bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of knowledge sharing behaviour capability among sales executives: application of SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Hussain Bashir , Hassan Hasliza , Synthia Ishrat Jahan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the effects of supportive, innovative and information technology (IT)-driven organisational culture on the optimisation of knowledge-sharing behaviour capability (KSBC) among sales executives. The authors propose that such effects are mediated by the sense of well-being (SWB) and IT-driven absorptive capacity (ITAC) among sales executives.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed. Survey data were based on a sample of 323 sales executives of different manufacturing and service-intensive (i.e. business to consumers) firms. The data analyses were conducted by structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods.

Findings

Results from SEM support all the direct relationships. Supportive and innovative organisational culture has a significant and positive influence on the optimisation of KSBC among sales executives, and these effects are mediated by their SWB. Moreover, the ITAC of sales executives mediated the relationships between IT-driven organisational culture and optimisation of KSBC among them. Results from fsQCA with the same data show that ITAC and SWB among sales executives are necessary conditions for the optimisation of KSBC. In addition, ten combinations of these variables were explored, where three sufficient conditions significantly influenced the outcome variable.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross-sectional in nature and is conducted among sales executives by combining the data from manufacturing and service-intensive firms. To examine the proposed model, this study can be supplemented by future research using a longitudinal data collection method separately.

Practical implications

This research shows an effective role to optimise KSBC among sales executives in the field of knowledge management practice literature. Supportive, innovative and harmonious culture, IT-driven communication platform and well-established IT learning plans implemented by the firms can sophisticate to optimise KSBC among sales executives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is a pioneer study conducted to explain the KSBC among sales executives by using mixed methods research. This research discusses the antecedent of knowledge-sharing capability among sales executives from the viewpoint of sales executive’s psychology and identifies the different roles of SWB and ITAC on individual’s KSBC.
Behind the Scenes of Hollywood: An Archaeology of Reproductive Oppression at the Intersections
Authors: Barnes Jodi A.
Published: November 2020

Reproductive oppression is the control and exploitation of women, girls, and individuals through our bodies, sexuality, labor, and reproduction. This archaeological research utilizes intersectionality and praxis as analytic tools to uncover reproductive oppression in the past and embolden reproductive justice in the present. At the nineteenth‐century Hollywood Plantation in southeastern Arkansas, the materiality of the past—census records, medicine bottles, toys, and grave markers—provides a lens onto the deep history of reproductive oppression and the ways people responded to it. By situating individuals and artifacts at the intersections, I interpret various artifacts from differing positionalities, focusing and refocusing the lens on all of the women who lived and worked in the house to understand the ways reproduction shaped their lives over time and to draw connections between the control over Black women's bodies exercised by slaveholders and the contemporary trend to limit women's control of their reproductive health. [historical archaeology, reproductive oppression, intersectionality, praxis, Arkansas]
It's 2020: What is Accounting Today?
Authors: Carnegie Garry , Parker Lee , Tsahuridu Eva
Published: November 2020

Based on the acceptance of the importance of clear definitions and concepts, we explore conventional definitions of accounting and chart their change and development. While accounting's definitions have evolved, they do not, in our view, adequately reflect accounting as social and moral practice but rather continue to position accounting as a technical practice, despite the valuable work of key accounting scholars particularly over the last four decades. We highlight the social and moral aspects of accounting and propose a new definition of accounting for the 2020s to stimulate discussion, debate and improvement. In our opinion, accounting has a way to go to reach its true potential.
Accounting for auto‐dependency in binary dyadic time series data: A comparison of model‐ and permutation‐based approaches for testing pairwise associations
Authors: Bodner Nadja , Tuerlinckx Francis , Bosmans Guy , Ceulemans Eva
Published: November 2020

Many theories have been put forward on how people become synchronized or co‐regulate each other in daily interactions. These theories are often tested by observing a dyad and coding the presence of multiple target behaviours in small time intervals. The sequencing and co‐occurrence of the partners’ behaviours across time are then quantified by means of association measures (e.g., kappa coefficient, Jaccard similarity index, proportion of agreement). We demonstrate that the association values obtained are not easy to interpret, because they depend on the marginal frequencies and the amount of auto‐dependency in the data. Moreover, often no inferential framework is available to test the significance of the association. Even if a significance test exists (e.g., kappa coefficient) auto‐dependencies are not taken into account, which, as we will show, can seriously inflate the Type I error rate. We compare the effectiveness of a model‐ and a permutation‐based framework for significance testing. Results of two simulation studies show that within both frameworks test variants exist that successfully account for auto‐dependency, as the Type I error rate is under control, while power is good.
What scene information is needed for models of colour appearance in the natural world?
Authors: McCann John J.
Published: November 2020

Colorimetry is an essential tool in every part of colour. This article looks over our shoulders at the colour research of Maxwell, Wright, Land and Wyszecki to build a framework for colour. Then, the article looks forward to the needs of digital imaging's future. Colour is the fusion of today's imaging technology with our understanding of colour. Molecular physical chemistry describes the light–matter interactions, while human colour is controlled by neurons that compare light from the entire scene, covering a nearly 180° visual angle. This article's question asks about the information required by a future Model of Colour Appearance that is able to predict any scene: all natural scenes and any experimental display.
Locomotor and robotic assistive gait training for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pool Dayna , Valentine Jane , Taylor Nicholas F , Bear Natasha , Elliott Catherine
Published: November 2020

Aim

To determine if robotic assisted gait training (RAGT) using surface muscle electrical stimulation and locomotor training enhances mobility outcomes when compared to locomotor training alone in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Forty children (18 females, 22 males; mean age 8y 1mo, SD 2y 1mo; range 5y 1mo–12y 11mo) with CP in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels (GMFCS) III, IV, and V were randomly assigned to the RAGT and locomotor training (RAGT+LT) group or locomotor training only group (dosage for both: three 1‐hour sessions a week for 6 weeks). Outcomes were assessed at baseline T1 (week 0), post‐treatment T2 (week 6), and retention T3 (week 26). The primary outcome measure was the Goal Attainment Scale. Secondary outcome measures included the 10‐metre walk test, children's functional independence measure mobility and self‐care domain, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Gross Motor Function Measure.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups for both the primary and secondary outcome measures. All participants completed the intervention in their original group allocation. There were no reported adverse events.

Interpretation

The addition of RAGT to locomotor training does not significantly improve motor outcomes in children with CP in GMFCS levels III, IV, and V. Future studies could investigate health and well‐being outcomes after locomotor training.

What this paper adds

Marginally ambulant and non‐ambulant children with cerebral palsy can participate in locomotor training.

Robotic assisted gait training when added to locomotor training does not appear to be any more effective than locomotor training alone.
Behavioural inhibition system sensitivity is no longer associated with psychotic‐like experiences after controlling for depression and anxiety symptoms
Authors: Calvo Evan M. , Ered Arielle , Maxwell Seth D. , Ellman Lauren M.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Elevated behavioural inhibition system sensitivity has been reported among schizophrenia patients. Yet, no study has investigated the relationship between behavioural inhibition system sensitivity and the occurrence of psychotic‐like experiences (subthreshold psychotic symptoms considered to be less severe or impairing), despite evidence that behavioural inhibition system sensitivity is related to other forms of psychopathology known to co‐occur with psychotic‐like experiences, such as depression and anxiety. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between behavioural inhibition system levels and psychotic‐like experiences while controlling for depression and anxiety symptoms. We hypothesized that behavioural inhibition system sensitivity would be positively associated with the number of reported psychotic‐like experiences, and that this association would be nonsignificant after accounting for depression and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

Psychotic‐like experiences, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were measured in 1162 young adults. Bivariate correlations were calculated and linear regressions performed to measure the relationship between variables of interest.

Results

Psychotic‐like experiences, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity, and symptoms of depression, and anxiety were all significantly and positively correlated with one another. Behavioural inhibition system sensitivity was no longer related to the number of psychotic‐like experiences reported after controlling for anxiety symptoms, with and without controlling for depression symptoms.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the hypersensitivity to threat observed among individuals reporting higher levels of psychotic‐like experiences is likely related to co‐occurring depression and anxiety symptoms. Thus, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity may be more reflective of a transdiagnostic phenotype of general psychopathology than specifically related to psychosis.
Elemental and structural changes associated with white spot formation in sun‐dried Pacific white shrimp shells
Authors: Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat , Nuthong Pornpot , Prodpran Thummanoon
Published: November 2020

Structural and elemental properties of dried Pacific white shrimp (WSS) (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell having the white spots were compared with non‐white spot shrimp (NWSS) shell. Based on X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, both samples showed two characteristic peaks representing chitin. However, WSS sample had two additional major peaks at 2θ of 26.65 and 29.53º, which were related to quartz and calcite, respectively. Scanning electron microscope coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrophotometer (SEM‐EDX) mapping showed the movement of various elements towards the exo‐ and endocuticle. The Raman spectroscopic study confirmed the formation of calcite crystals in the white spots. The looser chitin matrix was obtained for WSS as compared to that of NWSS as depicted in SEM micrographs. Therefore, the white spots developed in the shell were caused by the formation of calcite, which exhibited different structural arrangements and elemental positioning as compared to shrimp shell without white spots.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in human chronic wound healing: Rescue by 4‐phenylbutyrate
Authors: Bachar‐Wikstrom Etty , Manchanda Mansi , Bansal Ritu , Karlsson Magnus , Kelly‐Pettersson Paula , Sköldenberg Olof , Wikstrom Jakob D.
Published: November 2020

During wound healing, cells have a high rate of protein synthesis and many proteins need to be folded post‐translationally to function, which occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition to proliferation, several cellular stress conditions, such as hypoxia, in the wound micro‐environment lead to the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER, causing ER stress. Eukaryotic cells have a signalling system to manage ER stress called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Mild UPR activation has a beneficial homeostatic effect; however, excessive UPR induces cell death. Herein, we examined venous leg ulcer biopsies versus normal acute incisional wounds in age‐matched elderly subjects and found a large increase in ER stress markers. To study the underlying mechanism, we established several cell cultures from amputated legs from the elderly that showed inherent ER stress. While both keratinocytes and fibroblasts migration was impaired by ER stress, migration of elderly leg skin keratinocytes was markedly improved after treatment with the chemical chaperone and clinically established drug 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) and demonstrated a reduction in ER stress markers. In a full‐thickness human skin wound healing model, 4‐PBA improved the reepithelialisation rate, which suggests it as a promising drug repurposing candidate for wound healing.
Cultivating creative thinking in engineering student teams: Can a computer‐mediated virtual laboratory help?
Authors: Hirshfield Laura J. , Koretsky Milo D.
Published: November 2020

In engineering design, engineers must be able to think creatively, effectively toggling between divergent thinking (developing multiple novel ideas) and convergent thinking (pursuing an appropriate idea using engineering analyses). However, creative thinking is not emphasized in many undergraduate engineering programs. In this empirical study, we analyze the divergent thinking of teams working on a virtual laboratory project. Fifteen student teams' solution paths–as represented by Model Maps–were analyzed to characterize and compare the various elements of divergent thinking: fluency, flexibility, and originality. The solution paths of these teams were compared in two physical laboratory projects and to experts completing the same virtual laboratory project. We found that students demonstrated more divergent thinking in the virtual laboratory project than in the physical laboratory projects; yet, divergent thinking and quality of solution did not correlate. There was little difference between measured elements of divergent thinking between student teams and experts.
Auctions with signaling concerns
Authors: Bos Olivier , Truyts Tom
Published: November 2020

We study a symmetric private value auction with signaling, in which the auction outcome is used by an outside observer to infer the bidders' types. We elicit conditions under which an essentially unique D1 equilibrium bidding function exists in the second‐price and the English auctions. We establish there is no equivalence between these two auction designs, neither in bidding strategies nor in expected revenue. This is because the presence or the absence of an increasing price clock affects signaling incentives differently in both auction formats, and thereby also the bidders' incentives to overbid their types. This leads to a strictly higher expected revenue in the second‐price auction than in the English auction. Our analysis is completed by a comparison with other disclosure policies. Applications include art auctions and charity auctions.
Genomic variation patterns of subspecies defined by phenotypic criteria: Analyses of the mangrove species complex, Avicennia marina
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Zhen , Guo Zi‐Xiao , Zhong Cai‐Rong , Lyu Hao‐Min , Li Xin‐Nian , Duke Norman C. , Shi Su‐Hua
Published: November 2020

Subspecies is used to designate taxa below species but above geographical populations. What patterns of genomic variation are expected if taxa are designated as subspecies? In this study, we carry out such a survey on the mangrove tree Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. of the Indo‐West Pacific coasts. This species has three subspecies, distinguished by morphological traits and geographical distribution. We collected samples from 16 populations (577 individuals) covering all three subspecies and sequenced 94 nuclear genes. We reveal comprehensive genetic divergence among subspecies, generally higher than among geographical populations within subspecies. The level of genetic diversity differs among the three subspecies, possibly hinting at a degree of separation among their gene pools. We observed that divergence varies from locus to locus across the genome. A small portion of the genome is most informative about subspecies delineation, whereas the rest is undifferentiated or slightly differentiated, hinting at uneven gene flow and incomplete isolation. The three subspecies likely split simultaneously with gene flow among lineages. This reticulate evolution results in some discordance between morphology and genetics in areas of population contact. In short, A. marina subspecies show species‐like patterns in some respects and population‐like patterns in others. We propose that the subspecies designated in A. marina are informative in predicting genetic divergences and useful in making conservation decisions.
New resources for genetic studies in maize (Zea mays L.): a genome‐wide Maize6H‐60K single nucleotide polymorphism array and its application
Authors: Tian Hongli , Yang Yang , Yi Hongmei , Xu Liwen , He Hang , Fan Yaming , Wang Lu , Ge Jianrong , Liu Yawei , Wang Fengge , Zhao Jiuran
Published: November 2020

Despite the availability of numerous molecular markers in maize, effective evaluation of all types of germplasm resources, accurate identification of varieties and analysis of a large number of materials in a timely, low‐cost manner is challenging. Here, we present Maize6H‐60K, a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to facilitate maize genotyping. We first identified 160 million variants by sequencing data of 388 representative inbreds and then tiled 200 000 high‐quality variants on a screening array. These variants were further narrowed down to 61 282 using stringent filtering criteria. Among the 60 000 markers, 21 460 SNPs (35%) were within genic regions and 12 835 (21%) were located in coding regions. To assess their effectiveness, 329 inbreds, 221 hybrids, 34 parent–offspring sets and six breeding samples were genotyped. Overall, 48 972 SNPs (80%) were categorized into the highest quality class, that of ‘poly high resolution’. A total of 54 658 (89.29%) and 53 091 (86.73%) SNPs had minor allele frequency values ≥ 0.20 in inbreds and hybrids respectively. A linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed that LD decline was in equilibrium when r2 was between 0.10 and 0.15, which corresponds to a physical distance of 400–600 kb. UPGMA clustering analysis divided the 329 inbred lines into nine groups that were consistent with known pedigrees. A background analysis of breeding materials indicated that the 60 000 markers were suitable for evaluation of breeding populations constructed by materials between or within heterotic groups. The developed Maize6H‐60K array should be an important tool in maize genetic studies, variety identification and molecular breeding.
Influence of weather and climate on cryptosporidiosis—A review
Authors: Ikiroma Isotein Adalia , Pollock Kevin George
Published: November 2020

Studies have shown that climatic factors can significantly influence transmission of many waterborne diseases. However, knowledge of the impact of climate variability on cryptosporidiosis is much less certain. Associations between the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and climatic variables have been reported in several countries. Given that the identified relationships were not consistently reported across studies, it is not known whether these were country‐specific observations or can be considered more globally. Variation in the disease risk in both low‐ and middle‐income countries and high‐income countries presents new challenges and opportunities to enact responsive changes in research and public health policies. Available epidemiological evidence of the influence of weather and climate on cryptosporidiosis is reviewed. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and most studies showed that the incidence of cryptosporidiosis is highly sensitive to climatic conditions, especially temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. The identified associations varied across studies, with different conditions of importance and lag times across different locations. Therefore, there is a need for countries at risk to assess Cryptosporidium transmission routes based on the spatiotemporal patterns of the disease and what role climate and other socio‐ecological changes play in the transmission. Information gathering will then allow us to provide information for evidence‐based control strategies and mitigation of transmission. This review offers new perspectives on the role of climate variability on Cryptosporidium transmission. It highlights different epidemiological approaches adopted and provides the potential for future research and surveillance to reduce the disease burden. By evaluating the epidemiological transmission of this organism in high‐income countries, all mitigation strategies, for example filtration and water catchment management, can be used as exemplars of preventing infection in low‐ to middle‐income countries.
Recognizing and responding to deterioration in care homes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hodge Sevim Y. , Ali Mohammad R. , Gordon Adam L.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To identify the available published primary research and any relevant policies, guidelines, or protocols regarding how care home staff recognize and respond to an acutely deteriorating resident.

Introduction:

Older people living in care homes have complex health care needs. Chronic illnesses, comorbidities, frailty, cognitive impairment, and physical dependency can contribute to unpredictable changes in their health status that can lead to residents becoming unwell and acutely deteriorating. Exploring how care home staff recognize and respond to acutely deteriorating health among residents is important to understand whether opportunities exist to minimize these unpredictable changes in health.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider studies that feature the recognition and response to acute deterioration in care home residents. This review will consider qualitative and quantitative primary research. Non-indexed and gray literature such as policies, deterioration tools, and reports from health policy organizations will also be included.

Methods:

The searches will be conducted using bibliographic databases, university repositories, and non-indexed and gray literature, such as reports by health care and health policy organizations. The studies will be independently selected from the inclusion criteria by two researchers based on their title and abstract. In case of disagreement, a third researcher will be consulted. An adapted version of the JBI data extraction form will be used to extrapolate data from included studies. The results will be presented in tabular form, accompanied by a narrative summary related to the objectives of the scoping review.
TriRhino: A Five-Degrees-of-Freedom of Hybrid Serial–Parallel Manipulator With All Rotating Axes Being Continuous: Stiffness Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Xu Yundou , Yang Fan , Xu Zhenghe , Yao Jiantao , Zhou Yulin , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: November 2020

This paper studies the stiffness and experiment of a five-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) hybrid, serial–parallel, manipulator, with all rotating axes being continuous: TriRhino. First, the motion principle of the hybrid manipulator is introduced and the structural design is presented. Next, the stiffness analysis of the hybrid manipulator is carried out. Specifically, a stiffness test, based on prototype and loading device, is performed, proving that the real stiffness is lower than that obtained by the finite element analysis. Following, the main geometric parameters, involving error, are determined, while the real values of the parameters with an error are identified, through performed calibration experiments. Finally, the measurement results show that the positioning accuracy of the manipulator is significantly improved, after kinematic calibration. Moreover, machining experiments on a workpiece show the great ability of the proposed manipulator, in machining parts with curved surface; thus, great application prospects, in the machining of structural parts with complex surfaces, are quite realistic.
Heat Transfer Enhancement From Inline and Staggered Arrays of Cylinders in a Heat Exchanger Using Alumina–Water Nanofluid
Authors: Asif Mohd , Chaturvedi Rashi , Dhiman Amit
Published: November 2020

The flow of alumina–water nanofluid across heated circular tubes arranged in inline and staggered arrays in a heat exchanger has been studied numerically using the finite volume method (FVM). For calculating the nanofluid’s thermophysical properties such as effective thermal conductivity and effective viscosity, Corcione’s correlations are utilized. Corcione’s correlations consider nanoparticles size, their Brownian motion, and operating temperature while calculating these effective properties of nanofluids. The impact of three parameters on heat transfer characteristics across inline and staggered arrays of heated circular cylinders has been examined. These parameters are nanoparticle diameter dp, which is varied between 10 nm and 50 nm, nanoparticle volume fraction ɸ varying from 0.01 to 0.05, and Reynolds number Re ranging from 10 to 200. It is observed that heat transfer augmentation across both inline and staggered arrays occurs when nanoparticle concentration is increased and smaller diameter nanoparticles are used. Mean Nusselt number NuM is increased by 31% when ɸ is increased from 0.01 to 0.05 at Re = 200 and dp = 10 nm in an inline array and by 25% in a staggered array. NuM is enhanced by 20% for the inline array and 16% for the staggering array when dp decreases from 50 nm to 10 nm at Re = 200 and ɸ = 0.05. At any given value of dp, ɸ, and Re, the mean Nusselt number is always higher for staggered array in comparison with the inline array. The results reported in the present study can be utilized for the optimal design of various heat exchange systems under the given operating conditions. The present results are extensively validated with the available experimental/numerical studies.
Viral Lysis Alters the Optical Properties and Biological Availability of Dissolved Organic Matter Derived from
Prochlorococcus
Picocyanobacteria
Authors: Xiao Xilin , Guo Weidong , Li Xiaolin , Wang Chao , Chen Xiaowei , Lin Xingqin , Weinbauer Markus G. , Zeng Qinglu , Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2020

The unicellular picocyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
is the numerically dominant phytoplankton in the oligotrophic ocean, contributing to the vast majority of marine primary production.
Prochlorococcus
releases a significant fraction of fixed organic matter into the surrounding environment and supports a vital portion of heterotrophic bacterial activity. Viral lysis is an important biomass loss process of
Prochlorococcus
.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Nasopharyngeal Specimens Collected from Confirmed and Suspect COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Mostafa Heba H. , Fissel John A. , Fanelli Brian , Bergman Yehudit , Gniazdowski Victoria , Dadlani Manoj , Carroll Karen C. , Colwell Rita R. , Simner Patricia J.
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has presented a rapidly accelerating global public health crisis. The ability to detect and analyze viral RNA from minimally invasive patient specimens is critical to the public health response. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) offers an opportunity to detect SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs. This approach also provides information on the composition of the respiratory microbiome and its relationship to coinfections or the presence of other organisms that may impact SARS-CoV-2 disease progression and prognosis. Here, using direct Oxford Nanopore long-read third-generation metatranscriptomic and metagenomic sequencing of NP swab specimens from 50 patients under investigation for COVID-19, we detected SARS-CoV-2 sequences by applying the CosmosID bioinformatics platform. Further, we characterized coinfections and detected a decrease in the diversity of the microbiomes in these patients. Statistically significant shifts in the microbiome were identified among COVID-19-positive and -negative patients, in the latter of whom a higher abundance of
Propionibacteriaceae
and a reduction in the abundance of
Corynebacterium accolens
were observed. Our study also corroborates the growing evidence that increased SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from NP swabs is associated with the early stages of disease rather than with severity of disease. This work illustrates the utility of mNGS for the detection and analysis of SARS-CoV-2 from NP swabs without viral target enrichment or amplification and for the analysis of the respiratory microbiome.
Effects of Agricultural Fungicide Use on Aspergillus fumigatus Abundance, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Population Structure
Authors: Barber Amelia E. , Riedel Jennifer , Sae-Ong Tongta , Kang Kang , Brabetz Werner , Panagiotou Gianni , Deising Holger B. , Kurzai Oliver
Published: November 2020

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to human health. In the case of
Aspergillus fumigatus
, which is an environmental fungus that also causes life-threatening infections in humans, antimicrobial resistance is suggested to arise from fungicide use in agriculture, as the chemicals used for plant protection are almost identical to the antifungals used clinically. However, removing azole fungicides from crop fields threatens the global food supply via a reduction in yield. In this study, we survey crop fields before and after fungicide application. We find a low overall azole resistance rate among agricultural isolates, as well as a lack of genomic and population impact following fungicide application, leading us to conclude azole use on crops does not significantly contribute to resistance in
A. fumigatus
.
Polymeric Heterogeneous Catalysts in the Hydroformylation of
Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Zhuchkov D. P. , Nenasheva M. V. , Terenina M. V. , Kardasheva Yu. S. , Gorbunov D. N. , Karakhanov E. A.
Published: November 2020

This review deals with heterogeneous hydroformylation catalysts, specifically
metal complexes fixed in an organic polymer structure. It describes the main
catalyst synthesis methods, provides data on hydroformylation of unsaturated
compounds (including asymmetric hydroformylation), and shows how those compounds
can be used. The special focus is on the systematization of data on
heterogeneous catalysts developed on the basis of porous organic polymers. Due
to their porous structure, resistance to organic media and the high
concentration of heteroatoms they contain, these materials can be considered
promising for developing highly active, selective and stable heterogeneous
catalysts for hydroformylation of unsaturated compounds, particularly higher
linear olefins.
Genetic testing in patients with possible foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Lam Zena , Johnson Kathryn , Jewell Rosalyn
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the diagnostic yield of genetic conditions in patients referred to a regional genetics service to consider a diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

A regional genetics centre in Yorkshire.

Patients

All referrals to the Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service coded with mentions of maternal alcoholism or foetal alcohol were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were follow-up patients, patients with missing case notes and patients failing to attend their appointment.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed and the following information was extracted: referring specialty, reason for referral, gender, age at assessment by clinical genetics, accompanying individual, history of alcohol exposure in pregnancy, clinical examination details, neurodevelopmental deficits, genetic testing prior to referral, genetic testing organised by the genetics department and diagnosis made by clinical genetics.

Results and conclusion

110 patients were included. 130 tests were carried out, including 86 array comparative genomic hybridisation tests. The overall diagnostic rate for a contributing genetic disorder was 3.6%, all being chromosomal disorders and chromosome copy number variants.
Trends in intensive neonatal care during the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan
Authors: Maeda Yuto , Nakamura Masaki , Ninomiya Hideki , Ogawa Kohei , Sago Haruhiko , Miyawaki Atsushi
Published: November 2020

The reduction in the use of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) during the COVID-19 outbreak has been reported, but whether this phenomenon is widespread across countries is unclear. Using a large-scale inpatient database in Japan, we analysed the intensive neonatal care volume and the number of preterm births for weeks 10–17 vs weeks 2–9 (during and before the outbreak) of 2020 with adjustment for the trends during the same period of 2019. We found statistically significant reductions in the numbers of NICU admissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR), 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.89) and neonatal resuscitations (aIRR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.55) during the COVID-19 outbreak. Along with the decrease in the intensive neonatal care volume, preterm births before 34 gestational weeks (aIRR, 0.71) and between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 gestational weeks (aIRR, 0.85) also showed a significant reduction. Further studies about the mechanism of this phenomenon are warranted.
Pacemaker generator replacement as a key to the puzzle of dyspnoea in a community dwelling centenarian
Authors: Schmidt Tyler , Harmon David , Pagali Sandeep
Published: November 2020

A 104-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea. Workup revealed normal troponins, elevated D-dimer at 2285 with subsequent chest CT angiogram negative for pulmonary embolism. NT-pro BNP elevated to 5208 pg/mL. Chest X-ray revealed mild cardiac enlargement with bilateral pleural effusions. ECG revealed accelerated junctional rhythm. The initial plan was to obtain transthoracic echocardiogram and start diuresis for presumed heart failure. Given her specific cardiac history, pacemaker interrogation was ordered which revealed her pacemaker mode changed from DDDR to VVI. She underwent pacemaker battery exchange with complete resolution in her symptoms and ability to return to prior functional status. Overall, dyspnoea in centenarians could be multifactorial. Pacemaker elective replacement mode secondary to end of life battery can present as non-specific cardio respiratory symptoms. As the pacemaker population ages to the survival beyond the battery life, pacemaker aetiology behind heart failure symptoms needs to be highly considered by medical providers.
ACE inhibitor induced visceral angioedema: an elusive diagnosis
Authors: Sravanthi Metlapalli Venkata , Suma Kumaran Sharmil , Sharma Nishant , Milekic Bojana
Published: November 2020

ACE inhibitors are widely used and well-tolerated drugs. Angioedema is a well-known adverse effect, which involves the viscera rarely. This is a case of a 44-year-old African-American man with newly diagnosed hypertension, who presented with lower abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Based on the clinical picture and radiographic findings, lisinopril-induced intestinal angioedema was diagnosed. He recovered with supportive treatment, and the lisinopril was permanently discontinued. The mechanism of angioedema is thought to be the inhibition of ACE-mediated degradation of bradykinin, which is a peptide responsible for vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. While the external angioedema is unmistakable, intestinal angioedema has a relatively non-specific presentation and chronology, often leading to missed diagnosis and unnecessary interventions. Most common symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Characteristic radiographic findings include ‘doughnut sign’ and ‘stacked coin’ appearance. Treatment is supportive. ACE inhibitors should be discontinued to prevent a recurrence.
Bleomycin-induced lung injury treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ultra-protective ventilator settings
Authors: Odish Mazen Faris , McGuire William Cameron , Thistlethwaite Patricia , Crotty Alexander Laura E
Published: November 2020

Bleomycin treats malignancies, such as germ cell tumours and Hodgkin lymphoma. While efficacious, it can cause severe drug-induced lung injury. We present a 42-year-old patient with stage IIB seminoma treated with radical orchiectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. His postbleomycin course was complicated by the rapid onset of hypoxic respiratory failure, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome and requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support. Although the patient was treated with high dose systemic steroids and ultra-protective ventilator strategies to minimise ventilator-induced lung injury while on VV-ECMO, his lung injury failed to improve. Care was withdrawn 29 days later. Lung autopsy revealed diffuse organising pneumonia. We found six case reports (including this one) of bleomycin-induced lung injury requiring VV-ECMO with a cumulative survival of 33% (2/6). While VV-ECMO may be used to bridge patients to recovery or lung transplant, the mortality is high.
Severe acute disseminated encephalomyelitis complicating measles infection
Authors: Morrison Hamish Duncan , Clarke Clemency , James Richard , Giffin Nicola
Published: November 2020

A 36-year-old man presented with an acute progressive encephalopathy, followed by tetraparesis and was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) complicating infection with measles virus. Despite demonstrating a typical rash and other early symptoms of measles infection, there was uncertainty around the initial diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and MRI of the brain and spinal cord were consistent with severe ADEM. He required treatment on intensive care but responded favourably to immunosuppressive therapy.

This case highlights the importance of recognising acute measles infection, familiarity with the neurological complications and the potential for good outcome. Healthcare professionals must continue to play an active role in educating the public on the importance of maintaining herd immunity through universal immunisation.
Effect of herpes simplex keratitis scar location on bilateral corneal nerve alterations: an in vivo confocal microscopy study
Authors: Chirapapaisan Chareenun , Muller Rodrigo T. , Sahin Afsun , Cruzat Andrea , Cavalcanti Bernardo M. , Jamali Arsia , Pavan-Langston Deborah , Hamrah Pedram
Published: November 2020

Aims

To evaluate the impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced scar location on bilateral corneal nerve alterations using laser in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Methods

Central and peripheral corneal subbasal nerve density (CSND) were assessed bilaterally in 39 patients with unilateral HSV-induced corneal scars (21 central scars (CS), 18 peripheral scars (PS)) using IVCM. Results were compared between patients and 24 age-matched controls. CSND was correlated to corneal sensation for all locations.

Results

Overall patients revealed significant decrease of CSND in the central and peripheral cornea (9.13±0.98 and 6.26±0.53 mm/mm2, p<0.001), compared with controls (22.60±0.77 and 9.88±0.49 mm/mm2). CS group showed a decrease in central (8.09±1.30 mm/mm2) and total peripheral nerves (5.15±0.62 mm/mm2) of the affected eyes, whereas PS group demonstrated a decrease in central (10.34±1.48 mm/mm2) and localised peripheral nerves only in the scar area (4.22±0.77 mm/mm2) (all p<0.001). In contralateral eyes, CSND decreased in the central cornea of the CS group (16.88±1.27, p=0.004), and in the peripheral area, mirroring the scar area in the affected eyes of the PS group (7.20±0.87, p=0.032). Corneal sensation significantly decreased in the whole cornea of the affected, but not in contralateral eyes (p<0.001). A positive correlation between CSND and corneal sensation was found in all locations (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with HSV scar demonstrate bilateral CSND decrease as shown by IVCM. CSND and corneal sensation decrease in both central and peripheral cornea in affected eyes, although only in the scar area in PS group. Interestingly, diminishment of CSND was found locally in the contralateral eyes, corresponding and mirroring the scar location in the affected eyes.
Deep learning-based classification and segmentation of retinal cavitations on optical coherence tomography images of macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Loo Jessica , Cai Cindy X , Choong John , Chew Emily Y , Friedlander Martin , Jaffe Glenn J , Farsiu Sina
Published: November 2020

Aim

To develop a fully automatic algorithm to segment retinal cavitations on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2).

Methods

The dataset consisted of 99 eyes from 67 participants enrolled in an international, multicentre, phase 2 MacTel2 clinical trial (NCT01949324). Each eye was imaged with spectral-domain OCT at three time points over 2 years. Retinal cavitations were manually segmented by a trained Reader and the retinal cavitation volume was calculated. Two convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were developed that operated in sequential stages. In the first stage, CNN1 classified whether a B-scan contained any retinal cavitations. In the second stage, CNN2 segmented the retinal cavitations in a B-scan. We evaluated the performance of the proposed method against alternative methods using several performance metrics and manual segmentations as the gold standard.

Results

The proposed method was computationally efficient and accurately classified and segmented retinal cavitations on OCT images, with a sensitivity of 0.94, specificity of 0.80 and average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.94±0.07 across all time points. The proposed method produced measurements that were highly correlated with the manual measurements of retinal cavitation volume and change in retinal cavitation volume over time.

Conclusion

The proposed method will be useful to help clinicians quantify retinal cavitations, assess changes over time and further investigate the clinical significance of these early structural changes observed in MacTel2.
Association of HLA polymorphisms and acetaminophen-related Steven-Johnson syndrome with severe ocular complications in Thai population
Authors: Jongkhajornpong Passara , Ueta Mayumi , Lekhanont Kaevalin , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Prabhasawat Pinnita , Chantaren Patchima , Pisuchpen Phattrawan , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: November 2020

Background/aims

To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) class I and II genes with acetaminophen-related Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) who developed severe ocular complications (SOC) in the Thai population.

Methods

A prospective case–control study including 20 unrelated Thai acetaminophen-related SJS/TEN patients with SOC and 60 Thai healthy volunteers, recruited at three university hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 2014 to August 2019. HLA genes were analysed using PCR amplification followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes with bead-based typing kits. The carrier and gene frequencies of individual HLA alleles in patients were compared with those in control volunteers based on dominant assumption using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Among HLA class I polymorphisms, HLA-A*33:03, HLA-B*44:03 and HLA-C*07:01 were significantly associated with acetaminophen-related SJS/TEN and SOC with high ORs (95% CI, corrected p value; Pc) in carrier frequency of 5.4 (1.8 to 16.3, Pc=0.0274), 9.0 (95% CI 2.7 to 30.4, Pc=0.0034), and 9.3 (2.8 to 30.2, Pc=0.0022), respectively. There were no significant HLA class II associations with the disease after corrected for a total number of alleles tested.

Conclusion

HLA-B*44:03 was strongly associated with acetaminophen-related SJS/TEN patients who developed SOC in Thai population. In addition, we also found moderate to strong associations with HLA-A*33:03 and HLA-C*07:01 suggesting their potential roles in the pathogenesis of SOC in acetaminophen-related SJS/TEN.
Why women choose abortion through telemedicine outside the formal health sector in Germany: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Killinger Kristina , Günther Sophie , Gomperts Rebecca , Atay Hazal , Endler Margit
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Women on Web (WoW) is a global medical abortion telemedicine service operating outside the formal health sector. In April 2019 they opened their helpdesk to Germany. Our aim was to understand the motivations, and perceived barriers to access, for women who choose telemedicine abortion outside the formal health sector in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a parallel convergent mixed-methods study among 1090 women consulting WoW from Germany between 1 January and 31 December 2019. We performed a cross-sectional study of data contained in online consultations and a content analysis of 108 email texts. Analysis was done until saturation; results were merged and triangulation used to validate results.

Results

The quantitative analysis found that the need for secrecy (n=502, 48%) and the wish for privacy (n=500, 48%) were frequent reasons for choosing telemedicine abortion. Adolescents were more likely to report secrecy, cost, stigma and legal restrictions as reasons for using telemedicine abortion compared with older women. The content analysis developed two main themes and seven subsidiary categories, (1) internal motivations for seeking telemedicine abortion encompassing (i) autonomy, (ii) perception of external threat and (iii) shame and stigma, and (2) external barriers to formal abortion care encompassing (iv) financial stress, (v) logistic barriers to access, (vi) provider attitudes and (vii) vulnerability of foreigners.

Conclusions

Women in Germany who choose telemedicine abortion outside the formal health sector do so both from a place of empowerment and a place of disempowerment. Numerous barriers to abortion access exist in the formal sector which are of special relevance to vulnerable groups such as adolescents and undocumented immigrants.