism might differ from a non‐autistic menopause; and what optimal support might look like.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

Comprehensive interviews were conducted with 17 autistic participants (16 of whom identified as cisgender women). Inductive thematic analysis was used, guided by IPA principles and literature.

Results

Four major themes were identified: (1) covering the long journey of our participants to recognizing autism in adulthood; (2) menopausal awareness and perceptions; (3) symptoms and their impact; and (4) ways that a neurodiverse menopause might differ from the norm. Menopausal experiences varied greatly and some participants experienced marked deterioration in daily function and coping skills, mental health, and social engagement. Menopausal awareness was often low, so too was confidence in help from health care professionals.

Conclusions

These findings implicate the potential for menopause to severely compromise health and well‐being of autistic people and indicate an area of underserved support needs.
Quality of experience in residential care programmes: Retrospective perspectives of former youth participants
Authors: Chatfield Mark M. , Diehl David C. , Johns Tracy L. , Smith Suzanna , Galindo‐Gonzalez Sebastian
Published: October 2020

This exploratory study examined perceptions of care quality within parent‐pay youth treatment programmes such as therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centres, wilderness therapy programmes, and intensive outpatient programmes. Reflecting on their personal experiences as youths, 214 adults reported on a total of 75 different treatment settings. Two indices developed for this study measured participants' perceptions of quality of experience and the totalistic programme characteristics of their care settings. Regression analyses and ANOVA tests of means indicated a negative relationship between totalistic programme characteristics and quality of experience index scores. Significant relationships were not found between quality of experience and forcible transport, intake decade, or the amount of time in treatment.
Potential use of serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 and E‐cadherin as biomarkers of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zeljkovic A. , Mihajlovic M. , Stefanovic A. , Zeljkovic D. , Trifunovic B. , Miljkovic M. , Spasojevic‐Kalimanovska V. , Vekic J.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Despite many efforts, reliable biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are still missing. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and E‐cadherin are recognized as potential biomarkers, but their diagnostic capacity is largely unexplored in CRC. The aim of this work is to investigate IGF‐1 and E‐cadherin levels with respect to various characteristics of CRC and to estimate their diagnostic potential.

Method

Seventy CRC patients and 75 healthy individuals were enrolled. IGF‐1 and E‐cadherin were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The predictive and diagnostic capacities of IGF‐1 and E‐cadherin were estimated by logistic regression analysis and by determination of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).

Results

Concentrations of IGF‐1 were lower (P = 0.019) while levels of E‐cadherin were higher (P < 0.001) in CRC patients than in controls. IGF‐1 concentration decreased in parallel with age and progression of CRC (P = 0.023). Also, IGF‐1 was higher in men with CRC than in women (P = 0.003). E‐cadherin levels were unaffected by variations in either anthropometric characteristics of CRC patients, or localization, grade and stage of the tumour. Both IGF‐1 and E‐cadherin were independently associated with CRC (P = 0.040; P < 0.001, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of IGF‐1 was estimated as acceptable (AUC = 0.757; P < 0.001), while the diagnostic accuracy of E‐cadherin was outstanding (AUC = 0.954; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Decreased IGF‐1 and increased E‐cadherin levels were found in CRC patients. IGF‐1, but not E‐cadherin, concentrations differed according to age, gender and stage of CRC. Both markers were independently associated with the presence of the disease, while E‐cadherin demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.
The impact of surgical subspecialization on patient outcomes following emergency colorectal resections in the north of England: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Young John , Brown Leo R. , Thomas Christophe L. G. , McCallum Iain J. D. , McLean Ross C.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Emergency colorectal surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most general surgeons have a subspecialty, which forms the focus of their elective work, allowing development of specialist skill sets. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of consultant subspecialization on patient outcomes following emergency colorectal resections.

Methods

Data were requested for all emergency admissions under a general surgeon between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2016 within the north of England. These were acquired from individual Trusts following Caldicott approval. Data included demographics, diagnoses and any procedures undertaken. Patients were assigned to cohorts based on the subspecialist interest of the consultant they were under the care of. The primary outcome of interest was 30‐day postoperative mortality. Categorical data were compared with the chi‐squared test, and continuous data with thettest or ANOVA. A logistic regression model determined factors associated with 30‐day in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Overall, 7648 emergency colorectal resections were performed with a 30‐day postoperative mortality of 13.8%. This was significantly lower if the responsible consultant was a colorectal surgeon compared with other general surgery subspecialties (11.8% vs. 15.2%,P< 0.001). This was significant on univariate analysis (OR 0.75,P < 0.001); however, following multivariable adjustment, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.380). The colorectal specialists had a higher laparoscopy rate than their colleagues—9.8% versus 6.8% (P < 0.001). Stoma rates were also lower (46.9% vs. 51.0%,P = 0.001) and anastomosis rates higher (55.9% vs. 49.3%,P < 0.001) amongst colorectal surgeons.

Conclusion

These findings add to the growing body of evidence that patient outcomes may be improved by involving subspecialists in colorectal emergencies.
Nanotextured silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite biomimetic bilayer tough structure regulated osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells for osteochondral repair
Authors: Shang Lingling , Ma Baojin , Wang Fulei , Li Jianhua , Shen Song , Li Xiaoyuan , Liu Hong , Ge Shaohua
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Articular cartilage plays a vital role in bearing and buffering. Injured cartilage and subchondral bone repair is a crucial challenge in cartilage tissue engineering due to the peculiar structure of osteochondral unit and the requirement of osteogenic/chondrogenic bi‐directional differentiation. Based on the bionics principle, a nanotextured silk fibroin (SF)‐chondroitin sulphate (CS)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanowire tough bilayer structure was prepared for osteochondral repair.

Methods

The SF‐CS/HAp membrane was constructed by alcohol‐induced β‐sheet formation serving as the physical crosslink. Its osteochondral repairing capacity was evaluated by culturing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro and constructing a rat osteochondral defect model in vivo.

Results

The bilayer SF‐CS/HAp membrane with satisfactory mechanical properties similar to natural cartilage imitated the natural osteochondral unit structural layers and exerted the function of bearing and buffering timely after in vivo implantation. SF‐CS layer upregulated the expression of chondrogenesis‐related genes of BMSCs by surface nanotopography and sustained release CS. Meanwhile, nanotextured HAp layer assembled with nanowire endowed the membrane with an osteogenic differentiation tendency for BMSCs. In vivo results proved that the biomimetic bilayer structure dramatically promoted new cartilage formation and subchondral bone remodelling for osteochondral defect model after implantation.

Conclusions

The SF‐CS/HAp biomimetic bilayer membrane provides a promising strategy for precise osteochondral repair.
Primary superficial synovial sarcoma: clinical and histopathological characteristics in eight cases with molecular confirmation
Authors: Li Philippa , Laskin William , Wang Wei‐Lien , Demicco Elizabeth G. , Panse Gauri
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a spindled cell sarcoma demonstrating varying degrees of epithelial differentiation and characterized by a pathognomonic t(X;18) translocation. SS most frequently involves deep soft tissue of the extremities in young adults. Superficial SS involving dermis and/or subcutaneous tissue is exceedingly rare.

Methods and results

We identified eight cases of primary superficial synovial sarcomas across three tertiary institutions. All cases were confined to the dermis/subcutis based on imaging or gross and microscopic examination. The average patient age was 36 years (range 14‐50). The average tumor size was 2.4 cm (range 0.9‐3.9 cm) and lesions showed classic monophasic (n = 4) or biphasic (n = 4) morphology. All tumors expressed keratin AE1/AE3 and/or epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), but were negative for CD34. The diagnosis for each case was confirmed by molecular detection of t(X;18). Six of the eight cases were treated with curative excision while the other two received additional radiotherapy. Follow‐up was available for six patients (mean 68 months, range 2‐108 months) and no patient experienced recurrence or metastatic disease.

Conclusions

We present the largest series to date of primary superficial SS with molecular confirmation for all cases. SS should be considered when evaluating a cutaneous monomorphic spindle cell neoplasm.
Efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists in type 2 diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Y. , Chi J. , Huang Y. , Dong B. , Lv W. , Wang Y. G.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To analyse the efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists for people with diabetic kidney disease.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing endothelin receptor antagonists with placebo in people with diabetic kidney disease were identified through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. We used a random‐effect model to calculate the mean difference or risk ratio with the 95% CI.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 4730 participants were included. Overall, endothelin receptor antagonists significantly reduced albuminuria compared with placebo (standardized mean difference –0.48, 95% CI –0.64 to –0.33). Atrasentan, in particular, effectively reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference –0.58, 95% CI –1.00 to –0.17) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88), with insignificant change in the rate of congestive heart failure (risk ratio 1.40, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.56) and mortality (risk ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.61). In contrast, although avosentan reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference –0.47, 95% CI –0.57 to –0.36) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94), it was associated with a significant increase in congestive heart failure risk (risk ratio 2.61, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.00) and an insignificant increase in mortality risk (risk ratio 1.50, 95% CI 0.81, 2.78). No significant change in efficacy or safety outcomes with bosentan was detected. Dose–response analysis indicated that 0.75 mg/day atrasentan is expected to be optimal for renoprotection, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention events.

Conclusions

Among the endothelin receptor antagonists, atrasentan and avosentan, but not bosentan, are effective for renoprotection in people with diabetic kidney disease. Compared with other types and doses, atrasentan 0.75 mg/day is the most promising, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention. Vigilant monitoring of congestive heart failure risk is needed in future clinical practice. (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020169840).
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and atrial fibrillation in the cardiovascular and renal outcome trials
Authors: Okunrintemi Victor , Mishriky Basem M. , Powell James R. , Cummings Doyle M.
Published: October 2020

Dapagliflozin is a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has recently been shown to reduce the incidence of reported episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter in the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial. This raises the question regarding whether SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the incidence of AF in a high‐risk population. We searched for trials comparing SGLT2 inhibitors to placebo in high‐risk individuals with or without diabetes (ie, cardiovascular and renal outcome trials) and that reported the incidence of AF as a serious adverse event. The EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial, CANVAS, CANVAS‐R, the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial, CREDENCE, DAPA‐HF, VERTIS‐CV and DAPA‐CKD were included. The incidence of AF, reported as a serious adverse event, was 0.9% in individuals who received an SGLT2 inhibitor compared to 1.1% in those who received placebo. Pooled results showed a significantly lower incidence of AF in individuals with and without diabetes (relative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.67,0.93). This review suggests that there is a significantly lower risk of incident AF for individuals on SGLT2 inhibitors versus placebo. While there was a statistically significant lower incidence of AF, reported as a serious adverse event, more research is needed to evaluate its clinical significance.
Patients with highly unstable type 1 diabetes eligible for islet transplantation can be managed with a closed‐loop insulin delivery system: A series of N‐of‐1 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Benhamou Pierre‐Yves , Lablanche Sandrine , Vambergue Anne , Doron Maeva , Franc Sylvia , Charpentier Guillaume
Published: October 2020

Aim

To compare the efficacy of the closed‐loop Diabeloop for highly unstable diabetes (DBLHU) system with the open‐loop predictive low glucose suspend (PLGS) system in patients with highly unstable type 1 diabetes (T1D) who experience acute metabolic events.

Methods

DBLHU‐WP10 was an interventional, controlled, randomized, open‐label study that comprised two cycles of N‐of‐1 trials (2‐of‐1 trials). Each trial consisted of two crossover 4‐week periods of treatment with either DBLHU or PLGS in randomized order. The primary outcome was the percentage of time spent in the 70‐180 mg/dL glucose range (time in range [TIR]).

Results

Five out of seven randomized patients completed the aggregated 2‐of‐1 trials. TIR was significantly higher with DBLHU (73.3% ± 1.7%) compared with PLGS (43.5% ± 1.7%; P < .0001). The percentage of time below 70 mg/dL was significantly lower with DBLHU (0.9% ± 0.4%) versus PLGS (3.7% ± 0.4%; P < .0001). DBLHU was also significantly superior to PLGS in reducing hyperglycaemic excursions and improving almost all other secondary outcomes, including glucose variability and satisfaction score. No adverse event could be related to the experimental treatment.

Conclusions

DBLHU was superior to PLGS in improving the metabolic control of patients with highly unstable T1D who require an islet or pancreas transplant but who either have a contraindication or refuse to consent.
Single coronary artery Left (SCA L)‐Right coronary artery arising from mid‐left anterior descending coronary artery: New variant of Lipton classification (SCA L‐II) diagnosed by computed tomographic angiography
Authors: Sampath Aravind , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy , Venugopal Sharini , Fisher Kendra , Reddy Kathi Narasimha , Anavekar Nandan S. , Bansal Ramesh C.
Published: October 2020

Isolated single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare anomaly. Current classification of left and right is further classified based on the course of the anomalous vessel. We report two SCA L cases where right coronary artery (RCA) arose from mid‐left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Our observation is a variation from the current Lipton classification SCA L Type II where RCA arose from left coronary artery before the LAD, in our cases the RCA arose from mid LAD after the first septal perforator. We believe that this variant should be described as SCA L Type II variant 2 (V2) while the original Lipton classification should be described as SCA L Type II variant 1 (V1).
Isolation and pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) stands in Slovakia
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Sikora Katarzyna , Galko Juraj , Kunca Andrej , Milenković Ivan
Published: October 2020

During the monitoring of oak decline phenomenon in Slovakia, symptoms indicative of Phytophthora diseases were observed in sessile oak stands in western Slovakia. The study aimed to test the presence and diversity of Phytophthora species associated with declining oak stands. From rhizosphere soil samples, Phytophthora plurivora, P. quercina and Pythium intermedium were detected. Soil inoculation tests with P. plurivora and P. quercina on 1‐year‐old oak plants inflicted damage to the root system, and significant differences in measured root parameters between the inoculated and control treatments after 5 months. Although more wilting symptoms were observed in P. plurivora—infected seedlings (7 out of 12 inoculated seedlings), P. quercina caused the highest amount of damage to root systems, and for example, fine root length was 1.6 times shorter compared to the control. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. plurivora and P. quercina in sessile oak stands in Slovakia.
Time‐series and cross‐sectional momentum in anomaly returns
Authors: Wang Feifei , Yan Xuemin (Sterling) , Zheng Lingling
Published: October 2020

We find strong evidence of time‐series and cross‐sectional momentum in the long–short returns of a comprehensive sample of anomalies. Strategies that exploit such persistence deliver significant abnormal returns that are robust to the stock momentum effect, cannot be explained by traditional asset‐pricing models, and are more pronounced when arbitrage capital is scarcer or market liquidity is lower. Momentum in anomaly returns dissipates but does not reverse, in the long‐run. Our findings are consistent with limits‐to‐arbitrage and slow‐moving capital causing mispricing to persist. Supporting this explanation, we find that both the level and persistence of anomaly returns are positively related to idiosyncratic volatility.
Immunohistochemical analysis of laryngeal muscle of horses clinically affected with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy
Authors: Steel Catherine M. , Walmsley Elizabeth A. , Anderson Garry A. , Coles Chantal A. , Ahern Benjamin , White Jason D.
Published: October 2020

Background

As myosin heavy chain (MyHC) profile of muscle fibres is heavily influenced by neural input, changes in MyHC expression are expected in horses clinically affected with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) yet, this has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objectives

To describe the changes in MyHC and fibre diameter in left cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (L‐CAD) muscle of horses with clinical signs of RLN.

Study design

Observational cohort study.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the MyHC‐based fibre‐type proportion, size and grouping in the L‐CAD of 10 Thoroughbred horses, five clinically affected with RLN and five unaffected controls based on resting endoscopic examination. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups.

Results

Compared to controls (of mean age 3.0 ± 1.7 years) which only expressed type I, IIA and IIX MyHC, the L‐CAD of affected horses (of mean age 2.8 ± 0.8 years) had obvious fibre‐type grouping, and despite apparent compensatory hypertrophy of a small number of fibres, a decrease in overall fibre diameter (median difference −35.2 µm, 95% CI −47.4 to −7.9, P = .02) and diameter of type IIA fibres (median difference −46.8 µm, 95% CI −52.1 to −5.0, P = .03) was observed. Anti‐fast MyHC (MY32) cross‐immunoreacted with embryonic‐MyHC. Whereas MY32‐positive fibres were identified as type IIX in controls, in affected horses these fibres were less than 50 µm diameter with internal nuclei and were MYH3‐positive for embryonic myosin indicating depletion of type IIX fibres, yet active regeneration and fibre renewal.

Main limitations

Small sample size that did not include subclinical cases. Fibre size and appearance rather than staining colour were relied upon to differentiate embryonic from type IIX MyHC.

Conclusions

Horses clinically affected with RLN have overall atrophy of fibres, loss of IIX fibres and expression of embryonic myosin indicating regenerative capacity. Despite hypertrophy of some remaining fibres, the overall decline in the bulk of fibres, including those most fatigue‐resistant, may be the critical change that results in failure to maintain arytenoid abduction during exercise although direct comparison to subclinical cases is needed to confirm this.
The Sawshark Redemption: Current knowledge and future directions for sawsharks (Pristiophoridae)
Authors: Nevatte Ryan J. , Williamson Jane E.
Published: September 2020

Sawsharks (Order: Pristiophoriformes, Family: Pristiophoridae) are a highly distinctive group of sharks, characterized by a tapering saw‐like rostrum with a pair of elongate barbels on the ventral surface. Their unusual characteristics should attract attention; however, very few studies have been dedicated to sawsharks. As a result, our understanding of their biology and ecology is limited. However, information on aspects of their biology and ecology can be found in studies not directly focussing on sawsharks. This review provides a synthesis of information pertaining to the 10 recognized sawshark species following a comprehensive search of the scientific literature. We cover their distributions, habitat utilization, life histories, reproduction, trophic dynamics and sensory biology. Current knowledge on their unique rostral structures, the evolutionary history of pristiophorids, taxonomy, behaviour and threats to sawshark populations are also reviewed. This compilation serves as a foundation for sawshark researchers and highlights key knowledge gaps in this unique group of elasmobranchs, thereby beginning the sawshark redemption.
Dynamics of the Confluence of Malvinas and Brazil currents, and a southern Patagonian spawning ground, explain recruitment fluctuations of the main stock of Illex argentinus
Authors: Torres Alberto María Luz , Bodnariuk Nicolás , Ivanovic Marcela , Saraceno Martín , Acha Eduardo Marcelo
Published: September 2020

The Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) sustains one of the world's largest squid fisheries. This squid presents strong interannual fluctuations in abundance, attributed to its semelparous life strategy coupled with environmental influences on recruitment. Several stocks have been identified, but the south patagonic stock (SPS) is the most abundant and the main support (ca. 80%) of the Argentine fishery. SPS spawns in autumn–winter, but there are controversies regarding the spawning ground location. We studied the relationship between the recruitment variability and oceanographic conditions to which eggs and paralarvae are exposed, considering two possible spawning ground locations: Patagonia and Southern Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that the SPS recruitment variability could be controlled by oceanographic fluctuations related to the transport of the egg masses spawned on each of the two grounds, to their retention on the continental shelf and to the attainment of the thermal habitat required for eggs hatching. We used a 24‐ years long time series (1993–2017) of catch per unit effort of the squid fishery, and a shorter stock‐assessment series as recruitment proxies; and satellite data of SST and of geostrophic velocities derived from sea surface height. This information was employed to model the advection of the squid egg masses along the external shelf and slope and to estimate the annual recruitment success. Results show that if spawning occurs in Patagonia, 52% of the recruitment variability could be explained. On the other hand, if spawning occurs in southern Brazil, it does not result in successful recruitments for the SPS.
Geographies of capital punishment: New directions and interventions
Authors: Colucci Alex R.
Published: October 2020

A thorough analysis of capital punishment from a political–geographical perspective is lacking in the discipline of geography. This is despite the fact that capital punishment overlaps with numerous geographic approaches, concepts, and areas of study. This study serves as a call to geographers to begin considering capital punishment's wide interaction and interrelation with developed areas of knowledge in the discipline. Specifically, political geographers stand to contribute in novel ways to wider discussions about capital punishment by analyzing executions relative to contemporary work in geography on violent, legal, and carceral spaces. I first introduce the need for geography's engagement with this pressing issue. Then, I clarify several terms needed to understand this violent practice. A third section highlights several pathways of development in the critical geographies of capital punishment. It is organized around four broad themes—critically mapping capital punishment, bodies in motion, politics of access, and executing the “other”—connecting capital punishment to developing concepts, literatures, and subdisciplines in geography. The final two sections outline an epistemological approach to the geographies of capital punishment and how legal and carceral geographies might contribute.