bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Effects of Topical Estrogen on Vaginal Granulation Tissue in Postpartum Women
Authors: Bochenska Katarzyna , Kujawa Stacy , Zhao Hong , Kenton Kimberly , Bulun Serdar E. , Lewicky-Gaupp Christina
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate the biomolecular properties of vaginal and perineal granulation tissue in postpartum women and assess the potential impact of vaginal estrogen application.

Methods

We prospectively identified women referred to a subspecialty peripartum clinic between September 2016 and April 2018 who developed symptomatic perineal or vaginal granulation tissue. As part of routine clinical care, granulation tissue was excised from each participant by a urogynecologist and subjected to RNA extraction, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, histologic evaluation, and immunohistochemistry. Serum steroid hormone levels were measured. Comparisons were made between participants who used topical vaginal estradiol (E2) and those who did not (non-E2 controls).

Results

Sixteen postpartum women were recruited for this pilot study. More than 30% of patients (n = 5, 31%) had used topical vaginal estradiol (E2) during their postpartum recovery. Histological appearance of granulation tissue evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining was similar in women treated with vaginal E2 and non-E2 controls. Both estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ mRNA and ERα protein were readily detectable in the granulation tissue of E2-treated women. Although not statistically significant, participants who used topical E2 developed granulation tissue that exhibited local estrogen-responsive gene upregulation. Serum levels of estrone, E2, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and testosterone did not differ between vaginal E2–treated patients and controls.

Conclusions

Estrogen receptor α seems to be the predominant receptor mediating estrogen action in postpartum perineal and vaginal granulation tissue. Vaginal E2 use does not seem to affect serum levels of estrone, E2, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and testosterone in postpartum women.
The Clinical and Economic Benefit of CMV Matching in Kidney Transplant: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Axelrod David A. , Chang Su-Hsin , Lentine Krista L. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Norman Doug , Olyaei Ali , Malinoski Darren , Dharnidharka Vikas , Segev Dorry , Istre Gregory R. , Lockridge Joseph B.
Published: July 2021

Background.

The development of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after kidney transplant remains a significant cause of posttransplant morbidity, graft loss, and mortality. Despite appropriate antiviral therapy, recipients without previous CMV exposure can currently be allocated a kidney from a donor with previous CMV infection (D+R–) that carries the greatest risk of posttransplant CMV infection and associated complications. Preferential placement of CMV D– organs in negative recipients (R–) has been shown to reduce the risk of viral infection and associated complications.

Methods.

To assess the long-term survival and economic benefits of allocation policy reforms, a decision-analytic model was constructed to compare receipt of CMV D– with CMV D+ organ in CMV R– recipients using data from transplant registry, Medicare claims, and pharmaceutical costs.

Results.

For CMV R– patients, receipt of a CMV D– organ was associated with greater average survival (14.3 versus 12.6 y), superior quality-adjusted life years (12.6 versus 9.8), and lower costs ($529 512 versus $542 963). One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated a survival advantage for patients waiting as long as 30 mo for a CMV D– kidney.

Conclusions.

Altering national allocation policy to preferentially offer CMV D– organs to CMV R– recipients could improve survival and lower costs after transplant if appropriately implemented.
Pretransplant Patient Education in Solid-organ Transplant: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hamid Marzan , Rogers Emma , Chawla Gaauree , Gill Jasleen , Macanovic Sara , Mucsi Istvan
Published: July 2021

Education for pretransplant, solid-organ recipient candidates aims to improve knowledge and understanding about the transplant process, outcomes, and potential complications to support informed, shared decision-making to reduce fears and anxieties about transplant, inform expectations, and facilitate adjustment to posttransplant life. In this review, we summarize novel pretransplant initiatives and approaches to educate solid-organ transplant recipient candidates. First, we review approaches that may be common to all solid-organ transplants, then we summarize interventions specific to kidney, liver, lung, and heart transplant. We describe evidence that emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary approaches to transplant education. We also summarize initiatives that consider online (eHealth) and mobile (mHealth) solutions. Finally, we highlight education initiatives that support racialized or otherwise marginalized communities to improve equitable access to solid-organ transplant. A considerable amount of work has been done in solid-organ transplant since the early 2000s with promising results. However, many studies on education for pretransplant recipient candidates involve relatively small samples and nonrandomized designs and focus on short-term surrogate outcomes. Overall, many of these studies have a high risk of bias. Frequently, interventions assessed are not well characterized or they are combined with administrative and data-driven initiatives into multifaceted interventions, which makes it difficult to assess the impact of the education component on outcomes. In the future, well-designed studies rigorously assessing well-defined surrogate and clinical outcomes will be needed to evaluate the impact of many promising initiatives.
Animal culture research should include avian nest construction
Authors: Breen Alexis J.
Published: July 2021

Material culture—that is, group-shared and socially learned object-related behaviour(s)—is a widespread and diverse phenomenon in humans. For decades, researchers have sought to confirm the existence of material culture in non-human animals; however, the main study systems of interest—namely, tool making and/or using non-human primates and corvids—cannot provide such confirmatory evidence: because long-standing ethical and logistical constraints handicap the collection of necessary experimental data. Synthesizing evidence across decades and disciplines, here, I present a novel framework for (mechanistic, developmental, behavioural, and comparative) study on animal material culture: avian nest construction.
Does helping now excuse cheating later? An investigation into moral balancing in children
Authors: Cameron Sophie , Wilks Matti , Nielsen Mark
Published: July 2021

We often use our previous good behaviour to justify current immoral acts, and likewise perform good deeds to atone for previous immoral behaviour. These effects, known as moral self-licensing and moral cleansing (collectively, moral balancing), have yet to be observed in children. Thus, the aim in the current study was to investigate the developmental foundations of moral balancing. We examined whether children aged 4–5 years (N= 96) would be more likely to cheat on a task if they had previously helped a puppet at personal cost, and less likely to cheat if they had refused to help. This hypothesis was not supported, suggesting either that 4–5-year-old children do not engage in moral balancing or that the methodology used was not appropriate to capture this effect. We discuss implications and future research directions.
Vaccine escape in a heterogeneous population: insights for SARS-CoV-2 from a simple model
Authors: Gog Julia R. , Hill Edward M. , Danon Leon , Thompson Robin N.
Published: July 2021

As a countermeasure to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been swift development and clinical trial assessment of candidate vaccines, with subsequent deployment as part of mass vaccination campaigns. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has demonstrated the ability to mutate and develop variants, which can modify epidemiological properties and potentially also the effectiveness of vaccines. The widespread deployment of highly effective vaccines may rapidly exert selection pressure on the SARS-CoV-2 virus directed towards mutations that escape the vaccine-induced immune response. This is particularly concerning while infection is widespread. By developing and analysing a mathematical model of two population groupings with differing vulnerability and contact rates, we explore the impact of the deployment of vaccines among the population on the reproduction ratio, cases, disease abundance and vaccine escape pressure. The results from this model illustrate two insights: (i) vaccination aimed at reducing prevalence could be more effective at reducing disease than directly vaccinating the vulnerable; (ii) the highest risk for vaccine escape can occur at intermediate levels of vaccination. This work demonstrates a key principle: the careful targeting of vaccines towards particular population groups could reduce disease as much as possible while limiting the risk of vaccine escape.
Serum biomarkers to differentiate Gram-negative, Gram-positive and fungal infection in febrile patients
Authors: Niu Dongguang , Huang Qian , Yang Fan , Tian Weiliang , Li Chen , Ding Lian’an , Fang Hong-Chun , Zhao Yunzhao
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Contamination of specimens and overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics contribute to false positives and false negatives, respectively. Therefore, useful and applicable biomarkers of bacteremia are still required.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. IL-6 can be used as a serum biomarker to discriminate among bacterial infections and fungal infections in febrile patients with a bloodstream infection.

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in discriminating Gram-negative (G−) bacteria from Gram-positive (G+) bacteria and fungi in febrile patients.

Methodology. A total of 567 patients with fever were evaluated. Serum levels of IL-6, PCT, NLR and CRP were compared among a G− group (n=188), a G+ group (n=168), a fungal group (n=38) and a culture negative group (n=173). Sensitivity, specificity, Yuden’s index and area under the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were obtained to analyse the diagnostic abilities of these biomarkers in discriminating bloodstream infection caused by different pathogens.

Results. Serum IL-6 and PCT in the G− group increased significantly when compared with both the G+ group and fungal group (P <0.05). AUC of IL-6 (0.767, 95 % CI:0.725–0.805) is higher than AUC of PCT (0.751, 95 % CI:0.708–0.796) in discriminating the G− group from G+ group. When discriminating the G− group from fungal group, the AUC of IL-6 (0.695, 95 % CI:0.651–0.747) with a cut-off value of 464.3 pg ml−1 was also higher than the AUC of PCT (0.630, 95 % CI:0.585–0.688) with a cut-off value of 0.68 ng ml−1. Additionally, AUC of NLR (0.685, 95 % CI:0.646–0.727) in discriminating the fungal group from G+ group at the cut-off value of 9.03, was higher than AUC of IL-6, PCT and CRP.

Conclusion. This study suggests that IL-6 could be used as a serum biomarker to discriminate among bacterial infections and fungal infections in febrile patients with a bloodstream infection. In addition, NLR is valuable to discriminate fungal infections from Gram-positive infections in febrile patients with a bloodstream infection.
Emerging models and trends in mental health crisis care in England: a national investigation of crisis care systems
Authors: Dalton-Locke Christian , Johnson Sonia , Harju-Seppänen Jasmine , Lyons Natasha , Rains Luke Sheridan , Stuart Ruth , Campbell Amelia , Clark Jeremy , Clifford Aisling , Courtney Laura , Dare Ceri , Kathleen Kelly , Lynch Chris , McCrone Paul , Nairi Shilpa , Newbigging Karen , Nyikavaranda Patrick , Osborn David , Persaud Karen , Stefan Martin , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor
Published: July 2021

Background

Inpatient psychiatric care is unpopular and expensive, and development and evaluation of alternatives is a long-standing policy and research priority around the world. In England, the three main models documented over the past fifty years (teams offering crisis assessment and treatment at home; acute day services; and residential crisis services in the community) have recently been augmented by several new service models. These are intended to enhance choice and flexibility within catchment area acute care systems, but remain largely undocumented in the research literature. We therefore aimed to describe the types and distribution of crisis care models across England through a national survey.

Methods

We carried out comprehensive mapping of crisis resolution teams (CRTs) using previous surveys, websites and multiple official data sources. Managers of CRTs were invited to participate as key informants who were familiar with the provision and organisation of crisis care services within their catchment area. The survey could be completed online or via telephone interview with a researcher, and elicited details about types of crisis care delivered in the local catchment area.

Results

We mapped a total of 200 adult CRTs and completed the survey with 184 (92%). Of the 200 mapped adult CRTs, there was a local (i.e., within the adult CRT catchment area) children and young persons CRT for 84 (42%), and an older adults CRT for 73 (37%). While all but one health region in England provided CRTs for working age adults, there was high variability regarding provision of all other community crisis service models and system configurations. Crisis cafes, street triage teams and separate crisis assessment services have all proliferated since a similar survey in 2016, while provision of acute day units has reduced.

Conclusions

The composition of catchment area crisis systems varies greatly across England and popularity of models seems unrelated to strength of evidence. A group of emerging crisis care models with varying functions within service systems are increasingly prevalent: they have potential to offer greater choice and flexibility in managing crises, but an evidence base regarding impact on service user experiences and outcomes is yet to be established.
Highly versatile antibody binding assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Datta Pratik , Ukey Rahul , Bruiners Natalie , Honnen William , Carayannopoulos Mary O. , Reichman Charles , Choudhary Alok , Onyuka Alberta , Handler Deborah , Guerrini Valentina , Mishra Pankaj K. , Dewald Hannah K. , Lardizabal Alfred , Lederer Leeba , Leiser Aliza L. , Hussain Sabiha , Jagpal Sugeet K. , Radbel Jared , Bhowmick Tanaya , Horton Daniel B. , Barrett Emily S. , Xie Yingda L. , Fitzgerald-Bocarsly Patricia , Weiss Stanley H. , Woortman Melissa , Parmar Heta , Roy Jason , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Blaser Martin J. , Carson Jeffrey L. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Libutti Steven K. , Raymond Henry F. , Pinter Abraham , Gennaro Maria Laura
Published: July 2021

Monitoring the burden and spread of infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, whether within small communities or in large geographical settings, is of paramount importance for public health purposes. Serology, which detects the host antibody response to the infection, is the most appropriate tool for this task, since virus-derived markers are most reliably detected during the acute phase of infection. Here we show that our ELISA protocol, which is based on antibody binding to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit of the viral Spike protein expressed as a novel fusion protein, detects antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

We also show that our ELISA is accurate and versatile. It compares favorably with commercial assays widely used in clinical practice to determine exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, our protocol accommodates use of various blood- and non-blood-derived biospecimens, such as breast milk, as well as dried blood obtained with microsampling cartridges that are appropriate for remote collection. As a result, our RBD-based ELISA protocols are well suited for seroepidemiology and other large-scale studies requiring parsimonious sample collection outside of healthcare settings.
Dual effects of presynaptic membrane mimetics on α-synuclein amyloid aggregation
Authors: Lin Yuxi , Ito Dai , Yoo Je Min , Lim Mi Hee , Yu Woo Kyung , Kawata Yasushi , Lee Young-Ho
Published: July 2021

Aggregation of intrinsically disordered α-synuclein (αSN) under various conditions is closely related to synucleinopathies. Although various biological membranes have shown to alter the structure and aggregation propensity of αSN, a thorough understanding of the molecular and mechanical mechanism of amyloidogenesis in membranes remains unanswered. Herein, we examined the structural changes, binding properties, and amyloidogenicity of three variations of αSN mutants under two types of liposomes, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and presynaptic vesicle mimetic (Mimic) membranes. While neutrally charged DOPC membranes elicited marginal changes in the structure and amyloid fibrillation of αSNs, negatively charged Mimic membranes induced dramatic helical folding and biphasic amyloid generation. At low concentration of Mimic membranes, the amyloid fibrillation of αSNs was promoted in a dose-dependent manner. However, further increases in the concentration constrained the fibrillation process. These results suggest the dual effect of Mimic membranes on regulating the amyloidogenesis of αSN, which is rationalized by the amyloidogenic structure of αSN and condensation-dilution of local αSN concentration. Finally, we propose physicochemical properties of αSN and membrane surfaces, and their propensity to drive electrostatic interactions as decisive factors of amyloidogenesis.
Engineering sorghum for higher 4-hydroxybenzoic acid content
Authors: Lin Chien-Yuan , Tian Yang , Nelson-Vasilchik Kimberly , Hague Joel , Kakumanu Ramu , Lee Mi Yeon , Trinh Jessica , Northen Trent R. , Baidoo Edward E. K. , Kausch Albert P. , Scheller Henrik V. , Eudes Aymerick
Published: July 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass represents a renewable source of sugars for the manufacturing of bioproducts such as biofuels. The high cost associated with deconstruction of plant biomass to simple sugars remains one of the challenges preventing the deployment of economically sustainable advanced bioproducts. The accumulationin-plantaof value-added coproducts such as platform chemicals can improve the economics of biofuels. Among other crops, sorghum is an ideal bioenergy feedstock due to its low input requirements, efficient nitrogen recycling, and high water use efficiency and biomass yields. In this work, we engineered sorghum to overproduce the valuable chemical 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) by co-expressing plastid-targeted versions ofEscherichia colichorismate pyruvate-lyase (UbiC) and feedback-resistant 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulonate-7-phosphate synthase (AroG*). Two independent lines containing the dualaroG*-ubiCconstruct were selected for characterization in the T2 generation. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, analysis of methanolic extracts obtained from biomass samples revealed an accumulation of 4-HBA in the two transgenic lines (corresponding to 1.56% and 1.72% dry weight, respectively), with 4-HBA glucose conjugates representing major forms. Measurements of biomass composition and several agronomic traits showed no significant difference between transgenic and wild-type control plants grown under controlled environment. This work demonstrates the transferability of theubiCengineering approach to sorghum; generated lines will be useful to assess the agronomic performance of modified 4-HBA-rich sorghum under natural conditions.
Gene-Specific Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay Targeting for Cystic Fibrosis Therapy
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Nomakuchi Tomoki , Papaleonidopoulou Foteini , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: July 2021

Low CFTR mRNA expression due to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a major hurdle in developing a therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by the W1282X mutation in the CFTR gene. CFTR-W1282X truncated protein retains partial function, so increasing its levels by inhibiting NMD of its mRNA will likely be beneficial. Because NMD regulates the normal expression of many genes, gene-specific stabilization of CFTR-W1282X mRNA expression is more desirable than general NMD inhibition. Synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) designed to prevent binding of exon junction complexes (EJC) downstream of premature termination codons (PTCs) attenuate NMD in a gene-specific manner. We developed a cocktail of three ASOs that specifically increases the expression of CFTR W1282X mRNA and CFTR protein in ASO-transfected human bronchial epithelial cells. This treatment increased the CFTR-mediated chloride current. These results set the stage for clinical development of an allele-specific therapy for CF caused by the W1282X mutation.
The PDF Data Extractor (PDE) Pre-screening Tool Reduced the Manual Review Burden for Systematic Literature Reviews by Over 35% Through Automated High-Throughput Assessment of Full-Text Articles
Authors: Stricker Erik , Scheurer Michael E
Published: July 2021

Literature reviews are generally time-consuming and rely heavily on accurate representation of the data in the title and abstract of articles. Often minor results and details are lost in a systematic screen, which is becoming even more frequent with the rapidly rising numbers of daily published scientific articles. We developed the PDF Data Extractor (PDE) R package to aid scientists at any stage in literature reviews while offering a user-friendly interface. The tool permits the user to categorize large numbers of full-text articles in PDF format, export containing tables to Excel sheets (pdf2table), and extract relevant data using a simple user interface, requiring no bioinformatics skills. Specific features of the literature analysis comprise the adaptability of analysis parameters including the use of regular expressions, machine learning-powered detection of abbreviations of search words in articles, and the export of document meta-data. We exemplify how the PDE R package can be utilized as a pre-screening tool allowing automated categorization of full-text articles by relevance, thereby reducing the literature to be evaluated (in our example by 35% with a sensitivity of 100% at standard parameters). The PDE R package is available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=PDE and as web tool with limited capacity at https://erikstricker.shinyapps.io/PDE_analyzer/.
Prolactin and prolactin receptor expression in the HPG axis and crop during parental care in both sexes of a biparental bird (Columba livia)
Authors: Farrar Victoria S. , Harris Rayna M. , Austin Suzanne H. , Nava Ultreras Brandon M. , Booth April M. , Angelier Frédéric , Lang Andrew S. , Feustel Tanner , Lee Candice , Bond Annie , MacManes Matthew D. , Calisi Rebecca M.
Published: July 2021

During breeding, multiple circulating hormones, including prolactin, facilitate reproductive transitions in species that exhibit parental care. Prolactin underlies parental behaviors and related physiological changes across many vertebrates, including birds and mammals. While circulating prolactin levels often fluctuate across breeding, less is known about how relevant target tissues vary in their prolactin responsiveness via prolactin receptor (PRLR) expression. Recent studies have also investigated prolactin (PRL) gene expression outside of the pituitary (i.e., extra-pituitaryPRL), but howPRLgene expression varies during parental care in non-pituitary tissue (e.g., hypothalamus, gonads) remains largely unknown. Further, it is unclear if and how tissue-specificPRLandPRLRvary between the sexes during biparental care. To address this, we measuredPRLandPRLRgene expression in tissues relevant to parental care, the endocrine reproductive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the crop (a tissue with a similar function as the mammalian mammary gland), across various reproductive stages in both sexes of a biparental bird, the rock dove (Columba livia). We also assessed how these genes responded to changes in offspring presence by adding chicks mid-incubation, simulating an early hatch when prolactin levels were still moderately low. We found that pituitaryPRLexpression showed similar increases as plasma prolactin levels, and detected extra-pituitaryPRLin the hypothalamus, gonads and crop. Hypothalamic and gonadalPRLRexpression also changed as birds began incubation. CropPRLRexpression correlated with plasma prolactin, peaking when chicks hatched. In response to replacing eggs with a novel chick mid-incubation, hypothalamic and gonadalPRLandPRLRgene expression differed significantly compared to mid-incubation controls, even when plasma prolactin levels did not differ. We also found sex differences inPRLandPRLRthat suggest gene expression may allow males to compensate for lower levels in prolactin by upregulatingPRLRin all tissues. Overall, this study advances our understanding of how tissue-specific changes in responsiveness to parental hormones may differ across key reproductive transitions, in response to offspring cues, and between the sexes.
Dicamba drift alters plant-herbivore interactions at the agro-ecological interface
Authors: Johnson Nia M , Baucom Regina S
Published: July 2021

Natural populations evolve in response to biotic and abiotic changes in their environment, which shape species interactions and ecosystem dynamics. Agricultural systems can introduce novel conditions via herbicide exposure to non-crop habitats in surrounding fields. While herbicide drift is known to produce a variety of toxic effects in plants, little is known about its impact on non-target wildlife species interactions. In a two-year study, we investigated the impact of herbicide drift on plant-herbivore interactions with common weed velvetleaf (Abutlion theophrasti) as the focal species. The findings reveal a significant increase in the phloem feeding silverleaf whitefly (Bermisia tabaci) abundance on plants exposed to herbicide at drift rates of 0.5% and 1% of the field dose. We also identified a significant phenotypic tradeoff between whitefly resistance and herbicide resistance in addition to whitefly resistance and relative growth rate in the presence of dicamba drift after increasing the populations grown in year two. In a follow-up greenhouse study, we found evidence that dicamba drift at 0.5% of the field dose significantly increased average chlorophyll content (mg/cm2) along with a positive correlation between whitefly abundance and chlorophyll content. Overall, these findings suggest herbicide exposure to non-target communities can significantly alter herbivore populations, potentially impacting biodiversity and community dynamics of weed populations found at the agro-ecological interface.
Infinite re-reading of single proteins at single-amino-acid resolution using nanopore sequencing
Authors: Brinkerhoff Henry , Kang Albert S. W. , Liu Jingqian , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Dekker Cees
Published: July 2021

As identifying proteins is of paramount importance for cell biology and applications, it is of interest to develop a protein sequencer with the ultimate sensitivity of decoding individual proteins. Here, we demonstrate a nanopore-based single-molecule sequencing approach capable of reliably detecting single amino-acid substitutions within individual peptides. A peptide is linked to a DNA molecule that is pulled through the biological nanopore MspA by a DNA helicase in single amino-acid steps. The peptide sequence yields clear stepping ion current signals which allows to discriminate single-amino-acid substitutions in single reads. Molecular dynamics simulations show these signals to result from size exclusion and pore binding. Notably, we demonstrate the capability to ‘rewind’ peptide reads, obtaining indefinitely many independent reads of the same individual molecule, yielding virtually 100% read accuracy in variant identification, with an error rate less than 10−6. These proof-of-concept experiments constitute a promising basis for developing a single-molecule protein sequencer.

One-sentence summary

This paper presents proof-of-concept experiments and simulations of a nanopore-based approach to sequencing individual proteins.
Temporal Analyses of Postnatal Liver Development and Maturation by Single Cell Transcriptomics
Authors: Liang Yan , Kaneko Kota , Xin Bing , Lee Jin , Sun Xin , Zhang Kun , Feng Gen-Sheng
Published: July 2021

Liver is the major metabolic organ, although its postnatal development and maturation are inadequately understood. We analyzed 52,834 single cell transcriptomes and identified 31 cell types or states in mouse livers at postnatal day 1, 3, 7, 21 and 56. We observed unexpectedly high levels of hepatocyte heterogeneity in the developing liver and progressive construction of the zonated metabolic functions from pericentral to periportal hepatocytes, which was orchestrated with development of sinusoid endothelial, stellate and Kupffer cells. Trajectory and gene regulatory analyses captured 36 transcription factors, including a circadian regulator Bhlhe40, in programming liver development. Remarkably, we identified a special group of macrophages enriched at day 7 with a hybrid phenotype of macrophages and endothelial cells, which may regulate sinusoidal construction and Treg cell function. This study provides a comprehensive atlas that covers all hepatic cell types instrumental for further dissection of liver development, metabolic functions and diseases.

In Brief

Single cell transcriptomics of all hepatic cell types in neonatal and adult livers

Concerted development of zonated metabolic functions in hepatocytes and NPCs

Transient emergence of a distinct group of macrophages at postnatal day 7

Hepatic cell-cell communications that program postnatal liver development
Cellular resolution anatomical and molecular atlases for prenatal human brains
Authors: Ding Song-Lin , Royall Joshua J. , Lesnar Phil , Facer Benjamin A.C. , Smith Kimberly A. , Wei Yina , Brouner Kristina , Dalley Rachel A. , Dee Nick , Dolbeare Tim A. , Ebbert Amanda , Glass Ian A. , Glattfelter Katie , Keller Nika H. , Lee Felix , Lemon Tracy A. , Nyhus Julie , Pendergraft Julie , Reid Robert , Sarreal Melaine , Shapovalova Nadiya V. , Szafer Aaron , Phillips John W. , Sunkin Susan M. , Hohmann John G. , Jones Allan R. , Hawrylycz Michael J. , Hof Patrick R. , Ng Lydia , Bernard Amy , Lein Ed S.
Published: July 2021

Increasing interest in studies of prenatal human brain development, particularly using new single-cell genomics and anatomical technologies to create cell atlases, creates a strong need for accurate and detailed anatomical reference atlases. In this study, we present two cellular-resolution digital anatomical atlases for prenatal human brain at post-conceptional weeks (PCW) 15 and 21. Both atlases were annotated on sequential Nissl-stained sections covering brain-wide structures on the basis of combined analysis of cytoarchitecture, acetylcholinesterase staining and an extensive marker gene expression dataset. This high information content dataset allowed reliable and accurate demarcation of developing cortical and subcortical structures and their subdivisions. Furthermore, using the anatomical atlases as a guide, spatial expression of 37 and 5 genes from the brains respectively at PCW 15 and 21 was annotated, illustrating reliable marker genes for many developing brain structures. Finally, the present study uncovered several novel developmental features, such as the lack of an outer subventricular zone in the hippocampal formation and entorhinal cortex, and the apparent extension of both cortical (excitatory) and subcortical (inhibitory) progenitors into the prenatal olfactory bulb. These comprehensive atlases provide useful tools for visualization, targeting, imaging and interpretation of brain structures of prenatal human brain, and for guiding and interpreting the next generation of cell census and connectome studies.
Biological action at a distance: Correlated pattern formation in adjacent tessellation domains without communication
Authors: Brooke John M. , James Sebastian S. , Jimenez-Rodriguez Alejandro , Wilson Stuart P.
Published: July 2021

Tessellations emerge in many natural systems, and the constituent domains often contain regular patterns, raising the intriguing possibility that pattern formation within adjacent domains might be correlated by the geometry, without the direct exchange of information between parts comprising either domain. We confirm this paradoxical effect, by simulating pattern formation via reaction-diffusion in domains whose boundary shapes tessellate, and showing that correlations between adjacent patterns are strong compared to controls that self-organise in domains with equivalent sizes but unrelated shapes. The effect holds in systems with linear and non-linear diffusive terms, and for boundary shapes derived from regular and irregular tessellations. Based on the prediction that correlations between adjacent patterns should be bimodally distributed, we develop methods for testing whether a given set of domain boundaries constrained pattern formation within those domains. We then confirm such a prediction by analysing the development of ‘subbarrel’ patterns, which are thought to emerge via reaction-diffusion, and whose enclosing borders form a Voronoi tessellation on the surface of the rodent somatosensory cortex. In more general terms, this result demonstrates how causal links can be established between the dynamical processes through which biological patterns emerge and the constraints that shape them.
Transcriptional regulation of neural stem cell expansion in adult hippocampus
Authors: Guo Nannan , McDermott Kelsey D. , Shih Yu-Tzu , Zanga Haley , Ghosh Debolina , Herber Charlotte , Coleman James , Zagouras Alexia , Meara William R. , Wong Lai Ping , Sadreyev Ruslan , Gonçalves J. Tiago , Sahay Amar
Published: July 2021

Experience governs neurogenesis from radial-glial neural stem cells (RGLs) in the adult hippocampus to support memory. Transcription factors in RGLs integrate physiological signals to dictate self-renewal division mode. Whereas asymmetric RGL divisions drive neurogenesis during favorable conditions, symmetric divisions prevent premature neurogenesis while amplifying RGLs to anticipate future neurogenic demands. The identities of transcription factors regulating RGL symmetric self-renewal, unlike those that regulate RGL asymmetric self-renewal, are not known. Here, we show that the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 9 (Klf9) is elevated in quiescent RGLs and inducible, deletion of Klf9 promotes RGL activation state. Clonal analysis and longitudinal intravital 2-photon imaging directly demonstrate that Klf9 functions as a brake on RGL symmetric self-renewal. In vivo translational profiling of RGLs lacking Klf9 generated a blueprint of RGL symmetric self-renewal for stem cell community. Together, these observations identify Klf9 as a transcriptional regulator of neural stem cell expansion in the adult hippocampus.
Effect of ducts on the hydrodynamic performance of marine propellers
Authors: Liu Yang , Gong Qingwei , Bian Yongning , Suo Qinghui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Hydrodynamic forces and efficiency of bare propeller and ducted propellers with a wide range of advance ratio (J) and attack angle (θ) are examined. The thrust and torque coefficients and the efficiency are presented and discussed in detail. The present results give a reliable guidance to the improvement of the hydrodynamic characteristics of ducted propellers.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of a duct on the hydrodynamic performance of the KP458 propeller is numerically investigated in this study. Finite volume method (FVM)-based simulations are performed for a wide range of advance ratio J (0 ≤ J ≤ 0.75) and attack angle θ of the duct (15° ≤ θ ≤ 45°). A cubic computational domain is employed in this study, and the moving reference frame (MRF) approach is adopted to handle the rotation of the propeller. Turbulence is accounted for with the RNG k-ε model. The present numerical results are first compared against available experimental data and a good agreement is achieved.

Findings

The simulation results demonstrate that the hydrodynamic forces and efficiency increases and decreases with J, respectively, at the same attack angle. In addition, it is demonstrated that the hydrodynamic forces and efficiency are both improved due to the presence of the duct, which eventually leads a better hydrodynamic performance at high advance ratios. It is further revealed that as the attack angle increases, the pressure difference between the suction- and pressure-surfaces of the propeller is also augmented, which results in a larger thrust. The wake field is more uniform at θ = 30°, suggesting that a higher efficiency can be obtained.

Originality/value

The present study aims to investigate the effect of a duct on the KP458 propeller subjected to uniform inbound flow. The relationship between the uniform incoming flow and the attack angle of the duct is mainly focused, and the design of the ducted propellers for any ship hull can be improved according to this relationship.
Change in factor endowment, technological innovation and export: evidence from China’s manufacturing sector
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Ma Ying , Jalil Abdul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

While previous studies find innovation to be an essential driver of export growth, the existing literature has neglected the role of different dimensions of technological innovation in export performance, especially in emerging countries. In particular, much less attention has been provided to investigate how enhancing innovation activities in more technical industries influence the relationship between technological innovation and export. Purpose of this paper is to present a unified framework to empirically investigate the integrated impact of the various technological innovation dimensions on export performance of industrial enterprises in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel dataset of enterprise-level data classified into China’s two-digit capital- and technology-intensive manufacturing industries for the 1998–2016 period and applying system-GMM regressions to control for the problem of endogeneity, the authors empirically investigate the integrated impact of a variety of the dimensions of technological innovation on export.

Findings

The authors find that: (1) Domestic R&D efforts and technology spillovers from foreign investment are critical determinants for capital- and technology-intensive exports. (2) External technology may not automatically contribute to export success whereas the interaction of external technology with domestic skill and expertise is a necessary condition for global competitiveness. (3) There exists complementarity between domestic and foreign innovation efforts when they jointly determine export. (4) Chinese government’s trade and innovation policies have significantly contributed to its export growth. Also, the authors examine that the extent of the effect of innovation on export depends upon the type of industry and it is found to be greater in capital- and technology-intensive industries.

Originality/value

This paper fills the research gap in existing literature by distinguishing between different dimensions of technological innovation and integrating them into a unified framework to empirically investigate their impact on export performance of industrial enterprises in emerging countries. The study provides important insights for policymakers.
Health-seeking behaviour and practices among immigrant retail traders in an urban setting in North-Western Ghana
Authors: Yendaw Elijah , Tampah-Naah Anthony Mwinilanaa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the health-care-seeking behaviour and practices of West African migrants who reside and operate in Wa, Ghana, as itinerant retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was cross-sectional and used the quantitative research approach. The analysis was done on a target population comprising 122 itinerant immigrant retail traders in Wa, Ghana. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Findings

Malaria was the commonest disease among them. Five in ten of the migrants preferred to report malaria episodes to a private health facility than to a government facility. Significant associations were identified between four dimensions (health facility, self-medication, home remedy and consult others) of health-seeking behaviour, and some background characteristics. The main reason why migrants prefer government health facilities was because of their better health personnel. They self-medicated because of easy accessibility of over-the-counter medicine shops. Also, when ill, the migrants usually consulted family members who would be in a position to take them home when their ailment worsens.

Research limitations/implications

Snowball sampling was used to select the respondents which could potentially lead to a sample that is not fully representative of the population in general.

Originality/value

Studies concerning migration and health in Ghana have been focused on internal migrants. Yet, minority immigrant traders equally encounter adverse health conditions but limited studies have been conducted to espouse their health-seeking behaviour. This study imperatively contributes to the subject matter that has limited literature in the country.
Organizational citizenship behavior for the environment: a management perspective
Authors: Akterujjaman Sultan Mohammad , Blaak Liesbeth , Ali Md. Idris , Nijhof Andre
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) of managers and the constructs of the theory of planned behavior: perceived behavioral control (PBC) and attitude toward the environment. The current study also aims to explore the magnitude of this relationship with subjective norms as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from a total number of 140 respondents (managers) from different firms in The Netherlands through an online questionnaire by using a mixture of structured, semi-structured and open-ended questions. Having used the correlation test, the study first conducts the exploratory factor analysis and then the reliability test. Finally, it estimates the coefficients by applying the hierarchical regression model to find the relationship between dependent and explanatory variables.

Findings

Diagnostic test results revealed that data are highly reliable. The coefficient results indicate that PBC and environmental attitude have positive and significant relationships with OCBE. Additionally, subjective norms have a significant and positive effect on strengthening the relationship between PBC and OCBE; however, it has no impact on the relationship between environmental attitude and OCBE.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some caveats. First, the results presented in the research are derived from a single moment in time. The second limitation has to do with the insignificant results for the construct of environmental attitude. Third, this study comprises a data set obtained from different companies in The Netherlands.

Practical implications

Organizations that want to increase their environmental performance could look at the PBC, environmental attitude and subjective norms of the managers in regard to OCBE.

Originality/value

The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the way PBC, environmental attitude and subjective norms positively affect OCBE. Future research should investigate organizational citizenship within business firms by considering corporate social responsibility as a key variable.
Inside the multi-tier supply firm: exploring responses to institutional pressures and challenges for sustainable supply management
Authors: Nath Shobod Deba , Eweje Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how multi-tier suppliers respond to the institutional pressures for the implementation of sustainable supply management (SSM) practices in supply chains, and what institutional logics allow them to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research design, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 46 owners and managers of multi-tier suppliers and 18 key informants of diverse stakeholders. Following an abductive approach, institutional theory conceptually guides the analytical iteration processes between theory and interview data.

Findings

The findings demonstrate two kinds of thematic responses to institutional pressures – coupling (good side) and decoupling (dark side) of the supply chain – used by the factory management of multi-tier suppliers. This paper also identifies multiple institutional logics – market-led logic, values-led logic and holistic sustainability logic – that are perceived to conflict (trade-offs) and complement (synergies) the SSM implementation.

Research limitations/implications

By investigating the perspectives of the factory management of upstream apparel suppliers, this study enhances the understanding of the connection between (de)coupling responses and institutional logics inside the multi-tier supplier firms. Further research would be required to include more downstream tiers including the ultimate users.

Practical implications

The findings may be of particular attention to brand-owning apparel retailers, industry leaders and policymakers who are seeking to understand multi-tier suppliers' challenges, conflicts and (de)coupling responses, and become aware of how they can be dealt with.

Originality/value

This study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable multi-tier supply chain management by connecting it to the wider application of institutional theory.
Bladder and bowel symptoms following imprisonment in West Australian female prisons
Authors: Rice Amee , Thompson Judith Anne , Briffa Kathy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the presence of bladder and bowel symptoms in women recently imprisoned in Western Australian prisons, specifically; stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, nocturia, nocturnal enuresis and constipation and the impact on the quality of life (QOL).

Design/methodology/approach

Over a 12-month period 29 women, recently released from Western Australia’s female prisons, were surveyed using a questionnaire previously validated for the prison population. The Short Form King’s Health Questionnaire and a modified version of the Manchester Health Questionnaire were used to assess the effects of these symptoms on QOL.

Findings

Of those surveyed only one respondent reported having no bladder or bowel symptoms following release from prison. Trends assessed by Chi-square analysis suggest women imprisoned for any period of time are more likely to develop both bladder and bowel symptoms which persist after release back into the community. A history of substance or alcohol abuse is often concurrent with the presence of symptoms. QOL scores are also lower for those reporting either bladder or bowel symptoms affecting total scores and the domains of both activities of daily living and mental health.

Originality/value

Women imprisoned for any length of time developed bladder and bowel symptoms which had a negative impact on their QOL. Larger studies need to be conducted to investigate these trends and whether small changes in conservative measures can influence outcomes.