bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of myosin A regulatesPlasmodiumsporozoite motility and is essential for efficient malaria transmission
Authors: Ripp Johanna , Smyrnakou Xanthoula , Neuhoff Marie-Therese , Frischknecht Friedrich
Published: March 2021

Malaria-causing parasites rely on an actin-myosin based motor for the invasion of different host cells as well as tissue traversal in mosquitoes and vertebrates. The unusual myosin A ofPlasmodiumspp. has a unique N-terminal extension which is important for red blood cell invasion byP. falciparummerozoitesin vitroand harbors a phosphorylation site at serine 19. Here, using the rodent-infectingP. bergheiwe show that serine 19 is essential for efficient transmission ofPlasmodiumby mosquitoes as S19A mutants show defects in mosquito salivary gland entry and migration of salivary gland sporozoites in both 2D and 3D environments. Our data suggests that entry into salivary glands represents the strongest barrier in parasite transmission and hence is the key determinant for evolution of the motility and invasion machinery of these parasites.

Highlights

The unusual N-terminal extension ofPlasmodiummyosin A is important for efficient gliding motility

Altering the kinetics of the myosin A power stroke impactsPlasmodiumlife cycle progression and sporozoite motility

Myosin A phosphorylation at serine 19 is important for malaria transmission by mosquitoes

Salivary gland invasion emerges as key selection step for evolution of the parasite motor
Age-dependent appearance of SARS-CoV-2 entry cells in mouse chemosensory systems reflects COVID-19 anosmia and ageusia symptoms
Authors: Brechbühl Julien , Wood Dean , Bouteiller Sofiane , Lopes Ana Catarina , Verdumo Chantal , Broillet Marie-Christine
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a collective scientific effort to study its viral causing agent SARS-CoV-2. Research is focusing in particular on its infection mechanisms and on the associated-disease symptoms. Interestingly, this environmental pathogen directly affects the human chemosensory systems leading to anosmia and ageusia. Evidence for the presence of the cellular entry sites of the virus, the ACE2/TMPRSS2 proteins, has been reported in non-chemosensory cells in the rodent’s nose and mouth, missing a direct correlation between the symptoms reported in patients and the observed direct viral infection in human sensory cells. Here, mapping the gene and protein expression of ACE2/TMPRSS2 in the mouse olfactory and gustatory cells, we precisely identified the virus target cells to be of basal and sensory origin and we revealed their age-dependent appearance. Our results not only clarify human viral-induced sensory symptoms but also propose new investigative perspectives based on ACE2-humanized mouse models.
How do consumers respond to price gaps in private brand agrifood products?
Authors: Salazar-Ordóñez Melania , Rodríguez-Entrena Macario , Arriaza Manuel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

There is a range around reference prices, the so-called latitude of price acceptance, where consumers seem insensitive to changes into prices, with these ranges being wider for buyers of private brands. This paper analyses objective price gap between two product alternatives as a main driver of consumer behaviour. Therefore, the authors shed light on whether the price gap conditions consumer-switching behaviour and at what point the price gap triggers a switching pattern.

Design/methodology/approach

Shopping data on two product alternatives of olive oil were obtained from a household scanner panel of Spanish consumers (607 households) with weekly price tracking, and multilevel regression models were performed.

Findings

The results suggest that the price gap has a fundamental effect on the consumers' choice. In this case, up to 1 euro/litre the demand seems almost inelastic; beyond that price gap, the demand for the finer product plummets.

Research limitations/implications

This study focussed on olive oil products. The research needs to be extended other food products.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by documenting how the price context measured in terms of a price gap is a relevant stimulus in consumer choices, with a focus on the change in price sensitivity between product alternatives when competing brands are not involved but private brands are.
The role of technical efficiency, market competition and risk in the banking performance in G20 countries
Authors: Zhao Yaoteng , Chupradit Supat , Hassan Marria , Soudagar Sadaf , Shoukry Alaa Mohamd , Khader Jameel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Recently, the financial sector has faced significant challenges regarding the market competition, its technical efficiency and risk factors around the globe and gain recent researchers' intentions. Thus, the present study aims to examine the impact of technical efficiency, market competition and risk in banking performance in Group of Twenty (G20) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been obtained from the World Development Indicator from 2008 to 2019. For analysis purpose, random effect model and generalized method of moments (GMMs) have been executed using Stata.

Findings

The results revealed that market competition and banks' capital efficiency have a positive impact on banking performance, while banks' lending efficiency and non-performing loans have a negative association with the banking sector performance of G20 countries. These outcomes provide the guidelines to the regulators that they should formulate the effective policies related to the lending practices and non-performing loans that could improve the banking sector performance worldwide.

Research limitations/implications

The study has examined only three economic factors like the technical efficiency rate, market competition and risk element, and their influences on banking institutions' operational and economic performance. But the analysis has proved that except these factors, several factors affect banking institutions' operational and economic performance. Thus, future scholars recommend they analyze all the banking sector areas, pick more factors and enlighten their operational and economic performance influences. Moreover, the author of this article has chosen a particular source for collecting data to meet his study's objective. Only a single piece of software has been applied to analyze data; thus, the data collected for this paper may be incomplete, lack accuracy and reliability. Therefore, the future authors are recommended to use multiple sources to collect data and its analysis to ensure the comprehension, completeness and accuracy.

Originality/value

Last but not least, this study with the evidences from the banking sector of G20 countries tries to show on the banking management how the risk element matters in the banking sector in an economy. It makes it clear in which areas the banking institutions may be exposed to the risks, and how much sever different kinds of risks may be. Thus, it motivates the management to set a body of persons within the organization to monitor the risks, to try to avoid them and to overcome the problems created by these risks events.
A multimodal induction model for beginning teachers: a narrative approach
Authors: van Tonder Gideon Petrus
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The researcher emphasised with current research the need for an induction programme for beginning teachers in the South African context to overcome the challenges experienced by beginning teachers while bridging from pre-service teaching to in-service teaching and to introduce and illuminate the design of a new multimodal induction model.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher followed a narrative approach by discussing previous research regarding the insufficient pre-service training beginning teachers received and the lack of a structured induction programme in the South African context.

Findings

Research has shown that South African beginning teachers have faced similar difficulties as beginning teachers worldwide, but South African beginning teachers are not subjected to formal induction programmes. While the South African Department of Basic Education offered guidelines for the beginning teacher orientation programme, there is almost no evidence in the literature that schools follow such guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this paper give other researchers in this field a broader perspective on how the new multimodal induction model can make a measurable contribution to the school, the mentor, the beginning teacher and, most importantly, the learner.

Practical implications

The Department of Basic Education in South Africa and Principals need to follow the guidelines of this multimodal induction model to retain beginning teachers and improve the performance of learners.

Originality/value

This is a new model developed by the researcher to explore the benefits of promoting excellence in the teaching profession through a technology-rich, integrated induction programme to increase the productivity, retention and leadership of beginning teachers, enhance and prevent the loss of human capital, with the ultimate goal of improving learners' growth and performance.
Organic agricultural practice enhances arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in correspondence to soil warming and altered precipitation patterns
Authors: Wahdan Sara Fareed Mohamed , Reitz Thomas , Heintz‐Buschart Anna , Schädler Martin , Roscher Christiane , Breitkreuz Claudia , Schnabel Beatrix , Purahong Witoon , Buscot François
Published: March 2021

Climate and agricultural practice interact to influence both crop production and soil microbes in agroecosystems. Here, we carried out a unique experiment in Central Germany to simultaneously investigate the effects of climates (ambient climate vs. future climate expected in 50–70 years), agricultural practices (conventional vs. organic farming), and their interaction on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inside wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots. AMF communities were characterized using Illumina sequencing of 18S rRNA gene amplicons. We showed that climatic conditions and agricultural practices significantly altered total AMF community composition. Conventional farming significantly affected the AMF community and caused a decline in AMF richness. Factors shaping AMF community composition and richness at family level differed greatly among Glomeraceae, Gigasporaceae and Diversisporaceae. An interactive impact of climate and agricultural practices was detected in the community composition of Diversisporaceae. Organic farming mitigated the negative effect of future climate and promoted total AMF and Gigasporaceae richness. AMF richness was significantly linked with nutrient content of wheat grains under both agricultural practices.
Childhood sexual abuse in patients with severe mental Illness: Demographic, clinical and functional correlates
Authors: Werbeloff Nomi , Hilge Thygesen Johan , Hayes Joseph F. , Viding Essi M. , Johnson Sonia , Osborn David P.J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To use data from electronic health records (EHRs) to describe the demographic, clinical and functional correlates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in patients with severe mental illness (SMI), and compare their clinical outcomes (admissions and receipt of antipsychotic medications) to those of patients with no recorded history of CSA.

Methods

We applied a string‐matching technique to clinical text records of 7000 patients with SMI (non‐organic psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder), identifying 619 (8.8%) patients with a recorded history of CSA. Data were extracted from both free‐text and structured fields of patients’ EHRs.

Results

Comorbid diagnoses of major depressive disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders were more prevalent in patients with CSA. Positive psychotic symptoms, depressed mood, self‐harm, substance use and aggression were also more prevalent in this group, as were problems with relationships and living conditions. The odds of inpatient admissions were higher in patients with CSA than in those without (adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.64–2.33), and they were more likely to have spent more than 10 days per year as inpatients (adjusted OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07–1.62). Patients with CSA were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic medications (adjusted OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.69–3.66) and be given over 75% of the maximum recommended daily dose (adjusted OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.44–2.04).

Conclusion

Data‐driven approaches are a reliable, promising avenue for research on childhood trauma. Clinicians should be trained and skilled at identifying childhood adversity in patients with SMI, and addressing it as part of the care plan.
Debate: Feeling understood in a fake world – the place of inpatient mental health units in the care of children and adolescents
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Marinos
Published: March 2021

Inpatient units are a significant element of mental healthcare for children and adolescents with the most severe and challenging clinical presentations. Inpatient input has been associated with substantive and sustained health gains across a range of diagnoses and cannot be fully replaced by intensive community treatment options. The potential benefits and risks associated with an admission should be carefully weighed in all referred individuals and may differ depending on several parameters including the type of unit and aims of admission. Although every effort should be made for admissions to be as efficient and short as possible, access to inpatient care and its extent should continue to be determined by clinical need.
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors following the surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma spinal metastases
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Demura Satoru , Murakami Hideki , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Shimizu Takaki , Kawahara Norio , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

The efficacy of surgical resection in metastatic renal cell carcinoma is an active and important research field in the postcytokine era. Bone metastases, especially in the spine, compromise patient performance status. Metastasectomy is indicated, if feasible, because it helps to achieve the best clinical outcomes possible compared with other treatments. This study examined the postoperative survival and prognostic factors in patients who underwent metastasectomy of spinal lesions. The retrospective study included 65 consecutive patients with metastatic renal cell carcinomas who were operated on by spinal metastasectomy between 1995 and 2017 at our institution. The cancer‐specific survival times from the first spinal metastasectomy to death or the last follow‐up (≥3 years) were determined using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Potential factors influencing survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Planned surgical resection of all the spine tumors was achieved in all patients. Of these, 38 had complete metastasectomy of all visible metastases, including extraspinal lesions. In all patients, the estimated median cancer‐specific survival time was 100 months. The 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 77%, 62%, and 48%, respectively. The survival times after spinal metastasectomy were similar in both cytokine and postcytokine groups. In multivariate analyses, postoperative disability, the coexistence of liver metastases, multiple spinal metastases, and incomplete metastasectomy were significant risk factors associated with short‐term survival. Complete metastasectomy, including extraspinal metastases, was associated with improved cancer‐specific survival. Proper patient selection and complete metastasectomy provide a better prognosis in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.
The geographic distribution of retail tobacco outlets in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Morrison Christopher N. , Lee Juliet P. , Giovenco Daniel P. , West Brooke , Hidayana Irma , Astuti Putu A. S. , Mooney Stephen J. , Jacobowitz Ahuva , Rundle Andrew
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Tobacco smoking prevalence in Indonesia is among the highest in the world. Research worldwide identifies that physical access to tobacco through retail outlets is related to increased tobacco smoking. Tobacco outlet density is very high in many Indonesian cities, so tobacco access may contribute to the high prevalence of tobacco use in that country. The aim of this study was to examine distributions of tobacco outlets in one Indonesian city, Yogyakarta, in relation to social and physical environmental conditions.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional ecological study, we virtually audited randomly selected street segments (n = 1099) using Google Street View. The outcome of interest was a count of tobacco advertising banners (indicating the presence of retail outlets). Exposures were physical environmental conditions (scales of main roads, physical decay, presence of schools, mosques, churches) and social conditions measured at the neighbourhood level (concentrated disadvantage, age composition, population density).

Results

Tobacco banners were present on 36.4% of sampled street segments, including 55 (37%) of 147 streets with schools; a total of 1381 banners were identified. Multilevel negative binomial regression models for street segments nested within neighbourhoods found the prevalence of tobacco banners per 100 m was lower near schools (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.45, 0.97) and was not associated with other exposure measures.

Discussion and Conclusions

Retail tobacco outlets are ubiquitous in Yogyakarta. Although they are relatively less prevalent on streets with schools, the high absolute values and wide spatial distribution means all residents of Yogyakarta are exposed to tobacco outlets.
A rare case of quadrileaflet mitral valve and ostium primum atrial septal defect
Authors: Fiore Corrado , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Lombardi Luigi , Sinani Rebani , Gregorini Renato , Almaghraby Abdallah
Published: March 2021

A 60‐year‐old woman was referred to our clinic for evaluation of her rapidly progressive dyspnea, and she had no previous history of heart disease. A murmur was noted on her examination, and transthoracic echocardiography was so difficult to be performed due to poor acoustic windows so she was referred to do a transesophageal echocardiography that showed an ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD) with left‐to‐right shunt and a quadrileaflet mitral valve with severe regurgitation. Later on, she underwent surgery with ostium primum ASD closure by a patch and double cleft repair by suture after right heart catheterization.
The value of C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio in predicting long‐term mortality among HFrEF patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators
Authors: Çinier Göksel , Hayıroğlu Mert İlker , Kolak Zeynep , Tezen Ozan , Yumurtaş Ahmet Çağdaş , Pay Levent , Eren Semih , Çetin Tuğba , Özcan Serhan , Türkkan Ceyhan , Özbilgin Nazmiye , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Alper Ahmet Taha , Gürkan Kadir
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who received implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) still remain at high risk due to pump failure and prevalent comorbid conditions. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the predictive value of C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) for all‐cause mortality among patients with HFrEF despite ICD implantation.

Materials and methods

Those who were implanted ICD for HFrEF in our institution between 2009 and 2019 were included. Data were extracted from hospital's database. CAR was calculated as ratio of C‐reactive protein (CRP) to serum albumin concentration. Patients were grouped into tertiles in accordance with CAR at the time of the implantation. During follow‐up duration of 38 [17‐77] months, survival times of tertiles were compared by using Kaplan‐Meier survival method. Forward Cox proportional regression model was used for multivariable analysis.

Results

Thousand and eleven patients constituted the study population. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy was the primary diagnosis in 92.3%, and ICD was implanted for the primary prevention among 33.9% of patients. Of those, 14.5% died after the discharge. Patients in tertile 3 (T3) had higher risk of mortality (4.2% vs 11.0% vs 28.5%) compared with those in other tertiles. Multivariable analysis revealed that when patients in T1 were considered as the reference, both those in T2 and those in T3 had independently higher risk of all‐cause mortality. This finding was consistent in the unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models.

Conclusion

Among patients with HFrEF and ICD, elevated CAR increased the risk of all‐cause mortality at long term.
Urbanization imprint on land surface phenology: The urban–rural gradient analysis for Chinese cities
Authors: Jia Wenxiao , Zhao Shuqing , Zhang Xiaoyang , Liu Shuguang , Henebry Geoffrey M. , Liu Lingling
Published: March 2021

Rising temperature shifts plant phenology. Chinese cities, experiencing extensive expansion and intensive warming, spanning a wide latitudinal range, might provide ideal experimental opportunities for observing and predicting phenological responses to warming temperature. Using the urban–rural gradient approach, we explored urbanization imprint on land surface phenology across the entire urbanization intensity (UI) gradient ranging from 0% to 100% in 343 Chinese cities using the VIIRS Land Surface Phenology along with MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) products. We found prevalent advancing and delaying trends for the start of the growing season (SOS) and the end of the growing season (EOS) with increasing UI across 343 Chinese cities, respectively. Overall, the phenology shifted earlier by 8.6 ± 0.54 days for SOS, later by 1.3 ± 0.51 days for EOS, and lengthened by 9.9 ± 0.77 days for the growing season length (GSL) in urban core areas (UI above 50%) relative to their rural counterparts (UI lower than 1%). The temperature sensitivity of SOS and EOS was 10.5 ± 0.25 days earlier and 2.9 ± 0.16 days later per 1°C LST increase in spring and autumn, respectively. Moreover, the northern cities witnessed higher temperature sensitivity for SOS and EOS than the southern ones. Both spring and autumn temperature sensitivity across these 343 cities would likely decrease with future urban warming, suggesting any projections of future phenological responses to continued warming must be approached with caution.
Impact of motor subtype on non‐motor symptoms and fall‐related features in patients with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kwon Kyum‐Yil , Lee Eun Ji , Lee Mina , Ju Hyunjin , Im Kayeong
Published: March 2021

Aim

Clinical implications for motor phenotypes of Parkinson's disease (PD) remain to be further elucidated, particularly at the early stages of the disease. We aimed to compare the non‐motor and fall‐related features between tremor‐dominant (TD) and postural instability‐gait difficulty (PIGD) subtypes in patients with early PD.

Methods

PD was categorized into TD, intermediate and PIGD types, according to the literature. Not only motor symptoms, but also non‐motor symptoms for global cognition, depression, anxiety, fatigue and dysautonomia, were measured in detail. In addition, fall‐related features, including a previous history of falls, fear of fall measurement and gait freezing were assessed.

Results

In patients with early PD (disease duration no more than 5 years), 35 patients with TD‐type PD and 31 patients with PIGD‐type PD were finally evaluated for the study. Compared with the TD group, the PIGD group showed higher fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction and fall‐related parameter scores. Moreover, the PIGD scores were significantly correlated with all of those symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PIGD is significantly linked to fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction and fall‐related features during the early stages of PD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 416–420.
Lessons learned from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in asymptomatic Chinese
Authors: Huang Yu , Li Huiyi , Long Xiaohua , Liang Xiao , Lu Hong
Published: March 2021

Background

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection‐related diseases, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer are frequently asymptomatic until the onset of complications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori, erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer, and precancerous lesions such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, gastric dysplasia, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy in asymptomatic Chinese.

Methods

From January to December 2017, a questionnaire was administered to consecutive asymptomatic patients undergoing routine physical examination, which included their first screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy. H. pylori infection was determined by one of positive 13C urea breath tests or rapid urease test and histology. The presence of H. pylori infection, erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer, precancerous gastric histology, and upper GI malignancy was analyzed in relation to demographic factors.

Results

A total of 1108 subjects (mean age: 48, range 21 to 79, 39.5% men) were included. The findings were: erosive esophagitis 7.8%, active H. pylori infection 44%, peptic ulcer 9.1% (duodenal 5.8%, gastric 2.5% or both 0.8%); 0.5% had gastric cancer. Male, smoking history, and current H. pylori infection were all significantly related to the presence of peptic ulcer. Totally, 1095 patients had gastric histopathology and premalignant gastric lesions were present in 67.4%; atrophic gastritis (67.4%), intestinal metaplasia (27.4%), and gastric dysplasia (0.5%). Age, current and previous H. pylori infection were risk factors significantly associated with precancerous lesions.

Conclusions

Upper GI pathology as a sequelae of H. pylori infection is common in asymptomatic Chinese. These findings support institution of a nationwide test and treat program to eradicate H. pylori in China.
Men, women and unions
Authors: Haile Getinet Astatike
Published: March 2021

The paper examines whether workplace gender dynamics contributed to the decline of unions. To this end, it reviews relevant literature and proposes three hypotheses, which it then tests using alternative empirical analyses and data from Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS) and British Social Attitudes Survey (BSAS). The results from employee‐level analysis reveal that, compared with women, (i) men were significantly less likely to have never been union members and (ii) they were also significantly more likely to have been union members in the past. In addition, workplace‐level analysis using WERS reveals that there is an inverse link between union membership and the share of women in workplaces, which is also found to have a non‐linear form. The paper ponders if unions may need to encompass broader agenda than those informed by the median voter to improve their fate.
Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United States
Authors: Giddens Laurie , Petter Stacie , Fullilove Michael H.
Published: March 2021

Globally, millions of individuals are victims of sex trafficking and are compelled to perform sexual acts through force, fraud, or coercion. Law enforcement agencies, non‐profit organisations, and social entrepreneurs increasingly are using information technology as a resource to locate, identify, and rescue victims and find, arrest, and convict traffickers. In this qualitative case study, we partnered with a non‐profit organisation that trains law enforcement officers to use information technology to counter sex trafficking. For this research study, we observed training courses, interviewed law enforcement officers and non‐profit staff, and reviewed technology usage logs and other data sources. Some officers readily used the new information technology post‐training, while others failed to use the new technology. Using conservation of resources theory as a sensitising lens, we identify two factors affecting the use of new technology post‐training: the level of organisational resources available to individuals and the individual's perceptions of the new information technology as a resource. With these findings, we develop the Resources Model of Information Technology Use to explain how perceptions of organisational and technology resources affect information technology usage patterns and outcomes.
TGF‐β activates pericytes via induction of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition protein SLUG in glioblastoma
Authors: Wirsik Naita M. , Ehlers Jakob , Mäder Lisa , Ilina Elena I. , Blank Anna‐Eva , Grote Anne , Feuerhake Friedrich , Baumgarten Peter , Devraj Kavi , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel , Naumann Ulrike
Published: March 2021

Aims

In primary central nervous system tumours, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression is associated with increased malignancy. However, it has also been shown that EMT factors in gliomas are almost exclusively expressed by glioma vessel‐associated pericytes (GA‐Peris). In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanism of EMT in GA‐Peris and its impact on angiogenic processes.

Methods

In glioma patients, vascular density and the expression of the pericytic markers platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐β and smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were examined in relation to the expression of the EMT transcription factor SLUG and were correlated with survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Functional mechanisms of SLUG regulation and the effects on primary human brain vascular pericytes (HBVP) were studied in vitro by measuring proliferation, cell motility and growth characteristics.

Results

The number of PDGFR‐β‐ and αSMA‐positive pericytes did not change with increased malignancy nor showed an association with the survival of GBM patients. However, SLUG‐expressing pericytes displayed considerable morphological changes in GBM‐associated vessels, and TGF‐β induced SLUG upregulation led to enhanced proliferation, motility and altered growth patterns in HBVP. Downregulation of SLUG or addition of a TGF‐β antagonising antibody abolished these effects.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that in GA‐Peris, elevated SLUG expression is mediated by TGF‐β, a cytokine secreted by most glioma cells, indicating that the latter actively modulate neovascularisation not only by modulating endothelial cells, but also by influencing pericytes. This process might be responsible for the formation of an unstructured tumour vasculature as well as for the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier in GBM.
Dentofacial characteristics and age in association with incisor bony support in adult female patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion
Authors: Xia Kai , Wang Jing , Yu Liyuan , Sun Wentian , Huang Xinqi , Zhao Zhihe , Liu Jun
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between incisor alveolar bone thickness (IABT) and dentofacial characteristics or age in adult female patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion (BDP). Evaluating the contribution of these characteristics may help to predict the IABT differences in this patient population.

Setting and sample population

A retrospective study whose sample comprised 80 pretreatment adult female patients with BDP (mean age 24.6 years).

Materials and Methods

The IABT of the bimaxillary central incisors was measured by cone‐beam computed tomography. Among the types of IABT, the apical trabecular bone thickness was measured with a quantitative method. The sagittal skeletal pattern, facial divergence, the incisor inclination angle, and mandibular plane angulation were determined by cephalometric analysis. A backward linear multiple regression was performed to analyse the associations between IABT and these characteristics.

Results

Three dentofacial traits and age were associated with IABT. Patients with increased age and facial divergence tended to have a thinner mandibular incisor bone support, while increased root length was associated with a thicker mandibular incisor apical bone thickness. Increased U1‐SN and facial divergence may lead to a thinner maxillary incisor palatal bone, while increased U1‐SN resulted in a thicker maxillary incisor labial bone.

Conclusions

The bony support of the incisors is associated with age and dentofacial traits. Increasing age and facial divergence are considered risk factors for alveolar defects in female patients with BDP. In contrast, increased root length is associated with a thicker mandibular incisor apical bone support.
The presence of Prevotella melaninogenica within tissue and preliminary study on its role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Authors: Zheng Sai‐wei , Xu Pan , Cai Li‐ting , Tan Zheng‐wu , Guo Yi‐ting , Zhu Rui‐xin , He Yuan
Published: March 2021

Objective

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the oral mucosa with characteristic white striations lesions, recurrent erosions, and pains. The etiology and pathogenesis of OLP are still unclear.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the bacterial community structure of buccal mucosa in patients with OLP and normal controls by high‐throughput sequencing. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect Prevotella melaninogenica (P. melaninogenica) in 13 OLP samples and 10 controls. The amounts of P. melaninogenica in OLP buccal mucosa and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in co‐culture of mouse‐derived macrophages with P. melaninogenica were detected by RT‐qPCR.

Results

The P. melaninogenica was more abundant in OLP than in healthy controls, and the differences were significant at the level of the phylum, family, genus, and species (p < .05). FISH showed that P. melaninogenica can invade the epithelium and even the lamina propria of OLP, while no invasion was found in the normal mucosa. Prevotella melaninogenica can adhere to and invade macrophages and then activate the transcription of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Prevotella melaninogenica may be involved in the pathogenic process of OLP, and its specific mechanism deserves further study.
Safety of an improved pediatric epidural tunneling technique for catheter shear
Authors: Sakai Wataru , Tachibana Shunsuke , Chaki Tomohiro , Nakazato Naofumi , Horiguchi Yuri , Nawa Yuko , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: March 2021

Background

Epidural tunneling could help with prolonged catheterization and be effective in preventing infection and dislodgement. However, epidural tunneling techniques carry a risk of catheter shear or needlestick injuries.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the safety of our epidural tunneling technique in terms of catheter shear.

Methods

This study was designed as a double‐blinded, single‐crossover, in vitro study. Each of the operators performed two techniques to create a subcutaneous tunnel. We compared outcomes between the control tunneling technique (group C) and our improved technique (group I). Microscopic findings of catheter shear were assessed as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the tension and displacement required to break the epidural catheter and the frequency of catheter breakage due to catheter shear. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and Mann‐Whitney U test. A p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Ten catheters were assessed in each group. The frequency of catheter shear was 10% in group I and 90% in group C (odds ratio, 0.019; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.31; p < .001). The frequency of catheter breakage due to catheter shear was significantly lower in group I (0%) than in group C (80%; p < .001). The mean tension and displacement required to break the catheter were significantly higher in group I than in group C (4.13 ± 0.37 N vs. 3.14 ± 1.00 N; mean difference, 0.99 N; 95% CI, 0.25–1.73 N; p = .013 and 222 ± 59.9 mm vs. 122 ± 77.7 mm; mean difference, 100 mm; 95% CI, 34.1–165 mm; p = .005).

Conclusions

Our improved epidural tunneling technique, which was designed for pediatric cases, could reduce the risk of catheter shear.
Metabolic engineering of astaxanthin‐rich maize and its use in the production of biofortified eggs
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Ma Xuhui , Wang Hao , Li Suzhen , Yang Wenzhu , Nugroho Ramdhan Dwi , Luo Lili , Zhou Xiaojin , Tang Chaohua , Fan Yunliu , Zhao Qingyu , Zhang Junmin , Chen Rumei
Published: March 2021

Production of the high‐value carotenoid astaxanthin, which is widely used in food and feed due to its strong antioxidant activity and colour, is less efficient in cereals than in model plants. Here, we report a new strategy for expressing β‐carotene ketolase and hydroxylase genes from algae, yeasts and flowering plants in the whole seed using a seed‐specific bidirectional promoter. Engineered maize events were backcrossed to inbred maize lines with yellow endosperm to generate progenies that accumulate astaxanthin from 47.76 to 111.82 mg/kg DW in seeds, and the maximum level is approximately sixfold higher than those in previous reports (16.2–16.8 mg/kg DW) in cereals. A feeding trial with laying hens indicated that they could take up astaxanthin from the maize and accumulate it in egg yolks (12.10–14.15 mg/kg) without affecting egg production and quality, as observed using astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. Storage stability evaluation analysis showed that the optimal conditions for long‐term storage of astaxanthin‐rich maize are at 4 °C in the dark. This study shows that co‐expressing of functional genes driven by seed‐specific bidirectional promoter could dramatically boost astaxanthin biosynthesis in every parts of kernel including embryo, aleurone layer and starch endosperm other than previous reports in the starch endosperm only. And the staple crop maize could serve as a cost‐effective plant factory for reliably producing astaxanthin.
The Effect of Tightening Standards on Automakers’ Non‐compliance
Authors: Hu Kejia , Chopra Sunil , Chen Yuche
Published: March 2021

This study investigates how tightening standards can result in greater non‐compliance, especially when market and regulatory interests are misaligned. We confirm a causal relationship that explains the highly publicized auto industry non‐compliance phenomenon where on‐road NOx emissions exceeded standards. Based on a 15‐year on‐road vehicle emissions dataset covering 148,837 vehicles from 42 automakers in the EU, we use regression discontinuity to identify the causal impact of standards tightening on non‐compliance by controlling other confounding factors. Our results suggest that in the absence of effective monitoring, tightening standards directly drives up automakers’ non‐compliance. Furthermore, we find that automakers facing more intense substitution pressure from competitors or with less advanced emissions control technology have a higher non‐compliance rate. Our findings speak to both policymakers as well as managers in the private sector. When setting limit‐based performance goals in situations with conflicting interests and imperfect monitoring, they should anticipate non‐compliance from the regulated parties. Our results suggest that tightening standards in such situations should be accompanied by stricter monitoring or other actions that discourage non‐compliance.
Demand Forecasting with Supply‐Chain Information and Machine Learning: Evidence in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Zhu Xiaodan , Ninh Anh , Zhao Hui , Liu Zhenming
Published: March 2021

Accurate demand forecasting is critical for supply chain efficiency, especially for the pharmaceutical (pharma) supply chain due to its unique characteristics. However, limited data have prevented forecasters from pursuing advanced models. Such problems exist even when long history of demand data is available because historical data in the distant past may bring little value as market situation changes. In the meantime, demands are also affected by many hidden factors that again require a large amount of data and more sophisticated models to capture. We propose to overcome these challenges by a novel demand forecasting framework which “borrows” time series data from many other products (cross‐series training) and trains the data with advanced machine learning models (known for detecting patterns). We further improve performance of the cross‐series models through various “grouping" schemes, and learning from non‐demand features such as downstream inventory data across different products, information of supply chain structure, and relevant domain knowledge. We test our proposed framework with many modeling possibilities on two large datasets from major pharma manufacturers and our results show superior performance. Our work also provides empirical evidence of the value of downstream inventory information in the context of demand forecasting. We conduct prior and post‐hoc field work to ensure the applicability of the proposed forecasting approach.
Reducing rates of discharge against medical advice in the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital in South India: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bosco Ashish N. , A. Shashidhar , Rees Chris A. , Wheeler Andrew D. , Britto Carl D. , P. N. Suman Rao
Published: March 2021

Objective

To elucidate characteristics among neonates and their mothers who were discharged against medical advice (DAMA), providers’ perspectives on DAMA and the effect of an intervention to reduce DAMA in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods study to identify neonates at risk of DAMA. We reviewed charts of neonates and their mothers who were DAMA and conducted logit regression analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine associations with DAMA. We conducted focus group discussions with nurses and doctors. We developed an intervention that included family counselling, supplemental funds for hospital bills and involving family members to reduce DAMA.

Results

Of 10 834 neonates, 179 (1.7%) were DAMA over the study period. Maternal characteristics associated with DAMA included higher previous parity (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–2.3, P = 0.001). Mothers who received antenatal care had lower odds of DAMA (aOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.7, P = 0.039). Neonates with lower birth weight (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–9.4, P = 0.002) and congenital malformations (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.3, P = 0.005) also had higher odds of DAMA. The most commonly cited reasons for DAMA were financial constraints, inadequate counselling and perceived poor prognosis. The average monthly number of neonates who were DAMA decreased from 3.6 (1.6%) to 1.5 (0.6%) after our multi‐pronged intervention.

Conclusions

Neonates with severe illness and poor prognosis had higher odds of DAMA. A multi‐pronged intervention demonstrated reductions in the rates of DAMA. This intervention may be trialled in similar settings to reduce DAMA.
Use of a negative pressure wound therapy system over closed incisions option in preventing post‐sternotomy wound complications
Authors: Brega Carlotta , Calvi Simone , Albertini Alberto
Published: March 2021

Post‐sternotomy surgical site infections may be serious complications responsible for increased morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. A variety of wound‐healing strategies can be used over closed surgical incisions, including negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of the study is to assess sternal wound complications after heart surgery using NPWT in patients at risk for surgical site complication. Considered risk factors affecting wound healing were type 2 diabetes, Body Mass Index (BMI) >30, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic renal failure (CRF) and myocardial revascularization by double mammary artery harvesting. With these premises, 90 patients were selected: 30 patients received traditional gauze dressings, 30 advanced dressings (hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose) and 30 patients NPWT. Thirty‐four patients (37.7%) had two risk factors, 41 patients (45.5%) were affected by three risk factors and 15 patients (16.6%) by four risk factors. The NPWT group had lower rates of diabetes and CRF and only one patient presented four risk factors. With regard to surgical times and types of surgical procedure, no significant differences were observed within the three groups. The patients who received NPWT over closed incision experimented a significantly lower rate of deep sternal complication over traditional gauze and hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose dressings.
Associations between faecal pathogen detection, E. coli concentrations and youth exhibitor biosecurity practices at California county fairs
Authors: Daniels Miles E. , Smith Martin H. , Packham Andrea E. , Meehan Cheryl L. , Bautois Audrey , Byrne Barbara , Smith Woutrina A.
Published: March 2021

Interactions with livestock in public settings such as county and state fairs can expose people and other livestock to faecal material capable of spreading zoonotic enteric pathogens. The goal of this study was to understand these risks by screening livestock faeces (n = 245) and livestock bedding (n = 155) for common zoonotic pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella and Campylobacter spp.) and by measuring faecal indicator, Escherichia coli, concentrations in drinking water (n = 153), feed containers (n = 124) and bedding material (n = 157) in four livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats and swine) from county fairs in California, USA. Results indicated that sheep were most likely to have pathogens detected in faeces and that Giardia was the most frequently detected pathogen in both faeces (11%) and bedding (21%) across all livestock species. Additionally, increasing the number of animals in a holding pen at fairs, increasing the stocking density of animals in transport trailers to fairs, and having access to water in transport trailers significantly increased the odds of detecting pathogens in livestock faeces of any animal species. Observing solid material in water, stale feed and soiled bedding was associated with detecting higher E. coli concentrations. These findings provide evidence of faecal pathogens present at county fairs and suggest that site observations can aid in assessing levels of faecal exposure. The findings also indicate that the use of biosecurity measures such as (a) routine changing of livestock drinking water, feed and bedding, (b) not overstocking animals in holding pens and trailers and (c) keeping species in separate holding areas may reduce the risk of humans and livestock being exposed to faecal pathogens.
Band alignment modulation of atomic layer deposition-prepared Al2O3/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction interface by deposition temperature
Authors: Zhou Shun , Liu Hao , Dong Linpeng , Liu Weiguo , Song Shigeng , Liu Wenjun
Published: March 2021

The band alignment between oxygen plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition Al2O3 films and β-Ga2O3 (−201) substrates under different deposition temperatures was characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As the deposition temperature increased from 30 to 200 °C, all the heterojunctions exhibited a type-I alignment. The bandgap of Al2O3 enlarged from 6.26 ± 0.1 to 6.81 ± 0.1 eV, leading to the conduction band offset varying linearly from 1.39 ± 0.1 to 1.95 ± 0.1 eV, while the valence band offset was insensitive. This difference was attributed to Al ion deficiency and hydroxyl groups induced by an inadequate reaction of trimethylaluminum under low deposition temperatures, which was proved by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMs) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These findings could facilitate the design of a CBO-controllable Al2O3/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction through deposition temperature.