bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal NT-3 Is not Required For Synaptic Transmission or Long-Term Potentiation in Area CA1 of the Adult Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Ma Long , Reis Gerald , Parada Luis F. , Schuman Erin M.
Published: November 2021

Neurotrophic factors, including BDNF and NT-3, have been implicated in the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Previous attempts to analyze synaptic transmission and plasticity in mice lacking the NT-3 gene have been hampered by the early death of the NT-3 homozygous knockout animals. We have bypassed this problem by examining synaptic transmission in mice in which the NT-3 gene is deleted in neurons later in development, by crossing animals expressing the CRE recombinase driven by the synapsin I promoter to animals in which the NT-3 gene is floxed. We conducted blind field potential recordings at the Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapse in hippocampal slices from homozygous knockout and wild-type mice. We examined the following indices of synaptic transmission: (1) input-output relationship; (2) paired-pulse facilitation; (3) post-tetanic potentiation; and (4) long-term potentiation: induced by two different protocols: (a) two trains of 100-Hz stimulation and (b) theta burst stimulation. We found no difference between the knockout and wild-type mice in any of the above measurements. These results suggest that neuronal NT-3 does not play an essential role in normal synaptic transmission and some forms of plasticity in the mouse hippocampus.
Trophic Factor-Induced Plasticity of Synaptic Connections Between Identified Lymnaea Neurons
Authors: Woodin Melanie A. , Hamakawa Toshiro , Takasaki Mayumi , Lukowiak Ken , Syed Naweed I.
Published: November 2021

Neurotrophic factors participate in both developmental and adult synaptic plasticity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Using soma–soma synapses between the identified Lymnaea neurons, we demonstrate that the brain conditioned medium (CM)-derived trophic factors are required for the formation of excitatory but not the inhibitory synapse. Specifically, identified presynaptic [right pedal dorsal 1 (RPeD1) and visceral dorsal 4 (VD4)] and postsynaptic [visceral dorsal 2/3 (VD2/3) and left pedal dorsal 1 (LPeD1)] neurons were soma–soma paired either in the absence or presence of CM. We show that in defined medium (DM—does not contain extrinsic trophic factors), appropriate excitatory synapses failed to develop between RPeD1 and VD2/3. Instead, inappropriate inhibitory synapses formed between VD2/3 and RPeD1. Similarly, mutual inhibitory synapses developed between VD4 and LPeD1 in DM. These inhibitory synapses were termed novel because they do not exist in the intact brain. To test whether DM-induced, inappropriate inhibitory synapses could be corrected by the addition of CM, cells were first paired in DM for an initial period of 12 hr. DM was then replaced with CM, and simultaneous intracellular recordings were made from paired cells after 6–12 hr of CM substitution. Not only did CM induce the formation of appropriate excitatory synapses between both cell pairs, but it also reduced the incidence of inappropriate inhibitory synapse formation. The CM-induced plasticity of synaptic connections involved new protein synthesis and transcription and was mediated via receptor tyrosine kinases. Taken together, our data provide the first direct insight into the cellular mechanism underlying trophic factor-induced specificity and plasticity of synaptic connections between soma–soma paired Lymnaea neurons.
Inflammation Causes a Long-Term Hyperexcitability in the Nociceptive Sensory Neurons ofAplysia
Authors: Farr Maryjane , Mathews Jenny , Zhu De-Fen , Ambron Richard T.
Published: November 2021

Nerve injury, tissue damage, and inflammation all cause hyperalgesia. A factor contributing to this increased sensitivity is a long-term (>24 hr) hyperexcitability (LTH) in the sensory neurons that mediate the responses. Using the cluster of nociceptive sensory neurons inAplysia californicaas a model, we are examining how inflammation induces LTH. A general inflammatory response was induced by inserting a gauze pad into the animal. Within 4 days, the gauze is enmeshed in an amorphous material that contains hemocytes, which comprise a cellular immune system. Concurrently, LTH appears in both ipsilateral and contralateral sensory neurons. The LTH is manifest as increased action potential discharge to a normalized stimulus. Immunocytochemistry revealed that hemocytes have antigens recognized by antibodies to TGFβ1, IL-6, and 5HT. When a localized inflammation was elicited on a nerve, hemocytes containing the TGFβ1 antigen were present near axons within the nerve and those containing the IL-6 were on the surface. Western blots of hemocytes, or of gauze that had induced a foreign body response, contained a 28-kD polypeptide recognized by the anti-TGFβ1 antibody. Exposure of the nervous system to recombinant human TGFβ1 elicited increased firing of the nociceptive neurons and a decrease in threshold. The TGFβ1 also caused an activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in axons but did not affect a kinase that is activated in axons after injury. Our findings, in conjunction with previous results, indicate that a TGFβ1-homolog can modulate the activity of neurons that respond to noxious stimuli. This system could also contribute to interactions between the immune and nervous systems via regulation of PKC.
Bilateral Ablation of Auditory Cortex in Mongolian Gerbil Affects Discrimination of Frequency Modulated Tones but not of Pure Tones
Authors: Ohl Frank W. , Wetzel Wolfram , Wagner Thomas , Rech Alexander , Scheich Henning
Published: November 2021

This study examines the role of auditory cortex in the Mongolian gerbil in differential conditioning to pure tones and to linearly frequency-modulated (FM) tones by analyzing the effects of bilateral auditory cortex ablation. Learning behavior and performance were studied in a GO/NO-GO task aiming at avoidance of a mild foot shock by crossing a hurdle in a two-way shuttle box. Hurdle crossing as the conditioned response to the reinforced stimulus (CR+), as false alarm in response to the unreinforced stimulus (CR−), intertrial activity, and reaction times were monitored. The analysis revealed no effects of lesion on pure tone discrimination but impairment of FM tone discrimination. In the latter case lesion effects were dependent on timing of lesion relative to FM tone discrimination training. Lesions before training in naive animals led to a reduced CR+ rate and had no effect on CR− rate. Lesions in pretrained animals led to an increased CR− rate without effects on the CR+ rate. The results suggest that auditory cortex plays a more critical role in discrimination of FM tones than in discrimination of pure tones. The different lesion effects on FM tone discrimination before and after training are compatible with both the hypothesis of a purely sensory deficit in FM tone processing and the hypothesis of a differential involvement of auditory cortex in acquisition and retention, respectively.
Legionella effector LegA15/AnkH contains an unrecognized cysteine protease-like domain and displays structural similarity to LegA3/AnkD, but differs in host cell localization
Authors: Chung Ivy Yeuk Wah , Li Lei , Cygler Miroslaw
Published: November 2021

Legionella pneumophila is a human pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. It can be found in various aquatic environments ranging from cooling towers to ponds. In addition to causing disease in humans, it can also infect free-living amoebae commonly found in various aquatic environments. Once inside a human lung macrophage, it creates a niche called the Legionella-containing vacuole where it can evade phagolysosomal degradation and replicate. During infection, normal cellular functions are hijacked by proteins that are secreted by the pathogen, called bacterial effectors. Here, the structural characterization of the effector LegA15/AnkD is reported. The protein contains an ankyrin-repeat domain followed by a cysteine protease-like (CPL) domain with a putative catalytic triad consisting of His268–Asn290–Cys361. The CPL domain shows similarity to the CE clan in the MEROPS database, which contains ubiquitin-like hydrolases. The C-terminal segment of LegA15, including the CPL domain, shows structural similarity to another effector, LegA3/AnkH, while they share only 12% sequence identity. When expressed in mammalian cells, LegA15 is localized within the cytoplasm, in contrast to LegA3, which localizes to the nucleus.
Helical filament structure of the DREP3 CIDE domain reveals a unified mechanism of CIDE-domain assembly
Authors: Lee So Yeon , Kwon Sunghark , Ha Hyun Ji , Lee Sung Hoon , Park Hyun Ho
Published: November 2021

The cell-death-inducing DFF45-like effector (CIDE) domain is a protein-interaction module comprising ∼80 amino acids and was initially identified in several apoptotic nucleases and their regulators. CIDE-domain-containing proteins were subsequently identified among proteins involved in lipid metabolism. Given the involvement of CIDE-domain-containing proteins in cell death and lipid homeostasis, their structure and function have been intensively studied. Here, the head-to-tail helical filament structure of the CIDE domain of DNA fragmentation factor-related protein 3 (DREP3) is presented. The helical filament structure was formed by opposing positively and negatively charged interfaces of the domain and was assembled depending on protein and salt concentrations. Although conserved filament structures are observed in CIDE family members, the structure elucidated in this study and its comparison with previous structures indicated that the size and the number of molecules used in one turn vary. These findings suggest that this charged-surface-based head-to-tail helical filament structure represents a unified mechanism of CIDE-domain assembly and provides insight into the function of various forms of the filament structure of the CIDE domain in higher-order assembly for apoptotic DNA fragmentation and control of lipid-droplet size.
Corporate governance and financial performance of state-owned enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Abang’a Albert Ochien’g , Tauringana Venancio , Wang’ombe David , Achiro Laura Obwona
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to report the results of an investigation into the effect of aggregate and individual corporate governance factors on the financial performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses balanced panel data regression analysis on a sample of 45 SOEs in Kenya for a four-year period (2015–2018).

Findings

The panel data analysis results show that board meetings, board skill and gender diversity individual provisions of corporate governance are significantly and positively associated with capital budget realization ratio (CBRR). Moreover, the study finds that aggregate corporate governance disclosure index, board sub-committees, board size and independent non-executive directors are positive but insignificantly related to CBRR.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is based on secondary data, other methods of knowledge inquiry such as interviews and questionnaires may provide additional insights on the effectiveness of corporate governance on financial performance.

Practical implications

Overall, the results imply that corporate governance influences the performance of SOEs in Kenya. The results suggest that Mwongozo Code of Corporate Governance provisions should be changed to increase the number of women representations on board and the number of directors with doctoral qualifications because of their positive impact on the financial performance of SOEs in Kenya. Also, policymakers with remit over SOEs should re-evaluate why other corporate governance appear not to have an impact with a view of making the necessary changes.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the dearth of literature on the efficacy of corporate governance on the financial performance of SOEs in developing countries.
Career indecision: an integrative review and research agenda
Authors: Bian Xinyi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The current review sought to bring light to the issue of an underexplored career phenomenon – career indecision. Career indecision is a significant developmental stage in one’s career life and has been a prominent topic in vocational psychology research in the past decades. However, it has received scant scholarly attention in the human resource development (HRD) field. Besides, the career indecision literature, in general, is lacking theoretical refinement and analytical review. The present study aims to stimulate HRD scholars’ interests by providing an introductory context for understanding the richness and potentialities of researching career indecision in the HRD area.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the gap, the author conducted an integrative review (Torraco, 2005, 2016) of 60 peer-reviewed articles and synthesized the existing knowledge of career indecision. More importantly, antecedent and outcome factors associated with career indecision were identified and analyzed.

Findings

A nomological network about career indecision was provided. Besides, the results of the integrative review revealed several omissions in the career indecision literature. Building upon that, implications for HRD research and practice are presented and discussed.

Originality/value

As an initial attempt to synthesize career indecision literature, this study sought to stimulate HRD professionals’ interest in examining this underexplored career phenomenon.
Non-mortgage loans in the Chinese residential real estate market
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: November 2021

Purpose

From January 2021, the potential flow of Chinese household non-mortgage loans, including business loans and short-term consumption loans to the residential real estate market, has attracted the attention of the regulatory authorities. This study aims to examine the effects of household non-mortgage loans on the Chinese residential real estate market.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a monthly data set between July 2011 and December 2019, this study adopts a cointegration analysis.

Findings

This study finds that household non-mortgage loans do play a significant role in driving residential real estate prices in China.

Originality/value

While many studies have examined the Chinese real estate market and its linkage with the financial system and the economy, this study is the first of its kind in the academic literature that exclusively focusses on the role of non-mortgage loans in real estate prices, and makes an original contribution.
Enhanced RSA key encryption application for metering data in smart grid
Authors: Philips Anita , Jayaraj Jayakumar , F.T. Josh , P. Venkateshkumar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Digitizing of the electrical power grid promotes the advantages of efficient energy management alongside the possibilities of major vulnerabilities. A typical inadequacy that needs critical attention to ensure the seamless operation of the smart grid system remains in the data transmission between consumer premises smart devices and the utility centres. Many researches aim at establishing security protocols to ensure secure and efficient energy management resulting in perfect demand–supply balance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authentication of the smart meter data has been proposed with enhanced Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) key encryption using an efficient way of generating large prime numbers. The trapdoor one-way function applied in the RSA algorithm makes it almost impossible for the reverse engineering attempts of cracking the key pair.

Findings

The algorithm for generating prime numbers has been tested both with the convention method and with the enhanced method of including a low-level primality test with a first few hundred primes. The combination of low-level and high-level primality tests shows an improvement in execution time of the algorithm.

Originality/value

There is a considerable improvement in the time complexities when using the combination method. This efficient generation of prime numbers can be successfully applied to the smart meter systems, thereby increasing the strength and speed of the key encryption.
Higher education amid COVID-19 pandemic: contributions from resilience, positive orientation and grit
Authors: Ghanizadeh Afsaneh
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The major purpose of the present study is to investigate the contribution of academic resilience in accounting for two motivational and attitudinal constructs ? Grit and positive orientation and also probe the predictive power of all these constructs in academic achievement of university students in the midst of the pandemic COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

521 university students participated in an online survey. To measure academic resilience, a scale designed and validated by Kim and Kim (2016) comprising 26 items was employed. The scale contains five sub-factors: perceived happiness, empathy, sociability, persistence and self-regulation. Grit was assessed via an 8-item scale comprising two facets: perseverance of effort (PE) and consistency of interest (CI). It was designed by Duckworth and Gross (2014). Positive orientation was determined through positivity scale developed by Caprara et al. (2010), consisting of eight items.

Findings

The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that resilience positively and significantly predicted both grit (β = 0.56, t = 6.41) and positive orientation (β = 0.54, t = 6.35). Resilience also predicted academic achievement directly (β = 0.71, t = 9.12) and indirectly via its impact on grit and positive orientation. It was also found that positive orientation and grit are positively and highly associated (β = 0.77, t = 9.28).

Originality/value

The pandemic COVID-19 brought about substantial changes in university students' education and their overall life style. Many university students around the globe experienced virtual education. Balancing personal and academic roles in these unprecedented conditions seems to be a tough challenge for every university student.
Shifting identities in the public sector: portraying the “new” public manager in the Italian setting
Authors: Spanò Rosanna , Tomo Andrea , Parker Lee D.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how training programs fostering discourses centred on individuals’ identity construction may turn resistance into a generative and enabling force to elicit more relationally and negotiated solutions of change.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used Foucault’s conceptualisation of “regimes of truth” to show how even potentially resistant public managers may generatively contribute to change processes if given the chance to restate the macro discourses of the hegemonic new public management movement at their own micro level. It relied upon an ethnographic approach based on verbal interviews, photo-elicitation, DiSC behavioural tests and observation of 29 Italian public managers participating in a training course.

Findings

The findings allow us to unveil how helping public managers to think about their self-identity in new ways enabled them to approach changing processes differently turning their resistance efforts into a generative force.

Originality/value

The paper offers a noteworthy contribution to the literature on public sector change by examining neglected issues relating to the identity of change agents and the implications of their multiple roles. It presents an alternative to the deterministic view of resistance as impeding or dysfunctionally shaping change under the new public management approach. This has important implications for both practice and policymaking.
Reporting of discontinued operations and dividend payout policy
Authors: Guragai Binod , Henke Trent , Young Glen
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the types of discontinued operations (i.e. income-increasing versus income-decreasing) and a firm’s dividend payout policy. The authors extend our analysis to examine whether equity investors react differently to dividend payout changes that are preceded by the reporting of different types of discontinued operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary least squares regressions are used to test the association between discontinued operations and dividend payouts. The investor response test uses cumulative abnormal return around the announcement of dividend payout changes.

Findings

The authors find that firms temporarily increase (decrease) their dividend payout in the quarter following the reporting of income-increasing (income-decreasing) discontinued operations. The authors further find that these results are stronger when the magnitude of the income increase or income decrease is larger and when firms report disposal gains or losses. Although prior literature finds evidence that dividend increases are associated with a significant positive market reaction, the results show that investors do not react positively to dividend increases that are preceded by reporting income-increasing discontinued operations.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on the effects of financial reporting (i.e. the types of discontinued operations) on a firm’s payout policy (i.e. dividend payout). The authors also add to the literature that examines investors’ perceptions of a firm’s payout changes when such changes are transitory in nature.
Long‐term progression of inbreeding depression in a Mediterranean ornithophilous shrub
Authors: Valtueña Francisco Javier , Rodríguez‐Riaño Tomás , Pérez‐Bote José Luis , López Josefa , Ortega‐Olivencia Ana
Published: November 2021

The ornithophilous species Anagyris foetida L. is a Mediterranean shrub with highly fragmented populations and a mixed mating system. In a previous study, we analyzed the first 3 years of the life cycle of two progenies (selfed and outcrossed) grown from seed obtained by hand pollination and planted in an experimental garden in 2005. In that study, we found that inbreeding depression (ID) was manifested both reproductively and vegetatively throughout the life cycle, with male reproductive function being the most affected trait. In the present study, our main aim was to check the progression of the two progenies 12 years after transplantation. For this we analyzed their survival and their vegetative and reproductive traits. According to our results, levels of ID were similar to those obtained in the previous study, with some factors decreased and thus varying with the age of the studied individuals. Vegetative parameters were found to have a greater influence than reproductive ones (δ = 0.56 vs. δ = 0.36) on overall ID. As indicated by the global ID (δ = 0.72) the populations have a mating system that is intermediate between outcrossing and a mixed system. Furthermore, the lower male reproductive capacity of the selfed individuals has been maintained over time. Our study also demonstrates the importance of studying the ID value throughout the life cycle of plants.
A Man Just Like Other Men? Masculinity and Clergy in Spain during Late Francoism (1960–1975)
Authors: Moreno‐Seco Mónica
Published: November 2021

While the notion of masculinity has been incorporated by European and North American research into the field of study of religious history, in Spain its introduction is still in its infancy. This article reflects on the contribution of religious discourses and the experiences of male clergy to the construction of different identity models of masculinity within a very plural Catholicism, at a time of social mobilisation, political transition, sexual liberation, and religious secularisation. These changes questioned the Catholic masculine ideal of the first decades of Franco dictatorship (1939–1975) to propose new profiles of the virile religious archetype. The article states that the crisis of the priest, which is part of the religious crisis of the 1960s, can be interpreted as a struggle between different models of Catholic masculinity. At the same time, this crisis regarding the figure of the priest influenced religious, social, and political changes in Spain.
Cocaine esterase occurrence in global wastewater microbiomes and potential for biotransformation of novel psychoactive substances
Authors: de Campos Eduardo G. , de Almeida Otávio G. G. , De Martinis Bruno S. , De Martinis Elaine C. P.
Published: November 2021

The analysis of drugs in wastewater for forensic purposes has been constantly increasing and the investigation of the potential interaction between drugs or metabolites and sewage microbiota is important. The results demonstrated that cocaine esterase genes were widely distributed in 1142 global wastewater samples collected from 64 countries and linked to several bacterial species. In addition, in silico predictions indicated that carfentanil, 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA, 5F‐MDMB‐PICA, MDMB‐4en‐PINACA and mitragynine might also undergo microbial hydrolysis, in a similar fashion of cocaine degradation by cocaine esterase. In conclusion, it was demonstrated the microbial potential to hydrolyze drugs of abuse in wastewater environments, contributing to the critical evaluation of potential metabolites as biomarkers for microbial and human transformation of drugs in wastewater.
Different management practices influence growth of small plants in species‐rich hay meadows through shading
Authors: Boob Meike , Elsaesser Martin , Thumm Ulrich , Hartung Jens , Lewandowski Iris
Published: November 2021

Aims

The intensification of grassland management can cause a loss of biodiversity via alteration of the structure and micro‐environmental conditions within the sward. The species richness of hay meadows protected within the Natura 2000 network is often endangered by high levels of fertilisation and relatedly, increased cutting frequency, which leads to decreased light availability for small plants and seedlings at ground level. The purpose of this study is to analyse how management practices and the interaction of fertilisation and cutting regime affect light distribution in grassland canopies as well as the growth of small plants.

Location

South Germany.

Methods

This was investigated by measuring the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and dry matter yield (DMY) of the first growth cycle over 2 years at two sites of a 5‐year‐old hay meadow trial. To calculate the relative light intensity, PAR was measured above the canopy and at ground level. Two factors, fertilisation (none, PK, NPK) and date of first cut (based on phenological stages), were manipulated.

Results

Our results show that the date of the first cut had no influence on light availability during the first growth cycle, whereas fertilisation decreased light availability for small plants due to a denser canopy. Fertilisation increased the DMY of the first growth cycle significantly. We show that NPK fertilisation (35 kg N, 35 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O ha−1 a−1) decreased both the number and proportion of small plant species.

Conclusion

NPK fertilisation can lead to a loss of biodiversity. These results are of relevance for the improvement and management of species‐rich hay meadows. Because of its effect on competition for light, the supply of plant‐available nitrogen is a key driver in obtaining or restoring biodiversity in species‐rich hay meadows. Therefore, careful site‐adapted fertilisation is a basic requirement in maintaining the ecological value of grassland.
Identifying biomarkers for prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects based on “omics”
Authors: Huang Wanqi , Gu Hui , Yuan Zhengwei
Published: November 2021

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most severe birth defects and the main cause of newborn death; posing a great challenge to the affected children, families, and societies. Presently, the clinical diagnosis of NTDs mainly relies on ultrasound images combined with certain indices, such as alpha‐fetoprotein levels in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid. Recently, the discovery of additional biomarkers in maternal tissue has presented new possibilities for prenatal diagnosis. Over the past 20 years, “omics” techniques have provided the premise for the study of biomarkers. This review summarizes recent advances in candidate biomarkers for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal NTDs based on omics techniques using maternal biological specimens of different origins, including amniotic fluid, blood, and urine, which may provide a foundation for the early prenatal diagnosis of NTDs.
The Norse Feedback in a population of patients undergoing bariatric surgery—Psychometric properties of a digital computer‐adaptive questionnaire assessing mental health
Authors: Hegland Pål A. , McAleavey Andrew , Aasprang Anny , Moltu Christian , Kolotkin Ronette L. , Andersen John Roger
Published: November 2021

The Norse Feedback (NF) is a questionnaire developed for patient‐reported outcome monitoring with a clinical feedback system (PRO/CFS). As mental health is a concern after bariatric surgery, the use of the NF as part of PRO/CFS may be beneficial. The aim of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the NF in patients who have been accepted for or have undergone bariatric surgery. We performed separate robust confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to test the unidimensionality on 19 of the NF scales. We also performed correlation analyses on 19 of the NF scales with the Obesity‐related Problems scale (OP). We included 213 patients. In the CFA analyses, three out of 12 scales with four or more items showed satisfactory psychometric properties in all goodness of fit indices (Suicidality, Need for Control and Self‐Criticism). Four scales showed satisfactory psychometric properties in all indices but RMSEA (Somatic Anxiety, Substance Use, Social Safety and Cognitive Problems). Several of the scales demonstrated floor effects. In the correlation analyses, 18 of the 19 scales showed small‐to‐moderate correlation coefficients with the OP. Our demonstration of satisfactory psychometric properties on several important scales of the NF suggests that this tool may prove valuable in the routine follow‐up of mental health in this population. However, further work is needed to innovate the NF for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
What are the factors affecting the recovery rate of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid?
Authors: Shikano Kohei , Abe Mitsuhiro , Shiko Yuki , Tsushima Kenji , Yoshioka Keiichiro , Ishiwata Tsukasa , Kawasaki Takeshi , Ikari Jun , Terada Jiro , Kawasaki Yohei , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: November 2021

Background

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a useful examination for the evaluation of interstitial lung disease. A high BAL fluid (BALF) recovery rate is desirable because low recovery rates lead to inaccurate diagnoses and increased adverse events. Few studies have explored whether BALF recovery rates are influenced by clinical factors.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the clinical parameters affecting the recovery rates of BALF and the extent of their effects.

Method

Data from patients who underwent BAL at the Chiba University Hospital between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. BAL was performed with three aliquots of 50‐ml physiological saline. The potential association of the BALF recovery rate with clinical parameters such as age, sex, smoking status, underlying disease, bronchus used for the procedure and pulmonary function, was analysed.

Results

Eight hundred twenty‐six patients had undergone BAL. The average recovery rate was 52.4%. Factors affecting BALF recovery rates included male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.53, p < 0.001); age ≥ 65 years (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33–0.76, p < 0.001); use of the left bronchus (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.71, p = 0.001) and bronchi other than the middle lobe bronchus or lingula (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.25–0.65, p < 0.001); and forced expiratory volume in 1 s divided by forced vital capacity <80% (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.40–1.00, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sex, age, bronchus used for the procedure and pulmonary function may be useful as pre‐procedural predictors of BALF recovery rates.
Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome‐like reaction to molluscum contagiosum–Clinical characteristics and response to treatment
Authors: Bürgler Christina , Weibel Lisa , Schwieger‐Briel Agnes , Knöpfel Nicole , Luchsinger Isabelle , Theiler Martin
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral infection. Hypersensitivity reactions reminiscent of Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome, termed Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome‐like reaction (GCLR), have been reported in a subset of patients. We report a series of patients with GCLR, better delineating its clinical presentation and course.

Patients and methods

Retrospective chart review of all children presenting with GCLR at our Pediatric Skin Center between 2015 and 2020.

Results

26 children (14 boys) with a median age of 6.5 (3–11.3) years were included. GCLR involved the extensor surfaces of the extremities in all patients. More widespread eruptions also affected the trunk and face in 7 (27 %) and 6 (23 %) children respectively. Involvement of the skin overlying the Achilles tendons was a new finding in 4 (15 %) children. Itch was the predominant symptom in 20 (77 %) patients. The rash responded to topical and/or systemic corticosteroids and resolved within four weeks. GCLR was followed by clearance of MC in all patients within 9 (4–24) weeks.

Conclusions

GCLR is a characteristic acute, wide‐spread, pruritic papular eruption, which often leads to emergency consultations and anxiety in affected patients. GCLR responds well to corticosteroid treatment, has a benign course, and heralds the healing of MC.
How can we capture the outcomes that really matter to patients?
Authors: Basu Anna P
Published: November 2021

This commentary is on the invited review by Ronen et al. on pages 149–155 of this issue.
CADASIL in Greece: Mutational spectrum and clinical characteristics based on a systematic review and pooled analysis of published cases
Authors: Paraskevas George P. , Stefanou Maria Ioanna , Constantinides Vasilios C. , Bakola Eleni , Chondrogianni Maria , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Kararizou Evangelia , Boufidou Fotini , Zompola Christina , Tsantzali Ioanna , Theodorou Aikaterini , Palaiodimou Lina , Vikelis Michail , Lachanis Stefanos , Papathanasiou Matilda , Bakirtzis Christos , Koutroulou Ioanna , Karapanayiotides Theodoros , Xiromerisiou Georgia , Kapaki Elisabeth , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: November 2021

Background

Differences have been noted in the clinical presentation and mutational spectrum of CADASIL among various geographical areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mode of clinical presentation and genetic mutations reported in Greece.

Methods

After a systematic literature search, we performed a pooled analysis of all published CADASIL cases from Greece.

Results

We identified 14 studies that reported data from 14 families comprising 54 patients. Migraine with aura was reported in 39%, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases in 68%, behavioral‐psychiatric symptoms in 47% and cognitive decline in 60% of the patients. The mean (±SD) age of onset for migraine with aura, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, behavioral‐psychiatric symptoms and cognitive decline was 26.2 ± 8.7, 49.3 ± 14.6, 47.9 ± 9.4 and 42.9 ± 10.3, respectively; the mean age at disease onset and death was 34.6 ± 12.1 and 60.2 ± 11.2 years. With respect to reported mutations, mutations in exon 4 were the most frequently reported (61.5% of all families), with the R169C mutation being the most common (30.8% of all families and 50% of exon 4 mutations), followed by R182C mutation (15.4% of all families and 25% of exon 4 mutations).

Conclusions

The clinical presentation of CADASIL in Greece is in accordance with the phenotype encountered in Caucasian populations, but differs from the Asian phenotype, which is characterized by a lower prevalence of migraine and psychiatric symptoms. The genotype of Greek CADASIL pedigrees is similar to that of British pedigrees, exhibiting a high prevalence of exon 4 mutations, but differs from Italian and Asian populations, where mutations in exon 11 are frequently encountered.
Law and gendered labour market segmentation
Authors: FUDGE Judy , MUNDLAK Guy
Published: November 2021

This article captures the shared understanding in the literature of labour law's interaction with gender, distinguishing between law's different functions – constituting labour market institutions, sustaining them, addressing unwarranted outcomes and transforming the institutions. Constituted, in part, by law, the standard employment relationship and the institutions of formal employment have segmenting gendered effects. While legal norms designed to correct these effects are important, they also sustain them. The authors argue for a transformative alternative that would follow two general principles in designing new labour standards, namely, universalization of scope and adaptive content in the interests of differently situated women and men.
Community predictors of COVID‐19 cases and deaths in Massachusetts: Evaluating changes over time using geospatially refined data
Authors: Spangler Keith R. , Patil Prasad , Peng Xiaojing , Levy Jonathan I. , Lane Kevin J. , Tieskens Koen F. , Carnes Fei , Klevens R. Monina , Erdman Elizabeth A. , Troppy T. Scott , Fabian M. Patricia , Leibler Jessica H.
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted the need for targeted local interventions given substantial heterogeneity within cities and counties. Publicly available case data are typically aggregated to the city or county level to protect patient privacy, but more granular data are necessary to identify and act upon community‐level risk factors that can change over time.

Methods

Individual COVID‐19 case and mortality data from Massachusetts were geocoded to residential addresses and aggregated into two time periods: “Phase 1” (March–June 2020) and “Phase 2” (September 2020 to February 2021). Institutional cases associated with long‐term care facilities, prisons, or homeless shelters were identified using address data and modeled separately. Census tract sociodemographic and occupational predictors were drawn from the 2015–2019 American Community Survey. We used mixed‐effects negative binomial regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs), accounting for town‐level spatial autocorrelation.

Results

Case incidence was elevated in census tracts with higher proportions of Black and Latinx residents, with larger associations in Phase 1 than Phase 2. Case incidence associated with proportion of essential workers was similarly elevated in both Phases. Mortality IRRs had differing patterns from case IRRs, decreasing less substantially between Phases for Black and Latinx populations and increasing between Phases for proportion of essential workers. Mortality models excluding institutional cases yielded stronger associations for age, race/ethnicity, and essential worker status.

Conclusions

Geocoded home address data can allow for nuanced analyses of community disease patterns, identification of high‐risk subgroups, and exclusion of institutional cases to comprehensively reflect community risk.
Exponential neighborhood search for consecutive block minimization
Authors: Haddadi Salim
Published: November 2021

Given binary matrix , the term refers to the matrix obtained by permuting the columns of according to permutation . A 1‐block in a binary matrix is any maximal sequence of consecutive 1s situated on the same row. Given binary matrix , consecutive block minimization (CBM) is a combinatorial optimization problem that seeks a permutation of columns such that the number of 1‐blocks in is minimum. Since CBM is NP‐hard, we solve it by iterating local search where the neighborhood is exponential in the instance size and is always constructed in the vicinity of the best current solution. Seeking a local optimum in the exponential neighborhood amounts to solving a small traveling salesman problem (TSP). Instead, we obtain a good near local optimal solution using an implementation of Lin–Kernighan heuristic. Our method is compared with a recently published iterated local search metaheuristic as well as with two TSP solvers. The comparison shows that the proposed method provides better quality solutions.
Effect of annealing on grain growth and Y segregation behavior in tetragonal ZrO2 thin film
Authors: Nakade Hiroaki , Tochigi Eita , Feng Bin , Ishikawa Ryo , Ohta Hiromichi , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: November 2021

In order to fabricate tetragonal yttria stabilized zirconia samples with large grain size, 3 mol% Y2O3 doped zirconia thin films were grown on (0001) α‐Al2O3 substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) followed by subsequent high temperature annealing. The thin film samples were annealed at 1200°C, 1250°C, 1300°C, and 1350°C in order to obtain larger grain size without Y segregation. The microstructure and chemical composition of these annealed films were analyzed using atomic force microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The as‐grown thin film was found to be composed of [111]‐oriented grains of ∼100 nm connected with small‐angle tilt boundaries. Based on analysis of annealed thin films, it was revealed that grain growth of tetragonal zirconia occurred anisotropically. Cross section scanning transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that such grain growth behavior is affected by the step‐terrace structures of the sapphire substrate. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy showed that Y was found to distribute almost uniformly below 1300°C but to segregate at the grain boundaries at 1350°C. As a conclusion, the 1300°C‐annealed sample shows the largest grain size with homogeneous Y distributions.
Agricultural landscape affects sex‐specific differences in the abundance of Drosophila suzukii in raspberry orchards
Authors: de Groot Maarten , Rak Cizej Magda , Kavčič Andreja , Modic Špela , Poličnik Franček , Šramel Nina , Žigon Primož , Razinger Jaka
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii), an invasive pest, has caused a great deal of damage to fruit crops. There is therefore an urgent need to develop strategies to control the populations of this species. It has been found that the landscape context can buffer or increase the severity of pest outbreaks in agriculture, and it is important to understand how this process works in SWD for all crops. Given this background, we investigated the influence of forest on SWD populations in raspberry orchards and surrounding agricultural land. We selected 10 locations in the central part of Slovenia, five of which were closer than 200 m from the forest edge and five of which were more than 200 m from the forest edge. We collected SWD adults in three habitat types per location from the end of June until the end of October 2020. The results showed that forest harboured a larger SWD population than orchards and agricultural land. Over the season, the number of individuals increased exponentially over time, and the difference between forest and other habitat types increased. The distance from the forest had a negative effect on the abundance of SWD. There was a difference in abundance observed between males and females, with males being less abundant farther away from the forest than females. However, the distance from the forest only had a negative effect on the abundance of females in September. Based on the results, we propose potential measures for the control of SWD in raspberry orchards.
First report on the molecular characterization and the occurrence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in unpasteurized bovine's buttermilk
Authors: Mechaala Sara , Bouatrous Yamina , Adouane Selma
Published: November 2021

The dairy products have been reported as a source of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing bacteria. The aim of this study is to determine the potential transfer of ESBL Enterobacteriaceae to humans due to the consumption of buttermilk made from raw, unpasteurized milk collected in Batna province (Northeast of Algeria) as well as to identify isolates and genes encoding resistance in these isolates. Two hundred and forty‐three samples of buttermilk made from raw, unpasteurized milk were collected and screened for the presence of ceftazidime‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The suspected isolates were identified by molecular methods. Enterobacteriaceae isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and were examined phenotypically for ESBL production and confirmed by using PCR assay and DNA sequencing. Thirteen ceftazidime‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae were observed at a rate of 5.76% including Escherichia coli (n = 4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 4), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 1), Hafnia paralvei (n = 3), and Citrobacter freundii (n = 1). Eight Enterobacteriaceae (61.53%, 8) revealed multidrug resistance, while (61.53%, 8) were confirmed as ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae. Polymerase chain reaction assay revealed that blaTEM (87.5%, 7) was the most common gene, followed by the blaCTX‐M gene (75%, 6) and finally the blaSHV gene (50%, 4). The sequencing of genes identified blaTEM‐1D, blaSHV‐1, and blaSHV‐11. Our findings signified that buttermilk made from raw, unpasteurized milk could be the reservoir for the prevalence of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae and the potential source of transmission for the consumer. Pasteurization of buttermilk is critical to reduce the risk associated with ESBL‐producing isolates.
Is there an association between the vaginal microbiome and first trimester miscarriage? A prospective observational study
Authors: Shahid Monica , Quinlivan Julie A. , Peek Michael , Castaño‐Rodríguez Natalia , Mendz George L.
Published: November 2021

Aim

To examine whether there are differences in the vaginal microbiome of women who miscarry compared to those who have normal pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Prospective observational study conducted at the Canberra Hospital, Australia, with 24 participant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The vaginal microbiomes of the 24 women were characterized using sequencing analysis of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene employing an Illumina MiSeq instrument with QIAGEN reagents. Vaginal microbiome data were correlated with pregnancy clinical metadata.

Results

Ordination plots showed differences in the composition of microbiomes of women who miscarried and controls. In nulliparous women, Lactobacillus crispatus was the dominant bacterium in 50% of women. Lactobacillus iners was the dominant bacterium in 50% of women with a history of prior miscarriage and a miscarriage in the study compared to 15% (p = 0.011) in those with no history of miscarriage and no miscarriage in the study. There were significant differences in the number of operational taxonomic units and the richness of the microbiomes of women who miscarried compared to those who delivered at term. Eight taxa were found in different relative abundances in both groups of women.

Conclusions

The study indicated that the composition of the vaginal microbiome varies with pregnancy history. Also, there was a significant difference in the vaginal microbiomes between women who suffered miscarriage and those who continued to term delivery both in the overall microbiome populations and in the abundances of individual taxa.