bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anthrax Toxin Heterotrimer: Explorations of the Protective Antigen and Edema and Lethal Factors (LB98)
Authors: Andrews Jannelle , Chick Austin , Chao Tiffany , Chogada Vashu , Douglas Amy , Florack Allison , McCormick Samantha , Kessler Eric , Tuel Kelley , Whalen Joseph , Fisher Mark
Published: June 2021

Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis which received media attention when several senators and news outlets were sent letters containing anthrax endospores in 2001. Five individuals died in this bioterrorist act. In nature, anthrax endospores can remain dormant in the soil for decades where they more regularly infect herbivorous animals through ingestion, inhalation, or injured skin. In their activated form the bacteria releases a tripartite protein toxin consisting of three protein components: Protective Antigen (PA), Edema Factor (EF), and Lethal Factor (LF). The Blue Valley CAPS SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team modeled each toxin component using Jmol and 3D printing technology. During initial infection by the toxin, a single PA binds to one of two surface receptors, CMG2 or ATR/TEM8. Upon cleavage of PA by a host furin protease, the remaining P63 oligomerizes forming a ring‐shaped heptameric pre‐pore. Once formed, three to four molecules of EF and/or LF bind and are translocated by endocytosis into the cell’s endosome. Subsequent lowering of endosomal pH initiates conformational changes in the PA heptamer forming a pore which facilitates the entry of EF (an adenyl cyclase) and LF (a protease) into the cytosol. Collectively these enzymes significantly disrupt cell signaling, growth and metabolism.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by grants from the NIH‐SEPA and NIH‐CTSA.
Real-life studies in allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Passalacqua Giovanni , Bagnasco Diego
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

Real-life (or real-world) studies can provide information that cannot be derived from randomized controlled trials. This approach is currently becoming of relevance for many treatments. In recent years, the real-life method has been applied also to allergen immunotherapy, providing new insights on it. We reviewed herein the available literature on the argument.

Recent findings

Several prospective and retrospective studies on allergen immunotherapy in the real-world setting have been published, mostly in the last 5 years. Most of them focused on adverse events, compliance, and the long term/preventive effects, and evidenced an overall favorable profile for different products and different allergens.

Real life study provided novel information and evidenced those aspects of immunotherapy that worth a more detailed approach, without the strict limitations usually imposed by controlled randomized trials.
The Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation Effect of Inotropes/Vasopressors Administered to Treat Intraoperative Hypotension: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Bombardieri Anna Maria , Singh Narinder P. , Yaeger Lauren , Athiraman Umeshkumar , Tsui Ban C.H. , Singh Preet Mohinder
Published: June 2021

One of the main concerns of intraoperative hypotension is adequacy of cerebral perfusion, as cerebral blood flow decreases passively when mean arterial pressure falls below the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation. Treatment of intraoperative hypotension includes administration of drugs, such as inotropes and vasopressors, which have different pharmacological effects on cerebral hemodynamics; there is no consensus on the preferred drug to use. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to pool and analyze data comparing the effect on cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) measured by cerebral oximetry of various inotropes/vasopressors used to treat intraoperative hypotension. We searched randomized control trials in Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. We included studies that enrolled adult patients undergoing surgery under general/spinal anesthesia that compared at least 2 inotropes/vasopressors to treat hypotension. We reviewed 51 full-text manuscripts and included 9 randomized controlled trials in our study. The primary outcome was change in ScO2. Our results showed the likelihood that dopamine, ephedrine, and norepinephrine had the lowest probability of decreasing ScO2. The suggested rank order to maintain ScO2, from higher to lower, was dopamine <ephedrine <norepinephrine <phenylephrine. Drugs in the lower rank order, like phenylephrine, produce higher reductions in ScO2. Compared with dopamine, the mean difference (95% credible interval) of ScO2 reduction was: ephedrine −3.19 (−15.74, 8.82), norepinephrine −4.44 (−18.23, 9.63) and phenylephrine −6.93 (−18.31, 4.47). The results of our NMA suggest that dopamine and ephedrine are more likely to preserve ScO2, followed by norepinephrine. Compared with the other inotropes/vasopressors, phenylephrine decreased ScO2. Because of the inherent imprecision of direct/indirect comparisons, the rank orders are possibilities, not absolute ranks. Therefore the results of this NMA should be interpreted with caution.
Does Inpatient Mobilization Predict 1-Year Mortality After Femoral Neck Fracture Treated With Hemiarthroplasty?
Authors: Gannon Nicholas P. , Kampa John , Westberg Jerald R. , Baer Michael R. , Pietrini Nicholas , Schmidt Andrew H. , Kyle Richard F.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To determine whether inpatient mobilization (defined as ambulation before hospital discharge) is associated with 1-year mortality and 90-day hospital readmission in patients treated with a hip hemiarthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture.

Design:

Retrospective case–control.

Setting:

Academic Level 1 trauma center.

Patients/Participants:

Two hundred twelve consecutive femoral neck fractures were treated with hip hemiarthroplasties with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up.

Intervention:

All study patients were treated with a hip hemiarthroplasty and weight-bearing as tolerated postoperative day 1. Patients were prescribed daily physical therapy with the goal of mobilization before discharge from hospital.

Main Outcome Measures:

Mortality at 1 year; hospital readmission within 90 days.

Results:

Two hundred twelve patients were included in the study. One-year mortality was 29%. One hundred thirty-two (62%) patients were able to ambulate before hospital discharge. Ambulation with physical therapy before discharge from hospital was a significant predictor of 1-year mortality when compared with patients who were unable to ambulate (hazard ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.94; P = 0.03), which equates to 43% reduction in risk of mortality. There was no difference in the 90-day readmission rates for ambulatory versus nonambulatory patients.

Conclusions:

Ambulation with physical therapy before discharge reduced the risk of 1-year mortality by 43%, without an effect on 90-day readmission. Sixty-two percentage of our cohort was able to ambulate before discharge. Future investigations are warranted to further identify those patients at heightened risk of mortality and readmission and the role of early rehabilitation in recovery.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Tirofiban in Combination With Dual-antiplatelet Therapy in Progressive Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Zhang Haiqi , Lin Feng , Zhao Yanjun , Chang Wansheng , Liu Hui , Yin Jijun , Li Long
Published: June 2021

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of tirofiban in combination with dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in progressive ischemic stroke. One hundred and four patients equally divided into a tirofiban group or DAPT group were enrolled from June 2018 to December 2019. Efficacy outcomes included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score for 14 days, and modified Rankin scale (mRs) scores as excellent (mRs 0–1) or favorable (mRs 0–2) measured 90 days after stroke. At 14 days, the tirofiban group had a lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score compared with the DAPT group (F = 14.959, P = 0.000). The mRS scores of the 2 groups at 90 days after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment. At 90 days, excellent favorable functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 33 of 52 (63.43%) patients in the tirofiban group compared with 25 of 52 (48.08%) patients in the DAPT group. The incidence of bleeding was 5.77% in the tirofiban group, compared with 0% in DAPT group. Intravenous (IV) tirofiban alone or combined with DAPT was shown to be safe and effectively improved clinical outcome in progressive ischemic stroke patients. IV tirofiban was shown to be superior to the DAPT regimen.
Tacrolimus Therapy in Adult Heart Transplant Recipients: Evaluation of a Bayesian Forecasting Software
Authors: Kirubakaran Ranita , Stocker Sophie L. , Carlos Lilibeth , Day Richard O. , Carland Jane E.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to guide tacrolimus dosing because of its narrow therapeutic window and considerable pharmacokinetic variability. This study assessed tacrolimus dosing and monitoring practices in heart transplant recipients and evaluated the predictive performance of a Bayesian forecasting software using a renal transplant–derived tacrolimus model to predict tacrolimus concentrations.

Methods:

A retrospective audit of heart transplant recipients (n = 87) treated with tacrolimus was performed. Relevant data were collected from the time of transplant to discharge. The concordance of tacrolimus dosing and monitoring according to hospital guidelines was assessed. The observed and software-predicted tacrolimus concentrations (n = 931) were compared for the first 3 weeks of oral immediate-release tacrolimus (Prograf) therapy, and the predictive performance (bias and imprecision) of the software was evaluated.

Results:

The majority (96%) of initial oral tacrolimus doses were guideline concordant. Most initial intravenous doses (93%) were lower than the guideline recommendations. Overall, 36% of initial tacrolimus doses were administered to transplant recipients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m despite recommendations to delay the commencement of therapy. Of the tacrolimus concentrations collected during oral therapy (n = 1498), 25% were trough concentrations obtained at steady-state. The software displayed acceptable predictions of tacrolimus concentration from day 12 (bias: −6%; 95%confidence interval, −11.8 to 2.5; imprecision: 16%; 95% confidence interval, 8.7–24.3) of therapy.

Conclusions:

Tacrolimus dosing and monitoring were discordant with the guidelines. The Bayesian forecasting software was suitable for guiding tacrolimus dosing after 11 days of therapy in heart transplant recipients. Understanding the factors contributing to the variability in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics immediately after transplant may help improve software predictions.
Chronotropic Responses to Exercise and Recovery in Myocardial Infarction Patients Taking β-Blockers Following Aerobic High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Jayo-Montoya Jon Ander , Jurio-Iriarte Borja , Aispuru G. Rodrigo , Villar-Zabala Beatriz , Blanco-Guzman Sonia , Maldonado-Martín Sara
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of two different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs (low-volume vs high-volume) on chronotropic responses during exercise and recovery, and to contrast the results of the HIIT groups together to only physical activity recommendations in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients taking β-blockers.

Methods:

Resting heart rate (HRrest), peak HR (HRpeak), HR reserve (HRreserve = HRpeak-HRrest), HR recovery (HRR) as the difference between HRpeak and post-exercise HR, and chronotropic incompetence were assessed in 70 patients (58 ± 8 yr) following MI with a cardiopulmonary exercise test to peak exertion before and after a 16-wk exercise intervention period. All participants were randomized to either attention control (AC) (physical activity recommendations) or one of the two supervised HIIT groups (2 d/wk).

Results:

After the intervention, no significant between-HIIT group differences were observed. The HRpeak increased (P < .05) in low- (Δ= 8 ± 18%) and high-volume HIIT (Δ= 6 ± 9%), with a small decrease in AC (Δ=− 2 ± 12%, P > .05) resulting in large differences (P < .05) between HIIT and AC. The HRreserve increased (P < .05) in high-volume HIIT. The HRR slightly increased (P < .05) in low-volume (5th min, Δ= 19 ± 31%) and high-volume HIIT (2nd min, Δ= 15 ± 29%, and 5th min, Δ= 19 ± 28%).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that both low- and high-volume HIIT elicit similar improvements in chronotropic responses after MI, independent of β-blocker treatment. Supervised HIIT was more effective than giving physical activity recommendations alone. Low-volume HIIT is presented as a potent and time-efficient exercise strategy that could enhance the sympathovagal balance in this population.
Physical and Psychological Well-being Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Patients Following Mitral Valve and Aortic Valve Procedures
Authors: Jafri S. Hammad , Hushcha Pavel , Dorbala Pranav , Bousquet Gisele , Lutfy Christine , Klein Jodi , Mellett Lauren , Sonis Lindsay , Polk Donna , Skali Hicham
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following an aortic valve procedure demonstrate improvements in physical capacity and psychological well-being. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate baseline exercise capacity and psychological well-being for mitral valve patients participating in CR and to compare physical and psychological outcomes between mitral valve and aortic valve patients.

Methods:

The primary endpoint was improvement in 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance. Secondary endpoints included change in exercise min/wk, depression scores (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety scores (General Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and overall quality of life (Dartmouth Cooperative Functional Assessment [COOP]) scores.

Results:

Between January 2015 and December 2019, 94 patients who underwent an aortic valve procedure and 46 patients who underwent mitral valve procedures were enrolled prospectively in CR. At the completion of their CR program, patients had similar improvements in their 6MWT (mitral valve: 173 ft [125, 238] vs aortic valve 197 ft [121, 295], P = .42); exercise min/wk (mitral valve: 90 min [45, 175] vs aortic valve: 80 min [40, 130], P = .44). Changes in anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and COOP scores were smaller but similar between the two groups.

Conclusions:

CR participation resulted in similar improvements in physical activity between patients undergoing mitral valve and aortic valve procedures. Psychological well-being and quality of life scores improved minimally and similarly between the two groups.
Spherical aberration for expanding depth of focus
Authors: Fernández Joaquín , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel , Burguera Noemí , Rocha-de-Lossada Carlos , Piñero David P.
Published: June 2021

The increase in the depth of focus (DoF) for the treatment of presbyopia or cataracts is a topic of great interest for anterior segment surgeons who have seen how new surgical possibilities to achieve DoF enlargement have emerged. Nowadays, several technologies to extend the DoF are available, from corneal laser refractive surgery procedures in presbyopia to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract or refractive lens exchange. Some of these procedures are based on aspheric profiles, either in the cornea or in the IOL, which modulate the spherical aberration (SA) and, therefore, extend the light energy on different focal planes. The aim of this narrative review was to give an overall picture about the reasons why there is not a general solution persistent along time of SA induction to extend DoF, especially considering that SA depends on pupil diameter and this decreases with age.
Maternal thrombin generation and D-dimer levels in obesity and pregnancy: results from the maternal thrombin generation in obesity and pregnancy (MaTOPs) study
Authors: Mandlebe Batsho , Orundami Oyindasola I. , Lynch Lee-Anne , Teale Glyn , Said Joanne M. , Cutts Briony A.
Published: June 2021

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) risk increases five-fold antenatally and 14-fold during the puerperium. Obesity significantly increases this risk. The D-dimer assay and more novel Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay laboratory tests display potential for use in VTE risk stratification in pregnancy, although to date, research in the performance characteristics of these tests in obese and nonobese pregnant populations is limited.

The aim of this study was to compare D-dimer and thrombin generation levels in obese and nonobese pregnant women.

Pregnant women were recruited and categorised, as obese (BMI ≥30) or nonobese (BMI 18.5-25). Blood was collected at 26–28 weeks’ gestation, 36–40 weeks’ gestation and 6–12 weeks postpartum and D-dimer concentrations and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were determined. Student's t-test was used to analyse differences in mean D-dimer and ETP.

At 36–40 weeks, obese pregnant women had higher D-dimer concentrations (P = 0.001) but lower ETP levels compared with nonobese women (P = 0.044). D-dimer was higher in nonobese than in obese women at 6–12 weeks postpartum (P = 0.026). There was no difference in mean D-dimer (P 
= 0.825) and mean ETP (P 
= 0.424) between obese and nonobese women at 26–28 weeks. No difference was observed in mean ETP at 6–12 weeks postpartum (P 
= 0.472). ETP was lower in both obese and nonobese women postpartum than during pregnancy. D-dimer was lower in obese women but not in nonobese women postpartum.

D-dimer concentrations and ETP were not significantly different during multiple time points in pregnancy and postpartum between obese and nonobese pregnant women suggesting limited utility in VTE risk assessment in obese pregnant women.
Oncostatin-M Does Not Predict Treatment Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Ezirike Ladipo Jennifer , He Zhaoping , Chikwava Kudakwashe , Robbins Katherine , Beri Jonathan , Molle-Rios Zarela
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine whether mRNA expression of oncostatin-M (OSM) and its receptor (OSMR) in initial, pre-treatment intestinal biopsies is predictive of response to tumor necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNF) in a pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort. Secondary outcomes correlated OSM and OSMR expression with demographic variables; IBD type, extent, phenotype, and severity; laboratory values; and endoscopic findings.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 98 pediatric patients. Patients’ clinical courses were stratified as follows: failed anti-TNF (n = 14), quiescent on anti-TNF (n = 36), anti-TNF naïve (n = 19), and age-matched non-IBD controls (n = 29). The mRNA from each patient's pre-treatment ileal or colonic biopsy was isolated, and expression of OSM and OSMR was analyzed.

Results:

There was no difference in OSM or OSMR expression among the three IBD groups; however, expression was significantly higher in patients with IBD than non-IBD controls (P < 0.001). OSM and OSMR were more highly expressed in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) with a Mayo score of 3 (P = 0.0092 and P = 0.0313, respectively). High OSM expression correlated with severe disease activity indices at diagnosis (P = 0.002), anemia at diagnosis (P = 0.0236), and need for immunomodulators (P = 0.0193) and steroids (P = 0.0273) during patients’ clinical courses.

Conclusions:

OSM and OSMR expression were not predictive of response to anti-TNF in our pediatric cohort. OSM expression did correlate with IBD compared with healthy controls as well as with several clinical indicators of severe IBD.
Dissemination of bla OXA-48 like, bla NDM, bla KPC , bla IMP-1, bla VIM genes among carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in Southeastern Turkey: first report of Klebsiella pneumoniae co-producing bla OXA-48-like, bla VIM and bla IMP-1 genes
Authors: Alkan Bilik Özge , Bayraktar Mehmet , Özcan Nida , Gül Kadri , Akpolat Nezahat
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) cause serious and life-threatening infections with limited treatment options. The most common causes of carbapenem resistance are carbapenemases. We aimed to determine the most prevalent carbapenemase genes; bla
NDM
, bla
KPC
, bla
IMP-1, bla
VIM
, bla
OXA-48 like genes among Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains in the southeast region of Turkey.

Methods:

Eighty-nine isolates (74 K. pneumoniae, 15 E. coli) were included in the study. The isolates were found as carbapenem-resistant by BD Phoenix automated system and Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by BD Phoenix automated system. Combination disc method (CDM) was also carried out as phenotypic method of carbapenemase detection. The presence of bla
NDM
, bla
KPC
, bla
IMP-1, bla
VIM and bla
OXA-48-like genes were investigated by Xpert CARBA-R (Cepheid, USA) multiplex PCR commercial system.

Results:

Antibiotic resistance rates by Phoenix were 48.3 97.8, 80.9, 96.6, 93.3, 96.6, 97.8, 69.7 and 97.8% for amikacin, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and piperacillin-tazobactam, respectively. The bla
OXA-48-like gene was detected in 65 (73%); bla
NDM gene in 4 (4.5%); co-production of bla
OXA-48-like and bla
NDM in 6 (6.7%); co-production of bla
OXA-48-like, bla
VIM and bla
IMP-1 genes in 1(1.2%) isolate. None of the bla
OXA-48-like, bla
NDM
, bla
VIM
, bla
IMP-1, bla
KPC genes were detected in 13 (14.6%) of the isolates. The sensitivity and specificity of CDM were calculated as 80 and 85% respectively.

Conclusion:

We detected bla
OXA-48-like gene most frequently in our region. To our knowledge, this is the first report of K. pneumoniae-co-producing bla
OXA-48-like, bla
VIM and bla
IMP-1 genes. The coexistence of these genes is alarming and causes both infection control and treatment problems. Effective infection control measures are essential to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
A case of primary extragenital cutaneous gonorrhea involving the finger
Authors: Schwerdt Mary K. , Butala Sudhir , Hinds Elaine , Schron Deborah , Berry Gregory J.
Published: June 2021

A case of primary extragenital cutaneous gonorrhea affecting the left middle finger of a 16-year-old female patient is presented. The patient denied a history of sexual activity and the only reported symptoms were finger pain and associated lymphangitis. Wound culture was obtained from an incision, and drainage procedure was performed at an emergency room of a community hospital. Laboratory diagnosis was made at a clinical microbiology laboratory using Gram stain, agar culture, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Concurrent blood cultures had no growth at 5 days. The patient was switched from Cephalexin and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoaxole to an appropriate regimen upon sensitivity testing. The patient was lost to follow-up, and it is unknown if the possibility of seeding mucosal infection, such as the pharynx, was investigated.
Experiencing Bullying Is Associated With Firearm Access, Weapon Carriage, Depression, Marijuana Use, and Justice Involvement in Adolescents
Authors: Donnelly Katie A. , Rucker Alexandra , Boyle Meleah D. , Fornari Marci J. , Badolato Gia M. , Goyal Monika K.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess whether bullying experience among youths is associated with firearm access and to evaluate assault perpetration risk factors between bullied and nonbullied adolescents.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey designed to measure self-reported social determinants of health and behavioral health risks among adolescents (13–21 years) in a pediatric emergency department between July 2017 and August 2019. Participants were included in this subanalysis if they responded to a survey item that assessed bullying. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the association of firearm access, weapon carriage, and assault perpetration factors (violence, mental health, substance abuse, and justice involvement) with bullying after adjustment for sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status.

Results

Of the 369 participants meeting inclusion criteria, 147 adolescents (40.5%) reported experiencing bullying. Bullied teenagers had higher odds of a gun in the home (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–7.8]), weapon carriage (aOR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.6–18.8), witnessing an assault (aOR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6–5.6), negative experience with law enforcement (aOR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.2–9.2), mental health diagnosis (aOR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.3–6.7), and marijuana use (aOR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–7.0]).

Conclusions

More than 1 in 3 adolescents presenting to the emergency department report having ever experienced bullying. Bullied teenagers have a higher likelihood of firearm access, weapon carriage, and violent injury perpetration risk factors compared with nonbullied youths. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between bullying and assault perpetration.
A Game of Adaptability
Authors: Kubi Boateng , Keiler James , Douglas Anthony
Published: June 2021

Virtual recruitment of candidates applying into General Surgery residency during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of benefits and challenges. Notable benefits for candidates included financial and resource cost savings, the ability to conduct multiple interviews within short time frame, and the ability to meet more faculty members on virtual interview day. Challenges included technological difficulties, difficulty assessing culture and authenticity of in-program relationships, zoom fatigue, and inability to form relationships with co-applicants. After assessing our experiences with these benefits and challenges, the authors recommend that future recruitment cycles maintain virtual interview days with optional, nonevaluative open house days for revisit and second look opportunities.
Nocardiopsis coralli sp. nov. a novel actinobacterium isolated from the coral Galaxea astreata
Authors: Li Fenfa , Xie Qingyi , Zhou Shuangqing , Kong Fandong , Xu Yun , Ma Qingyun , Wu Wenqiang , Huang Dongyi , Zhao Youxing , Huang Xiaolong
Published: June 2021

Strain HNM0947T, representing a novel actinobacterium, was isolated from the coral Galaxea astreata collected from the coast of Wenchang, Hainan, China. The strain was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics consistent with the genus

Nocardiopsis

. The organism formed abundant fragmented substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia which differentiated into non-motile, rod-shaped spores. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. The major menaquinones were MK-10(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H4). The major phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The major fatty acids were iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, C18:0, C18:0 10-methyl (TBSA) and anteiso-C15:0. The G+C content was 71.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HNM0947T belonged to the genus

Nocardiopsis

and shared highest sequence similarity to

Nocardiopsis salina

YIM 90010T (98.8%),

Nocardiopsis xinjiangensis

YIM 90004T(98.5%) and

Nocardiopsis kunsanensis

DSM 44524T (98.3%). The strain HNM0947T was distinguished from its closest type strain by low average nucleotide identity (90.8%) and dDDH values (60.4%) respectively. Based on genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, it was concluded that strain HNM0947T represents a novel species of the genus

Nocardiopsis

whose name was proposed as Nocardiopsis coralli sp. nov. The type strain was HNM0947T (=CCTCC AA 2020015 T=KCTC 49525 T).
Ultrafast Light Targeting for High-Throughput Precise Control of Neuronal Networks
Authors: Faini Giulia , Molinier Clément , Telliez Cécile , Tourain Christophe , Forget Benoît C. , Ronzitti Emiliano , Emiliani Valentina
Published: June 2021

Understanding how specific sets of neurons fire and wire together during cognitive-relevant activity is one of the most pressing questions in neuroscience. Two-photon, single-cell resolution optogenetics based on holographic light-targeting approaches enables accurate spatio-temporal control of individual or multiple neurons. Yet, currently, the ability to drive asynchronous activity in distinct cells is critically limited to a few milliseconds and the achievable number of targets to several dozens. In order to expand the capability of single-cell optogenetics, we introduce an approach capable of ultra-fast sequential light targeting (FLiT), based on switching temporally focused beams between holograms at kHz rates. We demonstrate serial-parallel photostimulation strategies capable of multi-cell sub-millisecond temporal control and many-fold expansion of the number of activated cells. This approach will be important for experiments that require rapid and precise cell stimulation with defined spatio-temporal activity patterns and optical control of large neuronal ensembles.
Performance comparison of modified elephant herding optimization tuned MPPT for PV based solar energy systems
Authors: Subramanian Annapoorani , R. Jayaparvathy
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The solar photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the outstanding, clean and green energy options available for electrical power generation. The varying meteorological operating conditions impose various challenges in extracting maximum available power from the solar PV system. The drawbacks of conventional and evolutionary algorithms-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approaches are its inability to extract maximum power during partial shading conditions and quickly changing irradiations. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose a modified elephant herding optimization (MEHO) based MPPT approach to track global maximum power point (GMPP) proficiently during dynamic and steady state operations within less time.

Design/methodology/approach

A MEHO-based MPPT approach is proposed in this paper by incorporating Gaussian mutation (GM) in the original elephant herding optimization (EHO) to enhance the optimizing capability of determining the optimal value of DC–DC converter’s duty cycle (D) to operate at GMPP.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed system is compared with EHO based MPPT, Firefly Algorithm (FA) MPPT and particle swarm optimization (PSO) MPPT during uniform irradiation condition (UIC) and partial shading situation (PSS) using simulation results. An experimental setup has been designed and implemented. Simulation results obtained are validated through experimental results which prove the viability of the proposed technique for an efficient green energy solution.

Originality/value

With the proposed MEHO MPPT, it has been noted that the settling period is lowered by 3.1 times in comparison of FA MPPT, 1.86 times when compared to PSO based MPPT and 1.29 times when compared to EHO based MPPT with augmented efficiency of 99.27%.
An assessment of the roles of tenure and inclusion in conflict mediation at Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico
Authors: Mooney Henry N. , Cárdenas Jr Miguel A. , Cárdenas Miguel A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to unify phenomena in academic and grey literature into a theory of marine spatial disappropriation based on geopolitical relationships. It is argued that conflict over marine space arises as a result of top-down sovereign control of marine resources, and that the recognition of marine tenure and greater inclusivity in marine development* decision-making would lessen conflict between users, such as artisanal fishermen and ecotourism businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary literature review was conducted, followed by a research study at Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP) in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Findings

The results demonstrate that though CPNP's tenure structure is unique and inclusivity is an element of its management, the degree to which it is practiced is not sufficient to eliminate the chance of eventual disappropriation and ensuing conflict.

Practical implications

The results of this assessment can be used to strengthen the argument in favour of developing stronger requirements for deliberative democratic decision-making in marine delineation, as well as bolder social performance standards in marine development industries.

Originality/value

Research on socio-environmental revolutions are not new, but the authors contest that they are not alone a sufficient condition for achieving reduced conflict long-term. Instead, the originality of this research lies in its exploration of the importance of customary and formal tenure over marine resources, and its suggestion that this on the whole reduces conflict between exclusive and competing interests. One popular alternative, as demonstrated in numerous cases around the globe, can often be the marginalization of small-scale ocean users through the forceful appropriation of ocean resources.
Abusive supervision and its relationship with knowledge hiding: the mediating role of distrust
Authors: Farooq Rayees , Sultana Almaas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding. The study also examines the mediating role of distrust in the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure used in the study is a systematic literature review covering abusive supervision, knowledge hiding, distrust from 1994 to 2021. The studies were explored using the keyword search such as, “abusive supervision,” “knowledge hiding” and “distrust” from the selected databases including Emerald, ScienceDirect, EbscoHost and Google Scholar.

Findings

The study found that abusive supervision is positively related to knowledge hiding and distrust mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding. The study also proposes procrastination as one of the dimensions of knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

The study is an attempt to uncover a series of relationships between abusive supervision, knowledge hiding and distrust, which may enhance academic discussion and also offer clarity to the conceptualization of these two fields.
The impact of simultaneous holdings of equity and debt on financial covenants in debt contracts
Authors: Lee Sungsil
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of non-commercial banking institutions’ simultaneous holdings of equity and debt in the same firm (hereafter, dual holdings) on financial covenants in debt contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the DealScan database, this study tests how dual holdings affect the number of financial debt covenants.

Findings

This study finds that the presence of dual holders is positively associated with the number of financial covenants in general, suggesting that the use of financial covenants is reduced when the interests between shareholders and creditors are aligned. This study also finds that dual holder participation does not reduce the number of financial covenants in leveraged loans as much as it does in investment-grade loans. Additionally, when a dual holder has a large portion of equity stakes and loan claims in a borrowing firm, the effect of dual holdings on financial covenants is more pronounced.

Originality/value

This study contributes to debt market research by showing that dual holder participation reduces the number of financial covenants in debt contracts.
Executives’ observance of zakat among Islamic financial institutions: evidence from Bahrain and Malaysia
Authors: Poon Jessie P.H. , Chow Yew Wah , Ewers Michael , Hamilton Trina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of Shariah board members and managerial networking on zakat observance among executives of Islamic financial firms (IFFs) in Bahrain and Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on surveys administered to 106 respondents and personal interviews conducted with individuals holding management positions in IFFs.

Findings

The paper finds that: networking among IFF executives in Bahrain positively influences their observance and perception of zakat in their firms; and higher representation of Shariah on the board of directors increases executives’ favorable perception and observance of zakat in Malaysia. Differences in findings may be explained by Bahrain’s global Shariah institutions where networking offers opportunities for socialization of zakat ethics. In Malaysia, on the other hand, Shariah directorship sets the pace and direction of zakat ethics.

Originality/value

The seminal work of DiMaggio and Powell (1991) on neo-institutional theory has drawn attention to executives’ agency in creating cognitive frameworks that help promote the development of firm standards and norms. However, application of the theory to Islamic finance is largely absent. This paper contributes to an empirical understanding of the theory by highlighting sources of IFFs’ social agency in the development of zakat norm and its observance, namely, managerial networking and Shariah directors as change agents.
A fuzzy approach to assess outsourcing risks in Brazilian navy industrial military organizations
Authors: Vieira Luiz Fernando do Nascimento , Caetano Igor dos Santos , Santos Ricardo França
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study assesses outsourcing risks using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP).

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Risks identified in the literature review were classified with FAHP using questionnaire data from respondents in operations, procurement and risk management in Brazilian Navy Industrial Military Organizations (OMPS-I, by its Portuguese acronym).

Findings

The results indicate that FAHP is a method capable of producing relevant information to decision-making in the risk management process. A framework was created incorporating 16 major risks related to outsourcing. The results point to higher inherent risk levels related to outsourcing in the context of OMPS-Is: in order, hidden costs and unrealized savings; loss of knowledge/skills and/or corporate memory and difficulty in reacquiring a function; and loss of opportunities and reputation. The category of economic risk was revealed as the most important.

Originality/value

This study improves understanding of outsourcing risks and improves risk assessment by refining decision-making information and developing a system of decision analysis with several criteria. It also contributes to the development and implementation of a usable version of decision analysis with several criteria at a managerial level.
Effects of heat transfer and the endoscope on Jeffrey fluid peristaltic flow in tubes
Authors: Abd-Alla A.M. , Abo-Dahab S.M. , Abdelhafez M.A. , Thabet Esraa N.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This article aims to describe the effect of an endoscope and heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a Jeffrey fluid through the gap between concentric uniform tubes.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model of the present problem is carried out under long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. Analytical solutions for the velocity, temperature profiles, pressure gradient and volume flow rate are obtained.

Findings

The results indicate that the effect of the wave amplitude, radius ratio, Grashof number, the ratio of relaxation to retardation times and the radius are very pronounced in the phenomena. Also, a comparison of obtaining an analytical solution against previous literatures shows satisfactory agreement.

Originality/value

Analytical solutions for the velocity, temperature profiles, pressure gradient and volume flow rate are obtained. Numerical integration is performed to analyze the pressure rise and frictional forces on the inner and outer tubes.
An analysis of indoor environment evaluation for The Springs development in Dubai, UAE
Authors: Jung Chuloh , Awad Jihad , Sami Abdelaziz Mahmoud Naglaa , Salameh Muna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate The Springs’ indoor environment, one of the iconic townhouse-type residential buildings in Dubai, more efficiently for the integrated evaluation of the indoor environment with the weights of indoor environmental factors such as thermal, indoor air, lighting and acoustic.

Design/methodology/approach

The weights of the indoor environment factors were derived for the integrated evaluation to reflect the residents’ preferences. Based on the post-occupancy evaluation (P.O.E.) survey, the weights according to the gender, age group and indoor spaces followed a comparison and analytical processes.

Findings

This paper had found the priority of residents’ needs for each space in The Springs project. In summer, thermal comfort was the most important factor for living room and the master bedroom. In winter, the priority for living room and kitchen was the indoor air quality.

Research limitations/implications

As it is the first research survey for housing project in Dubai, it needs to be extended to other housing projects in Dubai. To increase the reliability of the weights calculated through this study and the applicability of the integrated indoor environmental evaluation, more in-depth P.O.E. survey is needed with wide range of survey participants.

Social implications

This paper will help developing guidelines for future renovation based on the comparative analysis among thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, lighting comfort and indoor air comfort.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to analyze the condition of early housing projects in Dubai. The data can be used to increase not only the design quality and marketability of housing projects in Dubai but also the condition of residents’ health status to avoid sick building syndrome from approximately 20 years old buildings.
A framework for digital preservation of Indigenous knowledge system (IKS) in repositories in South Africa
Authors: Balogun Tolulope , Kalusopa Trywell
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the digital preservation policies and plans for long-term digital preservation in selected repositories in South Africa, with a view to develop a digital preservation framework for the preservation of Indigenous knowledge system (IKS) in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the multiple case study research design, data was obtained from eight respondents in four Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centers (IKSDCs) in institutions that are part of the National Recordal Systems (NRS) initiative across four provinces in South Africa using in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data collected was also supplemented with the content analysis of several policy documents in South Africa.

Findings

The findings reveal that there are no digital preservation policies in place in the institutions, especially long-term digital preservation for IKS. However, some of the institutions are formulating policies that will include the management of IKS collected in the institutions. This study also reveals that digital curation, policy formulation and disaster preparedness plans to some extent are measures said to be in place for the digital preservation of IKS.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses mainly on the NRS initiative in South Africa. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) related to traditional medicine, traditional plants and food are currently being digitized at the IKSDCs by IK recorders. This study will help in ensuring that the South African Government’s effort and investment in digitizing IKS and making them accessible online is not wasted. This study will help mitigate the risk of damage and alteration over time, either deliberately or in error.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature on the digitization and digital preservation of IKS from the context of the NRS project in South Africa. Very few studies have been carried out on the digital preservation of IKS in Africa. This study also proposed a framework for the digital preservation of IKS in South Africa.
The experiences of children in custody: a story of survival
Authors: Day Anne-Marie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore children’s experiences during their time in custody in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 48 children were interviewed, as part of a wider study on children’s pathways into, through and out of custody. The focus of this paper is on children’s experiences in young offender institutions.

Findings

The findings from this study suggest that children’s behaviour during incarceration can be understood largely as strategies for surviving the hostile environment in which they find themselves.

Practical implications

This paper seeks to make a series of recommendations for practitioner and policymakers, based on the findings of this study.

Originality/value

The findings from this study suggest that children’s behaviour during incarceration can be understood largely as strategies for surviving the hostile environment in which they find themselves. This paper seeks to highlight specific elements of this environment and offers an insight into how they may impact upon a child's sense of self and place in the world.
Clinicopathological insight into self‐reported hair loss with no findings: How do we manage this enigmatic condition?
Authors: Kinoshita‐Ise Misaki , Fukuyama Masahiro , Ohyama Manabu
Published: June 2021

Patients who complain of hair loss without any supportive findings can be encountered in daily practice. To provide insight into this embarrassing condition, we retrospectively reviewed medical charts of eight cases with self‐reported hair loss with no findings (SHLNOF). High frequency in middle aged women and concomitance of thyroid and gynecological problems were revealed. Four patients reported scalp dysesthesia/trichodynia. Two patients underwent scalp biopsy, both of which demonstrated increase in indeterminate hairs, suggesting mild hair miniaturization. Supportive medical consultation coupled with the presentation of clinical and trichoscopic images reassured the majority of the patients. These findings suggested that SHLNOF should not be disregarded simply as a misconception. A non‐biased and diligent workup should be conducted to better manage this enigmatic condition.
What is love? The complex relation between values and practice in Vanuatu
Authors: Bratrud Tom
Published: June 2021

The past decade has seen a renewed anthropological interest in values, morality, and ethics. This article engages with this field by demonstrating how values can be strategies as well as ideals, prone to destabilize social order and divide people precisely because they are thought to be shared. The concept of ‘love’, referring to everyday practices of concern and care for others, is a core value for living on Ahamb Island in Vanuatu. However, adherence to the same core value does not necessarily create an ordered social world. Analysing three ethnographic cases, one of them a dispute with fatal consequences, I propose a model for studying values that accommodates ambiguity by uniting the notion of shared social values with individual experience and strategy. A methodological argument is that it is crucial for anthropological studies of values to assess the context for people's shifting interpretations and articulations of value in practice.