bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of metabolically healthy obesity on the development of arterial stiffness: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yuan Yue , Mu Jian-Jun , Chu Chao , Zheng Wen-Ling , Wang Yang , Hu Jia-Wen , Ma Qiong , Yan Yu , Liao Yue-Yuan , Chen Chen
Published: July 2020

Background

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been reported to be associated with the development of vascular damage by the carotid intima-media thickness, but the relationship between metabolic health and obesity phenotypes and arterial stiffness is still unknown. Our hypothesized that different metabolic health and obesity phenotypes might be associated with the development of arterial stiffness, and that subjects in MHO phenotype might not have increased risks of arterial stiffness compared with those in metabolically healthy nonobesity phenotype (MHNO), while metabolic unhealthy individuals might have increased risks of arterial stiffness.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 2076 participants (aged 36–48 years) who were enrolled in the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Cohort Study in 2017 was analyzed in a cross-sectional analysis. A subgroup of 202 participants from 2005 to 2017 was selected by an isometric sampling method and was included in the final longitudinal analysis.

Results

We identified four metabolic health and obesity phenotypes for both the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses as follows: MHNO, metabolically unhealthy nonobesity (MUNO), MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). In the cross-sectional analysis, individuals with the MHO phenotype had the lowest brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) levels of the four phenotypes (P < 0.001), and participants with the MHO phenotype had a similar risk of arterial stiffness after fully adjustment [odds ratio (OR) = 0.99 (0.61–1.60)] as the MUNO subjects. Subjects with metabolically unhealthy status had a significantly higher risk of arterial stiffness than the MHNO individuals, particularly females (P < 0.005). In the longitudinal analysis, subjects with the MUNO and MUO phenotypes had a significantly higher risk of arterial stiffness than the MHNO individuals after adjustment for age and sex [OR = 5.21 (2.26–12.02), OR = 3.32 (1.18–9.32), respectively].

Conclusions

The MHO phenotype did not significantly increase the progression of arterial stiffness. Metabolically unhealthy individuals (MUNO, MUO), regardless of obesity status, showed a worse effect for the development of arterial stiffness, particularly females.

Trial registration

NCT02734472. Registered 12 April 2016 - Retrospectively registered, http:www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Relationship between the inflammation/immune indexes and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence rate following tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Liu Dawei , Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei , Li Junyong , Zhao Kuo , Zhang Junzhe , Meng Hongyu , Zhang Yingze
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the relationship between inflammation/immune-based indexes and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence rate following tibial plateau fractures

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data on patients undergoing surgeries of tibial plateau fractures between October 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) was routinely used to screen for preoperative DVT of bilateral lower extremities. Data on biomarkers (neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts) at admission were collected, based on which neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte (MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, neutrophil* platelet/lymphocyte) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the optimal cutoff value for each variable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each biomarker or index with DVT, after adjustment for demographics, co-morbidities, and injury-related variables.

Results

Among 1179 patients included, 16.3% (192/1179) of them had a preoperative DVT. Four factors were identified to be significantly associated with DVT, including open fracture, increased D-dimer level. Among the biomarkers and indexes, only platelet and neutrophil were identified to be independently associated with DVT, and the significance remained after exclusion of open fracture. The other independent variables were elevated D-dimer level (> 0.55 mg/L), male gender, and hypertension in the sensitivity analysis with open fractures excluded.

Conclusion

These identified factors are conducive to the initial screening for patients at risk of DVT, individualized risk assessment, risk stratification, and accordingly, development of targeted prevention programs.
Anemoside B4 protects against Klebsiella pneumoniae- and influenza virus FM1-induced pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway in mice
Authors: He Jia , Yuan Renyikun , Cui Xiaolan , Cui Yushun , Han Shan , Wang Qin-Qin , Chen Yangling , Huang Liting , Yang Shilin , Xu Qiongming , Zhao Yonghui , Gao Hongwei
Published: July 2020

Background

Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the terminal airway, alveoli and pulmonary interstitium, which can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms, physical and chemical factors, immune damage, and drugs. Anemoside B4, the major ingredient ofPulsatilla chinensis(Bunge) Regel, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, the therapeutic effect of anemoside B4 on pneumonia has not been unraveled. This study aims to investigate that anemoside B4 attenuates the inflammatory responses inKlebsiella pneumonia(KP)- and influenza virus FM1 (FM1)-induced pneumonia mice model.

Methods

The network pharmacology and molecular docking assays were employed to predict the targets of anemoside B4’s treatment of pneumonia. Two models (bacterial KP-infected mice and virus FM1-infected mice) were employed in our study. BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: control, model group (KP-induced pneumonia or FM1-induced pneumonia), anemoside B4 (B4)-treated group (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg), and positive drug group (ribavirin or ceftriaxone sodium injection). Blood samples were collected for hematology analysis. The effects of B4 on inflammation-associated mediators were investigated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) staining. Proteins expression was quantified by western blotting.

Results

The network results indicated that many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) participated in anemoside B4’s anti-inflammatory activity. The counts of neutrophil (NEU) and white blood cell (WBC), the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased by KP or FM1 infection, which were reversed by anemoside B4. In addition, anemoside B4 significantly suppressed the FM1-induced expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88), and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2), which were further validated by molecular docking data that anemoside B4 bound to bioactive sites of TLR4. Therefore, anemoside B4 exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on pneumonia via the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that anemoside B4 attenuates pneumonia via the TLR4/Myd88 signaling pathway, suggesting that anemoside B4 is a promising therapeutic candidate for bacterial-infected or viral-infected pneumonia.
The macrophage activation marker soluble CD163 is elevated and associated with liver disease phenotype in patients with Wilson’s disease
Authors: Glavind Emilie , Gotthardt Daniel N. , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Sandahl Thomas Damgaard , Bashlekova Teodora , Willemoe Gro Linno , Hasselby Jane Preuss , Weiss Karl Heinz , Møller Holger Jon , Vilstrup Hendrik , Lee William M. , Schilsky Michael L. , Ott Peter , Grønbæk Henning
Published: July 2020

Background

Macrophages play a significant role in liver disease development and progression. The macrophage activation marker soluble (s)CD163 is associated with severity and prognosis in a number of different acute and chronic liver diseases but has been only sparsely examined in Wilson’s disease (WD). We investigated sCD163 levels in patients with acute and chronic WD and hypothesized associations with liver disease phenotype and biochemical markers of liver injury.

Methods

We investigated sCD163 in two independent cohorts of WD patients: 28 patients with fulminant WD from the US Acute Liver Failure (ALF) Study Group registry and 147 patients with chronic disease from a German WD registry. We included a control group of 19 healthy individuals. Serum sCD163 levels were measured by ELISA. Liver CD163 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In the ALF cohort, median sCD163 was 10-fold higher than in healthy controls (14.6(2.5–30.9) vs. 1.5(1.0–2.7) mg/L, p < 0.001). In the chronic cohort, median sCD163 was 2.6(0.9–24.9) mg/L. There was no difference in sCD163 according to subgroups based on initial clinical presentation, i.e. asymptomatic, neurologic, hepatic, or mixed. Patients with cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis had higher sCD163 compared with those without cirrhosis (3.0(1.2–24.9) vs. 2.3(0.9–8.0) mg/L, p < 0.001); and both cohorts significantly lower than the ALF patients. Further, sCD163 correlated positively with ALT, AST, GGT and INR (rho = 0.27–0.53); and negatively with albumin (rho = − 0.37), (p ≤ 0.001, all). We observed immunohistochemical CD163 expression in liver tissue from ALF patients.

Conclusions

Although sCD163 is not specific for WD, it was elevated in WD patients, especially in those with ALF. Further, sCD163 was higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis and associated with biochemical markers of liver injury and hepatocellular function. Thus, macrophage activation is evident in WD and associates with liver disease phenotype and biochemical parameters of liver disease. Our findings suggest that sCD163 may be used as a marker of liver disease severity in WD patients.
SM22α+ vascular mural cells are essential for vessel stability in tumors and undergo phenotype transition regulated by Notch signaling
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Yan Xianchun , Cao Jing , Yang Ziyan , Cao Xiuli , Zhang Yufei , Liang Liang , Zheng Minhua , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Jian , Han Hua
Published: July 2020

Background

Malformation of blood vessels represents a hallmark of cancers, but the role and regulation of vascular mural cells (vMCs), including vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) and pericytes, in tumors has not been fully understood. SM22α has been identified as a marker of vSMCs. This study aims at elucidating the function and regulation of SM22α+ mural cells (SM22-MCs) in tumor stroma.

Methods

Gene-modified mice with a SM22α-CreERT2 transgene were employed to deplete SM22-MCs or activate/block Notch signaling in these cells. vSMCs from mouse dorsal aorta (vSMCs-DA) were cultured in vitro. RNA-seq was used to compare gene expression profiles. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to determine gene expression level. Immunofluorescence was used to observe morphological alterations in tumors.

Results

SM22-MCs are essential for stabilizing tumor vasculature. Notch signaling was downregulated in tumor-derived SM22-MCs and vSMCs-DA treated with cancer cell-derived conditioned medium. Notch activation in SM22-MCs normalized tumor vasculature and repressed tumor growth. On the other hand, Notch disruption aggravated abnormal tumor vasculature and promoted growth and metastasis. Gene expression profiling of vSMCs-DA showed that Notch activation enhances their contractile phenotype and suppresses their secretory phenotype, further attenuating the invasion and proliferation of tumor cells. In contrast, Notch blockade in vSMCs-DA mitigated their contractile phenotype while strengthened the secretory phenotype.

Conclusion

SM22-MCs facilitate vessel stability in tumors, and they gain a secretory phenotype and promote tumor malignancy in the absence of Notch signaling.
Single dose versus 24 h antibiotic prophylaxis in reduction mammaplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Veiga Daniela Francescato , da Silva Garcia Edgard , Moreira-Filho José Wilson , de Mattos Andrade Evelyne Borges , Juliano Yara , Veiga-Filho Joel , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: July 2020

Background

Reduction mammaplasty is among the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. Antibiotics are widely prescribed, on an empirical basis, to prevent surgical site infections. However, there is a lack of evidence to support its use. This trial aims to compare the influence of the use of prophylatic antibiotics as a single dose or for 24 h on surgical site infection rates following reduction mammaplasty.

Methods

Randomized trial of non-inferiority, with two parallel groups. A total of 146 breast hypertrophy patients, with reduction mammaplasty already scheduled, will be enrolled. Patients will be randomly allocated to the placebo group that will receive antibiotics only at the anesthesia induction (n = 73) or to the antibiotics group that will receive antibiotics at the anesthesia induction and for 24 h (n = 73). None of the patients will receive antibiotics after hospital discharge. Patients will be followed-up weekly, for 30 days, regarding surgical site infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria will be applied. A statistical analysis of the data will be performed.

Discussion

Previous studies have demonstrated a decrease in infection rates after reduction mammaplasty when antibiotic prophylaxis was used, compared to the use of no antibiotics. However, the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis remains a point to be clarified. This study will test the hypothesis that maintaining the use of antibiotics for 24 h does not reduce infection rates compared to the use of a single preoperative dose.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04079686. Registered on September 6, 2019.
Using osmotic stress to stabilize mannitol production in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Wu Wenyang , Du Wei , Gallego Ruth Perez , Hellingwerf Klaas J. , van der Woude Aniek D. , Branco dos Santos Filipe
Published: July 2020

Background

Mannitol is a C(6) polyol that is used in the food and medical sector as a sweetener and antioxidant, respectively. The sustainable production of mannitol, especially via the direct conversion of CO2 by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, has become increasingly appealing. However, previous work aiming to achieve mannitol production in the marine Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 via heterologous expression of mannitol-1-phosphate-5-dehydrogenase (mtlD) and mannitol-1-phosphatase (m1p, in short: a ‘mannitol cassette’), proved to be genetically unstable. In this study, we aim to overcome this genetic instability by conceiving a strategy to stabilize mannitol production using Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 as a model cyanobacterium.

Results

Here, we explore the stabilizing effect that mannitol production may have on cells faced with osmotic stress, in the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. We first validated that mannitol can function as a compatible solute in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, and in derivative strains in which the ability to produce one or both of the native compatible solutes was impaired. Wild-type Synechocystis, complemented with a mannitol cassette, indeed showed increased salt tolerance, which was even more evident in Synechocystis strains in which the ability to synthesize the endogenous compatible solutes was impaired. Next we tested the genetic stability of all these strains with respect to their mannitol productivity, with and without salt stress, during prolonged turbidostat cultivations. The obtained results show that mannitol production under salt stress conditions in the Synechocystis strain that cannot synthesize its endogenous compatible solutes is remarkably stable, while the control strain completely loses this ability in only 6 days. DNA sequencing results of the control groups that lost the ability to synthesize mannitol revealed that multiple types of mutation occurred in the mtlD gene that can explain the disruption of mannitol production.

Conclusions

Mannitol production in freshwater Synechocsytis sp. PCC6803 confers it with increased salt tolerance. Under this strategy, genetically instability which was the major challenge for mannitol production in cyanobacteria is tackled. This paper marks the first report of utilization of the response to salt stress as a factor that can increase the stability of mannitol production in a cyanobacterial cell factory.
Emergence of multidrug-resistant non-fermentative gram negative bacterial infection in hospitalized patients in a tertiary care center of Nepal
Authors: Yadav Santosh Kumar , Bhujel Rajshree , Mishra Shyam Kumar , Sharma Sangita , Sherchand Jeevan Bahadur
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study was designed for the characterization and establishment of antibiotic susceptibility profiles of non-fermentative gram negative bacteria isolated from hospitalized patients in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal.

Results

A total of 402 non-fermentative gram negative bacteria was isolated in 1486 culture-positive cases from 6216 different clinical samples obtained from hospitalized patients. Among total non-fermentative gram negative bacterial isolates, the highest number was recovered from specimens collected from lower respiratory tract infections (n = 173, 43.0%) of hospitalized patients followed by pus/swab samples (n = 99, 24.6%) and urinary tract infections (n = 49, 12.2%). The most common non-fermentative gram negative bacteria identified wereAcinetobacter baumannii(n = 177, 44.0%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(n = 161, 40.1%) andBurkholderia cepaciacomplex (n = 33, 8.2%). These bacterial isolates exhibited a higher rate of insusceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. On the other hand, all the isolates ofP. aeruginosaandA. baumanniiwere completely susceptible to colistin sulfate and polymyxin B. Among total isolates, 78.1% (n = 314) were multidrug-resistant with a high rate of multidrug-resistant amongA. baumannii(91.0%).
Frequency distribution of IL-17A G197A (rs2275913) and IL-17F A7488G (rs763780) polymorphisms among healthy Sudanese population
Authors: Mohamed Nouh S. , Siddig Emmanuel E. , Ahmed Abdallah E. , Albsheer Musab M. A. , Abdelbagi Hanadi , Ali Eman T. , Alsubki Anadel A. , Abdalaziz Sabah A. , Mustafa Madinna , Muneer Mohamed S. , Osman Hussam A. , Osman Maha M. , Ali Mohamed S. , Edris Ali M. M. , Ahmed Ayman , Omer Rihab A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

IL-17A G197A and IL-17F A7488G polymorphisms has been identified to be associated with the susceptibility to many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the frequency distribution of IL-17A G197A and IL-17F A7488G polymorphisms among healthy Sudanese population. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based molecular study conducted in different sites throughout Sudan. Two ml blood samples were collected from 717 healthy participants. Demographic data and the medical history of the participants were collected.

Results

Of the 717 participants, 355 (49.5%) were males and 362 (50.5%) were females, their mean age was 30.2 ± 17.2 and 32.2 ± 16.5, respectively. For IL-17A, the most frequent genotype detected among males and females was IL-17A heterozygote allele (AG); 215 (60.6%) and 194 (53.6%), respectively. Whereas, for IL-17F, the most frequent allele among males and females was the homozygote allele (AA); 298 (83.9%) for males and 322 (89.0%) for females. HWE for genotype distributions of IL-17A was showing statistical insignificance for IL-17A among males and females, P value 0.614. While HWE for IL-17F reached the equilibrium level, P value 0.048. The most frequent age group was those aged between 21 to 40 years; 281 (39.2%). Arab constituted the major ethnicity of the study participants; 418 (58.3%), P value 0.034.
Estimation of fault models for short-term slow slip events from groundwater pressure in soft sedimentary layers
Authors: Kitagawa Yuichi , Matsumoto Norio , Kimura Takeshi
Published: July 2020

Deep low-frequency tremors and short-term slow slip events (SSEs) are known to occur along the Nankai Trough in Japan. Although short-term SSEs are thought to occur repeatedly in the northern part of Ise Bay, deep low-frequency tremors are not observed there. Because the area around the northern part of Ise Bay is characterized by soft sedimentary layers not suitable for strainmeter or tiltmeter installation, there are no high-quality crustal deformation observation sites in the area. Accordingly, the local extent of slip of short-term SSEs has not been confirmed. We significantly improved the crustal strain sensitivity of the groundwater level (pressure) in the inner pipe of the observation well at the Hokusei observation site (HKSi, northwest of Ise Bay) by sealing it with a packer. Consequently, we were able to observe groundwater pressure changes related to slow slip at the plate boundary. We estimate that slip of short-term SSEs during July 2016, November 2017, and April 2018 extended to the northern part of Ise Bay. Furthermore, groundwater pressure fluctuations at HKSi in April 2018 greatly improved the SSE fault model, confirming that slow slip occurs in the area, despite the absence of deep low-frequency tremor. The slips without tremors are a characteristic of the northern area of Ise Bay, differing from other areas of the Nankai Trough. Our results demonstrate that groundwater level/pressure fluctuations are a powerful tool for crustal deformation observations in areas characterized by soft sedimentary layers.
Scripting as a pedagogical method to guide collaborative writing: university students’ reflections
Authors: Heinonen Kirsi , De Grez Nore , Hämäläinen Raija , De Wever Bram , van der Meijs Sophie
Published: July 2020

A collaboration script is a set of instructions used to improve collaborative learning among students in technology-enhanced environments. Previously, university students’ perspective has been under-represented in the study on collaboration scripts. In this article, we focus on understanding students’ experiences in a scripted collaborative writing task, especially from the perspective of following the script. The study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 91) taking a master-level educational science course at one university each in Finland and Belgium. Divided into 25 groups, each with three to five members, the students worked on collaborative writing tasks. During their shared writing process within these groups, all students were introduced to a four-phase simultaneous sequential integrating construction script (SSCIS). Then, data from the students’ reflection notes on the collaborative writing process were analysed. The thematic analysis revealed that over half of the students highlighted how the introduced script provided them with appropriate support for the writing process; therefore, they used a script-based collaborative writing approach (52%). However, almost as many students (48%) viewed the script as inadequate or even impeding their accomplishment of the mutual writing task; therefore, they chose to deviate from it. In this group of students decided not to follow script-based writing engaged in the collective writing approach (32%), characterised as free form compared to sequential script-based writing. Other students opted for the separate writing approach (16%), leading them to divide the writing assignment into single parts among the group members and to compose the text without authentic collaboration. By focusing on students’ individual reflections, the findings of our study suggest that to enhance script-based learning processes, it is essential to provide guidance for the implementation of the script, additional content-related support or tailored choices.
On the “missing link” between formal organization and informal social structure
Authors: Hunter Starling David , Bentzen Henrik , Taug Jan
Published: July 2020

Over the last 40 years, organizational scholars have repeatedly called for more research to reconcile formalist and social network approaches to the intra-organizational structure. The former has primarily been concerned with the reporting relationship which manifests as the chain of command while research on the informal social structure relegates the reporting relationship to a wide and varied range of instrumental and affective relationships such as advice-seeking, knowledge-sharing, trust, and friendship which span the boundaries that the chain of command defines. In this study, we employ thechain of command distance—the length along the chain of command of a path connecting a pair of organizational actors—as the basis for formulating and testing hypotheses about how the formal organization and the informal social structure influence one another. First, we argue that whereas the formal structure affords only one, often very lengthy, path between any pair of actors, thecombinationof formal and informal structures results in a greater number of significantly shorter paths between actors. Next, we consider one effect of the formal organization on the informal social structure. In particular, we argue that there is an inverse relationship between the chain of command distance and the likelihood of a social or informal connection forming between a pair of actors. We test our hypotheses with demographic data collected from a public sector provider of health, education, and welfare services in rural Norway.
Degenerative joint disease in the temporomandibular joint with fibrous ankylosis in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kim Su-Mi , Woo Chang-Gok , Kim Jong-Min
Published: July 2020

Background

Ankylosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is known to have various etiologies in veterinary medicine. We observed a case of fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ in a newly imported rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

Case presentation

Moderate to severe attrition was found in the middle labial portion of the left maxillary canine. No tenderness around the jaw was detected in the physical examination. The WBC count, CRP level, rheumatoid factor level, and other parameters were normal. Irregularity in the joint surface was observed in both TMJs in the radiographic and computed tomographic examinations, but the left TMJ presented more severe irregularity. It was determined that the removal of the locked portion of the left canine would alleviate the case of lockjaw and allow intubation with an endotracheal tube. Canine tooth crown reduction was performed for both canine teeth. The mouth opening distance slightly (approximately 5 mm) increased up to 20 mm. We concluded that the attrition of canine teeth was not the reason for lockjaw and ankyloses originating from TMJ disease. Fibrotic synovial tissue and joint surface irregularity were observed by necropsy. The presence of fibrocartilage in most areas of the TMJ was confirmed by histology. The diagnosis was fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ associated with DJD.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of degenerative joint disease of the TMJ in a rhesus monkey with fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ.
Comparative mitogenome analysis of two ectomycorrhizal fungi (Paxillus) reveals gene rearrangement, intron dynamics, and phylogeny of basidiomycetes
Authors: Li Qiang , Ren Yuanhang , Xiang Dabing , Shi Xiaodong , Zhao Jianglin , Peng Lianxin , Zhao Gang
Published: July 2020

In this study, the mitogenomes of two Paxillus species were assembled, annotated and compared. The two mitogenomes of Paxillus involutus and P. rubicundulus comprised circular DNA molecules, with the size of 39,109 bp and 41,061 bp, respectively. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the nad4L gene had undergone strong positive selection in the two Paxillus species. In addition, 10.64 and 36.50% of the repetitive sequences were detected in the mitogenomes of P. involutus and P. rubicundulus, respectively, which might transfer between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Large-scale gene rearrangements and frequent intron gain/loss events were detected in 61 basidiomycete species, which revealed large variations in mitochondrial organization and size in Basidiomycota. In addition, the insertion sites of the basidiomycete introns were found to have a base preference. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined mitochondrial gene set gave identical and well-supported tree topologies, indicating that mitochondrial genes were reliable molecular markers for analyzing the phylogenetic relationships of Basidiomycota. This study is the first report on the mitogenomes of Paxillus, which will promote a better understanding of their contrasted ecological strategies, molecular evolution and phylogeny of these important ectomycorrhizal fungi and related basidiomycete species.
Executive Perspectives
Authors: Williamson Derek
Published: July 2020

Recently, there have been excellent articles from SEG's senior management team in this space. When I received notification that it was my turn to contribute a column, I immediately began thinking up avoidance tactics. I thought about pretending I didn't get the e-mail with my assignment, or saying, “I'm still the new guy. What do I have to write about?” Alternatively, “I'm an accountant. I build spreadsheets. I don't write columns.” As I began to realize that none of that weaseling was likely to work, I told myself, “I need to find a ghostwriter.”
Introduction to this special section: Reservoir monitoring
Authors: Johnston David H.
Published: July 2020

The papers submitted to this special section demonstrate that the topic of reservoir monitoring is extremely diverse. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of geologic settings covered by these papers — deepwater unconsolidated clastics, more cemented sandstones in onshore fields, and carbonates. Diversity is seen in the range of production scenarios described by these papers — water sweep of oil and gas, thermal recovery using steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and enhanced recovery using CO2 injection. Moreover, the papers in this section cover much more than time-lapse 3D seismic. Although about half of the submitted papers use 4D surface seismic data to monitor reservoirs, the remainder cover a diversity of methods that include time-lapse vertical seismic profiles (VSPs), repeat well logging using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and muon tomography. Even the concept of the “reservoir” is expanded to include monitoring microseismicity that might result from production activity.
Memorial
Authors: Chandola Sandeep K.
Published: July 2020

Deva Prasad Ghosh 1935–2019
Partnerships and Collaborations: The Right Alliances for Clinical Trials in Africa
Authors: Solarin Olusola , Mohammed Sulma I. , Ndlovu Ntokozo , Vanderpuye Verna , Olaiya Victoria
Published: July 2020

Africa attracts < 1% of all trials conducted around the world. The implication is that proof of safety and efficacy in Africans is lacking for a lot of new therapies. The sizeable proportion of approximately 20% of the global population that Africa represents largely does not have empiric data to support use of new therapies in a population with a distinct genetic and racial profile. Beyond the imperative of evidence-based interventions, Africans carry a disproportionately heavy burden of certain diseases, including prostate cancer, sickle cell anemia, and malaria. It therefore provides opportunity for efficient recruitment of participants for trials for such diseases. However, this advantage has not convinced sponsors to carry out clinical trials in Africa. India and China each have roughly the same population size as Africa, but each presents just one regulatory jurisdiction for clinical trials. Africa has 54 countries, and a sponsor would theoretically need to file 54 different applications to cover the entire continent. Collaboration and partnership among all stakeholders in the clinical trial ecosystem will reduce the burden on sponsors and make Africa competitive as a destination for clinical trials. Collaboration among national regulatory agencies will enable Africa to be treated as one regulatory jurisdiction and reduce administrative burden. Sites and researchers can partner to improve quality, attain necessary certifications, and increase overall efficiency. Central to all of these are clinical research organizations that can coordinate and work across borders to make clinical trial projects seamless. Ultimately, patients will benefit as quality of clinical practice improves and access to new therapies is enhanced.
Operational Strategies for Clinical Trials in Africa
Authors: Graef Katy M. , Okoye Ifeoma , Ohene Oti Naomi O. , Dent Jennifer , Odedina Folakemi T.
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

In a dramatic reversal of longstanding trends, cancer now kills more Africans than malaria. Despite Africa’s growing cancer burden, individuals of African descent, notably those residing in Africa, remain drastically under-represented in cancer clinical trials. Two recent summits—the 1st All Africa Clinical Trial Summit and the Operational Strategy for Clinical Trials in Nigeria Summit—convened experts from governments, the private sector, universities, and professional societies to define the barriers to Africa’s participation in multicenter clinical studies and the strategies to eliminate those impedances.

METHODS

The discussions held during the two clinical trial summits were condensed into a set of 10 recommendations covering five broad categories (funding, regulation, capacity building, Africa-centric approach, and patient engagement). In this article, four programs are presented as examples of how the summits’ recommendations can be put into practice to improve Africa’s ability to attract clinical trials, in particular, cancer clinical trials.

RESULTS

These example programs all leveraged a multilateral, Africa-driven approach to building Africa’s clinical trial capacity, increasing visibility of Africa’s current clinical trial capabilities and priorities, improving regulatory infrastructure and enforcement on the continent, and optimizing patient and clinician engagement strategies.

CONCLUSION

The four programs are anticipated to catalyze the involvement of more African health care sites in cancer clinical trials, enroll a greater number of African patients with cancer in those trials, and, ultimately, reverse Africa’s growing cancer incidence and mortality rates. Each program acts as a blueprint for organizations—whether government, academic, or industry—seeking to address the summits’ recommendations and increase Africa’s contributions to and active participation in clinical research.
Authorial Self-Fashioning in a Global Era
Authors: Weightman Frances
Published: July 2020

The authorial preface to works of fiction provides a unique space for exploration of authorial self-fashioning and author-reader mediation. This article argues that, when works of fiction are translated and new prefaces written for a new readership, these prefaces can provide extra insights into the perceptions, expectations, and constrictions of both producing and consuming literature in a global era. Recent debates on world literature have centered mainly on issues of reception and circulation, preferring to define its scope in terms of the reader and the reading context rather than by the author or production process. This study considers the changing role of authors who consciously attempt to locate themselves within this contested and reconfigured field and how they construct a persona to address a newly defined world readership. This article explores the changes throughout the twentieth century by analyzing a selection of authorial prefaces to translated editions of three influential authors: Lu Xun 魯迅 (1881–1936), Ba Jin 巴金 (1906–2005), and Yu Hua 余華 (1960–). All prolific preface writers, they each have, in different ways, in different periods, engaged with the concept of a global literary readership and marketplace and negotiated their respective places within it.
Disease-associated keratin mutations reduce traction forces and compromise adhesion and collective migration
Authors: Fujiwara Sachiko , Deguchi Shinji , Magin Thomas M.
Published: July 2020

Keratin intermediate filament (IF) proteins constitute the major cytoskeletal components in epithelial cells. Missense mutations in keratin 5 (K5; also known as KRT5) or keratin 14 (K14; also known as KRT14), highly expressed in the basal epidermis, cause the severe skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). EBS-associated mutations disrupt keratin networks and change keratinocyte mechanics; however, molecular mechanisms by which mutations shape EBS pathology remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that, in contrast to keratin-deficient keratinocytes, cells expressing K14R125C, a mutation that causes severe EBS, generate lower traction forces, accompanied by immature focal adhesions with an altered cellular distribution. Furthermore, mutant keratinocytes display reduced directionality during collective migration. Notably, RhoA activity is downregulated in human EBS keratinocytes, and Rho activation rescues stiffness-dependent cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion formation of EBS keratinocytes. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that intact keratin IF networks regulate mechanotransduction through a Rho signaling pathway upstream of cell–ECM adhesion formation and organized cell migration. Our findings provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology of EBS.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Helical Pitch Dependent Optical Properties of π-Extended Aza[5]helicene Radical Cations
Authors: Hiroto Satoru
Published: July 2020

We prepared a series of π-extended aza[5]helicenes with different substituents at internal positions. The structures determined by X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the steric bulkiness of substituents affected the helical pitch of aza[5]helicenes. Their UV/vis absorption spectra showed little dependence on structural distortion. However, the absorption spectra of oxidized species were considerably dependent on internal substituents. Finally, theoretical calculations confirmed that the intramolecular through-space interaction caused a hypochromic shift of the lowest energy bands for the oxidized species.
Ubi caritas et amor. Une lecture comparée du Baiser au lépreux et de O Veleiro de Cristal
Authors: Bidaud Samuel
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Ubi caritas et amor. A Comparatist Reading of Le Baiser au lépreux and O Veleiro de Cristal. Le Baiser au lépreux (The Kiss to the Leper), by François Mauriac, and O Veleiro de Cristal (The Crystal Sailboat), by José Mauro de Vasconcelos, are a priori aimed at two different audiences. Le Baiser au lépreux is indeed generally considered to be Mauriac’s first important book, whereas O Veleiro de Cristal belongs to “children’s literature”, like O Meu Pé de Laranja Lima (in English “My Sweet Orange Tree”), by the same author, which was very successful in Brazil but also in France. However, the two stories share deep similarities, so we can draw parallels between them. As far as the narrative level is concerned, both of the books tell the story of a human being who suffers because of his physical appearance; Jean Péloueyre in Le Baiser au lépreux and Eduardo in O Veleiro de Cristal are rejected by their close relatives and hide from other people. They try to escape from their painful experience, thanks to the religion in the case of Jean Péloueyre, even if the latter gives rise to an existential drama, and thanks to the imagination in the case of Eduardo, who discovers in the house where his aunt Anna has led him animals who are able to talk. In both stories, eventually, the theme of charity is fundamental: in Mauriac’s novel, Noémi marries Jean and ends up loving him with a love based on charity and that can be defined as agapè, while in O Veleiro de Cristal Anna renounces all vanity to devote herself to her nephew, her charity echoing the one of the animals who live in the Crystal Sailboat.
For a Reappreciation of the Literary in Literary Studies: Poetic Thinking
Authors: Pajević Marko
Published: July 2020

As a literary scholar based in German Studies outside of Germany, I am confronted with German being considered a minor subject matter. There are evidently clear differences between the German departments within German-speaking countries and abroad. The latter are shrinking considerably almost everywhere and need to focus on few aspects, often related to historical issues and some general successful movements, such as gender or postcolonialism. In Germany, there seems to be a preoccupation with didactics and media.

But since I consider these symptoms part of a wider issue, I prefer making some more general observations. World literature is – at least in the dominant anglophone cultures – increasingly identified with English language literature. Comparative literature programmes mostly work with translations as if those were original literary texts which – roughly speaking – reduces literature to its plot and, possibly, its structure. This is also reflected in the tendency in literary studies to be oblivious of the poetic approach.

Philologies are often subservient to outer goals (history, sociology, psychology), and, in their efforts to justify their existence in the eyes of the market economy, they believe they cannot afford to deal with the core of what litera ture is about, the literary. In my view, this is one of the reasons for the difficulties of the philologies and possibly Humanities altogether. Literary studies, despite the various enriching overlaps with various other disciplines, should not forget this specificity, which I call poetics, the interaction of the form of language and the form of life. By making a strong case for the relevance of an understanding of what language is and does – and literature is the privileged field of observation – philologies would be of obvious importance for society as a whole.
Designing the Tasks of the Engineering Direction in the Implementation of Extra-Time Activities
Authors: Smirnov D.
Published: July 2020

The article examines the content of state-level documents related to the need to train highly qualified engineering personnel for modern Russia, on the need for early career guidance at school. The integration of government documents and documents of the Ministry of Education and Science on the organization of extracurricular activities (2011, 2017) in the context of the Federal State Educational Standard, allowed the author of the article to identify and justify the possibility of orienting students to the choice of engineering professions through the organization of extracurricular activities in a primary school.

To solve the problem of organizing extracurricular activities focused on students choosing engineering professions, the article proposes a system of authoring work programs for extracurricular activities for a primary school. A systematic approach to the design of integrated work programs (mathematics + physics + engineering) was considered at two stages: the propaedeutic stage (grades 5–7) and the pre-profile stage (grades 8–9). The main difficulty in the implementation of work programs by teachers is the selection and design of engineering tasks.

The author of the article has developed three approaches to constructing problems of engineering orientation of mathematical content. The first approach is considered in detail: a contextual (engineering) presentation of a well-known educational task given in a textbook, didactic materials, and other teaching aids. The design and solution of the system of additional tasks to the problem from the geometry textbook for grade 8, where the cross section of the road in the form of an isosceles trapezoid is considered, made it possible to organize a research project for the construction of the highway. The students got acquainted with the types of engineering professions in the construction of the road, learned the incorrectness of some data in the contents of the textbook task and replacing them with possible numerical data in the construction of roads of different types.

Creating a holistic image of the studied task situation in the context of engineering, we develop the creative abilities of students that are necessary both in educational and professional engineering activities of any direction.
State Control (Supervision) in the Field of Education: What will It Be?
Authors: Ladnushkina N.
Published: July 2020

Today in the Russian Federation, serious changes are taking place in the sphere of state control (supervision). These changes are aimed at eliminating the shortcomings of the control and supervision system, as well as at removing the burden from the control and oversight bodies and business. One of the key changes in the control and supervisory activity is the establishment of control and supervision procedures using a risk management system. Also, prevention procedures aimed at reducing the risk of harm (damage) should come to the fore. These changes affect the education system. How will the system of control and supervision in the field of education be built?
SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR ADAPTATION OF FOREIGN TRAINERS UNDER THE PROJECT “STUDENT UNITED NATIONS” PROJECT: CASE OF THE URAL FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NAMED AFTER THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA B.N. YELTSIN AS "BEST PRACTICE"
Authors: Karimov M.
Published: July 2020

In Russian universities, the urgency of the problem of social adaptation is due to the fact that it is necessary to increase the level of competitiveness in the world arena in the field of international educational services. Of particular importance in this process is the system-support for the adaptation of foreign students on the basis of the conditions created specifically for it to unite the community of countries and peoples - the «Student Organization of United Nations». The article describes the system of working with foreign students with a view to their process adaptation at the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg. The adaptation of foreign students to the new environment is influenced by many factors, culture plays an important role, since it determines the value orientations and guidelines in the development of the individual in this society.
REVIEW OF THE RESULTS OF THE «WOW! HR» FOR 2016-2019
Authors: Nagibina N. , Popova I. , Pitkina A.
Published: July 2020

The transition to “smart manufacturing”, the formation of a new consumer ethics, the development of a network society, the entry into the generation Z market, the “era” of the silver economy and, finally, force majeure circumstances (the declared pandemic) are external factors that pose a serious challenge to HR management of companies. Changes are also taking place in the change of managerial paradigms – from classical management with a rigid hierarchy to partnership and cross – functional interaction.In the Vuca world, the transformation of HR management is taking place: from a transactional function to a business support function.Benchmarking is an excellent tool for studying experience and generating ideas in the field of HR technologies. Openness of companies – the presentation of their unique projects to a wide audience is a great opportunity for small companies to learn from experience and adapt HR solutions to their tasks. Project Overview of the «WOW! HR» is represented by 9 unique nominations: Action! Digital Solutions, HR Hero, Play Hard, Save, Work Place, Level Up, Make Team, Be Cool. The statistics of projects from 2016 to 2019 allows you to track trends in HR solutions, deeply study projects and use the ideas of experts to adapt in your company.
BIG DATA IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Bragina D. , Molodchik N.
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the possibilities of using big data in the field of human resources management, shows the difficulties that can be encountered when introducing these technologies into the work of the company. The main problems of the use of employee data by companies for the analysis, forecasting and improvement production indicators are given. Examples of companies that successfully use big data in their work are shown. Recommendations how to introduce the technology of big data analysis in the field of human resource management are given.