bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Microbiota in Children With Symptomatic Dientamoeba fragilis Infection: A Case-control Study
Authors: van Kalleveen Michael W. , Budding Andries E. , Benninga Marc A. , Savelkoul Paul H.M. , van Gool Tom , van Maldeghem Iris , Dorigo-Zetsma J. W. , Bart Aldert , Plötz Frans B. , de Meij Tim G.J.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Dientamoeba fragilis in children has been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, like abdominal pain and diarrhea. The mechanism underlying these symptoms in children with D. fragilis remains unclear. We hypothesized that concomitant microbial alterations, which have been described in other parasitic infections, may be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in D. fragilis.

Methods:

In this case-control study performed in 2 centers, 19 children referred to a pediatrician because of gastrointestinal symptoms and with a positive fecal PCR for D. fragilis were included as cases. We included 19 healthy children as controls and matched for age and gender, selected from an existing cohort of 63 children. A PCR for D. fragilis was performed on fecal samples of the 19 controls to assess D. fragilis carriership in this asymptomatic group. Microbiota was analyzed with the IS-pro technique, and the intestinal microbiota composition and diversity were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

Microbiota of children with D. fragilis and gastrointestinal symptoms did not significantly differ in terms of composition and diversity compared with controls, both on phylum and species level. In the asymptomatic controls, a positive fecal PCR for D. fragilis was found in 16 of 19 (84.2%).

Conclusion:

Intestinal microbiota does not seem to play a key role in the presence of clinical symptoms in children with D. fragilis. The pathogenicity of D. fragilis and pathophysiologic pathways underlying the development of gastrointestinal symptoms remains yet to be clarified.
Therapeutic targeting of nitroglycerin-mediated trigeminovascular neuronal hypersensitivity predicts clinical outcomes of migraine abortives
Authors: Akerman Simon , Romero-Reyes Marcela , Karsan Nazia , Bose Pyari , Hoffmann Jan R. , Holland Philip R. , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: November 2020

Cranial hypersensitivity is a prominent symptom of migraine, exhibited as migraine headache exacerbated with physical activity, and cutaneous facial allodynia and hyperalgesia. The underlying mechanism is believed to be, in part, activation and sensitization of dural-responsive trigeminocervical neurons. Validated preclinical models that exhibit this phenotype have great utility for understanding putative mechanisms and as a tool to screen therapeutics. We have previously shown that nitroglycerin triggers cranial allodynia in association with migraine-like headache, and this translates to neuronal cranial hypersensitivity in rats. Furthermore, responses in both humans and rats are aborted by triptan administration, similar to responses in spontaneous migraine. Here, our objective was to study the nitroglycerin model examining the effects on therapeutic targets with newly approved treatments, specifically gepants and ditans, for the acute treatment of migraine. Using electrophysiological methods, we determined changes to ongoing firing and somatosensory-evoked cranial sensitivity, in response to nitroglycerin, followed by treatment with a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, gepant (olcegepant), a 5-HT1F receptor agonist, ditan (LY344864), and an NK1 receptor antagonist (GR205171). Nitroglycerin induced activation of migraine-like central trigeminocervical neurons, and intracranial and extracranial neuronal hypersensitivity. These responses were aborted by olcegepant and LY344864. However, GR205171, which failed in clinical trial for both abortive and preventive treatment of migraine, had no effect. These data support the nitroglycerin model as a valid approach to study cranial hypersensitivity and putative mechanisms involved in migraine and as a screen to dissect potentially efficacious migraine therapeutic targets.
Hippocampus shape deformation: a potential diagnostic biomarker for chronic back pain in women
Authors: Reckziegel Diane , Abdullah Taha , Wu Binbin , Wu Bo , Huang Lejian , Schnitzer Thomas J. , Apkarian A. Vania
Published: November 2020

Sex differences in the quality and prevalence of chronic pain are manifold, with women generally presenting higher incidence and severity. Uncovering chronic pain–related sex differences inform neural mechanisms and may lead to novel treatment routes. In a multicenter morphological study (total n = 374), we investigated whether the shape of subcortical regions would reflect sex differences in back pain. Given the hormone-dependent functions of the hippocampus, and its role in the transition to chronic pain, this region constituted our primary candidate. We found that the anterior part of the left hippocampus (alHP) presented outer deformation in women with chronic back pain (CBP), identified in CBP in the United States (n = 77 women vs n = 78 men) and validated in a Chinese data set (n = 29 women vs n = 58 men with CBP, in contrast to n = 53 female and n = 43 male healthy controls). Next, we examined this region in subacute back pain who persisted with back pain a year later (SBPp; n = 18 women vs n = 18 men) and in a subgroup with persistent back pain for 3 years. Weeks after onset of back pain, there was no deformation within alHP, but at 1 and 3 years women exhibited a trend for outer deformation. The alHP partly overlapped with the subiculum and entorhinal cortex, whose functional connectivity, in healthy subjects, was associated with emotional and episodic memory related terms (Neurosynth, reverse inference). These findings suggest that in women the alHP undergoes anatomical changes with pain persistence, highlighting sexually dimorphic involvement of emotional and episodic memory–related circuitry with chronic pain.
The Toll of Student Debt: Stress Among Health Professions Students and the Promising Role of Financial Self-Efficacy on Career Choices
Authors: Dickson Tara , Mulligan Edward P. , DeVahl Julie
Published: November 2020

Introduction.

As the cost of higher education rises, the debt associated with degree attainment also increases, including that of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Research suggests that a relationship between financial debt and postprofessional career aspirations may exist, and financial self-efficacy could attenuate debt-related stress. These relationships have not been studied in the health professions outside of medicine.

Methods.

A total of 139 participants among 6 health professions programs housed in one public, academic medical center were surveyed. Surveys administered to participants provided Likert scale data for a multiple regression analysis.

Results.

Eighty-one percent of students reported having a medium, large, or extreme amount of stress from the total amount of debt they are accruing. More than 70% of student responses indicated that the amount of student loan debt they expect to accumulate will influence their posttraining career selection to some extent. The regression model indicated some predictive ability of stress from student debt. Two of the covariates, self-efficacy and career selection, were statistically significant. Self-efficacy accounted for 36% of the variance explained in students' self-reported stress from debt by itself. Students' career selection and stress were strongly associated, with career selection explaining 85% of the variance explained in students' self-reported stress by itself.

Discussion.

Health professions students in a public academic medical center had a “medium amount” of stress, on average, from financial debt. Stress was associated with the amount of student loans students expect to accrue and their financial self-efficacy. Students also appeared to base their postprofessional career aspirations, at least in part, on the stress they experienced from financial debt. Financial self-efficacy appears to be a promising moderator for debt-related stress.

Conclusion.

Stress appears to be associated with higher student loan debt, but financial self-efficacy may moderate this trend.

Level of Evidence.

IV, Cross-sectional descriptive survey design.

What Is Known About the Subject?

Costs of physical therapy programs continue to rise, requiring more physical therapy students to use loans to pay for their education. Other professions, including medicine, have noted that student loan debt can cause high amounts of stress and has the potential to influence career choices.

What This Study Adds to the Existing Literature?

Health professions students in one academic medical center appear to base their postprofessional career aspirations, at least in part based on the stress they experience from financial debt. Financial self-efficacy appears to attenuate the amount of stress students feel from student loan debt.
Characteristics of Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Programs in the United States and Canada
Authors: Troy Lindsey , Su Felice , Kilbaugh Todd , Rasmussen Lindsey , Kuo Tony , Jett Eric , Cornell Timothy , Berg Marc , Haileselassie Bereketeab
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current infrastructure and practice characteristics of pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs. A 40-question survey of center-specific demographics, practice structure, program experience, and support network utilized to cannulate and maintain a pediatric patient on ECMO was designed via a web-based survey tool. The survey was distributed to pediatric ECMO programs in the United States and Canada. Of the 101 centers that were identified to participate, 41 completed the survey. The majority of responding centers are university affiliated (73%) and have an intensive care unit (ICU) with 15–25 beds (58%). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been offered for >10 years in 85% of the centers. The median number of total cannulations per center in 2017 was 15 (interquartile range [IQR] = 5–30), with the majority occurring in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (median = 13, IQR = 5–25). Fifty-seven percent of responding centers offer ECPR, with a median number of four cases per year (IQR = 2–7). Most centers cannulate in an operating room or ICU; 11 centers can cannulate in the pediatric ED. Sixty-three percent of centers have standardized protocols for postcannulation management. The majority of protocols guide anticoagulation, sedation, or ventilator management; left ventricle decompression and reperfusion catheter placement are the least standardized procedures. The majority of pediatric ECMO centers have adopted the infrastructure recommendations from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. However, there remains broad variability of practice characteristics and organizational infrastructure for pediatric ECMO centers across the United States and Canada.
Induction Chemotherapy With an Anti-GD2 Monoclonal Antibody (Dinutuximab) and Cytokines in Children With Newly Diagnosed High-risk Neuroblastoma: A Case Series
Authors: Gartrell Jessica , Shulkin Barry L. , Helmig Sara , Caldwell Kenneth J. , Furman Wayne , Federico Sara M.
Published: November 2020

Although outcomes for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma improved after the addition of a chimeric anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (dinutuximab) as treatment for minimal residual disease, nearly half of these patients die of disease. Recent studies demonstrated efficacy of the combination of chemotherapy with anti-GD2 mAb in patients with relapsed or newly diagnosed disease. This retrospective case series describes 6 patients treated at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital with an induction regimen containing dinutuximab and chemotherapy, followed by consolidation and postconsolidation therapy. The treatment was well tolerated with expected toxicities. All patients completed induction therapy and demonstrated a clinical response. Further studies are warranted.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion and Venous Abnormalities in CADASIL
Authors: Goldstein Eric D. , Shakoor Akbar , Majersik Jennifer J.
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Individuals with the inherited progressive microangiopathy Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts (CADASIL) most classically develop migraine with aura and recurrent subcortical ischemic infarcts with progressive cognitive decline, gait dysfunction, psychiatric disturbances culminating in early death. However, clinically important venous pathologies may not be anticipated by treating neurologists such as branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVOs). Herein we describe a case of CADASIL with a BRVO and a brief review of venous pathology in CADASIL.

Case Report:

A 66-year-old man with CADASIL and clinical symptoms of chronic migraine with aura, episodic “CADASIL coma,” recurrent subcortical ischemic infarcts and normal cognition presented with an asymptomatic superior BRVO. Retinal analysis by wide-field fluorescein angiography revealed dye extravasation and optical coherence tomography identified macular edema prompting a monthly regimen of intravitreal bevacizumab. Systemic investigations for provoking etiologies was unfruitful tentatively attributing the BRVO to his underlying CADASIL.

Conclusions:

Within CADASIL, the venous circulation undergoes similar pathologic changes as compared with the arterial circulation. The retinal veins of CADASIL exhibit increased venous compliance, vessel wall diameter and wall thickness which may represent a structurally causative factor for retinal venous disease. However, these findings are not isolated to the retina as lower extremity varicose veins have associated with a family pedigree of CADASIL. Although presently it is uncertain whether those with CADASIL should undergo routine retinal screening, neurologists, and ophthalmologists, need to be cognizant of the extra-arterial manifestations of CADASIL to provide comprehensive clinical care.
A Telesimulation Elective to Provide Medical Students With Pediatric Patient Care Experiences During the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Yang Thomas , Buck Samuel , Evans Leigh , Auerbach Marc
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Introduction

The Association of American Medical Colleges suggested that medical students not be involved in direct patient care activities in the United States because of the COVID pandemic. Our objectives are to (1) describe the rapid creation and implementation of a fully online simulation-based pediatric emergency medicine training intervention for medical student learners using existing simulation center staff (faculty, technicians, actors) and resources (simulation technology, scenario files) and (2) report student and faculty feedback on the intervention.

Methods

The sessions involved the use of our existing simulation center faculty, staff, and resources. Feedbacks on the sessions were collected via a survey from faculty and students at the end of each session.

Results

Sixteen simulation sessions were conducted (8 febrile infant, 8 anaphylactic toddler). Forty-eight students, 2 technicians, 2 actors, and 10 faculty participated. Ninety percent of the students agreed with the statements, “I am more comfortable with pediatrics after this session,” “participating improved my pediatric knowledge/skills,” “this session was more useful than other learning activities I am involved in at this time.” Seventy percent of the students agreed with the statement, “I learned as much from observing as when I was actively involved.” All faculty agreed with the statement, “this was an effective educational strategy compared to other distance learning.” Most faculty (60%) disagreed with the statement, “virtual simulation was equal to or superior to in-person simulation.” All students and faculty strongly agreed with the statement, “I would highly recommend this to others.”

Conclusions

A telesimulation intervention involving all medical students, staff, and facilitators interacting remotely for pediatric emergency training during COVID was associated with high levels of satisfaction by the majority of learners and faculty.
Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Patients Without Previous Disabilities Recovering From COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Paneroni Mara , Simonelli Carla , Saleri Manuela , Bertacchini Laura , Venturelli Massimo , Troosters Thierry , Ambrosino Nicolino , Vitacca Michele
Published: November 2020

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated skeletal muscle strength and physical performance (1-min sit-to-stand and short physical performance battery tests), dyspnea, fatigue, and single-breath counting at discharge from a postacute COVID department, in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia who had no locomotor disability before the infection.

Quadriceps and biceps were weak in 86% and 73% of the patients, respectively. Maximal voluntary contraction for quadriceps was 18.9 (6.8) kg and for biceps 15.0 (5.5) kg (i.e., 54% and 69% of the predicted normal value, respectively). The number of chair rises in the 1-min sit-to-stand test was 22.1 (7.3 corresponding to 63% of the predicted normal value), whereas the short physical performance battery score was 7.9 (3.3 corresponding to 74% of the predicted normal value). At the end of the 1-min sit-to-stand test, 24% of the patients showed exercise-induced desaturation. The single-breath counting count was 35.4 (12.3) corresponding to 72% that of healthy controls. Mild-to-moderate dyspnea and fatigue were found during activities of daily living (Borg scale score, median value = 0.5 [0–2] and 1 [0–2]) and after the 1-min sit-to-stand (Borg scale score, median value = 3 [2–5] and 1 [0–3]). Significant correlations were observed between muscle strength and physical performance indices (R = 0.31–0.69).

The high prevalence of impairment in skeletal muscle strength and physical performance in hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia without previous locomotor disabilities suggests the need for rehabilitation programs after discharge.
Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure: A Useful Procedure for Hair Restoration
Authors: Seyhan Tamer , Kapi Emin
Published: November 2020

Medical tattooing of the skin to camouflage scars or to mimic hair or nipple/areola regions has gained popularity in Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology clinics. The SMP procedure was used in 22 patients to correct scalp pigmentary problems between 2017 and 2020. The study included 16 men and 6 women; all female subjects had female pattern hair loss, while one of them also had alopecia areata. There were 10 male patients with male pattern hair loss and 6 of them were corrected using micropigmentation. The rest were subjected to an adjunctive procedure for hair transplantation. There were six male patients that had scalp scars. All patients had three micropigmentation sessions weekly and a fourth touchup procedure that was included one month after the last session. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 32 months with a mean of 20 months. The amount of fading observed after the follow-up was minimal. There was an allergic reaction in just one patient following the procedure. There were no serious adverse effects or complications due to the procedure. The questionnaire the authors sent the patients at least six months following the procedure showed 80% of the patients (100% of the women) were very satisfied with the result and 100% of the patients would recommend the procedure to others with similar problems. SMP appears to be good solution for patients who don’t want the hair transplantation or who underwent previous hair transplantation surgeries with unsatisfactory results. Also, SMP can be used to camouflage any type of scalp scars.
Worldwide Techniques and Outcomes in Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (RAMIE)
Authors: Kingma B. Feike , Grimminger Peter P. , van der Sluis Pieter C. , van Det Marc J. , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , Chao Yin-Kai , Tsai Chun-Yi , Fuchs Hans F. , Bruns Christiane J. , Sarkaria Inderpal S. , Luketich James D. , Haveman Jan W. , Etten Boudewijn van , Chiu Philip W. , Chan Shannon M. , Rouanet Philippe , Mourregot Anne , Hölzen Jens-Peter , Sallum Rubens A. , Cecconello Ivan , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Benedix Frank , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Perez Daniel , Jansen Kristina , Hubka Michal , Low Donald E. , Biebl Matthias , Pratschke Johann , Turner Paul , Pursnani Kish , Chaudry Asif , Smith Myles , Mazza Elena , Strignano Paolo , Ruurda Jelle P. , van Hillegersberg Richard ,   UGIRA Study Group
Published: November 2020

Objective:

This international multicenter study by the Upper GI International Robotic Association aimed to gain insight in current techniques and outcomes of RAMIE worldwide.

Background:

Current evidence for RAMIE originates from single-center studies, which may not be generalizable to the international multicenter experience.

Methods:

Twenty centers from Europe, Asia, North-America, and South-America participated from 2016 to 2019. Main endpoints included the surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and early oncological results of ramie.

Results:

A total of 856 patients undergoing transthoracic RAMIE were included. Robotic surgery was applied for both the thoracic and abdominal phase (45%), only the thoracic phase (49%), or only the abdominal phase (6%). In most cases, the mediastinal lymphadenectomy included the low paraesophageal nodes (n=815, 95%), subcarinal nodes (n = 774, 90%), and paratracheal nodes (n = 537, 63%). When paratracheal lymphadenectomy was performed during an Ivor Lewis or a McKeown RAMIE procedure, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 3% and 11% of patients, respectively. Circular stapled (52%), hand-sewn (30%), and linear stapled (18%) anastomotic techniques were used. In Ivor Lewis RAMIE, robot-assisted hand-sewing showed the highest anastomotic leakage rate (33%), while lower rates were observed with circular stapling (17%) and linear stapling (15%). In McKeown RAMIE, a hand-sewn anastomotic technique showed the highest leakage rate (27%), followed by linear stapling (18%) and circular stapling (6%).

Conclusion:

This study is the first to provide an overview of the current techniques and outcomes of transthoracic RAMIE worldwide. Although these results indicate high quality of the procedure, the optimal approach should be further defined.
Bare Versus Hair: Do Pubic Hair Grooming Preferences Dictate the Urogenital Microbiome?
Authors: Geynisman-Tan Julia , Kenton Kimberly , Tavathia Meera , Yee Alyson , Gilbert Jack A. , Collins Sarah , Lewicky-Gaupp Christina , Mueller Margaret
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether the genitourinary microbiome differs between and within women with and without pubic hair.

Methods

Premenopausal women who self-identified into 2 groups were recruited: in the “hair” group, women did not remove any pubic hair, and in the “bare” group, all pubic hair was removed routinely. Participants submitted a vaginal swab, a voided urine sample, and a catheterized urine sample, and then “crossed over.” The “hair” group removed all hair for 1 month, and the “bare” group grew hair for 2 months. After crossover, participants again submitted a vaginal swab, a voided urine sample, and a catheterized urine sample. Ten participants acted as controls. DNA was extracted, and the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using the MiSeq platform. Paired-end sequences were imported into QIIME2-2018.6. Alpha diversity (the number and proportion of species in an individual sample) and beta diversity (differences in microbial composition between samples) were evaluated.

Results

Forty-two participants were analyzed: 16 “bare to hair” crossovers, 16 “hair-to-bare” crossovers, and 10 controls. The microbiome varied by sample type: vaginal swabs had the lowest alpha diversity and catheterized urine had the highest (P < 0.001). At baseline, there were no differences in the alpha or beta diversity of urine or vaginal microbiomes between groups. Vaginal beta diversity at visit 2 was greater within crossovers than controls (P = 0.004), suggesting that altering hair status alters the microbiome composition. Urinary beta diversity was not different at visit 2 (P = 0.40).

Conclusions

Pubic hair status does not determine one’s baseline genitourinary microbiome, but women who change their hair status may alter their vaginal microbiome.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Martins-Correia João , Rodrigues-Silva Nuno , Nunes Susana
Published: November 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment of undisputed efficacy for severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. Notwithstanding extensive data on efficacy and safety, it is significantly underused, corresponding to one of the most stigmatized approaches in psychiatry. The list of problems for which ECT is potentially effective does not include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), resulting in only a few available case reports in the literature in which OCD is the target of this specific therapeutic strategy. The authors describe a patient with refractory OCD for whom ECT was prescribed, with remarkable clinical response and functional improvement. The existence of a clear response to ECT in reported cases of OCD, albeit in a globally small number of patients, should make it essential to identify predictors of ECT response that could assist clinicians in assessing and guiding such cases, particularly those labeled as refractory to treatment.
Streptomyces phaeolivaceus sp. nov. and Streptomyces broussonetiae sp. nov., isolated from the leaves and rhizosphere soil of Broussonetia papyrifera
Authors: Mo Ping , Liu Jun , Zhao Yunlin , Xu Zhenggang
Published: November 2020

Two novel actinobacteria, designated strains GY16T and T44T, were isolated from the leaves and rhizosphere soil of Broussonetia papyrifera, respectively. A polyphasic approach was used for determining their taxonomic position. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain GY16T exhibited highest similarities to

Streptomyces cinereoruber

subsp.

fructofermentans

CGMCC 4.1593T (98.82 %),

Streptomyces deccanensis

KCTC 19241T (98.76 %),

Streptomyces scabiei

NRRL B-16523T (98.69 %),

Streptomyces europaeiscabiei

KACC 20186T (98.69 %) and

Streptomyces rishiriensis

NBRC 13407T (98.69 %), and strain T44T showed 99.2, 99.1, 99.1 and <98.7 % sequence similarities to

Streptomyces filipinensis

CGMCC 4.1452T,

Streptomyces achromogenes

subsp.

achromogenes

DSM 40028T,

Streptomyces durhamensis

DSM 40539T and other

Streptomyces

species, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain GY16T formed an independent subclade, which indicated that strain GY16T should belong to a potential novel species; and strain T44T was closely related to

S. filipinensis

CGMCC 4.1452T,

S. achromogenes

subsp.

achromogenes

DSM 40028T,

S. durhamensis

DSM 40539T and

S. yokosukanensis

DSM 40224T. However, the multilocus sequence analysis evolutionary distance, average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization values between closely related relatives were far from the species-level thresholds. In addition, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics further confirmed that strains GY16T and T44T belonged to two distinct species. Based on these results, it is concluded that the isolated strains represent novel species within the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the names Streptomyces phaeolivaceus sp. nov. (type strain GY16T=CICC 24807T=KCTC 49326T) and Streptomyces broussonetiae sp. nov. (type strain T44T=CICC 24819T=JCM 33918T) are proposed.
Pseudomonas lalkuanensis sp. nov., isolated from a bacterial consortia of contaminated soil enriched for the remediation of e-waste
Authors: Thorat Vipool , Kirdat Kiran , Tiwarekar Bhavesh , DaCosta Elaine , Debbarma Prasenjit , Shouche Yogesh , Sathe Shivaji , Goel Reeta , Lodha Tushar , Yadav Amit
Published: November 2020

A novel e-waste-degrading strain, PE08T, was isolated from contaminated soil collected from a paper mill yard in Lalkuan, Uttarakhand, India. Strain PE08T was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. Optimum growth was observed at 30 °C (range, 5–40 °C), with 1–2 % NaCl (range, 0–3 %) and at pH 7 (range 6–11). The phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene sequences delineated strain PE08T to the genus

Pseudomonas

and showed highest sequence similarity to

Pseudomonas furukawaii

KF707T (98.70 %), followed by

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

DSM 50071T (98.62 %) and

Pseudomonas resinovorans

DSM 21078T (97.93 %). The genome of strain PE08T was sequenced and had one scaffold of 6056953 bp, 99.84 % completeness and 182× coverage were obtained. The G+C content in the genome was 64.24 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain PE08T and its closely related type strain,

P. resinovorans

DSM 21078T were below 34.8 % and 87.96 %, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequence and concatenated GyrB and RpoB proteins revealed that strain PE08T forms a district clade in the family

Pseudomonadaceae

. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 :  1ω7c and/or C18 :1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 :  1ω7c and/or C16 :  1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C12 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genetic analysis, including overall genome relatedness index values, indicated that strain PE08T represents a novel species of the genus

Pseudomonas

, for which the name Pseudomonas lalkuanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PE08T (=MCC 3792=KCTC 72454=CCUG 73691).
Predicting unrecognized enhancer-mediated genome topology by an ensemble machine learning model
Authors: Tang Li , Hill Matthew C. , Wang Jun , Wang Jianxin , Martin James F. , Li Min
Published: November 2020

Transcriptional enhancers commonly work over long genomic distances to precisely regulate spatiotemporal gene expression patterns. Dissecting the promoters physically contacted by these distal regulatory elements is essential for understanding developmental processes as well as the role of disease-associated risk variants. Modern proximity-ligation assays, like HiChIP and ChIA-PET, facilitate the accurate identification of long-range contacts between enhancers and promoters. However, these assays are technically challenging, expensive, and time-consuming, making it difficult to investigate enhancer topologies, especially in uncharacterized cell types. To overcome these shortcomings, we therefore designed LoopPredictor, an ensemble machine learning model, to predict genome topology for cell types which lack long-range contact maps. To enrich for functional enhancer-promoter loops over common structural genomic contacts, we trained LoopPredictor with both H3K27ac and YY1 HiChIP data. Moreover, the integration of several related multi-omics features facilitated identifying and annotating the predicted loops. LoopPredictor is able to efficiently identify cell type–specific enhancer-mediated loops, and promoter–promoter interactions, with a modest feature input requirement. Comparable to experimentally generated H3K27ac HiChIP data, we found that LoopPredictor was able to identify functional enhancer loops. Furthermore, to explore the cross-species prediction capability of LoopPredictor, we fed mouse multi-omics features into a model trained on human data and found that the predicted enhancer loops outputs were highly conserved. LoopPredictor enables the dissection of cell type–specific long-range gene regulation and can accelerate the identification of distal disease-associated risk variants.
Effects of continuous improvement in streamlining HRM practices
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Chathurani M.N.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of continuous improvement initiatives in streamlining HRM practices in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used and 217 respondents who fulfilled the selection criteria set for the study responded. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The analysis supported the hypotheses that continuous improvement initiatives significantly positively influence to streamline HRM practices of performance management, job-related training, employee involvement and team work.

Practical implications

Continuous improvement initiatives that are aligned with the strategic direction of firms guide to design and implement better focused HRM practices.

Originality/value

The failure to streamline HRM practices in accordance with continuous improvement initiatives has been identified as a key barrier for the effective utilization of human resources. Although continuous improvement initiatives demand changes in the way HRM is practiced, so far, little empirical attention has been paid to understand the implications of continuous improvement initiatives for HRM practices.
Experimental and simulation investigation on BVID and CAI behaviors of CFRP laminates manufactured by RTM technology
Authors: Chen Fang , Yao Weixing , Jiang Wen
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthetically investigate the impact damage responses of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and its influence on the compression mechanical responses of CFRP laminates, including damage distribution, residual compressive strength and fracture morphology.

Design/methodology/approach

A progressive damage simulation model is developed to analyze the complicated damage responses of CFRP laminates that are manufactured by resin transfer method (RTM) technology. Based on the ABAQUS/explicit finite element analysis solver, a VUMAT code is proposed to descript the composite materials’ damage behaviors under both impact and compression load. Adopting this proposed model, the primary mechanical indicators of four groups’ 5284RTM/U3160 CFRP laminates with different stacking sequences are predicted. Moreover, impact and compression after impact tests are conducted to verify the accuracy of simulation results.

Findings

Both simulation and experimental results show that the impact damage with low visible detectability can significantly reduce composites’ compressive strength. For all four groups’ composite laminates, the residual strength ratio is around 35% or even lower. The kernel impact damage near the plates’ geometric center promotes the degradation process of local materials and finally leads to the early occurrence of mechanical fracture. In addition, the impact damage projection area is not sensitive to the parameters of stacking sequences, while the residual compression strength is proportional to the number of 0-degree layers within whole laminates.

Originality/value

This study helps to understand the effect of an impact event on CFRP laminates’ compressive bearing capacity and provides a numerical method in simulating the damage responses under both impact and compression load.
Fumbling in relationships across difference: the potential spiraling effects of a single racial identity reference at work
Authors: Cha Sandra E. , Creary Stephanie J. , Roberts Laura Morgan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Black people, as members of a historically underrepresented and marginalized racial identity group in the workplace, are often confronted with identity references – face-to-face encounters in which their race is referenced by a White colleague in a comment, question or joke. Identity references can be interpreted by a Black colleague in a variety of ways (e.g. as hostile and insulting or well-intentioned, even flattering). Identity references can derail the building of relationships across difference, but under certain conditions may open the door for deeper understanding and connection. The conceptual framework in this article delineates conditions under which an identity reference may elicit an initial negative reaction, yet, when engaged directly, may lead to generative experiences and promote higher connection and learning in relationships across difference.

Design/methodology/approach

This article builds theory on identity references by incorporating relevant research on race, identity, diversity, attribution and interpersonal relationships at work.

Findings

The framework identifies a common precursor to identity references and three factors that are likely to influence the attribution a Black person makes for a White colleague's identity reference. It then describes how, based on that attribution, a Black person is likely to respond to the White referencer, and how that response is likely to affect their interpersonal relationship over time.

Originality/value

By explicating how a single identity reference can have significant implications for relationships across difference, the framework deepens understanding of how race affects the development of interpersonal relationships between Black and White colleagues at work. In doing so, this article advances research on race, diversity, workplace relationships and positive organizational scholarship.
COVID-19 and residential care facilities: issues and concerns identified by the international network prevention of elder abuse (INPEA)
Authors: Beaulieu Marie , Cadieux Genesse Julien , St-Martin Kevin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical, psychological, social and financial health of older persons. On this subject, the United Nations published a policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on older persons in May 2020. In line with this, the purpose of this general review is to address three issues affecting older persons living in residential care facilities: protective measures implemented to block the virus’ entry, the types of mistreatment most frequently experienced and the necessity to promote and defend the rights of these persons.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this study is based on input gathered since the end of April during meetings of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the results of a July survey of its members.

Findings

The survey results indicate variability in the implementation of protective measures in different countries and the significant presence of mistreatment and violation of the rights of older persons. Three major issues demand attention: ageism, systemic and managerial problems and the effects of implemented measures. All these prompt the INPEA to once again plea for the adoption of an international convention of human rights of older persons.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first article sharing the views of the INPEA from a global perspective in the context of COVID-19.
Industry 4.0 collaborative networks for industrial performance
Authors: Dos Santos Leonardo Moraes Aguiar Lima , da Costa Matheus Becker , Kothe João Victor , Benitez Guilherme Brittes , Schaefer Jones Luís , Baierle Ismael Cristofer , Nara Elpidio Oscar Benitez
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Although prior studies have identified several technologies related to Industry 4.0 and their individual potential, it is still unclear how these technologies could be integrated to achieve better results. Based on this, we propose several collaborative networks combining technologies associated with Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was performed using a research model to support the evaluation and identification of key and collaborative technologies related to Industry 4.0. We examined these technologies using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal components analysis, based on their characteristics.

Findings

The study identified big data, cloud computing, the internet of Things and cyber-physical systems as key technologies for Industry 4.0, and a further eight collaborative technologies that are strongly related to industrial performance. We found five collaborative networks with distinct goals in the context of Industry 4.0: (1) smart manufacturing; (2) technological platforms; (3) market reactiveness; (4) smart products and (5) flexibility.

Practical implications

The findings allowed us to create five pathways for future work on Industry 4.0 technologies via collaborative networks. In practice, this will help managers to improve their focus on priorities regarding the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into how to establish links between technologies through collaborative networks for certain purposes. In addition, we propose five future directions for these collaborative networks that require further investigation by researchers.
Customer acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia
Authors: Almunawar Mohammad Nabil , Anshari Muhammad , Ariff Lim Syamimi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the enabling factors and the customers’ acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt some constructs from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) 2 as the framework for the study to derive factors that influence the acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia. Samples through a convenience sampling method were collected from an online survey and were transformed into data through coding and subsequently processed using SPSS for descriptive analysis, reliability test, correlation and multiple regression analysis for hypothesis testing.

Findings

Ride-hailing started in 2015 in Indonesia. Five enabling factors make digital ride-hailing possible, the internet, smartphone, broadband wireless network, digital map and global positioning system. The authors found that performance expectancy, social influence and habit positively influence customers to accept ride-hailing in Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research has a small sample, it is still relevant to understand people’s acceptance to the ride-hailing platform. As a ride-hailing platform is now transformed to a multisided markets platform, adoption studies or other studies on each market to cover the whole picture of the platform influence to the society, and its contribution to the national economy will be very interesting. The authors’ future research will cover various services covered by ride-hailing companies.

Originality/value

This study proposes and argues that four main enabling factors make digital ride-hailing a viable business. The study contributes to three significant factors that influence the acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia.
Experiencing career plateau on a committed career journey: a boundary condition of career stages
Authors: Lin Yi-chun , Chen Angela Shin-yih
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Career plateau is a major concern for many seasoned employees because they often stay in the same position longer than expected and over time begin to lack job challenges. This phenomenon is now considered a normal stage in career development. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of two types of career plateau: hierarchical and job content on career commitment (career identity, career insight and career resilience), along with the mediating effect of perceived external employability. We also determined in the moderated mediation model if Super's (1957) three career stages amplify and attenuate the indirect effect of hierarchical/job content plateau on career commitment (career identity, career insight, career resilience) via perceived external employability.

Design/methodology/approach

We tested the hypotheses with survey data collected from a convenience sample of 472 white-collar full-time employees who also studied in the MBA and continuing education program in five large universities in Taiwan (77% return rate).

Findings

The mediation model result showed that perceived external employability partially and negatively mediated the influence of hierarchical plateaus on career commitment (career identity, career insight and career resilience). Perceived external employability partially and negatively mediated the influence of job content plateaus on career identity and career insight but fully and negatively mediated on career resilience. The result of the moderated mediation model also demonstrated that only employees in the trial stage had influences on the mediation relationships among the hierarchical plateau, perceived external employability and career commitment with its two dimensions of career identity and career insight only other than those in the stabilization and maintenance stages.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can benefit career management scholars and practitioners since they promote a better understanding of the career management practices that are relevant for seasoned employees who are valued for their knowledge, experience and expertise when encountering the three career stages.

Originality/value

Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theoretical perspective, we fill the gap in the literature by proposing perceived external employability as a mediator in the link between career plateau and career commitment and generalize the results to plateaued employees at the different career stages.
Assistive cane for visually impaired persons for uneven surface detection with orientation restraint sensing
Authors: Singh Bhupendra , Kapoor Monit
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The reduced ability of eyes to see clearly even with the use of glasses is known as the state of visual impairment. Among the many challenges faced, outdoor travel is one of them requiring to travel through surfaces, which has potholes and bumps.

Design/methodology/approach

The depth of the pothole and height of the bump is also conveyed to the user through different vibration pattern of various intensity. With available electronic travel aids, the visually impaired persons are still more inclined to rely on their white cane than carrying additional equipment for obstacle avoidance. In the system, all the components can be attached to the white cane, requiring no additional device to carry.

Findings

Upon experimentation with different obstacle types, the system obtained a 24.88% higher score in comparison to normal walking cane. A comparison with the state of the art available systems is also provided.

Originality/value

Moreover, the accuracy of the assistive cane can be heavily degraded if the cane is not properly held by the user. To restrict the user to hold the cane in only required orientation an alignment sensing switch is also proposed, which is missing in the current available literature.
Case series of BRAF‐mutated advanced melanoma treated with encorafenib plus binimetinib combination therapy
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Yoshino Koji , Kato Hiroshi , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Yuki , Kunimoto Kayo , Ito Takamichi , Matsushita Shigeto , Maekawa Takeo , Ohuchi Kentaro , Amagai Ryo , Muto Yusuke , Furudate Sadanori , Kambayashi Yumi , Hashimoto Akira , Aiba Setsuya
Published: November 2020

The efficacy of encorafenib plus binimetinib (E + B) combination therapy for BRAF‐mutated advanced melanoma as second‐line therapy and beyond is still unknown. In this report, we investigated 22 cases of BRAF‐mutated advanced melanoma treated with E + B combination therapy. The objective response rate (ORR) for the total cohort was 68.4%. Notably, the ORR for the second‐line and beyond cohort was 73.3%, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of E + B combination therapy is comparable with that of first‐line targeted therapy. In contrast, overall survival and progress‐free survival in our present cohort was worse than that in a previous clinical trial. Notably, although the incidence rate of severe adverse events was higher than that in a previous report, our present study suggested that E + B combination therapy is a well‐tolerated antimelanoma regimen. Our present study suggested that the efficacy and safety profile of E + B combination therapy as a second‐line therapy and beyond is comparable with that of first‐line targeted therapy.