bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Management on Hospital Performance
Authors: Asaria Miqdad , Gershlick Benjamin , McGuire Alistair , Street Andrew
Published: June 2020

There is a prevailing popular belief that expenditure on management by healthcare providers is wasteful, diverts resources from patient care, and distracts medical and nursing staff from getting on with their jobs. There is little existing evidence to support this narrative or counter-claims. We explore the relationship between management and public sector hospital performance using a fixed effects empirical econometric specification on a panel data set consisting of all 129 non-specialist acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England for the financial years 2012/13 to 2018/19. Measures of managerial input and quality of management practice are constructed from NHS Electronic Staff Records and NHS Staff Survey data. Hospital accounts and Hospital Episode Statistics data are used to construct five measures of financial performance and of timely and high quality care. We find no evidence of association either between quantity of management and management quality nor directly between quantity of management and any of our measures of hospital performance. However, there is some evidence that higher quality management is associated with better performance. NHS managers have limited discretion in performing their managerial functions, being tightly circumscribed by official guidance, targets, and other factors outside their control. Given these constraints, our findings are unsurprising.
Rapid and accurate detection of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using CRISPR-Cas3
Authors: Yoshimi Kazuto , Takeshita Kohei , Yamayoshi Seiya , Shibumura Satomi , Yamauchi Yuko , Yamamoto Masaki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Mashimo Tomoji
Published: June 2020

Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have rapidly spread to multiple countries, highlighting the urgent necessity for fast, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for virus surveillance. Here, the previously unknown collateral single-stranded DNA cleavage we observed with type I CRISPR-Cas3 highlights its potential for development as a Cas3-mediated rapid (within 40 min), low-cost, instrument-free detection method for SARS-CoV-2. This Cas3-based assay is comparable with Cas12- and real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR-based assays in its speed and sensitivity, but offers greater specificity for single-base-pair discrimination while negating the need for highly trained operators. These findings support the use of CRISPR diagnostics for point-of-care testing in patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Crystal structures of [(μ2-L1)dibromidodicopper(II)] dibromide and poly[[(μ2-L1)diiodidodicopper(I)]-di-μ-iodido-dicopper(I)], where L1 is 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexathia-[9.9](2,6,3,5)-pyrazinophane
Authors: Assoumatine Tokouré , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: June 2020

The reaction of the hexathiapyrazinophane ligand, 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexathia-[9.9](2,6,3,5)-pyrazinophane (L1), with copper(II) dibromide led to the formation of a binuclear complex, [μ2-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexathia-[9.9](2,6,3,5)-pyrazinophane]bis[bromidocopper(II)] dibromide, [Cu2Br2(C16H24N2S6)]Br2, (I). The complex possesses inversion symmetry with the pyrazine ring being situated about a center of symmetry. The ligand coordinates to the copper(II) atom in a bis-tetradentate manner and the copper atom has a fivefold NS3Br coordination environment with a distorted shape. The reaction of ligand L1 with copper(I) iodide also gave a binuclear complex, which is bridged by a Cu2I2 unit to form a two-dimensional coordination polymer, poly[[μ2-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexathia-[9.9](2,6,3,5)-pyrazinophane]tetra-μ-iodido-tetracopper(I)], [Cu4I4(C16H24N2S6)]
n
, (II). The binuclear unit possesses inversion symmetry with the pyrazine ring being located about a center of symmetry. The Cu2I2 unit is also located about an inversion center. The two independent copper(I) atoms are both fourfold coordinate. That coordinating to the ligand L1 in a bis-tridentate manner has an NS2I coordination environment and an irregular shape, while the second copper(I) atom, where L1 coordinates in a bis-monodentate manner, has an SI3 coordination environment with an almost perfect tetrahedral geometry. In the crystal of I, the cations and Br− anions are linked by a number of C—H...S and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming a supramolecular network. In the crystal of II, the two-dimensional coordination polymers lie parallel to the ab plane and there are no significant inter-layer contacts present.
CEO’s with global experience and outward foreign direct investment: a contextualized analysis of Chinese firms
Authors: Sun Kai , Fung Hung-Gay , Zeng Yuping , Qiao Penghua
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of chief executive officers (CEOs’) global experience (GE) on the Chinese firms’ outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and provides new insights on how CEOs’ foreign study and education experiences may affect firms’ OFDI. Further, this paper examines whether CEO power and state ownership have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CEOs’ GE and firms’ OFDI.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used panel data of Chinese manufacturing companies in 2007-2016 to examine different hypotheses. The authors tested them using a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model to shed light on the effect of CEOs’ GE on the firms’ OFDI.

Findings

This study found that CEOs’ GE generally promotes Chinese firms’ OFDI. CEOs’ foreign study experience has a stronger effect than foreign education experience. Further, CEO power and state ownership have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CEOs’ GE and firms’ OFDI.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have two important implications for managers and policy-makers. First, globally experienced CEOs are vital for firms to succeed in today’s highly competitive global environment. Second, CEO power is important in firms’ OFDI decision-making.

Originality/value

The authors use path dependency and upper echelons theories to show that GE, particularly foreign study experience, enables CEOs to take advantage of available resources in the market and institutional environment to create a path for the firm to expand globally.
Review of carbon footprint assessment in textile industry
Authors: Zhang Jin , Qian Xiaoming , Feng Jing
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Under the global climate change, carbon footprint has become a hot issue at home and abroad. However, there is no consensus on the concept, measurement and application of carbon footprint.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, the concept and connotation of carbon footprint are reviewed; then, different methods of carbon footprint measurement are compared, and it is found that “bottom-up” life cycle assessment and “top-down” input–output analysis are applicable to different research scales.

Findings

Finally, the problems in the process of carbon footprint assessment in textile industry are analyzed and further research directions are proposed.

Originality/value

Analyzed and further research directions are proposed.
Multi-objective mathematical model based on fuzzy hybrid multi-criteria decision-making and FMEA approach for the risks of oil and gas projects
Authors: Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Balafshan Rose , Hafezalkotob Ashkan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing risk factors in oil and gas projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consists of several sections. In the first section, 19 common potential risks in the projects of Pars Oil and Gas Company were finalized in six groups using the Lawshe validation method. These factors were identified through previous literature review and interviews with experts. Then, using the “best-worst multi-criteria decision-making” method, the study measured the weights associated with the performance evaluation indicators of each risk. Consequently, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and the grey relational analysis (GRA)-VIKOR mixed method were used to rank and determine the critical risks. Finally, to assign response strategies to each critical risk, a zero-one multi-objective mathematical programming model was proposed and developed Epsilon-constraint method was used to solve it.

Findings

Given the typical constraints of projects which are time, cost and quality, of the projects that companies are often faced with, this study presents the identified risks of oil and gas projects to the managers of the oil and gas company in accordance with the priority given in the present research and the response to each risk is also suggested to be used by managers based on their organizational circumstances.

Originality/value

This study aims at qualitative management of cost risks of oil and gas projects (case study of Pars Oil and Gas Company) by combining FMEA, best worst and GRA-VIKOR methods under fuzzy environment and Epsilon constraints. According to studies carried out in previous studies, the simultaneous management of quantitative and qualitative cost of risk of oil and gas projects in Iran has not been carried out and the combination of these methods has also been innovated.
Fueling knowledge management processes in Chinese higher education institutes (HEIs): the neglected mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction
Authors: Sahibzada Umar Farooq , Jianfeng Cai , Latif Khawaja Fawad , Sahibzada Hassam Farooq
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Constructed upon knowledge-based view, the study examines the influence of internal marketing on knowledge management processes and the indirect association of knowledge management processes with organizational performance through mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample frame of 536 academic and administrative employees from higher education institutions in China; structural equation modeling was performed using Smart PLS 3.2.8.

Findings

The outcome reveals that internal marketing has a significant impact on knowledge management processes. The results revealed a direct insignificant impact of knowledge management processes on organizational performance; the study found full mediation of knowledge worker satisfaction on the linkage between knowledge management processes and organizational performance.

Practical implications

Outcomes of this research strengthen the universities’ experience of knowledge management and recommend how academics and administrators of higher education institute can value knowledge worker satisfaction, which in turn improves organizational performance.

Originality/value

Although, there is an increased significance of knowledge management in higher education institutions, there is a lack of research that examines the enabling factors and outcomes of knowledge management practices. The present study is one of the first studies to ascertain the relationship of internal marketing, knowledge management processes, knowledge worker satisfaction and organizational performance. This is one of the initial research studies that not only empirically examines the interrelationships among these variables but also enlightens insights into the current literature by instantaneous investigation of the mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction.
Healthcare service users as resource integrators: investigating factors influencing the co-creation of value at individual, dyadic and systemic levels
Authors: Virlée Justine Brigitte , Hammedi Wafa , van Riel Allard C.R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Patients, when using healthcare services, (co)create value by integrating their own resources with those of a range of stakeholders. These resource integration activities, however, require different types of skills and effort from the patients, and different types of interactions with stakeholders, while also having different effects on patients' well-being. The purpose of the present study is to develop a better understanding of why some patients are better able or willing to perform resource integration activities that impact their well-being. To reach this objective, barriers and facilitators of these activities in their interactions with various stakeholders were identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multiple case study design. Individual patients having received a lung transplant, together with their entourage (family, medical professionals, other patients) each represent a case. In-depth interviews were conducted with the patients and with various categories of stakeholders in their service delivery network who were relevant to their experience and with whom they integrated their resources.

Findings

The study identifies three levels on which barriers and facilitators of the resource integration process occur: the individual, relational and systemic level. Factors on these levels affect different aspects of the process.

Originality/value

This study takes a systems perspective and investigates how various systemic factors and stakeholders conduce or inhibit healthcare service users to perform resource integration activities, especially focusing on those activities that strongly affect their well-being.
Translational mechanisms in business model design: introducing the continuous validation framework
Authors: Corbo Leonardo , Mahassel Shadi , Ferraris Alberto
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims at proposing knowledge translation as an element of business model design that can support entrepreneurs in achieving alignment and collaboration between entrepreneurial teams and external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model presented in the paper is developed from the literature review and draws mainly on two streams of work as follows: first, the contributions related to the lean start-up methodology initially developed by Blank and Ries and second, the work of Osterwalder and Pigneur on business models and its subsequent developments. In addition, we draw on key insights from the entrepreneurship and organizational learning literature, such as discovery-driven planning and disciplined entrepreneurship.

Findings

The continuous validation framework (CVF) is introduced, posing the attention on underlining knowledge-translation mechanisms to decode complex concepts related to new venture creation.

Originality/value

The authors propose a new framework (the CVF) as an effective translational tool because it is a visual diagram that allows entrepreneurs to translate complex and technical ideas into a format that is more understandable for external audiences. Additionally, for each step of the CVF, specific translational mechanisms are defined and discussed, as each stage of the CVF presents specific translational challenges that result in outcomes that differ from stage to stage.
What Was Parliamentary Reporting? A Study of Aims and Results in the London Daily Newspapers, 1780–96*
Authors: Harris Ian
Published: June 2020

The nature of these newspaper reports – that is, the character of their principal content – has never been studied, despite its obvious importance and, as we shall see, its marked differences from our Hansard. This article relates their nature to a vital feature of parliamentary leadership, the ability to lead the argument in debate. The practical reasoning in parliamentary deliberation and justification, especially what speakers contributed towards the outcome or ‘the sense of the debate’, predominated in these reports. This implied a need for reporters to concentrate on the ‘substance’ of speeches and their bearing on the motion. One result was that speeches which were judged to define or develop arguments pro and con were treated at length, the defining speeches most extensively and others in proportion to what they added. Conversely, speeches which reiterated known positions or which were irrelevant to the arguments in hand were omitted or downplayed, even if they were important in some other way, while whole debates which added little to ongoing discussion could be treated quite briefly. But if being a front bencher did not guarantee coverage, being a back bencher was no bar: the criterion was the importance of a speaker's contribution, while the manner of coverage accented what was contributed. The reporters’ concerns emphasized debates that promised significant change in matters of national importance, but gave relatively little attention to recurrent or localised business as such. Their writing – they were known as debate writers or news‐writers – was interpretation answering to evaluative and selective criteria rather than a record in a simple sense. Their work is not to be understood in the same terms as a modern Hansard, and in particular not as a defective Hansard, but rather is such that it requires further work on a wide range of new research questions if it is to be understood to best effect, a requirement which suggests a need to study it critically before using it as source material.
The chemical composition of barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces from the Canary Islands
Authors: Panizo‐Casado María , Déniz‐Expósito Pilar , Rodríguez‐Galdón Beatriz , Afonso‐Morales Desirée , Ríos‐Mesa Domingo , Díaz‐Romero Carlos , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Elena M.
Published: June 2020

The proximate composition, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, minerals, and trace elements were determined in 42 barley landraces in order to highlight their nutritional potential and promote their cultivation. Two‐row barley landraces had a higher average content of starch, protein, total phenolic compounds, and iron, when compared with six‐row ones that presented higher mean ash and fiber concentrations. Additionally, the six‐row barley landraces with strongly pigmented grains had lower zinc and manganese and higher protein mean concentrations than the whitish or lightly pigmented barley landraces. Factor analysis and linear discriminant analysis were used to correctly differentiate samples according to type of barley (landrace or commercial) and number of rows. In general, all the parameters varied considerably among the barley landraces analyzed, but some barley landraces could be emphasized according to fiber, minerals, and phenolic antioxidants. There were important differences in the mean values in all the chemical parameters according to the island of origin of the barley grains. The application of linear discriminant analysis was also a useful tool to differentiate all the barley landraces with six rows according to the island of origin.

Practical Application

Barley is a versatile cereal that can be used for human and animal feed, brewing, and as biodiesel. From the nutritional point of view, barley is rich in starch, protein, dietary fiber and minerals, as well as antioxidant compounds and vitamins. The landraces analyzed in this study have remained intact for the last 900 years, which gives opportunity to genome of these barley landraces to evolve some very specific traits. The physicochemical characterization of these local landraces carried out by us could be very useful as a source of new quality in breeding programs.
Comparison of phenolics, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of two Hypsizygus marmoreus varieties
Authors: Xu Qiuxiong , Wang Hong , Li Tong , Chen Ling , Zheng Bisheng , Liu Rui Hai
Published: June 2020

Phenolics, antioxidant activities, and antiproliferative properties of brown Hypsizygus marmoreus (brown HM) and white Hypsizygus marmoreus (white HM) were compared. The results showed that the contents of (+)‐catechin, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid of brown HM were higher than those of white HM. Moreover, brown HM had greater cellular antioxidant activity (CAA), peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values than white HM, which demonstrated that brown HM presented a stronger antioxidant capacity. Both of brown HM and white HM showed remarkable antiproliferative activities against HepG2 cells and brown HM was proven to be the more effective. The flow cytometry results revealed that both of brown HM and white HM could induce G1 arrest and cell apoptotics in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, CyclinD1, CDK4, and Bcl‐2 mRNA expression levels were downregulated with the treatment of brown HM or white HM. Taken together, our study revealed that brown HM afforded better antioxidant and antiproliferative activities than white HM and laid the foundation for potential application of Hypsizygus marmoreus as source of nutraceuticals and functional food products.

Practical Application

A systematic assessment of the potential differences of phenolics, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities between different Hypsizygus marmoreus varieties was carried out in the present study. Furthermore, our findings would present possible antiproliferative mechanism of extracts of different Hypsizygus marmoreus varieties, which may provide theoretical basis for further development and utilization of Hypsizygus marmoreus.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and peficitinib in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The relative efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and peficitinib were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Method

We performed a Bayesian network meta‐analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and peficitinib in combination with DMARDs in patients with an inadequate response to DMARDs.

Results

Nine RCTs, including 3836 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen pairwise comparisons were performed, including six direct comparisons of seven interventions. Tofacitinib 10 mg+methotrexate (MTX) and peficitinib 150 mg+MTX were among the most effective treatments for patients with active RA with an inadequate DMARD response. The efficacy of tofacitinib 10 mg+MTX, peficitinib 150 mg+MTX or tofacitinib 5 mg+MTX tended to be higher than that of adalimumab+MTX. The ranking probability based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve indicated that tofacitinib 10 mg+MTX had the greatest probability of being the best treatment to achieve the American College of Rheumatology 20 response rate, followed by peficitinib 150 mg+MTX, tofacitinib 5 mg+MTX, adalimumab+MTX, peficitinib 100 mg+MTX, and placebo+MTX. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of serious adverse events after treatment with tofacitinib+MTX, peficitinib+MTX, adalimumab+MTX, or placebo+MTX.

Conclusions

In patients with RA with an inadequate response to DMARDs, tofacitinib 10 mg+MTX and peficitinib 150 mg+MTX were the most efficacious interventions and were not associated with a significant risk of serious adverse events.
A nurse‐led, rheumatologist‐assisted telemedicine intervention for dose escalation of urate‐lowering therapy in gout
Authors: Phang Kee Fong , Santosa Amelia , Low Bernadette P. L. , Tan Pamela S. H. , Khong Zhi Wei , Lim Anita Y. N. , Teng Gim Gee , Tay Sen Hee
Published: June 2020

Aims

Urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) is effective in gout, but suboptimal management with wide variability in dose escalation remains widespread. We protocolized dose escalation of ULT to improve gout management. The aim was to reduce time to achieve target serum urate (SU) <360 µmol/L.

Methods

Process improvement tools were used to identify underlying causes of prolonged time to target SU. We designed a nurse‐led telemedicine intervention for dose escalation of ULT. Patients with gout with SU ≥360 µmol/L meeting indications for ULT at a single institution were recruited. Exclusion criteria were estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min, pregnancy, cognitive impairment and poor mobility. A nurse‐led telemedicine clinic was set up to perform patient education, monitoring of adverse events and drug escalation. We partnered with primary healthcare centers for routine blood tests.

Results

From July 2016 to December 2017, 127 patients were recruited. Median time to target SU was 19.0 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 11.0‐31.0). Median dose of allopurinol was 300 mg/d (IQR 200‐400) in normal renal function and lower in renal impairment. Median telemedicine calls required to achieve target SU was 2 (IQR 1‐3). No patient was hospitalized for gout flares. Two patients had adverse drug reactions, one required cessation of allopurinol for rash with eosinophilia, the other had self‐resolving ulcers and allopurinol was continued. Lower baseline SU and number of gout flares were associated with attainment of target SU.

Conclusion

A nurse‐led telemedicine for gout care is effective and safe. Our results affirm the utility of telemedicine in increasing access to care and lower healthcare utilization.
Anti‐alanyl tRNA positive antisynthase syndrome with Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: He Nan , Lu Dingqi , Xue Jing , Wang Xinchang
Published: June 2020

We report a rare case of antisynthase syndrome (ASS) complicated with Kaposi sarcoma, analyze its clinical characteristics, and review the literature on the topic. An 80‐year‐old male patient developed fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Lung high‐resolution computed tomography showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in both lungs, and myositis antibody examination showed strongly positive anti‐alanyl tRNA synthase (PL‐12) antibodies. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with ASS. After full‐dose glucocorticoid treatment, the symptoms of fever and cough were relieved, but skin thickening and pigmentation in both feet were observed. We confirmed Kaposi sarcoma through skin pathology and immunohistochemical examination of the bottom of the patient's feet, and the patient was transferred to a cancer hospital for radiotherapy. ASS presents with some skin changes that might lead to misdiagnosis. ASS complicated with Kaposi sarcoma is rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported in China.
Blood glucose fluctuations detected by continuous glucose monitoring system in gout patients with normal glucose tolerance and the effect of urate‐lowering therapy
Authors: Mu Zepeng , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Lv Wenshan , Chen Ying , Wang Fang , Zhao Yuhang , Dong Bingzi , Wang Yangang , Wang Zhongchao
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are blood glucose fluctuations in gout patients with hyperuricemia and normal glucose tolerance, and the effect of urate‐lowering therapy on blood glucose fluctuations.

Methods

Thirty patients with newly diagnosed gout, hyperuricemia and normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in our study. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was used to detect the blood glucose fluctuations of these gout patients. Changes in blood glucose fluctuations after allopurinol therapy were also evaluated.

Results

Compared with the reference values of blood glucose fluctuation parameters in China, gout patients had greater glycemic fluctuations including higher mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE) (4.65 vs 1.94 mmol/L, P < .001), higher largest amplitude of blood glucose excursions (LAGE) (4.99 vs 3.72 mmol/L, P < .001) and higher standard deviations of blood glucose (SDBG) (1.36 vs 0.79 mmol/L, P < .001). MAGE was significantly correlated with uric acid (β = .007, P = .024) and HOMA‐insulin resistance (IR) (β = .508, P = .03). Allopurinol treatment significantly reduced MAGE (4.16 vs 4.65 mmol/L, P < .001), SDBG (0.99 vs 1.36 mmol/L, P < .001) and HOMA‐IR (2.26 vs 3.01, P < .001) in gout patients.

Conclusion

Blood glucose fluctuation increased even in the stage of normal glucose tolerance among gout patients. Blood glucose fluctuations in gout patients were associated with the level of serum uric acid and allopurinol could decrease blood glucose fluctuation as well as IR.
The problem of widows
Authors: DAVIDSON JOANNA
Published: June 2020

How does an ethnographer inquire about a social category that is neither named nor recognized as such? The Ejamat Jola language has no word for widow, even though more than a third of households in the Jola villages of Guinea‐Bissau are occupied by women whose husbands have died. Over years of fieldwork, I have tried to explain why widows were not named or even seen by Jola villagers. Chronicling how each of my explanations was undercut by both Jola responses and my own critical scrutiny, I recount the impasses of an ethnographic quest and show the gradual process of gaining insight into experiences that cannot be encapsulated by either local or anthropological models. The unspeakable can signal not only profound fragilities in social relations but also openings for new social formations beyond the normative bounds of received cultural categories. [widows, marriage, gender, production, reproduction, silence, ethnography, Jola, Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa]
Comprehensive genomic diagnosis of inherited retinal and optical nerve disorders reveals hidden syndromes and personalized therapeutic options
Authors: Diñeiro Marta , Capín Raquel , Cifuentes Guadalupe Á. , Fernández‐Vega Beatriz , Villota Eva , Otero Andrea , Santiago Adrián , Pruneda Patricia C. , Castillo David , Viejo‐Díaz Mónica , Hernando Inés , Durán Noelia S. , Álvarez Rebeca , Lago Claudia G. , Ordóñez Gonzalo R. , Fernández‐Vega Álvaro , Cabanillas Rubén , Cadiñanos Juan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In the era of precision medicine, genomic characterization of blind patients is critical. Here, we evaluate the effects of comprehensive genetic analysis on the etiologic diagnosis of potentially hereditary vision loss and its impact on clinical management.

Methods

We studied 100 non‐syndromic and syndromic Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of blindness caused by alterations on the retina, choroid, vitreous and/or optic nerve. We used a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel (OFTALMOgenics™), developed and validated within this study, including up to 362 genes previously associated with these conditions.

Results

We identified the genetic cause of blindness in 45% of patients (45/100). A total of 28.9% of genetically diagnosed cases (13/45) were syndromic and, of those, in 30.8% (4/13) extraophthalmic features had been overlooked and/or not related to visual impairment before genetic testing, including cases with Mainzer‐Saldino, Bardet‐Biedl, mucolipidosis and MLCRD syndromes. In two additional cases–syndromic blindness had been proposed before, but not specifically diagnosed, and one patient with Heimler syndrome had been misdiagnosed as an Usher case before testing. 33.3% of the genetically diagnosed patients (15/45) had causative variants in genes targeted by clinical trials exploring the curative potential of gene therapy approaches.

Conclusion

Comprehensive genomic testing provided clinically relevant insights in a large proportion of blind patients, identifying potential therapeutic opportunities or previously undiagnosed syndromes in 42.2% of the genetically diagnosed cases (19/45).
Growth failure is rare in a contemporary cohort of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Ashton James J. , Green Zachary , Young Aneurin , Borca Florina , Coelho Tracy , Batra Akshay , Afzal Nadeem A. , Ennis Sarah , Johnson Mark J. , Beattie R. Mark
Published: June 2020

Aim

We assessed growth in a paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) cohort.

Methods

Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients were eligible if they were diagnosed at Southampton Children's Hospital from 2011 to 2018. Weight and height standard deviation scores (SDS) were retrieved. Mean SDS values, SDS change and anti‐TNF status were analysed at diagnosis and during follow‐up.

Results

Four hundred and ninety patients were included, 313 with Crohn's disease (CD). CD patients presented with mean height SDS −0.13, −0.1 at 1‐year, −0.11 at 2‐years and −0.03 at 5 years, reflecting preserved linear growth. There was no significant height‐SDS change from diagnosis to 5‐year follow‐up, +0.12, 95%‐CI: 0.48 to −0.24. Mean weight‐SDS at diagnosis was −0.39, driven by CD patients (−0.65). Mean weight‐SDS approached 0 after 1 year and remained at the 50th centile throughout follow‐up. Growth in ulcerative colitis was maintained. In multivariable regression males had worse height growth from diagnosis to transition (P = .036). Anti‐TNF treatment (P = .013) and surgical resection (P = .005) were also associated with poorer linear growth. Patients treated with anti‐TNF therapy had lower height‐SDS compared to those never treated with anti‐TNF at 1 year (−0.2 vs −0.01, P = .22), 2‐years (−0.27 vs −0.01, P = .07) and 5 years (−0.21 vs 0.25, P = .051).

Conclusion

Height was generally maintained in Crohn's disease, and impaired linear growth was rare in this cohort.
Shrinking opportunities for establishment of native annual forbs in fragmented grassy woodlands
Authors: Morgan John W. , Ebsary Jemma
Published: June 2020

Questions

Repeat vegetation surveys in fragmented woodlands in southeast Australia show native and exotic annual plant species have different trajectories of abundance; native annuals are declining while exotic annuals are increasing. We ask: is the divergent species origin response due to fundamental differences in germination cues and/or “safe‐sites” for establishment?

Location

Temperate grassy woodlands, southern Victoria, Australia.

Methods

We quantified patch type frequency in the field. Diurnal temperature effects on four native annual forbs and three exotic annual grasses were assessed in a laboratory germination trial. We used a glasshouse experiment to assess the effects of patch type (bare ground, tree litter, grass litter, moss mat) on the emergence and growth of two native and two exotic annuals.

Results

Exotic annuals typically had higher and more rapid germination across a wider range of diurnal temperatures than native annuals. Emergence of native and exotic annuals was highest on bare ground patches but was suppressed by leaf litter and moss mat. Native annuals did not emerge from under a moss mat and germinated much less than exotics in all patch types. Seedling growth of native annuals was suppressed by tree litter whereas growth of exotic species was not suppressed by litter or the moss mat.

Conclusions

The regeneration niche of the native annual forb species we examined was typically narrower than that of exotic annual grasses. Many of the differences in response between native and exotic species may be due to seed traits such as seed mass; native annuals have much smaller seeds than exotic annual species. This likely affects the persistence, germination cues, co‐existence and restoration potential of native annuals in fragmented grassy woodlands that have lost their endogenous disturbance agents.
Abnormal processing of IL-1β in NLRP7-mutated monocytes in hydatidiform mole patients
Authors: Zhang P , Zhu X , Yu X , Huang B , Jiang T , Zhang X , Yang H , Qian J
Published: June 2020

NOD-like receptor pyrin 7 (NLRP7) has been identified as the major gene responsible for the recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM). The immunological role of NLRP7 mutation in HM patients has not been conclusively demonstrated. Hence, we aim to demonstrate this role in our study. We followed 12 new patients with NLRP7 non-synonymous variations (NSVs) from date to date. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected separately from patients with and without NLRP7 mutation. Supernatant interleukin (IL)-1β secretion, intracellular pro-IL-1β and mature IL-1β expressions were measured after 24 h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Plasmids with corresponding NSVs were generated to evaluate the ability of processing pro-IL-1β into mature IL-1β in vitro. Homozygous or compound heterozygous NLRP7 mutations secreted less IL-1β in roots of abnormal intracellular pro-IL-1β or mature IL-1β, according to different domains. Plasmids with NSVs could also affect processing or/and trafficking together with caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC). Inflammasome-related NLRP7 mutation is a potential mechanism of RHM.
Shedding light on the clinical recognition process of transient global amnesia
Authors: Hoyer C. , Ebert A. , Pooyeh A. , Eisele P. , Gass A. , Platten M. , Szabo K.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Diagnostic uncertainty is common in the emergency evaluation of neurological conditions such as acute confusional states, particularly for non‐neurologists. We aimed to investigate the clinical recognition process of transient global amnesia (TGA) before arrival at the hospital and in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, medical records of 365 patients with TGA were analysed concerning mode of arrival, symptoms and suspected diagnosis made by pre‐hospital medical care providers and the ED neurologist.

Results

More than half of the 248 patients who were evaluated before arrival at the hospital (N = 157, 63.3%) received a diagnosis of suspected stroke, whereas TGA was considered in only 16 patients (6.5%), with recognition of acute amnesia in 150 patients (60.5%) and disturbed orientation in 86 patients (34.7%). Repetitive questions by the patient were noted in 28 patients (11.3%). In contrast, in 355 patients (97.3%), TGA was considered the primary diagnosis by the ED neurologist. Diagnosis in the ED was achieved by documenting ongoing impairment of episodic verbal memory (100.0%), repetitive questions as a prominent ancillary finding (95.5%) and the lack of focal neurological symptoms (100.0%) or by carefully obtaining collateral history suggestive of anterograde memory disturbance (89.9%) and/or repetitive questions (85.7%).

Conclusion

Recognizing TGA crucially depends on identifying isolated anterograde episodic long‐term memory disturbance or its observable effects such as repetitive questions and actions.
Modulation of posttraumatic epileptogenesis in aquaporin‐4 knockout mice
Authors: Szu Jenny I. , Patel Dillon D. , Chaturvedi Som , Lovelace Jonathan W. , Binder Devin K.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine the role of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in posttraumatic epileptogenesis using long‐term video‐electroencephalographic (vEEG) recordings. Here, differences in EEG were analyzed between wild‐type (WT) and AQP4 knockout (KO) mice and between mice with and without posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE).

Methods

WT and AQP4 KO mice were subjected to a single controlled cortical impact traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the frontal cortex, and vEEG was recorded in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 14, 30, 60, and 90 days postinjury (dpi). Intrahippocampal electrical stimulation was also used to assess electrographic seizure threshold and electrographic seizure duration (ESD).

Results

The mean seizure frequency per day for WT mice was 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.11 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.13, and 0.12 ± 0.10 at 14, 30, 60, and 90 dpi, respectively. The mean seizure frequency per day for AQP4 KO mice was 0.45 ± 0.27, 0.29 ± 0.12, and 0.26 ± 0.19 at 14, 30, and 60 dpi, respectively. The mean seizure duration was 15 ± 2 seconds and 24 ± 3 seconds for WT and AQP4 KO mice, respectively. The percentage of mice that developed PTE were 28% and 37% for WT and AQP4 KO mice, respectively. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis revealed alterations in EEG frequency bands between sham and TBI in both genotypes. Additionally, PSD analysis of spontaneous recurrent seizures revealed alterations in delta power between genotypes. Morlet wavelet analysis detected heterogeneity in EEG seizure subtypes and dynamic EEG power patterns after TBI. Compared with AQP4 KO mice, a significant increase in ESD was observed in WT mice at 14 dpi.

Significance

Posttraumatic seizures (PTSs) may be modulated by the astrocyte water channel AQP4. Absence of AQP4 increases the number of spontaneous seizures, increases seizure duration, and alters EEG power patterns of PTSs.
First report of Zaprionus indianus and Z. tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Halima Kamel M. , Ben Cheik Z. , Zouari S. , Mdellel L. , Balmès V.
Published: June 2020

In October 2019, unusual damage was observed on Carissa macrocarpa (Apocynaceae) fruit at the ornamental nursery of the Higher Agronomic Institute (ISA CM), Chott Mariem (Sousse, Tunisia). Samples of fruit were collected and brought to the laboratory for observation and rearing. After a few days, adult flies emerged from infested fruit. Zaprionus indianus Gupta, Z. tuberculatus Malloch (Diptera Drosophilidae) and Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera, Tephritidae) were identified morphologically. Information on the morphology, distribution and ecology of the two Zaprionus species are provided. This is the first record of Z. indianus and Z. tuberculatus in Tunisia.
Effects of endurance racing on horse plasma extracellular particle miRNA
Authors: de Oliveira Getúlio P. , Porto William F. , Palu Cintia C. , Pereira Lydyane M. , Reis Alessandra M. M. , Marçola Tatiana G. , Teixeira‐Neto Antonio R. , Franco Octavio L. , Pereira Rinaldo W.
Published: June 2020

Background

Physical exercise is an essential factor in preventing and treating metabolic diseases by promoting systemic benefits throughout the body. The molecular factors involved in this process are poorly understood. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that inhibit mRNA transcription. MiRNAs, which can participate in the benefits of exercise to health, circulate in plasma in extracellular particles (EP). Horses that undergo endurance racing are an excellent model to study the impact of long‐duration/low intensity exercise in plasma EP miRNAs.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of 160 km endurance racing on horse plasma extracellular particles and their miRNA population.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

We collected plasma from five Arabian horses during five time‐points of an endurance ride. Extracellular particles were purified from plasma and characterised by electron microscopy, resistive pulse sensing (qNano) and western blotting. Small RNAs were purified from horse plasma EP, and sequencing was performed.

Results

Endurance racing increased EP concentration and average diameter compared to before the race. Western blotting showed a high concentration of extracellular vesicles proteins 2 hours after the race, which returned to baseline 15 hours after the race. MicroRNA differential expression analysis revealed increasing levels of eca‐miR‐486‐5p during and after the race, and decreasing levels of eca‐miR‐9083 after the end.

Conclusions

This study adds new data about the variation in plasma EP concentrations after long‐distance exercise and brings new insights about the roles of exercise‐derived EP miRNAs during low‐intensity endurance exercise.
Communication Mediators of the Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction Among Army Soldiers
Authors: Knobloch Leanne K. , Basinger Erin D.
Published: June 2020

Objective

We evaluated two fundamental communication processes, self‐disclosure and destructive conflict management strategies, as mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among married U.S. soldiers.

Background

Identifying the communication behaviors underlying why people with depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship is a high priority for research, and pinpointing relevant mediators is especially important among military personnel who face particular job stressors and relationship challenges.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional self‐report data from a representative sample of 4,196 married U.S. soldiers who participated in the all‐Army component of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).

Results

Mediation was apparent such that people's depressive symptoms had indirect associations with their relationship satisfaction through both their self‐disclosure and their reports of their partner's destructive conflict management strategies. In contrast, mediation was not evident for their reports of their own destructive conflict management strategies.

Conclusion

Less self‐disclosure and more destructive conflict management strategies by a partner may be reasons why soldiers experiencing depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship.

Implications

Communication skills training for self‐disclosure and conflict management may help break the link between depressive symptoms and relationship dissatisfaction.
Age‐related factors that affect B cell responses to vaccination in mice and humans
Authors: Frasca Daniela , Blomberg Bonnie B. , Garcia Denisse , Keilich Spencer R. , Haynes Laura
Published: June 2020

Aging significantly changes the ability to respond to vaccinations and infections. In this review, we summarize published results on age‐related changes in response to infection with the influenza virus and on the factors known to increase influenza risk infection leading to organ failure and death. We also summarize how aging affects the response to the influenza vaccine with a special focus on B cells, which have been shown to be less responsive in the elderly. We show the cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the dysfunctional immune response of the elderly to the vaccine against influenza. These include a defective interaction of helper T cells (CD4+) with B cells in germinal centers, changes in the microenvironment, and the generation of immune cells with a senescence‐associated phenotype. Finally, we discuss the effects of aging on metabolic pathways and we show how metabolic complications associated with aging lead to immune dysfunction.
Nursing practice and global refugee migration: initial impressions from an Intergovernmental‐Academic Partnership
Authors: Bampoh V. , Thongkhamkitcharoen M. , Dicker S. , Dalal W. , Frerich E. , Mann E. , Porta C. , Siddons N. , Stauffer WM , Hoffman S.J.
Published: June 2020

Aim

This report from the field describes impressions of the initial impact of bilateral, multi‐sectoral field‐based activities undertaken to strengthen International Organization for Migration/United Nations Migration Agency and US‐based nurses’ capacity to address complex clinical, social and cultural challenges experienced by refugees in resettlement. Authors comment on the defined and thorough health assessment process that refugees go through prior to resettlement, and focus on the essential nursing role in the health assessment process and continuum of care. The development of the interdisciplinary and collaborative partnership is described as well as next steps to move the partnership forward.

Background

In 2017, International Organization for Migration/United Nations Migration Agency and the University of Minnesota, guided by experts from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, began a unique bilateral Intergovernmental‐Academic partnership to enhance the health care of refugees. A key component was to strengthen nursing care of refugees through the standardization of clinical practice and nursing leadership.

Sources of Evidence

Listening sessions, direct interaction between International Organization for Migration/United Nations Migration Agency and US‐based refugee resettlement stakeholders, patterns in resettlement.

Conclusion and Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

The report highlights the potential public health impact of a bilateral and collaborative initiative that develops and bridges key points in the migration and health trajectory of people with refugee status. Separated by geography, context and scope of work, health professionals in different roles in varied worldwide settings with a spectrum of resources may not fully understand the work of each other. Project activities were a platform through which US‐based and internationally based nurses established mutuality, reciprocity and equity as partners. By strengthening systems and resources, the partnership reinforces the abilities of nurses who engage in this important work, to optimize health and wellbeing of people with refugee status.