bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond “twokenism”: Organizational factors enabling female directors to affect the appointment of a female CEO
Authors: You Jihae
Published: December 2019

In this article, I examine how a critical mass of female directors affects the likelihood that a firm will appoint a female CEO. Drawing on critical mass perspective, I argue that increasing the number of female directors beyond a certain threshold significantly increases the likelihood that firms will appoint female CEOs. Also, I argue that the positive effect of female board representation on the appointment of a female CEO is stronger when the firm is more open toward gender diversity. I test these arguments by analyzing 3669 CEO succession events in large US firms between 1997 and 2017. Results show that the likelihood of appointing a female CEO increases significantly when a board has at least three female directors. Also, I found that firms’ female-friendliness—which was measured by (1) male directors’ awareness of female CEOs at other firms, (2) gender gap in executive pay, and (3) the proportion of female executives—affects the relationship between female board representation and the likelihood of appointing a female CEO, helping female directors affect the likelihood of appointing a female CEO even when their number is lower than the critical mass.
Fractal diffusion of silver ions in hollow cylinders with unsmooth inner surface
Authors: Lin Ling , Yao Shao-Wen
Published: December 2019

This article studies the ion release from an unsmooth inner surface of a hollow fiber. A fractal diffusion model is established using the fractal derivative, and the effect of the fractal dimension on the ion release is elucidated. The present theory provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of a hollow fiber contained silver ions for practical applications.
Importance of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use in diabetic patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Kambara Takahiro , Shibata Rei , Osanai Hiroyuki , Nakashima Yoshihito , Asano Hiroshi , Murohara Toyoaki , Ajioka Masayoshi
Published: December 2019

Background:

It is known that once heart failure occurs in older patients with diabetes, the overall prognosis is extremely poor. We investigated whether early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy after admission was beneficial for diabetic patients requiring inpatient treatment for acute heart failure.

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed consecutive patients with comorbid diabetes who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology in Tosei General Hospital for treatment of acute heart failure. Patients were divided into two groups: those who initiated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (SGLT2 inhibitor group; mean age: 73 ± 9 years) and those who did not receive the inhibitors during hospitalization (conventional treatment group; mean age: 75 ± 10 years).

Results:

No intergroup differences were observed in the distribution of either the severity or classes of heart failure on admission. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the SGLT2 inhibitor group (HbA1c: 8.1% ± 0.8%) than in the conventional treatment group (HbA1c: 7.1% ± 0.8%) ( p = 0.003). After admission, patients in both groups recovered equally well, and in almost the same period of time, before discharge. The rate of diuretics use at the time of discharge in the SGLT2 inhibitor group ( n = 8, 67%) was significantly lower than that in the conventional treatment group ( n = 19, 100%) ( p = 0.016). In particular, the dose of loop diuretics in the conventional treatment group was 34 ± 4 mg/day while that in the SGLT2 inhibitor group was significantly lower at 13 ± 5 mg/day ( p = 0.008). During hospitalization, the incidence of acute kidney injury was significantly higher in the conventional treatment group ( n = 11, 58%) than in the SGLT2 inhibitor group ( n = 2, 16%) ( p = 0.031).

Conclusions:

For the treatment and management of heart failure in patients with diabetes, early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy appears to be effective.
Experimental and computational investigation on interaction between nano rotor and aerodynamic rudder
Authors: Yang Dong , Liu Zhen , Bu Chen , Shanyong Zhao
Published: December 2019

The interference effect between the nano rotor and aerodynamic rudder was studied experimentally and computationally. Propulsive performance of nano rotor and aerodynamic performance of aerodynamic rudder were achieved experimentally. The disturbed flow field of nano rotor was also analyzed computationally to disclose the flow mechanics of the interaction. Results showed that the nano rotor has a great effect on the aerodynamic performance of aerodynamic rudder. The moment of aerodynamic rudder fluctuated with the rotor-to-rudder spacing and achieved the smallest value at the spacing of 0.5R. And the moment of aerodynamic rudder varied with deflection angle linearly. Aerodynamic rudder influenced the propulsion performance of the nano rotor slightly. The thrust coefficient and torque coefficient increased a little with spacing but changed slightly with the deflection angle. Numerical simulation showed that aerodynamic rudder blocked the flow field of the nano rotor and the counterclockwise rotation of the rotor drives the flow in the downstream rotating in a counterclockwise direction resulting in the different angle of attack between left and right rudder surface.
Evaluation of a bundle of care to reduce incisional surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Phelan Liam , Dilworth Mark P , Bhangu Aneel , Limbrick Jack W , King Stratton , Bowley Doug M , Hardy Katie
Published: December 2019

Background:

Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with morbidity, mortality and increased care costs; many SSIs are considered preventable. The aim of the present study was to test implementation of a pragmatic, evidence-based bundle designed to reduce incisional SSI after emergency laparotomy and elective major lower gastrointestinal surgery.

Method:

This was a prospective before-and-after study. Data were collected before the intervention and for two separate subsequent time periods. An evidence-based bundle of care (BOC) was implemented; the primary outcome measure was incisional SSI at 30 days. The secondary outcome measure was 30-day unplanned readmissions. The initial post-intervention group, Group 2, assessed a variable number of potential impacting factors; however, due to funding and staffing levels the second post-bundle group, Group 3, focused on the core aspects of the BOC and rates of incisional SSI and readmission.

Results:

In total, 99 patients were included in the ‘before’ group; and 71 in Group 2 and 92 in Group 3, the post-intervention groups. The incisional SSI rate was 29.3% (29/99) before and 28.2% (20/71) in Group 2 ( P=0.873) and 21.7% (20/92) in Group 3 ( P=0.234) after the intervention. After adjustment for confounders, the care bundle was associated with a non-significant reduction in SSI (Group 2: odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45–1.93, P=0.0843). However, it was associated with significantly reduced readmissions 18.1% (18/99) before versus 5.6% (4/71) in Group 2 (OR = 0.236, 95% CI = 0.077–0.72, P=0.012) and 8.7% (8/92) in Group 3 (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.16–0.9, P=0.029). Comparing the pre-bundle group to the post-bundle groups, there was an overall significant reduction in readmissions ( P=0.003). This implies a number needed to treat of 8–11 patients to prevent one readmission. Adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis with the Trust guidelines increased from 91% to 99% (1 vs. 2, P=0.047).

Conclusion:

Introduction of the bundle was associated with a reduction in the observed rate of incisional SSI from 29.3% to 21.7%; significantly fewer patients required unplanned readmission. Use of the bundle was associated with significantly improved compliance with appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Eribulin mesylate use as third-line therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (VESPRY): a prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Adamo Vincenzo , Ricciardi Giuseppina Rosaria Rita , Giuffrida Dario , Scandurra Giuseppa , Russo Antonio , Blasi Livio , Spadaro Pietro , Iacono Carmelo , Soto Parra Hector J. , Savarino Antonino , Ferraú Francesco , Zerilli Filippo , Verderame Francesco , Butera Alfredo , Santangelo Carlo , Franchina Veronica , Caruso Michele
Published: December 2019

Background:

In real-world practice, eribulin mesylate provides significant survival benefit, with a manageable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods:

In this prospective, open-label, multicentre, observational study we evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of eribulin as third-line treatment in a homogeneous population. The primary endpoints were the safety profile and response in metastatic sites; secondary endpoints included the response in different subtypes, overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

From 2013 to 2016, 118 women were treated in 21 Sicilian institutions; the median age was 58 years (range 29–79), with 69% of patients under 65. The median cycles of eribulin were 5.5 (range 1–26). The most common adverse event was neutropenia (9.3%, 3 cases of grade 3, 4 of grade 4); only 1 case of QT prolongation was reported. Eribulin was effective in controlling metastatic disease in all sites, and it achieved the highest ORR in brain (16%) and liver (14.9%). Median OS was 31.8 months (95% CI 27.9–34.4) and median PFS 5.5 months (95% CI 4.2–6.6). PFS was 5.2 months (95% CI 2.8–8.4) in patients with triple-negative subtype. Median PFS was longer in patients over 65 years (6.1 months, 95% CI 4.4–8.3). In patients who had visceral metastases PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI 95% 3.5–6.6) and OS 33.9 months (95% CI 29.8–40.8).

Conclusions:

Eribulin as third-line treatment shows an acceptable safety profile and a substantial antitumour activity in the treatment of MBC, even in elderly patients and in those with visceral disease.
Treat-to-target strategy for knee osteoarthritis. International technical expert panel consensus and good clinical practice statements
Authors: Migliore Alberto , Gigliucci Gianfranco , Alekseeva Liudmila , Avasthi Sachin , Bannuru Raveendhara R , Chevalier Xavier , Conrozier Thierry , Crimaldi Sergio , Damjanov Nemanja , de Campos Gustavo Constantino , Diracoglu Demirhan , Herrero-Beaumont Gabriel , Iolascon Giovanni , Ionescu Ruxandra , Isailovic Natasa , Jerosch Jörg , Lains Jorge , Maheu Emmanuel , Makri Souzi , Martusevich Natalia , Matucci Cerinc Marco , Micu Mihaela , Pavelka Karel , Petrella Robert J , Tarantino Umberto , Raman Raghu
Published: December 2019

Background:

In this work, we aimed to establish a clinical target in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to propose good clinical practice (GCP) statements for carrying out a treat-to-target strategy.

Methods:

A steering committee of seven experts had formulated a provisional set of recommendations that were exposed for discussion and modification to a technical expert panel (TEP) of 25 multidisciplinary experts from Europe, North America, South America and Asia. The level of evidence and strength of each recommendation was discussed. The TEP formulated overarching principles and GCP statements based on the level of agreement for each item with a vote using a 10-point numerical scale.

Results:

Two overarching principles and 10 GCP statements were formulated by the TEP. These GCP statements suggest: treatment should achieve clinical improvement bringing the patient to the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS); pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment should begin as early as possible, with an early diagnosis of symptomatic KOA; the patient should be evaluated every 3–6 months; risk factors of KOA progression should be identified and managed with patients at the beginning of the treatment and monitored regularly; treatment should be adapted according to patient phenotype and disease severity; healthy lifestyle must be promoted and monitored. The level of agreement average ranged from 8.7 to 9.6 on scale.

Conclusions:

The proposed overarching principles and GCP statements have the aim of involving patients, general practitioners and multidisciplinary specialists in sharing a therapeutic treat-to-target strategy for KOA management based on the best evidence and expert opinions.
Return-to-Play and Rehabilitation Protocols following Cartilage Restoration Procedures of the Knee: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Davey Martin S. , Jamal M. Shazil , Manjunath Amit K. , Alaia Michael J. , Strauss Eric J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature and to evaluate the reported rehabilitation protocols, return-to-play guidelines, and subsequent rates of return to play following cartilage restoration procedures in the knee.

Design

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the PRISMA guidelines to find studies on cartilage restoration procedures in the knee, including (1) microfracture (Mfx), (2) osteochondral autograft transfer (AOT), (3) osteochondral allograft implantation (OCA), and (4) autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Studies were included if they reported return-to-play data or rehabilitation protocols.

Results

Overall, 179 studies fit our inclusion criteria, with 48 on Mfx, 34 on AOT, 54 on OCA, and 51 on ACI. The rate of return to play was reported as high as 88.2% with AOT, and as low as 77.2% following OCA, with rates of return to play at the same/higher level as high as 79.3% with AOT, and as low as 57.3% following ACI. The average reported time of return to play was as low as 4.9 months with AOT, and as high as 11.6 months following ACI.

Conclusions

The majority of patients are able to return to play following cartilage restoration procedures in the knee, regardless of surgical procedure utilized. However, while the rate of return to play at the same level was similar to the overall rate of return following AOT, there was a large number of patients unable to return to the same level following Mfx, OCA, and ACI. Additionally, there is wide variety in the rehabilitation protocols, and scant literature on return-to-play protocols.
Self-Representations of Women’s Sport Fandom on Instagram at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Authors: Toffoletti Kim , Pegoraro Ann , Comeau Gina S.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate how fans of women’s sport are using Instagram to self-represent their fandom. It uses the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) as a case study to examine the ways in which fans at a women’s sport event express their fandom through images and to consider the social and political dimensions of using Instagram for promoting women’s sport. Instagram pictures containing the event-related hashtags #FIFAWWC, #LiveYourGoals, #SheBelieves, and #CanadaRed were collected over the tournament duration. From a content analysis of 3,605 images, the authors argue that visual networked platforms are facilitating online communication conventions within sport fan communities that function as forms of social presence to legitimate women’s participation as fans and generate visibility for women’s sport. By demonstrating that the production and sharing of visual content related to sport events have become important features of the contemporary sport fan experience, this article advocates for greater recognition of social media practices alongside conventional measures of sport fan engagement.
Factors Influencing Outreach Performance of Microfinance Sector in India
Authors: Singh Vijeta , Padhi Puja
Published: December 2019

In recent years microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been duly recognised as an important component of financial system as MFIs can facilitate the agenda of financial inclusion. MFIs provide unbanked and poor appropriately designed financial products and services. MFIs have addressed the issues concerning supply-side barriers 1 to financial inclusion by enhancing its outreach across the countries/regions. However, outreach performance of MFIs is affected by factors concerning MFIs such as age, size, profitability, efficiency, productivity and portfolio quality, which affect outreach (breadth/depth) of MFIs. The present study has attempted to study the factors affecting outreach performance of MFIs in India. The study using unbalanced panel data for 39 Indian MFIs concludes that age, assets and productivity indicators have affirmative association with outreach performance of MFIs in India.
The Shifting Salience of Skin Color for Educational Attainment
Authors: Branigan Amelia R. , Freese Jeremy , Sidney Stephen , Kiefe Catarina I.
Published: December 2019

Findings of an association between skin color and educational attainment have been fairly consistent among Americans born before the civil rights era, but little is known regarding the persistence of this relationship in later born cohorts. The authors ask whether the association between skin color and educational attainment has changed between black American baby boomers and millennials. The authors observe a large and statistically significant decline in the association between skin color and educational attainment between baby boomer and millennial black women, whereas the decline in this association between the two cohorts of black men is smaller and nonsignificant. Compared with baby boomers, a greater percentage of the association between skin color and educational attainment among black millennials appears to reflect educational disparities in previous generations. These results emphasize the need to conceptualize colorism as an intersectional problem and suggest caution when generalizing evidence of colorism in earlier cohorts to young adults today.
Health-Related Needs and Barriers for Forcibly Displaced Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jesuthasan Jenny , Witte Zara , Oertelt-Prigione Sabine
Published: December 2019

The number of forcibly displaced people has been steadily increasing over the last decades. Women represent a large proportion of this population. Due to gender roles, duties of care, educational and economic imbalances, their experiences during flight and relocation differ from those of men and children. The currently available information about their specific health-related needs and barriers to access is scarce. We sought to explore the specific needs of the female refugee population employing a user-centered perspective. Rather than focusing on provider-designed interventions, we aimed at defining what female refugees want and need and which priorities they define themselves.

We searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify publications that explored the unique experiences of female refugees between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2018. Publications needed to address the health needs of refugees, asylum seekers, or displaced individuals, include at least 50% women in their study and employ a user-centered perspective. A framework of themes was identified and applied to all publications.

We identified 1945 publications of which 13 could be included in the present review. Twelve of these publications employed qualitative and/or innovative methodology. We identified 5 broad categories of health-related needs (immediate health care, communication, cultural/spiritual, social, and economic).

The identified publications described the need for complex, coordinated approaches. Concerted action providing information and culturally sensitive care, while supporting language acquisition and economic empowerment is essential to improve the health status of female refugees. Transformative interventions need to address multiple axes of unequal access for female refugees to improve their overall health.
Clinical Spectrum and Long-Term Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Retinal Detachments Associated With Choroidal Coloboma
Authors: Kannan Naresh Babu , Sen Sagnik , Kohli Piyush , Ramachandran Obuli , Ramasamy Kim
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Choroidal coloboma (CC) eyes are associated with a high risk of retinal detachment (RD), which are challenging to repair.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated medical records of 30 patients with CC associated with RD who underwent pars plana vitrectomy at our tertiary care center. Data recorded were age, CC and RD morphology, breaks, resurgeries performed, and final outcome.

Results:

Patients’ ages ranged from 2 to 49 years. CC was present in 53 of 60 eyes (88%), with 41 of 60 eyes (68.3%) associated with iris coloboma. RD was present in 36 of 53 CC eyes (67.9%), with 10 of 53 (18.9%) having bilateral RD. Thirty-one eyes with RD underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. Colobomatous region breaks were detected in 5 of 31 eyes (16.1%), peripheral breaks only in 12 of 31 (38.7%), and both types in 3 of 31 eyes (9.7%). Silicone oil endotamponade was used in 29 of 31 eyes (93.5%) and perfluoropropane (C3F8) in 2 of 31 eyes (6.45%). Median postoperative follow-up duration was 31.5 months. Fourteen of 31 eyes (45.2%) developed redetachment requiring resurgery, with 50% developing within 6 months. Eighteen of 31 eyes (58.1%) maintained retinal attachment at last follow-up without endotamponade, whereas the rest were oil filled. Final visual outcome between macula-involved and macula-spared CC eyes was not significantly different; however, best visual acuity achieved any time during follow-up was significantly better in macula-spared eyes.

Conclusions:

RD surgery in CC eyes has a risk of frequent redetachments and subnormal gain of vision over the long term, especially in colobomas involving the macula. Endolaser in 360° peripheries in addition to barrage of the margin of the coloboma may be considered to help maintain the attached retina.
Experimental analysis of interfacial shear stress and electrical resistance of indium tin oxide-coated polyethylene terephthalate films for a whole folding test
Authors: Wen Bor-Jiunn , Huang Shih-An , Tseng Ting-Yu
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of the flexible conductive substrate by interfacial shear stress. This study performed automatic liquid-crystal modulating common-path interferometry (LMCI) optical inspections on 125-µm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates having indium tin oxide (ITO) coating thicknesses of 80 nm, 160 nm, and 230 nm. The nonlinear characteristic of the stress-optical coefficient of the ITO material is obtained using LMCI. To validate the performance of the flexible conductive substrate, this study has utilized an automatic sliding-folding testing platform (ASTP) for a whole-folding test. Eventually, this study successfully has utilized interface shear stresses to validate the performance of the flexible conductive substrate depended on the different thicknesses of the conductive layers for whole-folding test by using LMCI and ASTP. According to the measurement results, as the folding radii decrease and the ITO thicknesses of ITO-coated PET substrates increase, the changes of interfacial shear stresses increase in compressive direction and the change-rates of electrical resistance of ITO-coated PET substrate also increase. Therefore, the interfacial shear stress measurement and analysis results depicted on flexible conductive substrates provide a validation for improving the manufacturing process and for reducing process residual stresses.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle–Based Combination of NQO1 Inhibitor and 5-Fluorouracil for Potent Antitumor Effect Against Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Shuzhen , Zhang Shuai , Gao Shanjun , Wang Jianbo , Lei Dongchun , Du Pengqiang , Xu Zhiwei , Zhu Cailiang , Sun Hongbin
Published: December 2019

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and 90% of its origin is from squamous cells. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), an enzyme overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma, plays an important role in proliferation and chemoresistance. The main aims were to study the inhibitory effect of ß-lapachone (ARQ761 in clinical form) in HNSCC and to study the combinational effect of 5-FU and ß-lap in improving the therapeutic efficacy in HNSCC. Lipid bilayer–assembled mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU/ß-lap were prepared and studied for its physicochemical and biological properties. ß-lap showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of NQO1 enzyme activity in Cal33 cells. Notably, significant inhibitory effect was observed at a dose of 20–50 μg/ml of ß-lap. Combination of 5-FU+ß-lap resulted in lower cell viability; most notably, 5-FU/ß-lap-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FNQ-MSN) exhibited significantly lower cell viability compared with that of any of the individual drug or physical combinations. ß-lap resulted in a decrease in the protein band of NQO1 compared with control; however, most notable decrease in the NQO1 level was observed in the FNQ-MSN-treated cell group. FNQ-MSN resulted in more than 60% of cell apoptosis (early and late apoptosis) and predominant nuclear fragmentation of cancer cells indicating the superior anticancer effect of a carrier-based combination regimen. Notable decrease in tumor volume was observed with the physical mixture of 5-FU+ß-lap; however, combined treatment of carrier-based 5-FU and ß-lap (FNQ-MSN) significantly delayed the tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing xenograft mice. These findings suggest the potential of NQO1 inhibitor in enhancing the chemotherapeutic potential of 5-FU in the treatment of HNSCC.
Variability of mitochondrial ORFans hints at possible differences in the system of doubly uniparental inheritance of mitochondria among families of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida)
Authors: Guerra Davide , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Froufe Elsa , Gan Han Ming , Ondina Paz , Amaro Rafaela , Klunzinger Michael W. , Callil Claudia , Prié Vincent , Bogan Arthur E. , Stewart Donald T. , Breton Sophie
Published: December 2019

Background

Supernumerary ORFan genes (i.e., open reading frames without obvious homology to other genes) are present in the mitochondrial genomes of gonochoric freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) showing doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondria. DUI is a system in which distinct female-transmitted and male-transmitted mitotypes coexist in a single species. In families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae, the transition from dioecy to hermaphroditism and the loss of DUI appear to be linked, and this event seems to affect the integrity of the ORFan genes. These observations led to the hypothesis that the ORFans have a role in DUI and/or sex determination. Complete mitochondrial genome sequences are however scarce for most families of freshwater mussels, therefore hindering a clear localization of DUI in the various lineages and a comprehensive understanding of the influence of the ORFans on DUI and sexual systems. Therefore, we sequenced and characterized eleven new mitogenomes from poorly sampled freshwater mussel families to gather information on the evolution and variability of the ORFan genes and their protein products.

Results

We obtained ten complete plus one almost complete mitogenome sequence from ten representative species (gonochoric and hermaphroditic) of families Margaritiferidae, Hyriidae, Mulleriidae, and Iridinidae. ORFan genes are present only in DUI species from Margaritiferidae and Hyriidae, while non-DUI species from Hyriidae, Iridinidae, and Mulleriidae lack them completely, independently of their sexual system. Comparisons among the proteins translated from the newly characterized ORFans and already known ones provide evidence of conserved structures, as well as family-specific features.

Conclusions

The ORFan proteins show a comparable organization of secondary structures among different families of freshwater mussels, which supports a conserved physiological role, but also have distinctive family-specific features. Given this latter observation and the fact that the ORFans can be either highly mutated or completely absent in species that secondarily lost DUI depending on their respective family, we hypothesize that some aspects of the connection among ORFans, sexual systems, and DUI may differ in the various lineages of unionids.
New insights into mammalian sex chromosome structure and evolution using high-quality sequences from bovine X and Y chromosomes
Authors: Liu Ruijie , Low Wai Yee , Tearle Rick , Koren Sergey , Ghurye Jay , Rhie Arang , Phillippy Adam M. , Rosen Benjamin D. , Bickhart Derek M. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Hiendleder Stefan , Williams John L.
Published: December 2019

Background

Mammalian X chromosomes are mainly euchromatic with a similar size and structure among species whereas Y chromosomes are smaller, have undergone substantial evolutionary changes and accumulated male specific genes and genes involved in sex determination. The pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is conserved on the X and Y and pair during meiosis. The structure, evolution and function of mammalian sex chromosomes, particularly the Y chromsome, is still poorly understood because few species have high quality sex chromosome assemblies.

Results

Here we report the first bovine sex chromosome assemblies that include the complete PAR spanning 6.84 Mb and three Y chromosome X-degenerate (X-d) regions. The PAR comprises 31 genes, including genes that are missing from the X chromosome in current cattle, sheep and goat reference genomes. Twenty-nine PAR genes are single-copy genes and two are multi-copy gene families, OBP, which has 3 copies and BDA20, which has 4 copies. The Y chromosome X-d1, 2a and 2b regions contain 11, 2 and 2 gametologs, respectively.

Conclusions

The ruminant PAR comprises 31 genes and is similar to the PAR of pig and dog but extends further than those of human and horse. Differences in the pseudoautosomal boundaries are consistent with evolutionary divergence times. A bovidae-specific expansion of members of the lipocalin gene family in the PAR reported here, may affect immune-modulation and anti-inflammatory responses in ruminants. Comparison of the X-d regions of Y chromosomes across species revealed that five of the X-Y gametologs, which are known to be global regulators of gene activity and candidate sexual dimorphism genes, are conserved.
Combining transcriptomics and metabolomics to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of ergosterol biosynthesis during the fruiting process of Flammulina velutipes
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Ma Pengda , Li Chen , Xiao Lingang , Liang Zongsuo , Dong Juane
Published: December 2019

Background

Flammulina velutipes has been recognized as a useful basidiomycete with nutritional and medicinal values. Ergosterol, one of the main sterols of F. velutipes is an important precursor of novel anticancer and anti-HIV drugs. Therefore, many studies have focused on the biosynthesis of ergosterol and have attempted to upregulate its content in multiple organisms. Great progress has been made in understanding the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this molecular mechanism in F. velutipes remains largely uncharacterized.

Results

In this study, nine cDNA libraries, prepared from mycelia, young fruiting bodies and mature fruiting bodies of F. velutipes (three replicate sets for each stage), were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 platform, resulting in at least 6.63 Gb of clean reads from each library. We studied the changes in genes and metabolites in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway of F. velutipes during the development of fruiting bodies. A total of 13 genes (6 upregulated and 7 downregulated) were differentially expressed during the development from mycelia to young fruiting bodies (T1), while only 1 gene (1 downregulated) was differentially expressed during the development from young fruiting bodies to mature fruiting bodies (T2). A total of 7 metabolites (3 increased and 4 reduced) were found to have changed in content during T1, and 4 metabolites (4 increased) were found to be different during T2. A conjoint analysis of the genome-wide connection network revealed that the metabolites that were more likely to be regulated were primarily in the post-squalene pathway.

Conclusions

This study provides useful information for understanding the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis and the regulatory relationship between metabolites and genes in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway during the development of fruiting bodies in F. velutipes.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the response process of tomato carrying Cf-19 and Cladosporium fulvum interaction
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Liu Wenhong , Zhao Zhentong , Yang Huanhuan , Bao Yufang , Zhang Dongye , Wang Ziyu , Jiang Jingbin , Xu Ying , Zhang He , Li Jingfu , Chen Qingshan , Xu Xiangyang
Published: December 2019

Background

During tomato cultivation, tomato leaf mould is a common disease caused byCladosporium fulvum(C. fulvum). By encoding Cf proteins, which can recognize corresponding AVR proteins produced byC. fulvum, Cf genes provide resistance toC. fulvum, and the resistance response patterns mediated by different Cf genes are not identical. Plants carrying the Cf-19gene show effective resistance toC. fulvumin the field and can be used as new resistant materials in breeding. In this study, to identify key regulatory genes related to resistance and to understand the resistance response process in tomato plants carrying Cf-19, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyse the differences between the response of resistant plants (CGN18423, carrying the Cf-19gene) and susceptible plants (Moneymaker (MM), carrying the Cf-0gene) at 0, 7 and 20 days after inoculation (dai).

Results

A total of 418 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified specifically in the CGN18423 response process. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that GO terms including “plasma membrane (GO_Component)”, “histidine decarboxylase activity (GO_Function)”, and “carboxylic acid metabolic process (GO_Process)”, as well as other 10 GO terms, were significantly enriched. The “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway, which was unique to CGN18423 in the 0–7 dai comparison, was identified. Moreover, ten key regulatory points were screened from the “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway and the “plant pathogen interaction” pathway. Hormone content measurements revealed that the salicylic acid (SA) contents increased and peaked at 7 dai, after which the contents deceased and reached minimum values in both CGN18423 and MM plants at 20 dai. The jasmonic acid (JA) content increased to a very high level at 7 dai but then decreased to nearly the initial level at 20 dai in CGN18423, while it continued to increase slightly during the whole process from 0 to 20 dai in MM.

Conclusions

The initial responses are very different between the resistant and susceptible plants. The “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway is important for the formation of Cf-19-mediated immunity. In addition, both JA and SA play roles in regulating the Cf-19-dependent resistance response.
Direct comparison of Arabidopsis gene expression reveals different responses to melatonin versus auxin
Authors: Zia Sajal F. , Berkowitz Oliver , Bedon Frank , Whelan James , Franks Ashley E. , Plummer Kim M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) in plants, regulates shoot and root growth and alleviates environmental stresses. Melatonin and the phyto-hormone auxin are tryptophan-derived compounds. However, it largely remains controversial as to whether melatonin and auxin act through similar or overlapping signalling and regulatory pathways.

Results

Here, we have used a promoter-activation study to demonstrate that, unlike auxin (1-naphthalene acetic acid, NAA), melatonin neither induces Direct repeat 5 DR5 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana roots under normal growth conditions nor suppresses the induction of Alternative oxidase 1a AOX1a in leaves upon Antimycin A treatment, both of which are the hallmarks of auxin action. Additionally, comparative global transcriptome analysis conducted on Arabidopsis treated with melatonin or NAA revealed differences in the number and types of differentially expressed genes. Auxin (4.5 μM) altered the expression of a diverse and large number of genes whereas melatonin at 5 μM had no significant effect but melatonin at 100 μM had a modest effect on transcriptome compared to solvent-treated control. Interestingly, the prominent category of genes differentially expressed upon exposure to melatonin trended towards biotic stress defence pathways while downregulation of key genes related to photosynthesis was observed.

Conclusion

Together these findings indicate that though they are both indolic compounds, melatonin and auxin act through different pathways to alter gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, it appears that effects of melatonin enable Arabidopsis thaliana to prioritize biotic stress defence signalling rather than growth. These findings clear the current confusion in the literature regarding the relationship of melatonin and auxin and also have greater implications of utilizing melatonin for improved plant protection.
Quantitative proteomic analyses of two soybean low phytic acid mutants to identify the genes associated with seed field emergence
Authors: Yu Xiaomin , Jin Hangxia , Fu Xujun , Yang Qinghua , Yuan Fengjie
Published: December 2019

Background

Seed germination is essential to crop growth and development, and ultimately affects its harvest. It is difficult to breed soybeans low in phytic acid with a higher seed field emergence. Although additional management and selection could overcome the phytate reduction, the mechanisms of seed germination remain unknown.

Results

A comparative proteomic analysis was conducted between two low phytic acid (LPA) soybean mutants (TW-1-M and TW-1), both of which had a deletion of 2 bp in the GmMIPS1 gene. However, the TW-1 seeds showed a significantly lower field emergence compared to the TW-1-M. There were 282 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) identified between two mutants at the three stages. Among these DAPs, 80 were down-accumulated and 202 were up-accumulated. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the identified proteins were related to functional categories of oxidation reduction, response to stimulus and stress, dormancy and germination processes and catalytic activity. KEGG analysis showed that these DAPs were mainly involved in energy metabolism and anti-stress pathways. Based upon the conjoint analysis of DAPs with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) previously published among three germination stages in two LPA mutants, 30 shared DAPs/DEGs were identified with different patterns, including plant seed protein, beta-amylase, protein disulfide-isomerase, disease resistance protein, pyrophosphate-fructose 6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, cysteine proteinase inhibitor, non-specific lipid-transfer protein, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase.

Conclusions

Seed germination is a very complex process in LPA soybean mutants. The TW-1-M and TW-1 showed many DAPs involved in seed germination. The differential accumulation of these proteins could result in the difference of seed field emergence between the two mutants. The high germination rate in the TW-1-M might be strongly attributed to reactive oxygen species-related and plant hormone-related genes. All these findings would help us further explore the germination mechanisms in LPA crops.
Claims data-based analysis of the influence of individual and regional characteristics on the utilisation of long-term care by people with dementia in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Authors: Forstner Johanna , Wensing Michel , Koetsenruijter Jan , Wronski Pamela
Published: December 2019

Background

Challenges of future dementia care include increasing shortage of qualified healthcare providers and decreasing potential of informal care by relatives. In order to meet those challenges, changes in dementia care are needed. These changes should be based on data of both care utilisation and care supply. The aim of this study was to provide insight into individual and regional characteristics that influence the utilisation of long-term care by people with dementia.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of claims-based data and other available data referring to one index year. All data were aggregated for small geographic districts. The study population comprised people with a dementia diagnosis, 65 years and older in Baden-Wuerttemberg and insured by the largest health insurer. Utilisation of nursing home care, informal care, and respite care was analysed using binary coded logistic multilevel analyses.

Results

Seventy nine thousand three hundred forty-nine people with dementia were included in the analyses. Nursing home care was used by 20.4%, informal care by 30.6%, and respite care by 3.5% of people with dementia. Individual characteristics that influence care utilisation included age, sex and the level of care dependency. The utilisation of informal care (OR = 1.713) and respite care (OR = 2.036) was higher in rural districts than in city districts. Respite care supply had an effect on the utilisation of respite care (OR = 1.173).

Conclusions

The study found differences between districts in the utilisation of long-term care for dementia. These differences were largely explained by the composition of the population within the districts. An exception was the utilisation of respite care, which was higher in districts which have higher supply. Individual characteristics that influenced care utilisation are age, sex, level of care dependency and, with regard to informal care, comorbidity. Further research should be conducted on a small-area level, include further individual characteristics as well as other care and living forms.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis among blood donors in Mali
Authors: Jary Aude , Dienta Sidi , Leducq Valentin , Le Hingrat Quentin , Cisse Mahamadou , Diarra Amadou B. , Fofana Djeneba B. , Ba Alhassane , Baby Mounirou , Achenbach Chad J. , Murphy Robert , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Maiga Almoustapha I.
Published: December 2019

Background

HIV, HBV and HCV remain a global public health concern especially in Africa. Prevalence of these infections is changing and identification of risk factors associated with each infection in Mali is needed to improve medical care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of all individuals donating blood (n = 8207) in 2018 to the blood bank at university hospital in Bamako, Mali, to assess prevalence and risks factors associated with HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections.

Results

HIV-seroprevalence was 2.16% and significantly increased with age, being married and decreasing education level. In multivariate analysis, after adjustements with age, marital status and geographical setting, only education level was associated with HIV-infection (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.15–2.07], p = 0.016). HBsAg prevalence was 14.78% and significantly increased with to be male gender. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, marital status and type of blood donation, education level (OR, 1.17 [95%CI, 1.05–1.31], p = 0.02) and male gender (OR, 1.37 [95%CI, 1.14–1.65], p = 0.005) were associated with HBV-infection. HCV-prevalence was 2.32% and significantly increased with living outside Bamako. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for gender, age and education level, living outside Bamako was associated with HCV-infection (OR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.41–2.35], p < 0.001). Syphilis seroprevalence was very low (0.04%) with only 3 individuals infected. Contrary to a prior study, blood donation type was not, after adjustments, an independent risk factor for each infection.

Conclusions

Overall, HIV and HBV infection was higher in individuals with a lower level of education, HBV infection was higher in men, and HCV infection was higher in people living outside of Bamako. Compared to studies performed in 1999, 2002 and 2007 in the same population, we found that HIV and HCV prevalence have decreased in the last two decades whereas HBV prevalence has remained stable. Our finding will help guide infection prevention and treatment programs in Mali.
Mechanisms of support for exclusive breastmilk expressers in the community: a scoping review
Authors: Strauch Leah , Sweet Linda , Scott Hayley , Müller Amanda
Published: December 2019

Background

The World Health Organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed until the age of six months. Breastfeeding is generally understood to mean the provision of human breastmilk to the infant by direct feeding at the breast, and interventions aimed at supporting exclusive breastfeeding are therefore targeted at this activity. However, breastfeeding is actually an umbrella term covering the provision of breastmilk to an infant by any means. Our population of interest is mothers who exclusively feed their infants indirectly using expressed breastmilk. Some research suggests that any expressing, and exclusively expressing in particular, can be a risk factor for early cessation of exclusive breastmilk provision, so we were interested to identify whether any specific support existed for exclusively expressing mothers outside of the context of premature infants and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit setting.

Methods

A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute approach was used to explore the phenomenon of formal and informal supports in the community for exclusively expressing mothers. Searches were run across academic databases and of government websites and infant feeding support organisations. Finally, an informal internet search was run using a simple search string.

Results

On analysis of results, there were no studies or articles that met the search criteria. An informal internet search linked us directly with websites and blogs that could be considered a form of support intervention. These informal results suggest that support material or programs could possibly exist in other modalities but we cannot find them in the context of this type of scoping review.

Conclusions

The results of the search corroborated what we had suspected – that exclusively expressing mothers are not specifically supported by usual channels for new parents and that it is also difficult to find acknowledgement that exclusive expression exists.

The absence of results demonstrates the relevance of this study: exclusively expressing mothers are an under-served population. If we wish to strive towards achievement of World Health Organization breastfeeding goals, exclusively expressing mothers require targeted support to assist in their infant feeding experience, and there is little formal evidence of it currently being provided.