bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of functional long non-coding RNAs in C. elegans
Authors: Akay Alper , Jordan David , Navarro Isabela C. , Wrzesinski Tomasz , Ponting Chris P. , Miska Eric A. , Haerty Wilfried
Published: August 2018

Background

Functional characterisation of the compact genome of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans remains incomplete despite its sequencing twenty years ago. The last decade of research has seen a tremendous increase in the number of non-coding RNAs identified in various organisms. While we have mechanistic understandings of small non-coding RNA pathways, long non-coding RNAs represent a diverse class of active transcripts whose function remains less well characterised.

Results

By analysing hundreds of published transcriptome datasets, we annotated 3,397 potential lncRNAs including 146 multi-exonic loci that showed increased nucleotide conservation and GC content relative to other non-coding regions. Using CRISPR / Cas9 genome editing we generated deletion mutants for ten long non-coding RNA loci. Using automated microscopy for in-depth phenotyping, we show that six of the long non-coding RNA loci are required for normal development and fertility. Using RNA interference mediated gene knock-down, we provide evidence that for two of the long non-coding RNA loci, the observed phenotypes are dependent on the corresponding RNA transcripts.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that a large section of the non-coding regions of the C. elegans genome remain unexplored. Based on our in vivo analysis of a selection of high-confidence lncRNA loci, we expect that a significant proportion of these high-confidence regions is likely to have biological function at either the genomic or the transcript level.
Evaluating the quality of the 1000 Genomes Project data
Authors: Belsare Saurabh , Sakin-Levy Michal , Mostovoy Yulia , Durinck Steffen , Chaudhry Subhra , Xiao Ming , S. Peterson Andrew , Kwok Pui-Yan , Seshagiri Somasekar , Wall Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2018

Data from the 1000 Genomes project is quite often used as a reference for human genomic analysis. However, its accuracy needs to be assessed to understand the quality of predictions made using this reference. We present here an assessment of the genotype, phasing, and imputation accuracy data in the 1000 Genomes project. We compare the phased haplotype calls from the 1000 Genomes project to experimentally phased haplotypes for 28 of the same individuals sequenced using the 10X Genomics platform. We observe that phasing and imputation for rare variants are unreliable, which likely reflects the limited sample size of the 1000 Genomes project data. Further, it appears that using a population specific reference panel does not improve the accuracy of imputation over using the entire 1000 Genomes data set as a reference panel. We also note that the error rates and trends depend on the choice of definition of error, and hence any error reporting needs to take these definitions into account.
Transcriptomic and functional analysis of the oosome, a unique form of germ plasm in the waspNasonia vitripennis
Authors: Quan Honghu , Lynch Jeremy
Published: August 2018

Background

The oosome is the germline determinant in the waspNasonia vitripennisand is homologous to the polar granules ofDrosophila. Despite a common evolutionary origin and developmental role, the oosome is morphologically quite distinct from polar granules. It is a solid sphere that migrates within the cytoplasm before budding out and forming pole cells.

Results

To gain an understanding of both the molecular basis of the novel form of the oosome, and the conserved essential features of germ plasm, we quantified and compared transcript levels between embryo fragments that contained the oosome, and those that did not. The identity of the localized transcripts indicated thatNasoniauses different molecules to carry out conserved germ plasm functions. In addition, functional testing of a sample of localized transcripts revealed potentially novel mechanisms of ribonucleoprotein assembly and pole cell cellularization in the wasp.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that numerous novel and unexpected molecules have been recruited in order produce the unique characteristics of the oosome and pole cell formation inNasonia. This work will serve as the basis for further investigation into the patterns of germline determinant evolution among insects, the molecular basis of extreme morphology of ribonucleoproteins, and the incorporation of novel components into developmental networks.
A New Phylogenetic Framework for the Animal-adaptedMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex
Authors: Brites Daniela , Loiseau Chloe , Menardo Fabrizio , Borrell Sonia , Boniotti Maria Beatrice , Warren Robin , Dippenaar Anzaan , Charles Parsons Sven David , Beisel Christian , Behr Marcel A. , Fyfe Janet A , Coscolla Mireia , Gagneux Sebastien
Published: August 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and other animals and is caused by bacteria from theMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC). Previous studies have shown that there are at least nine members of the MTBC infecting animals other than humans; these have also been referred to as ecotypes. However, the ecology and the evolution of these animal-adapted MTBC ecotypes are poorly understood. Here we screened 12,886 publicly available MTBC genomes and newly sequenced 17 animal-adapted MTBC strains, gathering a total of 529 genomes of animal-adapted MTBC strains. Phylogenomic and comparative analyses confirm that the animal-adapted MTBC members are paraphyletic with some members more closely related to the human-adaptedMycobacterium africanumLineage 6 than to other animal-adapted strains. Furthermore, we identified four main animal-adapted MTBC clades that might correspond to four main host shifts; two of these clades are proposed to reflect independent cattle domestication events. Contrary to what would be expected from an obligate pathogen, MTBC nucleotide diversity was not positively correlated with host phylogenetic distances, suggesting that host tropism in the animal-adapted MTBC seems to be driven more by contact rates and demographic aspects of the host population rather than host relatedness. By combining phylogenomics with ecological data, we propose an evolutionary scenario in which the ancestor of Lineage 6 and all animal-adapted MTBC ecotypes was a generalist pathogen that subsequently adapted to different host species. This study provides a new phylogenetic framework to better understand the evolution of the different ecotypes of the MTBC and guide future work aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying host specificity.
GenoDup Pipeline: a tool to detect genome duplication using the dS-based method
Authors: Mao Yafei , Satoh Noriyuki
Published: August 2018

Understanding whole genome duplication (WGD), or polyploidy, is fundamental to investigating the origin and diversification of organisms in evolutionary biology. The wealth of genomic data generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) has resulted in an urgent need for robust and accurate tools to detect WGD. Here, we present a useful and user-friendly pipeline called GenoDup for inferring WGD using the dS-based method. We have successfully applied GenoDup to identify WGD in empirical data from both plants and animals. The GenoDup Pipeline provides a reliable and useful tool to infer WGD from NGS data.
Comparative analysis of the effect of genomic isolators flanking transgenes to avoid positional effects in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pérez-González Ana , Caro Elena
Published: August 2018

Highlight

We have studied the effect of different insulator sequences over transgene expression levels and variability, and over transgene integration, using NGS. Our results compare the benefits obtained by their use.

For more than 20 years, plant biologists have tried to achieve complete control of transgene expression, but until gene targeting techniques become routine, flanking transgenes with genetic insulators can help avoid positional effects. Insulators are DNA sequences with barrier activity that protect transgenes from interferences with the host genome. We have, for the first time, compared the effect of three insulator sequences previously described in the literature and of a matrix attachment region from Arabidopsis never tested before. Our results indicate that the use of all sequences increases transgene expression, but only the last one reduces variability between lines and between individuals to a minimum. We have analyzed the integration of insulator-flanked T-DNAs using whole genome re-sequencing (to our knowledge, also the first time) and found chiMAR lines with insertions located within heterochromatic regions of the genome, characterized by DNA methylation that did not spread into the T-DNA, suggesting that chiMAR can shelter transgene insertions from neighboring repressive epigenetic states. Finally, we could also observe a loss of accuracy of the RB insertion in the lines harboring insulators, evidenced by a high frequency of truncation of T-DNAs and of insertion of vector backbone that, however, did not affect transgene expression.
Developing a newborn rat model of meningitis without concomitant bacteremia by intraventricular injection of K1 (-) Escherichia coli
Authors: Chang Yun Sil , Ahn So Yoon , Sung Dong Kyung , Kim Young Eun , Sung Se In , Joo So Yoon , Park Won Soon
Published: August 2018

Neonatal meningitis caused by Escherichia coli results in high mortality and neurological disabilities, and the concomitant systemic bacteremia confounds its mortality and brain injury. This study developed an experimental model of neonatal meningitis without concomitant systemic bacteremia by determining the bacterial inoculum of K1 capsule-negative E. coli by intraventricular injection in newborn rats. Meningitis was induced by intraventricular intraventricular injection of 1 × 102 (low dose), 5 × 102 (medium dose), or 1 × 103 (high dose) colony forming units (CFU) of K1 (-) E. coli (EC5ME) in Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal day 11. Ampicillin was started at postnatal day 12. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were performed at 6 h, 1 day, and 6 days after inoculation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at postnatal days 12 and 17. Survival was monitored, and brain tissues were obtained for histological and biochemical analyses at P12 and P17. Survival was inoculum dose-dependent, with lowest survival in high dose group (20�x0025;) compared with medium (80%) or low (70%) dose group. CSF bacterial counts in low and medium dose group were significantly lower than that in high dose group at 6 h, but not at 24 h after inoculation. No bacteria were isolated from the blood throughout the experiment, or from the CSF at postnatal day 17. Brain MRI showed an inoculum dose-dependent increase in the extent of ventriculomegaly, cerebral infarct, extent of brain injury, and inflammatory responses. We developed a newborn rat model of bacterial meningitis without concomitant systemic bacteremia by intraventricular injection of K1 (-) E.coli.
The LIN28B–IMP1 post-transcriptional regulon has opposing effects on oncogenic signaling in the intestine
Authors: Chatterji Priya , Hamilton Kathryn E. , Liang Shun , Andres Sarah F. , Wijeratne H.R. Sagara , Mizuno Rei , Simon Lauren A. , Hicks Philip D. , Foley Shawn W. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Mah Amanda T. , Van Landeghem Laurianne , Gregory Brian D. , Lengner Christopher J. , Madison Blair B. , Shah Premal , Rustgi Anil K.
Published: August 2018

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are expressed broadly during both development and malignant transformation, yet their mechanistic roles in epithelial homeostasis or as drivers of tumor initiation and progression are incompletely understood. Here we describe a novel interplay between RBPs LIN28B and IMP1 in intestinal epithelial cells. Ribosome profiling and RNA sequencing identified IMP1 as a principle node for gene expression regulation downstream from LIN28B. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that epithelial IMP1 loss increases expression of WNT target genes and enhances LIN28B-mediated intestinal tumorigenesis, which was reversed when we overexpressed IMP1 independently in vivo. Furthermore, IMP1 loss in wild-type or LIN28B-overexpressing mice enhances the regenerative response to irradiation. Together, our data provide new evidence for the opposing effects of the LIN28B–IMP1 axis on post-transcriptional regulation of canonical WNT signaling, with implications in intestinal homeostasis, regeneration and tumorigenesis.
Purification of Yeast Artificial Chromosome DNA for Microinjection Using a Two-Gel Electrophoresis Procedure
Authors: Montoliu Lluis
Published: August 2018

This protocol describes a method to purify yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) DNA for microinjection. YAC DNA solutions cannot be concentrated by standard DNA precipitation methods and resuspended into smaller volumes. Attempts to precipitate YAC DNA solutions will, unavoidably, break and destroy the DNA molecules. Therefore YAC DNA must always be kept in a solution that maintains the integrity of the YAC DNA molecules. In the method described here, YAC DNA is extracted from pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) agarose plugs by using two gel electrophoresis steps. The first gel electrophoresis step is the PFGE itself. The region of agarose containing the YAC DNA of interest is excised and run on a standard electrophoresis gel setup at a 90° angle to the PFGE run. The YAC DNA migrates out of the agarose slice and enters into a thicker low-melting agarose gel, thereby promoting compaction of YAC DNA molecules. The aim of this method is to convert a slice of agarose into a cube of agarose of smaller volume. The volume of this cube will determine the final concentration of the YAC DNA precipitation.
Generation of 3C Libraries from Cross-Linked Cells
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: August 2018

This protocol, which describes how 3C libraries are made from formaldehyde-fixed mammalian cells, starts with cells that were previously cross-linked. Before embarking on a 3C-based analysis, decide which restriction enzyme will be used. Two parameters must be considered. First, the frequency with which a restriction enzyme cuts will determine the size of the restriction fragments and thus the resolution with which chromatin interactions can be detected. In most studies, researchers use restriction enzymes that cut once every ∼4 kb. If the intention is to analyze the composition of the 3C library using the 4C method, then a frequently cutting restriction enzyme that has a recognition sequence of four bases should be chosen. This is to ensure efficient inverse PCR-mediated amplification of ligation fragments. Second, using a restriction enzyme that cuts between elements of interest will result in each being assigned to a different restriction fragment. In that case, interactions can be studied for each individual genomic element of interest. It is not recommended to use restriction enzymes at temperatures higher than 37°C because prolonged incubation at higher temperatures will result in reversal of formaldehyde-induced cross-links. Finally, to avoid biased digestion of differentially methylated DNA, use a restriction enzyme that is not sensitive to DNA methylation.
Generation of ChIP-Loop Libraries
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: August 2018

The ChIP-loop method combines the standard 3C protocol with a routine ChIP protocol. This method allows the selective identification of long-range chromatin interactions between loci that are bound to specific proteins of interest. ChIP-loop experiments need to be designed and planned as described for the standard 3C protocol. First, identify a restriction enzyme that digests chromatin so that the elements of interest are located on separate restriction fragments. Second, determine whether an antibody is available that successfully immunoprecipitates the protein of interest in a typical ChIP experiment.
Quality measures for skos
Authors: Albertoni Riccardo , De Martino Monica , Podestà Paola
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the quality of the connections (linkset) among thesauri published as Linked Data on the Web. It extends the cross-walking measures with two new measures able to evaluate the enrichment brought by the information reached through the linkset (lexical enrichment, browsing space enrichment). It fosters the adoption of cross-walking linkset quality measures besides the well-known and deployed cardinality-based measures (linkset cardinality and linkset coverage).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the linkset measures to the Linked Thesaurus fRamework for Environment (LusTRE). LusTRE is selected as testbed as it is encoded using a Simple Knowledge Organisation System (SKOS) published as Linked Data, and it explicitly exploits the cross-walking measures on its validated linksets.

Findings

The application on LusTRE offers an insight of the complementarities among the considered linkset measures. In particular, it shows that the cross-walking measures deepen the cardinality-based measures analysing quality facets that were not previously considered. The actual value of LusTRE’s linksets regarding the improvement of multilingualism and concept spaces is assessed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers skos:exactMatch linksets, which belong to a rather specific but a quite common kind of linkset. The cross-walking measures explicitly assume correctness and completeness of linksets. Third party approaches and tools can help to meet the above assumptions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the quality of linksets. Several approaches formalise and evaluate Linked Data quality focusing on data set quality but disregarding the other essential component: the connection among data.
Inpatient flow management: a systematic review
Authors: Winasti Windi , Elkhuizen Sylvia , Berrevoets Leo , van Merode Godefridus , Berden Hubert
Published: August 2018

Purpose

In hospitals, several patient flows compete for access to shared resources. Failure to manage these flows result in one or more disruptions within a hospital system. To ensure continuous care delivery, solving flow problems must not be limited to one unit, but should be extended to other departments – a prerequisite for solving flow problems in the entire hospital. Since most current studies focus solely on overcrowding in emergency units, additional insights are needed on system-wide patient flow management. The purpose of this paper is to look at the information available in system-wide patient flow management studies, which were also systematically evaluated to demonstrate which interventions improve inpatient flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched PubMed and Web of Science (Core Collection) literature databases and collected full-text articles using two selection and classification stages. Stage 1 was used to screen articles relating to patient flow management for inpatient settings with typical characteristics. Stage 2 was used to classify the articles selected in Stage 1 according to the interventions and their impact on patient flow within a hospital system.

Findings

In Stage 1, 107 studies were selected. Although a growing trend was observed, there were fewer studies on patient flow management in inpatient than studies in emergency settings. In Stage 2, 61 intervention studies were classified. The authors found that most interventions were about creating and adding supply resources. Since many hospital managers these days cannot easily add capacity owing to cost and resource constraints, using existing capacity efficiently is important – unfortunately not addressed in many studies. Furthermore, arrival variability was the factor most frequently mentioned as affecting flow. Of all interventions addressed in this review, the most prominent for advancing patient access to inpatient units was employing a specialized individual or team to maintain patient flow and bed placement across hospital units.

Originality/value

This study provides the first patient flow management systematic overview within an inpatient setting context.
Quality improvement measures: effects on rectal cancer tissue biopsy process
Authors: Akhtar Mansoor , Boshnaq Mohamed , Nagendram Sathyan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Delay in histologically confirming rectal cancer may lead to late treatment as histological confirmation is required prior to chemo-radiotherapy or surgical intervention. Multidisciplinary colorectal meetings indicate that there are patients who require multiple tissue biopsy episodes prior to histologically confirming rectal cancer. The purpose of this paper is to examine a quality improvement (QI) measure’s impact on tissue biopsy process diagnostic yield.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed the study in two phases (pre- and post-QI), between February 2012 and April 2014 in a district general hospital. The QI measures were derived from process mapping a rectal cancer diagnostic pathway. The primary outcome was to assess the tissue biopsy process diagnostic yield. The secondary outcome included total breaches for a 62-day target in the pre- and post-QI study phases.

Findings

There was no significant difference in demographics or referral mode in both study phases. There were 81 patients in the pre-QI phase compared to 38 in the post-QI phase, 68 per cent and 74 per cent were referred via the two-week wait urgent pathway, respectively. Diagnostic tissue biopsy process yield improved from 58.1 to 77.6 per cent after implementing the QI measure (p=0.02). The 62-day target breach was reduced from 14.8 to 3.5 per cent (p=0.42).

Practical implications

Simple QI measures can achieve significant improvements in rectal cancer diagnostic tissue biopsy process yields. A multidisciplinary approach, involving process mapping and cause and effect modelling, proved useful tools.

Originality/value

A process mapping exercise and QI measures resulted in significant improvements in diagnostic yield, reducing the episodes per patient before histological diagnosis was confirmed.
Accreditation effects on health service quality: nurse viewpoints
Authors: Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Teymourzadeh Ehsan , Ravangard Ramin , Saadati Mohammad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine accreditation effects on Iranian military hospital health service quality through nurses’ viewpoints.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Sampling drew from a hospital nurse census (n=160). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant demographics and nurses’ views. Linear regression analysis determined the independent variables’ overall effect on the accreditation quality results dimension (dependent variable).

Findings

From the nurses’ viewpoints, accreditation effects on services quality mean score was 3.60±0.61. Linear regression analysis showed that leadership and quality management were identified as the most important accreditation quality predictors. The R2 value (0.698) showed that nearly 70 percent of the dependent variable changes were affected by the independent variables.

Practical implications

This study gives hospital managers a deeper insight into accreditation and its effects on military hospital service quality. Military hospitals benefit from military organization such as hierarchy and command chain, so managers should employ these characteristics to adopt appropriate policies to promote human resource management as a competitive advantage. Furthermore, results will guide public and private hospital managers on how to manage organizational variables that benefit from accreditation.

Originality/value

Accreditation was introduced as a hospital quality improvement program. However, implementing accreditation programs should be cost-effective. Hospital managers and employees should feel that accreditation can improve service quality. Nurses had positive viewpoints about accreditation and its effects on military hospital service quality.
Porcelain for All – a nursing home study
Authors: Hansen Kai Victor , Frøiland Christina Tølbøl , Testad Ingelin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The Porcelain for All project was an initiative by Figgjo AS, a porcelain factory in Norway, which needed more research on different coloured porcelains. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study aimed to gain new knowledge about how different décor and dinner plate colours can positively influence dementia sufferer food intake and appetite. The intervention period lasted three weeks. Four days were randomly picked during that period. Each plate was photographed before and after the resident had eaten, researchers conducted observations during mealtimes. Two CurroCus® group interviews were used to collect additional empirical data. In total, 12 dementia sufferers (five females) between 65 and 85 years were observed during dinnertime.

Findings

Plates with a white well, yellow lip and red rim seemed to be preferred regarding food intake. Three main categories were noted from the observations and group interviews: mealtime dignity, porcelain design and appetite.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could incorporate well-being in people with dementia regarding food weight, testing different meal room environments, user involvement, food presentation and should include more nursing homes and residents.

Practical implications

This study only encompasses a small sample (12 residents), all diagnosed with dementia.

Social implications

Outcomes may help to prevent undernutrition among elderly people.

Originality/value

Combined coloured porcelain, food intake and residents with dementia is scarcely investigated.
Enhancing employee communication behaviors for sensemaking and sensegiving in crisis situations
Authors: Kim Young
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the organizational effectiveness of internal crisis communication within the strategic management approach, whether it enhanced voluntary and positive employee communication behaviors (ECBs) for sensemaking and sensegiving. By doing so, this study provides meaningful insight into: new crisis communication theory development that takes a strategic management approach, emphasizing employees’ valuable assets from an organization, and effective crisis communication practice that reduces misalignment with employees and that enhances voluntary and positive ECBs for the organization during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a nationwide survey in the USA among full-time employees (n=544). After dimensionality check through confirmatory factor analysis, this study tested hypothesis and research question by conducting ordinary least squares multiple regression analyses using STATA 13.

Findings

This study found that strategic internal communication factors, including two-way symmetrical communication and transparent communication, were positive and strong antecedents of ECBs for sensemaking and sensegiving in crisis situations, when controlling for other effects. The post hoc analysis confirmed theses positive and strong associations across different industry areas.

Originality/value

This study suggests that voluntary and valuable ECBs can be enhanced by listening and responding to employee concerns and interests; encouraging employee participation in crisis communication; and organizational accountability through words, actions and decisions during the crisis. As a theoretical implication, the results of this study indicate the need for crisis communication theories that emphasize employees as valuable assets to an organization.
Examining the utility of the Stages of Change model for working with offenders with learning disabilities
Authors: Panting Holly , Swift Charlotte , Goodman Wendy , Davis Cara
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the Stages of Change (SOC) model can be applied to working with offenders with learning disabilities (LD), and furthermore, to determine if it might be efficacious for this approach to be incorporated into a wider service model for this population.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on the results of a consultation to a specialist forensic LD service in the South West of England. A two-pronged approach was taken to consult to the service in relation to the research questions. First, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken, and second, other forensic LD teams and experts in the field were consulted.

Findings

There is a dearth of research that has examined the application of the SOC model to working with offenders with LD, and as such, firm conclusions cannot be drawn as to its efficacy in this population. The evidence base for the SOC model in itself is lacking, and has been widely critiqued. However, there are currently no other evidence-based models for understanding motivation to change in offenders with LD.

Research limitations/implications

There is a clear clinical need for more robust theory and research around motivation to change, which can then be applied to clinical work with offenders with LD.

Originality/value

There has been a historical narrative in offender rehabilitation that “nothing works” (Burrowes and Needs, 2009). As such, it is more important than ever for the evidence base to enhance the understanding of motivation to change in offending populations.
Three perspectives on evidence-based management: rank, fit, variety
Authors: Martelli Peter F. , Hayirli Tuna Cem
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The debate on evidence-based management (EBMgt) has reached an impasse. The persistence of meaningful critiques highlights challenges embedded in the current frameworks. The field needs to consider new conceptual paths that appreciate these critiques, but move beyond them. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper unpacks the concept of finding the “best available evidence,” which remains a central notion across definitions of EBMgt. For each element, it considers relevant theory and offers recommendations, concluding with a discussion of “bestness” as interpreted across three key dynamics – rank, fit, and variety.

Findings

The paper reinforces that EBMgt is a social technology, and draws on cybernetic theory to argue that the “best” evidence is produced not by rank or fit, but by variety. Through variety, EBMgt more readily captures the contextual, political, and relational aspects embedded in management decision making.

Research limitations/implications

While systematic reviews and empirical barriers remain important, more rigorous research evidence and larger catalogues of contingency factors are themselves insufficient to solve underlying sociopolitical concerns. Likewise, current critiques could benefit from theoretical bridges that not only reinforce learning and sensemaking in real organizations, but also build on the spirit of the project and progress made towards better managerial decision making.

Originality/value

The distinctive contribution of this paper is to offer a new lens on EBMgt drawing from cybernetic theory and science and technology studies. By proposing the theoretical frame of variety, it offers potential to resolve the impasse between those for and against EBMgt.
From “blue sky” to real world research
Authors: Ryan Irene
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share reflective insights on three key questions of concern to critical diversity scholars: what influences play a part in framing a research project and the research questions, what determines the chosen methodology and what knowledge contributions do we want our research to make?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper, drawing on organisational ethnography, incorporates key fieldwork experiences to provide reflective insights on an innovative research project design conducted in multiple organisation sites.

Findings

The paper highlights the author’s learning from the conceptualisation of an innovative research project to the actual “doing” of what was proposed. It reflects on the unforeseen dilemmas that required continual adaptations be made because of the shifting demands of the research settings.

Practical implications

The paper is important as it provides the sharing of ideas into the influences that shaped a major piece of externally funded research and highlights a range of practical considerations if planning a critical diversity research project where negotiating access to organisations is required.

Originality/value

By reflecting on some important learning and insights into the crafting of an innovative research project and the challenges of enacting what was proposed, the paper is of value to post-doctoral and early career scholars and/or researchers interested in some insights into operationalising an organisational ethnographic methodology.
Diversity Networks: Networking for Equality?
Authors: Dennissen Marjolein , Benschop Yvonne , van den Brink Marieke
Published: August 2018

In recent years, the use of diversity networks as diversity management instruments in organizations has increased tremendously. Diversity networks support the needs of employees with different social identities, such as women, ethnic minorities, LGBTs, disabled and young people. The aim of this study is to come to a better understanding of how diversity networks contribute to equality by examining how diversity network leaders discursively construct the value of their networks against the backdrop of discourses on diversity and equality. We conducted a multiple case study of five different diversity networks in a financial service organization in the Netherlands. Our results show that network leaders tend to construct the value of their networks primarily in terms of individual career development and community building, to prevent their members’ isolation. However, they are much less articulate about removing the barriers to inclusion in the organization as a core value of their networks. We conclude that the value of diversity networks is limited when these networks only address the individual and group levels of equality and leave systemic inequalities at the organizational level unchallenged.
Severe group A streptococcal infections in mothers and their newborns in London and the South East, 2010–2016: assessment of risk and audit of public health management
Authors: Leonard A , Wright A , Saavedra‐Campos M , Lamagni T , Cordery R , Nicholls M , Domoney C , Sriskandan S , Balasegaram S
Published: August 2018

Objective

We describe cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in mothers or neonates and assess management according to national guidelines, which recommend administering antibiotics to both mother and neonate if either develops iGAS infection within 28 days of birth and investigation of clusters in maternity units.

Design

Cross‐sectional retrospective study.

Setting and population

Notified confirmed iGAS cases in either mothers or neonates with onset within 28 days of birth in London and the South East of England between 2010 and 2016

Method

Review of public health records of notified cases.

Main outcome measures

Incidence and onset time of iGAS in postpartum mothers and babies, proportion given prophylaxis, maternity unit clusters within 6 months.

Results

We identified 134 maternal and 21 neonatal confirmed iGAS infections. The incidence (in 100 000 person years) of iGAS in women within 28 days postpartum was 109 (95% CI 90–127) compared with 1.3 in other females aged 15–44. For neonates the incidence was 1.5 (95% CI 9–23). The median onset time was 2 days postpartum [interquartile range (IQR) 0–5 days] for mothers and 12 days (IQR 7–15 days) for neonates. All eligible mothers and most (109, 89%) eligible neonates received chemoprophylaxis. Of 20 clusters (59 cases of GAS and iGAS) in maternity units, two clusters involved possible transmission. However, in 6 of 15 clusters, GAS isolates were not saved for comparison even after relevant guidance was issued.

Conclusions

iGAS infection remains a potential postpartum risk. Prophylaxis among neonates and storage of isolates from maternity cases can be improved.

Tweetable abstract

Are public health guidelines being followed in the management of mothers and their newborns to reduce the risk of iGAS infection?
Trends in practice and safety measures of epidural analgesia: Report of a national survey
Authors: Bos Elke M. E. , Schut Maartje E. , de Quelerij Marcel , Kalkman Cor J. , Hollmann Markus W. , Lirk Philipp
Published: August 2018

Background

The clinical use of epidural analgesia has changed over past decades. Minimally invasive surgery and emergence of alternative analgesic techniques have led to an overall decline in its use. In addition, there is increasing awareness of the patient‐specific risks for complications such as spinal haematoma and abscess. Local guidelines for management of severe neurological complications during or after epidural analgesia, ie, “epidural alert systems”, have been introduced in hospitals to coordinate and potentially streamline early diagnosis and treatment. How widely such protocols have been implemented in daily practice is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a survey to analyse trends in practice, key indications, safety measures, safety reporting, and management of complications of epidural analgesia in the Netherlands. Data were gathered using a web‐based questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Questionnaires from 85 of all 94 Dutch hospitals performing epidural analgesia were collected and analysed, a 90% response rate. Fifty‐five percent reported a trend towards decreased use of perioperative epidural analgesia, while 68% reported increasing use of epidural analgesia for labour. Reported key indications for epidural analgesia were thoracotomy, upper abdominal laparotomy, and abdominal cancer debulking. An epidural alert system for neurological complications of epidural analgesia was available in 45% of hospitals.

Conclusions

This national audit concerning use and safety of epidural analgesia demonstrates that a minority of Dutch hospitals have procedures to manage suspected neurological complications of epidural analgesia, whereas in the remaining hospitals responsibilities and timelines for management of epidural emergencies are determined on an ad hoc basis.
Profiles of recovery from alcohol use disorder at three years following treatment: can the definition of recovery be extended to include high functioning heavy drinkers?
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie , Wilson Adam D. , Pearson Matthew R. , Montes Kevin S. , Kirouac Megan , Roos Corey R. , Hallgren Kevin A. , Maisto Stephen A.
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims

Recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often narrowly defined by abstinence from alcohol and improvements in functioning (e.g. mental health, social functioning, employment). This study used latent profile analysis to examine variability in recovery outcomes, defined by alcohol use, alcohol‐related problems and psychosocial functioning at 3 years following treatment. Secondary analysis investigated pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and 1‐ and 3‐year post‐treatment covariate predictors of the latent profiles.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial.

Setting

United States.

Participants

We used data from the out‐patient arm of Project MATCH (n = 806; 29.7% female, 22.2% non‐white).

Measurements

Recovery was defined by latent profile analyses including measures of psychosocial functioning and life satisfaction (Psychosocial Functioning Inventory), unemployment and mental health (Addiction Severity Index), alcohol and other drug use (Form 90) and alcohol‐related consequences (Drinker Inventory of Consequences) 3 years following treatment. Mixture modeling was used to examine correlates of profiles.

Findings

We identified four profiles at 3 years following treatment: (1) poor functioning frequent heavy drinkers, (2) poor functioning infrequent heavy drinkers, (3) high functioning occasional heavy drinkers and (4) high‐functioning infrequent non‐heavy drinkers. There were relatively few differences on indicators of functioning and treatment‐related variables between the high functioning infrequent non‐heavy drinkers and the high‐functioning occasional heavy drinkers, other than high‐functioning occasional heavy drinkers having lower alcohol dependence severity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.90, 0.98], fewer post‐treatment coping skills (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32, 0.90) and lower 3‐year post‐treatment abstinence self‐efficacy (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.49) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involvement (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.85, 0.99). The two high‐functioning profiles showed the greatest improvements in functioning from baseline through the 3‐year follow‐up, whereas the low‐functioning profiles showed the least amount of improvement. High‐functioning occasional heavy drinkers had higher purpose in life than the poor‐functioning profiles.

Conclusions

Some individuals who engage in heavy drinking following treatment for alcohol use disorder may function as well as those who are mostly abstinent with respect to psychosocial functioning, employment, life satisfaction and mental health.
Long‐term oncological outcomes of patients with negative sentinel lymph node in vulvar cancer. Comparative study with conventional lymphadenectomy
Authors: Rodríguez‐Trujillo Adriano , Fusté Pere , Paredes Pilar , Mensión Eduard , Agustí Núria , Gil‐Ibáñez Blanca , del Pino Marta , González‐Bosquet Eduardo , Torné Aureli
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare oncological outcomes and morbidity in patients with early‐stage vulvar cancer with negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy vs negative inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL).

Material and methods

Study with retrospectively collected data in patients with squamous cell vulvar carcinomas ≤ 4 cm without suspected inguinofemoral lymph node metastases. Only patients with negative nodes after histopathology procedure were followed. Patients who underwent only SLN were compared with patients who underwent IFL ± SLN to compare recurrences, survival rates and morbidity.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were eligible for follow up: 42 with negative SLN and 51 with negative IFL ± SLN. The median follow‐up period was 60.4 months (range 6.7‐160.7). The rate of isolated first groin recurrence was 4.8% in patients with negative SLN and 2.0% in patients with negative IFL ± SLN (P = 0.587) and the rates of first isolated local recurrence were 28.6% and 31.4%, respectively (P = 0.823). Only 1 patient (2.4%) in the group of negative SLN had distant recurrence. The disease‐specific survival rate at 5 years was 83.3% in the negative SLN group and 92.2% in the negative IFL ± SLN group (P = 0.214). We observed a higher rate of wound breakdown and infection after IFL than SLN biopsy (17.6% vs 10.6%; P = 0.020) and lymphedema (33.3% vs 0%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We report in the same population of patients with early‐stage vulvar cancer that SLN biopsy does not have significantly higher rates of groin recurrences or lower survival rates compared with IFL. Moreover, the SLN procedure has less morbidity, which should encourage gynecologists to abandon IFL.
Does virginiamycin supplementation affect the metabolism and performance of Nellore bulls grazing under low and high gain rates?
Authors: Costa João Paulo R. , De Jesus Raphael B. , Oliveira Ivanna M. , Resende Flávio D. , Siqueira Gustavo R. , Malheiros Euclides B.
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virginiamycin on the metabolism and performance of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture. In experiment 1, 80 Nellore bulls (age = 12 ± 2 months, body weight = 258 ± 15 kg) were assigned to 16 paddocks in a 2 × 2 randomized block factorial arrangement. In experiment 2, 12 cannulated Nellore bulls were assigned to three 4 × 4 balanced Latin squares. The factors were: (1) mineral salt without or with virginiamycin, and (2) low or high gain rate. No interaction was noted between factors (p > .10). Animals fed virginiamycin had greater average daily gain (14%, p < .01), body weight (11 kg, p = .05), plasma nonesterified fatty acid (20%, p < .01), serum calcium concentration (2.62%, p = .04), and total protozoa (p = .03) and had the same bacterial proportion (p > .27). Animals with a low gain rate had greater serum urea concentration (19.6%, p < .01) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (62%, p < .01). Thus, virginiamycin increases the performance and changes the metabolism of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture.
Motor development in school‐age children is associated with the home environment including socioeconomic status
Authors: Ferreira Luciana , Godinez Ignacio , Gabbard Carl , Vieira José Luiz Lopes , Caçola Priscila
Published: August 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine how the home environment, including socioeconomic status (SES), affects motor development in school‐age children. Seven hundred seven children (332 boys and 375 girls) aged between 6 and 10 years participated in the study. Motor Development was determined using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency‐Second Edition. Parents answered the Middle Childhood Home Observation Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory, and Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes Questionnaire (for SES). Children from “Adequate” homes (HOME score), compared with “Less Adequate,” displayed better motor behavior. Mediation and moderation analysis revealed that motor development increased as SES increased. The proportion of variance in motor development explained by SES increased from 9% to 13% when the home was added as a mediation variable. We also found that the effect of SES on motor development was moderated by age. For older children, the effect was lower than for younger children. The best model used SES as the predictor, HOME as the mediator, and AGE as the moderator variable and explained 17% of the variance in motor development. In summary, these findings suggest that, like previous reports with young children, the HOME environment and SES may play an important role in motor development of school‐age children. Our findings encourage the assessment of the home and interventions that take into account the home environment to improve motor development in school‐age children.
Infusion ofex-vivoexpanded human TCR-αβ+ double-negative regulatory T cells delays onset of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Achita P , Dervovic D , Ly D , Lee J B , Haug T , Joe B , Hirano N , Zhang L
Published: August 2018

Despite the demonstration of potent immunosuppressive function of T cell receptor (TCR)-αβ+ double-negative regulatory T cells (DN Tregs), scarce numbers and lack of effective expansion method limit their clinical applications. Here we describe an approach that allows for ∼3500-fold ex-vivo expansion of human DN Tregs within 3 weeks with > 97% purity. Ex-vivo-expanded DN Tregs suppress proliferation of polyclonally stimulated autologous T and B cells in vitro through direct cell-to-cell contact. In vivo, we demonstrate for the first time that infusion of human DN Tregs delayed an onset of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) significantly in a humanized mouse model. Furthermore, preincubation of ex-vivo-expanded DN Tregs with a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin enhanced their immune regulatory function further. Taken together, this study demonstrates that human DN Tregs can be expanded ex vivo to therapeutic numbers. The expanded DN Tregs can suppress proliferation of T and B cells and attenuate GVHD, highlighting the potential clinical use of DN Tregs to mitigate GVHD.