bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis outpatient service in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Quirke Siobhan , Quinn Laura , Hegarty Deborah , Loy Aisling , Lyons Fiona , Mulcahy Fiona , Devitt Emma
Published: October 2020

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care providers have had to rapidly change how they deliver care to patients. We discuss how we are delivering a virtual HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service during this time; challenges faced; challenges expected and goals for the coming months.
Early Holocene phytolith records for three shell midden sites, Yongjiang River, Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Zhang Yekun , Huang Shengmin , Chen Weiju , Qin Fang , Pu Xiaodong , Wei Wenheng , Huang Miaomiao , Wood Rachel , Denham Tim
Published: October 2020

Phytolith records from three proximal freshwater shell midden sites document plant exploitation and local palaeoecological changes during the early Holocene in present-day Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. Radiocarbon dating of freshwater gastropod shells indicates the midden sites formed sequentially, with variable chronological overlaps: Baozitou at 12,000-11,130 cal BP, Shichuantou at 11,250-10,500 cal BP and Nabeizui at 11,060-9560 cal BP. Palaeoecological data are inferred to show variable trends of forest reduction or recovery during the formation of each midden, suggesting different intensities of site use and impacts upon the local environment. Significantly, palms (Arecaceae) became more frequent during the middle period of formation at each site, which is interpreted to represent resource intensification and selective exploitation of palms by the communities who created each midden.
Income and Employment Changes Under COVID-19 Lockdown: A Study of Urban Punjab
Authors: Singh Indervir , Singh Jagdeep , Baruah Ashapurna
Published: October 2020

This article traces income and employment changes through various phases of the lockdown based on primary data. It analyses the coping strategies of people in response to fall in their income. The article reveals that there was a large drop in income and employment with the announcement of lockdown. While there is some recovery with easing of the lockdown, the income at the time of survey is still substantially lower than its pre-lockdown level. Casual labour households with the largest fall in income and employment are the most affected. Income and employment losses are also higher among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Caste (OBC) households. In the absence of any income, the households either had to live off their savings or had to borrow money for their basic needs. With rapidly depleting savings, borrowing approached its limits, and with slow recovery of income, households may need substantial government assistance to save them from deprivation.
Transnational Communities of Practice: Their Development, Operation, and Contribution
Authors: Tharapos Meredith , O’Connell Brendan T.
Published: October 2020

Critical to the successful maintenance and survival of a transnational education partnership is the role of faculty. Our study documents the operational and social relationships between faculty teaching transnationally. Through interviews and observation, we find that informal communities of practice (CoP) spontaneously evolve, serving to improve faculty’s teaching and learning practice while in situ. The key to CoP effectiveness is members’ cultural intelligence and adoption of a reflective practice. These findings have significant implications for university internationalization practices. CoP should be nurtured and encouraged to develop organically in a transnational environment, and formally supported by university systems and processes. Furthermore, we recommend universities facilitate development of faculty cross-cultural capabilities. Our study contributes to international education and CoP literature through its rich and detailed portrayal of the development and operation of CoP, and mapped member participation, in a culturally distant situated learning environment.
An innovative seismic-resilient bridge with shape memory alloy-washer-based footing rocking RC piers
Authors: Zheng Yue , Fang Cheng , Liang Dong , Sun Ruiqin
Published: October 2020

This study proposes a new footing rocking pier which employs shape memory alloy (SMA) washers as its kernel elements. Apart from providing self-centering capability and energy dissipation, the SMA washers enable a “limited rocking” behavior for the pier, helping enhance the seismic resilience of the bridges. The study commences with quasi-static tests on SMA washer groups with various stack patterns. Subsequently, a 1/4 scale SMA-washer-based rocking pier specimen is tested. Following the experimental study, a bridge system adopting the SMA-washer-based rocking pier is carefully designed. An iterative seismic design approach is proposed for the rocking pier, followed by a system level analysis on the entire bridge system. A suite of ground motions corresponding to two intensity levels are considered. The performance of the innovative bridge is also compared with a conventional bridge with fixed-base piers. The results reveal that the new system exhibits superior performance to the conventional bridge in terms of pier damage control, which is achieved with acceptable sacrifice of other performance indices such as bearing displacement and peak drift ratio. A further parametric study suggests that the response of the bridge with the proposed pier is related to the load resistance and deformability of the SMA washers.
Extrapolation of AR models using cubic splines for damage progression evaluation in composite structures
Authors: da Silva Samuel , Paixão Jessé , Rébillat Marc , Mechbal Nazih
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the potentiality of the use of extrapolation of a set of Auto-Regressive (AR) models to inspect a future damage sensitive indices based on changes in one-step-ahead prediction errors. The key idea is to use multiple AR models to assess a data-driven model to represent and predict the time-series outputs of the PZT sensors receiving Lamb waves in a composite coupon. Based on some simplified assumptions, after detecting initial damage using some previous classifier, its progression evaluation by interpolating the AR parameters is proposed and examined based on cubic spline functions. After, an extrapolated AR model using this information may verify the future state and to inspect how the damage could progress. An aeronautical composite panel with bonded piezoelectric elements that act both as sensors and actuators is utilized to examine the relationship between the variation of the identified model parameters with various levels of simulated damage. The results have shown a smooth and adequate correlation between the estimates obtained by the extrapolated model and the actual progress of the damage observed. The significant advantage of the proposed procedure is implementing this task without adopting a complicated and costly mathematical-physical model.
Principals’ Schema: Leadership Philosophies and Instructional Leadership
Authors: Zuckerman Sarah J. , O’Shea Cailen
Published: October 2020

The Every Child Succeeds Act of 2015 signaled a shift toward the recognition of the importance of school leadership, reflecting a growing body of literature that demonstrates principals are second only to classroom instruction in supporting student success. This influence is the greatest when principals focus on teaching and learning, or instructional leadership. The ability to focus on instructional leadership requires knowledge, as well as the schema that creates mental models for instructional leadership tasks. This study draws on interviews with principals to examine the relationship between their theory of leadership, which are conceptualized as leadership schema, and their instructional leadership practices. The findings suggest that there are similarities in the instructional leadership tasks undertaken by principals, but that how they engage in tasks is partially determined by their theory of leadership.
How is obesity associated with happiness? Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Xu Ling , Hagedorn Aaron
Published: October 2020

Happiness is a universal goal that people pursue. Studies of the relationship between obesity and happiness have shown mixed findings. It is uncertain whether an optimum BMI level exists and at what level obesity interferes or interacts with happiness. Guided by the Circle of Discontent Theory, we examined the relationship between obesity and happiness among Chinese residents using the 2014 China Family Panel Studies data. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between BMI and happiness, with obesity associated with happiness through physical appearance, health, and income. The socioeconomic conditions for the appropriate weight to achieve happiness are discussed.
A comparative study into the effects of pre and post catalyst exhaust gas recirculation on the onset of knock
Authors: Parsons Dominic , Orchard Simon , Evans Nick , Ozturk Umud , Burke Richard , Brace Chris
Published: October 2020

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is proven as a valuable technology for controlling knock whilst maintaining lambda one operation, and is also capable of providing efficiency gains at low load. Despite this few studies in the literature address the question of EGR composition effects, namely whether the EGR gas is sourced from before or after the catalyst, and this remains an area which is often overlooked whilst investigating EGR performance. This paper demonstrates a novel method combining experiment air-path emulation and in-depth data processes to compare the effect of EGR catalysis on the angle of knock onset in a 1L GDI engine. Since initial temperature and pressure have a significant impact on knocking behaviour, an artificial boosting rig replaced the turbomachinery. This enabled fine control over the engine boundary conditions to ensure parity between the catalysed and un-catalysed cases. To overcome the difficulty of comparing stochastic phenomena in an inherently variable dataset, a pairing method was combined with Shahlari and Ghandhi’s angle of knock onset determination method to assess the effects of EGR composition on knock onset for EGR rates ranging from 9% to 18%. The air path emulation system stabilised the engine combustion to provide a suitably rich dataset for analysing knock using the pairing method. Catalysed EGR improved the mean knock onset angle by 0.55 CAD, but due to the inherent variability in cylinder pressure data this only equated to a 58.3% chance of a later knock onset angle for catalysed EGR in any given pair of comparative cycles.
‘He was obliged to seek refuge’: an illustrative example of a cross-language interview analysis
Authors: Kalocsányiová Erika , Shatnawi Malika
Published: October 2020

This paper provides one of the first inquiries into the interactional dynamics of an interpreter-mediated research encounter. All spoken interactions – that is, originals and real-time translations produced in a multilingual interview conducted with a Syrian refugee – were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim using conversation analysis notation, retranslated and collaboratively analysed from three major perspectives: common language, equivalence, and loss and gain in translation. A stimulated recall interview, field notes and audio-recorded work sessions documenting our interpretative practices complement the data. Fixing our analytical gaze on the minute details of language use across English–Arabic allowed for a novel inquiry into specific moments of meaning making, role performances and rapport building in qualitative interviewing. Our examples illustrate how an agreed-on sense of the source meaning is established not only during the interview itself, but also at the point of its multilingual representation and analysis.
Exploring parent and student engagement in school self-evaluation in four European countries
Authors: Brown Martin , McNamara Gerry , Cinkir Sakir , Fadar Jerich , Figueiredo Maria , Vanhoof Jan , O’Hara Joe , Skerritt Craig , O’Brien Shivaun , Kurum Gül , Ramalho Henrique , Rocha João
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this paper, which is part of a three-year EU Erasmus+-funded study titled ‘Distributed Evaluation and Planning in Schools’ (DEAPS), is to provide an analysis of policies, structures, processes, supports and barriers that exist to enable or inhibit the involvement of students and parents in school evaluation in four European countries (Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Turkey). Document analysis was used for this study and some 348 peer-reviewed articles, and 28 national and transnational policy documents were included in the analysis. Based on this review it would be reasonable to suggest that the student/parent voice agenda around evaluation in schools remains, by and large, aspirational. It is extolled in policy but in practice is mainly tokenistic with very little evidence of impact on the work of schools. In light of this, it is argued that government and school-level policies and strategies need to be reconsidered to enhance students’ and parents’ engagement in school evaluation. As a first step, significant further empirical research on the limitations on and conditions necessary for stakeholder voice in education is required.
An Indigenous and Western paradigm to understand gestational diabetes mellitus: Reflections and insights
Authors: Whitty-Rogers Joanne , Cameron Brenda , Caine Vera
Published: October 2020

Indigenous women face many barriers to maternal care during pregnancy in Canada. A participatory study was conducted in two First Nations Communities in Nova Scotia, Canada to gain new knowledge about Mi’kmaw women’s experiences of living with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Relational ethics helped guide this journey. In this paper we describe how Indigenous and Western approaches were used to understand Mi’kmaw women’s experiences with GDM. It was important to us that the research methodology facilitated building relationship and trust. This led to an openness and willingness of the women to express their concerns and offer ways to address GDM in their communities. The challenges of blending Indigenous approaches with Western research are also discussed in the paper. The foundational principles that were used during this research included: 1) Staying true to my word; 2) Mutual Trust; 3) Mutual Respect; 4) Being Flexible; 5) Being Non judgemental; 6) Working in partnership; 7) Taking time to explain; 8) Promoting autonomy; and 9) Genuine connectiveness. The findings revealed that the research assisted the Mi’kmaw women in understanding their experiences in new ways and helped to build capacity so that they could take action to improve their health, while sustaining their Mi’kmaw culture.
Short-Term Impact of Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea on the Interaction Between Various Cortical Areas
Authors: Zhou Guo-Lin , Pan Yu , Liao Yuan-Yuan , Liang Jiu-Xing , Zhang Xiang-Min , Luo Yu-Xi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) can change brain structure and function. These alterations are related to respiratory event-induced abnormal sleep, however, how brain activity changes during these events is less well understood.

Methods

To study information content and interaction among various cortical regions, we analyzed the variations of permutation entropy (PeEn) and symbolic transfer entropy (STE) of electroencephalography (EEG) activity during respiratory events. In this study, 57 patients with moderate SAHS were enrolled, including 2804 respiratory events. The events terminated with cortical arousal were independently researched.

Results

PeEn and STE were lower during apnea/hypopnea, and most of the brain interaction was higher after apnea/hypopnea termination than that before apnea in N2 stage. As indicated by STE, the respiratory events also affected the stability of information transmission mode. In N1, N2, and rapid eye movement (REM) stages, the information flow direction was posterior-to-anterior, but the anterior-to-posterior increased relatively during apnea/hypopnea. The above EEG activity trends maintained in events with cortical arousal.

Conclusions

These results may be related to the intermittent hypoxia during apnea and the cortical response. Furthermore, increased frontal information outflow, which was related to the compensatory activation of frontal neurons, may associate with cognitive function.
Exercise Is Medicine on Campus®: A Pilot Study
Authors: Biber Duke D. , Knoll Chrissy
Published: October 2020

The primary objective was to (a) test the effectiveness of an Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) program in a university setting and (b) compare the baseline levels of physical activity, mental health, and physical health with post-EIM-OC levels. Referred and consenting students ( n = 9) participated in a 12-week program. At pre- and postprogram, participants completed measures of current health behaviors, obstacles to physical activity, health goals, physical activity history, biometric screening (resting heart rate, blood pressure (BP), waist-to-hip ratio, body composition percentage via bioelectrical impedance, cardiovascular and muscular endurance baseline, and flexibility), perceived stress, and self-compassion. All of the participants adhered to 100% of the program. Participants experienced a decrease in resting heart rate, body composition, and BP and an increase in sleep, physical activity, and self-compassion. The program will be implemented with a larger sample of referred students with the goal of reducing risk or prevalence of chronic disease.
Natural History of Poland Syndrome: A Long-term Study of Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes
Authors: Schippers Sarah M. , Reist Hailee , An Qiang , Buckwalter V Joseph A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Poland syndrome (PS) is a congenital condition characterized by pectoralis hypoplasia and an ipsilateral hand anomaly that frequently necessitates surgery in childhood. This study aimed to determine long-term functional and psychosocial implications of PS.

Methods

Patients underwent strength testing of their affected limb by comparing with their contralateral arm. They completed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and several Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys. Aggregate scores were compared with population norms.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, and 16 returned for strength testing. The average age was 42 years (range, 18-65 years), and the average follow-up was 25 years (range, 1-52 years). Dynamometer testing showed decreased strength in shoulder internal rotation and abduction/adduction, hand grip, and key pinch/tip pinch. Average DASH and SF-36 scores were comparable with population norms. The PROMIS Upper Extremity score (46.2) was significantly lower than the average 50 (SD, 10.0); the Social Roles score (57.3) indicated significantly less disability than the general population. Seventy-nine percent reported higher than average satisfaction with life, 82% had normal self-esteem, and 21% and 4% met screening criteria for depression and anxiety, respectively. The Derriford Appearance Scale revealed that 68% of patients identified PS as their most self-conscious feature, with 36% reporting subsequent life adjustments.

Conclusions

This cohort of PS patients self-reported more favorable functional, psychological, and emotional outcomes than expected based on significant shoulder and hand strength deficits. Despite these deficits, patients make adaptations, allowing fulfilling lives with psychosocial functioning similar to their peers.
A case series of rare neurological and cardio-pulmonary manifestations of thiamine deficiency in pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Hegde Nivedita , Ashwal AJ , Deekonda Shrayva , Suresh KK
Published: October 2020

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a sulfur-containing, water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. There is an increased need for vitamin B1 (1–1.2 mg daily) during pregnancy and lactation. Hyperemesis during pregnancy can cause severe polyneuropathy (Wernicke’s encephalopathy) as a result of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency has also been associated with beriberi. A number of atypical cases with reversible right heart failure and severe pulmonary hypertension have also been reported in non-pregnant individuals, but have never been reported in pregnancy. Here we present five such cases of thiamine deficiency with neurological and cardio-pulmonary manifestations.
The use of Tightrope device as the sole method of fixation in treating lateral end clavicle fractures
Authors: Al-Tawil K , Garner M , Antonios T , Karrupaiah K , Tahmassebi R , Colegate-Stone T , Tavakkolizadeh A
Published: October 2020

Background

Lateral end clavicle fractures can be challenging due to the small and often comminuted lateral fragment, problems with union and stability and implant morbidity. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of Tightrope device in isolation to treat lateral end clavicle fractures.

Methods

Subjective and objective measures were assessed for 29 patients. The subjective comprised of functional clinical scores: Oxford shoulder score and EuroQoL5D. The objective measures were maintenance of fracture reduction, bone healing and complications.

Results

Median age was 36 years and 72% of cases were male patients. Average clinical follow up time was 21 months. Evaluation of latest radiographs showed that all reductions were maintained post-operatively. Twenty-two fractures had united and one patient had established non-union. Functional outcomes showed predominantly good results with Oxford shoulder score average of 41, EuroQoL5D index score of 0.78 and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale 76. The overall post-operative complication rate was 10%; only one case requiring a secondary procedure.

Discussion

In our series, using the Tightrope as the sole device to treat displaced lateral end of clavicle fractures resulted in good radiological and functional outcomes, with minimal complications requiring secondary procedures. We believe the Tightrope device is a good method of fixing these challenging fractures and advocate its use.
Potential strategies against resistance to CAR T-cell therapy in haematological malignancies
Authors: Cai Qing , Zhang Mingzhi , Li Zhaoming
Published: October 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a rapidly developing method for adoptive immunotherapy of tumours in recent years. CAR T-cell therapies have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in the treatment of patients with haematological malignancies. A 90% complete response (CR) rate has been reported in patients with advanced relapse or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, while >50% CR rates have been reported in cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and partial B-cell lymphoma. Despite the high CR rates, a subset of the patients with complete remission still relapse. The mechanism of development of resistance is not clearly understood. Some patients have been reported to demonstrate antigen-positive relapse, whereas others show antigen-negative relapses. Patients who relapse following CAR T-cell therapy, have very poor prognosis and novel approaches to overcome resistance are required urgently. Herein, we have reviewed current literature and research that have investigated the strategies to overcome resistance to CAR T-cell therapy.
Clouds and Silver Linings: COVID-19 Pandemic Is an Opportune Moment to Democratize Diabetes Care Through Telehealth
Authors: Kerr David , Warshaw Hope
Published: October 2020

With the recent pivot to telehealth as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an imperative to ensure that access to affordable devices and technologies with remote monitoring capabilities for people with diabetes becomes equitable. In addition, expanding the use of remote Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services will require new strategies for achieving long-term, effective, continuous, data-driven care. The current COVID-19 pandemic has especially impacted underserved US communities that were already disproportionately impacted by diabetes. Historically, these same communities have faced barriers in accessing timely and effective diabetes care including access to DSMES and MNT services, and diabetes technologies. Our call to action encourages all involved to urge US Federal representatives to widen access to the array of technologies necessary for successful telehealth-delivered care beyond COVID-19.
Facial Trauma Patterns Among Young Athletes
Authors: Audlin Jason , Tipirneni Kiranya , Ryan Jesse
Published: October 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case series review.

Objective:

Participation in athletics is common in high school and college students and presents an increased risk of injury in this age-group. Previous studies have included National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes but not high school athletes. Here we report the trends of maxillofacial injuries in high school students.

Methods:

Patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center with maxillofacial injuries were identified by chart query with associated International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes for facial fractures between October 2015 and October 2017. Data collected included age, sport, fracture type, need for surgery, associated concussion, and time to return to play were measured. New York State Public High School Athletic Association regional high school sports participation data from 2016 to 2018 were used to calculate incidence.

Results:

A total of 33 patients aged 13 to 19 years were identified. Baseball, basketball, and lacrosse were most frequently associated with maxillofacial trauma. Annual incidence rates for mandible fractures in high school athletes were 0.037%, 0.012%, and 0.01% for lacrosse, baseball, and basketball, respectively. Annual fracture incidence rates for midface fractures in high school athletes were 0.17%, 0.018%, and 0.01% for baseball, lacrosse, and basketball, respectively.

Conclusion:

Maxillofacial fractures are uncommon injuries among athletes but present with serious implications including surgical correction. Baseball was strongly associated with midface fractures despite being considered a noncontact sport. Improved facial protection across all sports will be imperative at reducing the incidences of these injuries.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.
Oral Lichenoid and Lichen Planuslike Lesions
Authors: Mcparland Helen
Published: October 2020

Many red and white lesions of the mouth are clinically indistinguishable from those of oral lichen planus (OLP). These lesions, often referred to as oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), can occur as a result of contact sensitivity (lichenoid contact reactions), drug reactions or as part of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). Oral lesions in discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can also have a similar clinical appearance to OLP. Distinguishing oral lichen planus from oral lichenoid lesions, lupus lesions, or other red and white lesions of the mouth can be difficult (even impossible) but it is important, for optimal management of each condition. All patients with red and white pathological lesions should be referred to an oral medicine or a local oral or maxillofacial surgery department, where a biopsy and other investigations can help to establish a diagnosis, and appropriate treatment and monitoring can be commenced. Dentists and other members of the dental team, such as hygienists and dental therapists, should also equip themselves with the knowledge to be able to explain different pathologies of the mouth to their patients and discuss risk factors.
Breastfeeding – Does It Affect the Occlusion?
Authors: Parker Kate , Chia Matthew
Published: October 2020

The effects of breastfeeding on the occlusion have been much debated, and it is often suggested that breastfeeding facilitates optimal development of the jaws and the dentition, thus preventing the development of a malocclusion. Despite these claims, the evidence is equivocal, and the majority of studies are of low quality and only assess the deciduous dentition. Therefore, at present there is currently no high quality evidence to support claims that breastfeeding has a positive effect on the occlusion, thus the method of feeding should be chosen due to the health benefits and personal preference, not due to any claims regarding occlusal benefits that cannot be substantiated.
Managing an Ageing Population: Challenging Oral Epidemiology
Authors: McKenna Gerry , Tsakos George , Burke Francis , Brocklehurst Paul
Published: October 2020

Global population projections indicate that the proportion of older people is increasing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Many countries are already experiencing the challenges of managing an ageing population, including increased pension contributions from workers, rises to national retirement ages, and spiralling healthcare costs. In oral health terms, in addition to simply an ageing population, epidemiological studies have demonstrated significant changes in the oral health of older adults in recent years. As the numbers of edentulous older adults has declined, there has been a significant increase in the number of partially dentate elderly. Changing attitudes, improved access to dental care and more effective preventative programmes have meant that large numbers of patients are now retaining natural teeth into old age. However, as older patients retain natural teeth for longer, the dental profession is charged with controlling chronic dental diseases in an increasingly challenging oral environment.
Partizipationspotential und partizipatives Handeln bei Einführung neuer Technologien
Authors: Kerres Michael , Rosemann Bernhard
Published: October 2020

In der Diskussion über die Einführung neuer Technologien werden partizipative Gestaltungsverfahren als humanverträgliche und akzeptanzfördernde Sozialtechnologien empfohlen. In der Praxis scheitert deren Umsetzung jedoch häufig an vielfältigen Bedingungen. Vorgenommen werden soll deswegen eine detaillierte Analyse der psychologischen Prozesse die dazu beitragen, ob sich Mitarbeiter oder Führungskräfte dazu entscheiden, Partizipation einzuräumen bzw. anzunehmen. Als wesentliche Bedingungen wird dabei u.a. der organisatorische Gestaltungsspielraum identifiziert, einerseits als objektiv gegebener Handlungsspielraum anderseits jedoch als individuell – häufig sehr unterschiedlich – wahrgenommene Möglichkeit, sich an betrieblichen Entscheidungs- und Gestaltungsprozessen beteiligen zu können bzw. Mitarbeiter an derartigen Prozessen zu beteiligen. Die Analyse zeigt die Vielzahl der Aspekte, die für den Einzelnen im Zusammenhang partizipativen Handelns relevant werden. Für einen erfolgreichen Einsatz partizipativer Entscheidungs- und Gestaltungsverfahren in der Praxis erscheint die Kenntnis bzw. Berücksichtigung dieser Faktoren notwendig.
Wirkungsanalyse und Gestaltung betrieblicher Personalstrukturen – am Beispiel der Altersstruktur
Authors: Nienhüser Werner
Published: October 2020

In diesem Beitrag wird analysiert, wie unterschiedliche Ausprägungen der betrieblichen Altersstruktur auf personalwirtschaftlich relevante Variablen wirken, wie Unternehmen mit altersstrukturell verursachten Problemen umgehen und wie altersstrukturelle Probleme bei bestimmten Konstellationen betrieblicher Personalstrategien und Arbeitsmarktstrukturen ausgelöst oder verstärkt werden.
Netzwerkanalyse – ein sozialwissenschaftliches Konzept zur Untersuchung komplexer Entscheidungsstrukturen
Authors: Modrow-Thiel Brita , Roßmann Giselind , Wächter Hartmut
Published: October 2020

Betriebliche Entscheidungen stehen im interdependenten Zusammenhang eines Geflechtes von Betrieben und Multiplikatoreinrichtungen (z.B. Kammern, Verbände, politische Planer und Entscheider, Hersteller neuer Technologien), welches i.f. als soziales Netzwerk bezeichnet wird. Im folgenden Beitrag werden aufgrund einer Analyse von Entscheidungsprozessen in Klein- und Mittelbetrieben strategische Ansatzpunkte ermittelt, an denen (Netzwerk-)Akteure im Sinne einer menschzentrierten Arbeitsgestaltung bei betrieblichen Investitionen bzw. Innovationen beeinflußt werden können.
Adiponectin and leptin levels in migraineurs: Results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Authors: Goulart Alessandra C , de Almeida-Pititto Bianca , Lotufo Paulo A , Santos Itamar S , Ferreira Sandra RG , Benseñor Isabela M
Published: October 2020

Background:

Relationships of adipokines (ADP) with migraine are not well-established. We examined the relationship of adiponectin and leptin with migraine by aura symptoms.

Methods:

In a baseline cross-sectional data of Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), associations of ADP levels and migraine were assessed in a sample of 257 nondiabetic subjects, free from cardiovascular disease. Associations of ADP tertiles (dependent variable) and migraine status were tested using logistic regression models. Categories of migraine were created as follows: no headache (reference), migraine with aura (MA), and migraine without aura (MO) in all sample and by sex. Odds ratio (OR) with respective 95% confidence interval (CI) adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome.

Results:

Among participants (46 years ± SD: 4.8), 47.5% were women and 36.2% had migraine (16.7% MA). Median values of leptin (ng/mL) increased gradually across subgroup: no headache: 9.5 (interquartile range (IQR): 5.5–15.7) versus MO: 17.0 (IQR: 10.9–34.2) versus MA: 20.9 (IQR: 11.7–29.3), overall p value <0.0001, but not for adiponectin levels. After full adjustment, the third of leptin was positively associated with MA (OR 2.89 (1.00–8.4)) and the second of adiponectin was associated with MO (OR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.09–6.96, p = 0.03). Positive associations with MA, second (OR 3.81; 95% CI: 1.07–13.59; p = 0.04) and third tertile of leptin (6.54; 95% CI: 1.74–24.57, p = 0.005), were also observed in women, but not in men.

Conclusions:

Positive associations between ADP and migraine, particularly between MA and leptin levels in women, raise the possibility of adipocytokines and play a role in migraine pathophysiology.
Alveolar cells under mechanical stressed niche: critical contributors to pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yang Juntang , Pan Xin , Wang Lan , Yu Guoying
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary fibrosis arises from the repeated epithelial mild injuries and insufficient repair lead to over activation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which result in a mechanical stretched niche. However, increasing mechanical stress likely exists before the establishment of fibrosis since early micro injuries increase local vascular permeability and prompt cytoskeletal remodeling which alter cellular mechanical forces. It is noteworthy that COVID-19 patients with severe hypoxemia will receive mechanical ventilation as supportive treatment and subsequent pathology studies indicate lung fibrosis pattern. At advanced stages, mechanical stress originates mainly from the stiff matrix since boundaries between stiff and compliant parts of the tissue could generate mechanical stress. Therefore, mechanical stress has a significant role in the whole development process of pulmonary fibrosis. The alveoli are covered by abundant capillaries and function as the main gas exchange unit. Constantly subject to variety of damages, the alveolar epithelium injuries were recently recognized to play a vital role in the onset and development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the literature regarding the effects of mechanical stress on the fundamental cells constituting the alveoli in the process of pulmonary fibrosis, particularly on epithelial cells, capillary endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mast cells, macrophages and stem cells. Finally, we briefly review this issue from a more comprehensive perspective: the metabolic and epigenetic regulation.
WRN modulates translation by influencing nuclear mRNA export in HeLa cancer cells
Authors: Iglesias-Pedraz Juan Manuel , Fossatti-Jara Diego Matia , Valle-Riestra-Felice Valeria , Cruz-Visalaya Sergio Rafael , Ayala Felix Jose Antonio , Comai Lucio
Published: October 2020

Background

The Werner syndrome protein (WRN) belongs to the RecQ family of helicases and its loss of function results in the premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). We previously demonstrated that an early cellular change induced by WRN depletion is a posttranscriptional decrease in the levels of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways that control macromolecular synthesis and protect from oxidative stress. This metabolic shift is tolerated by normal cells but causes mitochondria dysfunction and acute oxidative stress in rapidly growing cancer cells, thereby suppressing their proliferation.

Results

To identify the mechanism underlying this metabolic shift, we examined global protein synthesis and mRNA nucleocytoplasmic distribution after WRN knockdown. We determined that WRN depletion in HeLa cells attenuates global protein synthesis without affecting the level of key components of the mRNA export machinery. We further observed that WRN depletion affects the nuclear export of mRNAs and demonstrated that WRN interacts with mRNA and the Nuclear RNA Export Factor 1 (NXF1).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that WRN influences the export of mRNAs from the nucleus through its interaction with the NXF1 export receptor thereby affecting cellular proteostasis. In summary, we identified a new partner and a novel function of WRN, which is especially important for the proliferation of cancer cells.
Genetic dissection of eating and cooking qualities in different subpopulations of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) through association mapping
Authors: Zhao Chunfang , Zhao Ling , Zhao Qingyong , Chen Tao , Yao Shu , Zhu Zhen , Zhou Lihui , Nadaf Altafhusian B. , Liang Wenhua , Lu Kai , Zhang Yadong , Wang Cailin
Published: October 2020

Background

Eating and cooking qualities (ECQs) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) determine consumer acceptance and the economic value of rice varieties. The starch physicochemical properties, i.e. amylose content, gel consistency, gelatinization temperature and pasting viscosity are important indices for evaluating rice ECQs. Genetic factors are required for development of rice varieties with excellent ECQs and association mapping is one of the promising approaches for discovering such associated genetic factors.

Results

A genome-wide association mapping was performed on a set of 253 non-glutinous rice accessions consisting of 83 indica and 170 japonica cultivated rice varieties through phenotyping for 11 ECQ traits in two consecutive years and genotyping with 210 polymorphic SSR and candidate-gene markers. These markers amplified 747 alleles with an average of 3.57 alleles per locus. The structure, phylogenetic relationship, and principal component analysis indicated a strong population differentiation between indica and japonica accessions and association mapping was thus undertaken within indica and japonica subpopulations. All traits showed a large phenotypic variation and highly significant phenotypic correlations were present between most of traits. A total of 33 and 30 loci were located for 11 ECQs in indica and japonica subpopulations respectively. Most of associated loci were overlapped with starch synthesis-related genes (SSRGs), and the Wx locus gathered 14 associated loci with the largest effects on amylose content, gel consistency and pasting viscosities. Eight subpopulation specific markers, RM588, Wx-(CT)n, SSI and SBE1 for indica subpopulation and RM550, Wxmp, SSIIa and SBE4 for japonica subpopulation, were identified, suggesting alleles of SSRGs showed the subspecific tendency. Nevertheless, allelic variation in SSIIa showed no tendency towards subspecies. One associated maker RM550 detected in japonica subpopulation for amylose content and pasting viscosity was verified a potential novel and stably expressed locus and could be selected for further fine mapping.

Conclusion

This study illustrated the potential for dissecting genetic factors of complex traits in domesticated rice subspecies and provided highly associated markers to facilitate marker-assisted selection for breeding high-quality indica or japonica rice varieties.
Conversion of hulled into naked barley by Cas endonuclease-mediated knockout of the NUD gene
Authors: Gerasimova Sophia V. , Hertig Christian , Korotkova Anna M. , Kolosovskaya Ekaterina V. , Otto Ingrid , Hiekel Stefan , Kochetov Alex V. , Khlestkina Elena K. , Kumlehn Jochen
Published: October 2020

Background

The naked caryopsis character in barley is a domestication-associated trait defined by loss-of-function of the NUD gene. The functional NUD gene encodes an Apetala 2/Ethylene-Response Factor (AP2/ERF) controlling the formation of a cementing layer between pericarp and both lemma and palea. The downstream genes regulated by the NUD transcription factor and molecular mechanism of a cementing layer formation are still not sufficiently described. A naturally occurring 17-kb deletion in the nud locus is associated with the emergence of naked barley. Naked barley has been traditionally used for food and nowadays is considered as a dietary component for functional nutrition.

Results

In the present study, we demonstrate that targeted knockout of the NUD gene using RNA-guided Cas9 endonuclease leads to the phenotype conversion from hulled to naked barley. Using in vivo pre-testing systems, highly effective guide RNAs targeting the first exon of the NUD gene were selected. Expression cassettes harboring the cas9 and guide RNA genes were used to transform barley cv. Golden Promise via Agrobacterium-mediated DNA transfer. The recessive naked grain phenotype was observed in 57% of primary transformants, which indicates a frequent occurrence of homozygous or biallelic mutations. T-DNA-free homozygous lines with independently generated mutations in the NUD gene were obtained in the T1 generation. At homozygous state, all obtained mutations including one- and two-amino acid losses with the translational reading frame being retained invariably caused the naked grain phenotype.

Conclusions

The hulled and naked barley isogenic lines generated are a perfect experimental model for further studies on pleiotropic consequences of nud mutations on overall plant performance under particular consideration of yield-determining traits. Due to the high β-glucan content of its grains, naked barley is considered as being of particular dietary value. The possibility to convert hulled into naked barley cultivars by targeted mutagenesis allows breeders to extend the potential utilization of barley by the provision of functional food.
Genome-wide association study in accessions of the mini-core collection of mungbean (Vigna radiata) from the World Vegetable Gene Bank (Taiwan)
Authors: Sokolkova Alena , Burlyaeva Marina , Valiannikova Tatjana , Vishnyakova Margarita , Schafleitner Roland , Lee Cheng-Ruei , Ting Chau-Ti , Nair Ramakrishnan Madhavan , Nuzhdin Sergey , Samsonova Maria , von Wettberg Eric
Published: October 2020

Background

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, or green gram) is important tropical and sub-tropical legume and a rich source of dietary protein and micronutrients. In this study we employ GWAS to examine the genetic basis of variation in several important traits in mungbean, using the mini-core collection established by the World Vegetable Center, which includes 296 accessions that represent the major market classes. This collection has been grown in a common field plot in southern European part of Russia in 2018.

Results

We used 5041 SNPs in 293 accessions that passed strict filtering for genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, population structure and GWAS analysis. Polymorphisms were distributed among all chromosomes, but with variable density. Linkage disequilibrium decayed in approximately 105 kb. Four distinct subgroups were identified within 293 accessions with 70% of accessions attributed to one of the four populations. By performing GWAS on the mini-core collection we have found several loci significantly associated with two important agronomical traits. Four SNPs associated with possibility of maturation in Kuban territory of Southern Russia in 2018 were identified within a region of strong linkage which contains genes encoding zinc finger A20 and an AN1 domain stress-associated protein.

Conclusions

The core collection of mungbean established by the World Vegetable Center is a valuable resource for mungbean breeding. The collection has been grown in southern European part of Russia in 2018 under incidental stresses caused by abnormally hot weather and different photoperiod. We have found several loci significantly associated with color of hypocotyl and possibility of maturation under these stressful conditions. SNPs associated with possibility of maturation localize to a region on chromosome 2 with strong linkage, in which genes encoding zinc finger A20 and AN1 domain stress associated protein (SAP) are located. Phenotyping of WorldVeg collection for maturation traits in temperate climatic locations is important as phenology remains a critical breeding target for mungbean. As demand rises for mungbean, production in temperate regions with shorter growing seasons becomes crucial to keep up with needs. Uncovering SNPs for phenology traits will speed breeding efforts.
Intraoperative blood transfusion volume is an independent risk factor for postoperative acute kidney injury in type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Liu Yanli , Shang Yuqiang , Long Ding , Yu Li
Published: October 2020

Background

Type A acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after surgery. However, the relationship between intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative AKI remains unclear.

Methods

The records of 130 patients who underwent type A acute aortic dissection surgery from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, postoperative AKI was defined based on serum creatinine concentration. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the independent association between intraoperative blood transfusion volume and the risk of postoperative AKI.

Results

Postoperative AKI was observed in 82 patients (63.08%). The in-hospital mortality was 16.15% (n = 21). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the amount of intraoperative blood transfusion was independently associated with the risk of postoperative AKI in a dose-dependent manner. Every 200 ml increment of blood transfusion volume was associated with a 31% increase in AKI risk (odds ratio 1.31 and 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.71).

Conclusions

Intraoperative transfusion volume may increase the incidence of postoperative AKI. The mechanism and influence of transfusion thresholds on AKI need to be explored in the future.