bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of multi-level intervention strategies for a psychologically healthy construction workplace in Nigeria
Authors: Nwaogu Janet Mayowa , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The need to improve the mental health of construction personnel has increased owing to high rates of mental health problems. Hence, a proper evaluation of a mix of implementable intervention strategies in the workplace will assist in achieving good mental health. Although there are recommendations in occupational health literature on strategies that can be adopted, it is unknown how they fit appropriately into the construction industry. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the mix of strategies for the construction industry and their criticality.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the context of developing countries with Nigeria as a case study, data was collected using the quantitative technique. A questionnaire survey consisting of 31 intervention strategies was administered to a purposive sample of 45 experts in the Nigerian construction industry. The data collected was analyzed using mean score analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

The study revealed that strategies focused on boosting employee morale and engagement and interpersonal relationship offer higher chances of improving mental health among construction personnel. The study showed that implementing job crafting and sculpting may benefit the industry. The analysis showed that the overall criticality of the intervention strategies to the Nigerian construction workplace is high, suggesting that if implemented, the mental health of construction personnel can be improved.

Originality/value

The study provides an initial understanding of the most critical multi-level intervention strategies to enhance good mental health among construction personnel in Nigeria and the global construction industry. These findings serve as a guide to policymakers and advocate the implementation of strategies to adopt for a psychologically healthy construction workplace in developing countries.
Changing the quality mindset at Ashok Leyland (Parts A and B)
Authors: M.V. Anuradha , C.R. Rajan , Ganduri Uma Rao
Published: September 2020

Theoretical basis

Change in culture brought about by effective leadership is at the core of this case. Therefore, two broad topics can be discussed using this case: organizational culture change and Change Leadership OR Role of leaders in organzational change.

Research methodology

The case was prepared using primary data collected through a series of interviews conducted with participants of the change process. The participants included R. Sivanesan, Senior Vice President (Quality, Sourcing and Supply Chain) of Ashok Leyland, many members of the quality team, production department, HR executives and members of the marketing team. Secondary data in the form of an interview of Mr Vinod Dasari published in a popular magazine Autocar Professionals and organizational documents/presentations used during the change process were also used to build the case.

Case overview/synopsis

In 2011, when Vinod Dasari took over as the Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland (AL), he hired R. Sivanesan. The quality standards of the vehicles produced in the AL plants in 2011 was far from satisfactory. He decided to change this. Part A of the case discusses the challenges faced by Sivanesan and Vinod Dasari in bringing about a change in the quality management practices at AL. Part B discusses the steps they actually took and the change that resulted from it.

Learning objectives

At the end of the case discussion, the participants will be able to develop an understanding of the various aspects of organizational culture and how it manifests itself; become aware of the underlying causes of resistance to change; critically evaluate and apply various theories of change management; create an action plan for changing the culture of any organization; and appreciate the role of leaders as change agents.

Complexity academic level

The central theme in this case is managing culture change within organizations through effective leadership. Instructors teaching courses in organizational theory, organization structure/culture and leadership will find this case relevant. It is primarily intended for use in MBA and Executive Education programs in Management.
The effect of residents’ perception of hotel social responsibility on overall attitude toward tourism
Authors: Boğan Erhan , Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora , Balikçioğlu Dedeoğlu Sevgi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating effects of residents’ demographic attributes on the relationship between perceptions of hotels’ social responsibility (HSR) practices and overall attitude toward tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Perceptions of HSR were examined via social, economic and environmental dimensions. The research model was investigated with structural equation modeling and multigroup analyses.

Findings

The findings show that residents’ perceptions of HSR had a positive impact on their attitude toward tourism and that their demographic attributes had a moderating effect on this relationship.

Originality/value

Although there have been many papers on stakeholders’ returns to corporate social responsibility practices implemented by hotels, residents’ returns to these practices are insufficiently investigated. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no research on the moderating effect of residents’ demographic attributes on the relationship between perceived social responsibility and overall attitude toward tourism.
Yersinia YopT inhibits RLH‐mediated NF‐κB and IRF3 signal transduction
Authors: Li Dongyu , Wang Haoyong , Zhang Pingping , Zhang Yanhong , He Xiang , Zhong Hui , Guan Kai , Min Min , Gao Qi , Wei Congwen
Published: September 2020

The Gram‐negative bacterial pathogen Yersinia delivers six effector proteins into the host cells to block the host innate immune response. One of the effectors, YopT, is a potent cysteine protease that causes the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton to inhibit phagocytosis of the pathogen; however, its molecular mechanism and relevance to pathogenesis need further investigation. In this report, we show that RIG‐I is a novel target of the YopT protein. Remarkably, YopT interacts with RIG‐I and inhibits rat liver homogenate‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor‐3 activation. Further studies revealed a YopT‐dependent increase in the K48‐polymerized ubiquitination of RIG‐I. These findings suggest that YopT negatively regulates RIG‐I‐mediated cellular antibacterial response by targeting RIG‐I.
Hantavirus diseases pathophysiology, their diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches: A review
Authors: Munir Naveed , Jahangeer Muhammad , Hussain Shoukat , Mahmood Zahed , Ashiq Mehvish , Ehsan Fatima , Akram Muhammad , Ali Shah Syed Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Sana Aneezah
Published: September 2020

Hantaviruses are enveloped negative (−) single‐stranded RNA viruses belongs to Hantaviridae family, hosted by small rodents and entering into the human body through inhalation, causing haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) also known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). Hantaviruses infect approximately more than 200 000 people annually all around the world and its mortality rate is about 35%–40%. Hantaviruses play significant role in affecting the target cells as these inhibit the apoptotic factor in these cells. These viruses impair the integrity of endothelial barrier due to an excessive innate immune response that is proposed to be central in the pathogenesis and is a hallmark of hantavirus disease. A wide range of different diagnostic tools including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot assay (IBA), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and other molecular techniques are used as detection tools for hantavirus in the human body. Now the availability of therapeutic modalities is the major challenge to control this deadly virus because still no FDA approved drug or vaccine is available. Antiviral agents, DNA‐based vaccines, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies neutralized the viruses so these techniques are considered as the hope for the treatment of hantavirus disease. This review has been compiled to provide a comprehensive overview of hantaviruses disease, its pathophysiology, diagnostic tools and the treatment approaches to control the hantavirus infection.
Jump Risk in the US Financial Sector
Authors: Gajurel Dinesh , Dungey Mardi , Yao Wenying , Jeyasreedharan Nagaratnam
Published: September 2020

In this paper we establish empirical evidence for the relationship between the systematic jump betas of financial institutions and two types of systemic risk index: a capital shortfall index and a interconnectedness index. Using high‐frequency data for US financial sector stocks, we show that equity market jumps are positively related to capital shortfall and negatively related to interconnectedness. Higher potential capital shortfall measures of systemic risk lead to a greater sensitivity to systematic jumps, while increased interconnectedness leads to greater resistance. Our findings, along with indicators such as size and leverage, provide a means to identify the possible trade‐offs that regulators might face when assessing the systemic risks of financial institutions, particularly in the context of the cross‐multiple influences within the sector.
A novel hybrid whale optimization algorithm with flower pollination algorithm for feature selection: Case study Email spam detection
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Hekmat , Gharehchopogh Farhad Soleimanian
Published: September 2020

Feature selection (FS) in data mining is one of the most challenging and most important activities in pattern recognition. In this article, a new hybrid model of whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and flower pollination algorithm (FPA) is presented for the problem of FS based on the concept of opposition‐based learning (OBL) which name is HWOAFPA. The procedure is that the WOA is run first and at the same time during the run, the WOA population is changed by the OBL. And, to increase the accuracy and speed of convergence, it is used as the initial population of FPA. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, experiments were carried out in two steps. The experiments were performed on 10 datasets from the UCI data repository and Email spam detection datasets. The results obtained from the first step showed that the proposed method was more successful in terms of the average size of selection and classification accuracy than other basic metaheuristic algorithms. In addition, the results from the second step showed that the proposed method which was a run on the Email spam dataset performed much more accurately than other similar algorithms in terms of accuracy of Email spam detection.
Current and future impacts of drought and ozone stress on Northern Hemisphere forests
Authors: Otu‐Larbi Frederick , Conte Adriano , Fares Silvano , Wild Oliver , Ashworth Kirsti
Published: September 2020

Rising ozone (O3) concentrations, coupled with an increase in drought frequency due to climate change, pose a threat to plant growth and productivity which could negatively affect carbon sequestration capacity of Northern Hemisphere (NH) forests. Using long‐term observations of O3 mixing ratios and soil water content (SWC), we implemented empirical drought and O3 stress parameterizations in a coupled stomatal conductance–photosynthesis model to assess their impacts on plant gas exchange at three FLUXNET sites: Castelporziano, Blodgett and Hyytiälä. Model performance was evaluated by comparing model estimates of gross primary productivity (GPP) and latent heat fluxes (LE) against present‐day observations. CMIP5 GCM model output data were then used to investigate the potential impact of the two stressors on forests by the middle (2041–2050) and end (2091–2100) of the 21st century. We found drought stress was the more significant as it reduced model overestimation of GPP and LE by ~11%–25% compared to 1%–11% from O3 stress. However, the best model fit to observations at all the study sites was obtained with O3 and drought stress combined, such that the two stressors counteract the impact of each other. With the inclusion of drought and O3 stress, GPP at CPZ, BLO and HYY is projected to increase by 7%, 5% and 8%, respectively, by mid‐century and by 14%, 11% and 14% by 2091–2100 as atmospheric CO2 increases. Estimates were up to 21% and 4% higher when drought and O3 stress were neglected respectively. Drought stress will have a substantial impact on plant gas exchange and productivity, off‐setting and possibly negating CO2 fertilization gains in future, suggesting projected increases in the frequency and severity of droughts in the NH will play a significant role in forest productivity and carbon budgets in future.
LncRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy: From basic science to clinical application
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Donghui , Li Yifei
Published: September 2020

Cardiac hypertrophy is a typical pathological phenotype of cardiomyopathy and a result from pathological remodelling of cardiomyocytes in humans. At present, emerging evidence demonstrated the roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating the pathophysiological process of cardiac hypertrophy. Herein, we would like to review the recent researches on this issue and try to analysis the potential therapeutic targets on lncRNA sites. Studies have revealed both genetic mutations related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the compensative cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure overload, inflammation, endocrine issues and other external stimulations, share a common molecular mechanism of ventricular hypertrophy. The emerging evidence identified the abnormal expression of lncRNAs would leading to the impairment the function of sarcomere, intracellular calcium handling and mitochondrial metabolisms. Several researches proved the therapeutic role of lncRNAs in preventing or reversing cardiac hypertrophy. With the development of delivery system for small pieces of oligonucleotide, clinicians could design gene therapy approaches to terminate the process of cardiac hypertrophy to provide better prognosis.
The AKR1C3/AR‐V7 complex maintains CRPC tumour growth by repressing B4GALT1 expression
Authors: Wang Bin , Wu Shiqi , Fang Yong , Sun Guangxi , He Dalin , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Wang Xinyang , Zeng Hao , Wu Kaijie
Published: September 2020

Multiple mechanisms contribute to the survival and growth of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells without androgen, including androgen receptor splice variants (AR‐V) and de novo intratumoral androgen synthesis. AKR1C3 is a critical androgenic enzyme that plays different roles in mCRPC, such as an EMT driver or AR coactivator. However, the relationship and regulatory mechanisms between AKR1C3 and AR‐V remain largely unknown. In this study, we observed a positive correlation between AKR1C3 and AR‐V7 staining in tissues from prostate rebiopsy at mCRPC. Mechanistically, AKR1C3 interacts with AR‐V7 protein in CRPC cells, which can reciprocally inhibit AR‐V7 and AKR1C3 protein degradation. Biologically, this complex is essential for in vitro and in vivo tumour growth of CRPC cells after androgen deprivation as it represses B4GALT1, a unique tumour suppressor gene in PCa. Together, this study reveals AKR1C3/AR‐V7 complex as a potential therapeutic target in mCRPC.
Prolapse of a pedunculated uterine leiomyoma through the cervix during GnRH antagonist treatment: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ishizawa Chihiro , Hirota Yasushi , Urata Yoko , Morishima Kaoru , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: September 2020

We here describe a case of the prolapse of pedunculated submucosal leiomyoma through the cervix during the treatment of a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist relugolix. We also present the literature review of the cases of leiomyoma prolapse during GnRH modulators. A 55‐year‐old woman with atypical vaginal bleeding diagnosed submucosal uterine fibroid 6 cm in diameter, and daily oral administration of relugolix was conducted. On the 35th day of the administration, heavy vaginal bleeding suddenly occurred due to leiomyoma prolapse. Finally, she underwent abdominal hysterectomy to treat heavy bleeding. To date, six cases of leiomyoma prolapse during GnRH modulators have been reported, in which all the previous cases were treated with GnRH agonists. This is the first case report of leiomyoma prolapse during GnRH antagonist treatment. Notably, leiomyoma prolapse is a possible common adverse effect of GnRH modulators for the treatment of submucosal leiomyoma, which is caused by rapid decrease in its volume.
Canalis sinuosus: An Anatomic Repair that May Prevent Success of Dental Implants in Anterior Maxilla
Authors: Lopes dos Santos Gabriela , Ikuta Carla Renata Sanomiya , Salzedas Leda Maria Pescinini , Miyahara Glauco Issamu , Tjioe Kellen Cristine
Published: September 2020

Canalis sinuosus(CS) is a neurovascular canal that corresponds to a small branch of the infraorbital canal. It contains the anterior superior alveolar nerve and vessels, supplying the anterior maxilla. Despite having been described 81 years ago, CS is not recognized by many dental practitioners and may be the cause of unintended injuries during dental procedures. The aims of this study are to report a case of a patient who suffered pain due to exposure of the CS, to provide a comprehensive review of other CS cases that were challenging to diagnose, and to propose guidelines for preoperative examination of patients undergoing surgical procedures in the anterior maxilla. The review of the literature revealed six cases, in addition to the one presented here, of unintended or potential damage to CS. Five out of seven cases were related to dental implant placement and resulted in postoperative pain and/or paresthesia. The dental implant was removed in 4 out of the 5 cases. This study reinforces the importance of awareness of CS by dental practitioners and provides a protocol for the preoperative examination of the patient to prevent avoidable injuries to CS.
Get healthy to marry or marry to get healthy?
Authors: Cortez Gina R. , Lee Seonhwa , Roberson Patricia N. E.
Published: September 2020

This study tested selection and causal effects on the marriage‐health link by analyzing predictors of mortality through body mass index (BMI) and chronic illnesses (CI) on emerging adults (EA; N = 302) who were followed biannually for 8 years from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Results showed EA with unhealthy BMI's are more likely to marry and improve their BMI after marrying, substantiating selection and causal effects. Only the selection effect was substantiated for CI, whereby White EAs with CI were less likely to marry. Marriage appears to benefit overall health for EA, as findings suggest improved health behaviors after marriage. Future research should assess what health behaviors change during marriage for EA and if they help CI management.
Comparisons of Endwall Overall Effectiveness From Two Film Hole Distribution Patterns at Low and High Exit Mach Numbers
Authors: Yang Xing , Liu Zhansheng , Zhao Qiang , Liu Zhao , Feng Zhenping , Simon Terrence W.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, detailed overall cooling effectiveness and associated flow patterns are presented for two distinct film hole distribution patterns over a turbine endwall: an axial-row pattern and an iso-Mach number line row pattern. Measurements, in combination with numerical simulations, are performed in a scaled-up cascade. Thermal protection for the endwall is achieved by jet-array impingement on the cold side and discrete film cooling on the hot-gas side, combined with purge air from an inclined slot that simulates the upstream seal cavity. Infrared (IR) thermography techniques are used to obtain overall effectiveness in a wide range of coolant flow ratios of 1.5–3.8%. Mach numbers at the exit of the vane cascade are 0.25 and 0.70, representing the variations of engine operating conditions. Overall effectiveness measurements and computational flowfields show that the iso-Mach number line hole pattern outperforms the hole pattern with axial rows of holes in terms of overall effectiveness levels and thermodynamic energy losses, regardless of coolant flow ratios. Increasing Mach number increases overall effectiveness levels on the endwall and higher Mach numbers generate higher effectiveness improvement for the iso-Mach number line arrangement, relative to the axial-row configuration. Additionally, adding purge air to the endwall considerably improves the overall effectiveness levels and purge air performs better for the axial-row pattern due to no direct interactions with downstream discrete coolant injection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Impairs NKG2D-Dependent NK Cell Cytotoxicity through Regulatory T-Cell Activation
Authors: Vourc’h Mickael , David Gaelle , Gaborit Benjamin , Broquet Alexis , Jacqueline Cedric , Chaumette Tanguy , Caillon Jocelyne , Roquilly Antoine , Retiere Christelle , Asehnoune Karim
Published: September 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in both antibacterial and antitumor immunity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection has already been reported to alter NK cell functions. We studied
in vitro
the effect of
P. aeruginosa
on NK cell cytotoxic response (CD107a membrane expression) to a lymphoma cell line. Through positive and negative cell sorting and adoptive transfer, we determined the influence of monocytes, lymphocytes, and regulatory T cells (Treg) on NK cell function during
P. aeruginosa
infection.
MARCH8 Inhibits Ebola Virus Glycoprotein, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein, and Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Hemagglutinin Maturation
Authors: Yu Changqing , Li Sunan , Zhang Xianfeng , Khan Ilyas , Ahmad Iqbal , Zhou Yulong , Li Shuo , Shi Jing , Wang Yu , Zheng Yong-Hui
Published: September 2020

Enveloped viruses express three classes of fusion proteins that are required for their entry into host cells via mediating virus and cell membrane fusion. Class I fusion proteins are produced from influenza viruses, retroviruses, Ebola viruses, and coronaviruses. They are first synthesized as a type I transmembrane polypeptide precursor that is subsequently glycosylated and oligomerized. Most of these precursors are cleaved
en route
to the plasma membrane by a cellular protease furin in the late secretory pathway, generating the trimeric N-terminal receptor-binding and C-terminal fusion subunits. Here, we show that a cellular protein, MARCH8, specifically inhibits the furin-mediated cleavage of EBOV GP, HIV-1 Env, and H5N1 HA. Further analyses uncovered that MARCH8 blocked the EBOV GP glycosylation in the Golgi and inhibited its transport from the Golgi to the plasma membrane. Thus, MARCH8 has a very broad antiviral activity by specifically inactivating different viral fusion proteins.
Mechanistic Understanding Enables the Rational Design of Salicylanilide Combination Therapies for Gram-Negative Infections
Authors: Copp Janine N. , Pletzer Daniel , Brown Alistair S. , Van der Heijden Joris , Miton Charlotte M. , Edgar Rebecca J. , Rich Michelle H. , Little Rory F. , Williams Elsie M. , Hancock Robert E. W. , Tokuriki Nobuhiko , Ackerley David F.
Published: September 2020

There is a critical need for more-effective treatments to combat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Combination therapies are a promising strategy, especially when these enable existing clinical drugs to be repurposed as antibiotics. We examined the mechanisms of action and basis of innate Gram-negative resistance for the anthelmintic drug niclosamide and subsequently exploited this information to demonstrate that niclosamide and analogs kill Gram-negative bacteria when combined with antibiotics that inhibit drug efflux or permeabilize membranes. We confirm the synergistic potential of niclosamide
in vitro
against a diverse range of recalcitrant Gram-negative clinical isolates and
in vivo
in a mouse abscess model. We also demonstrate that nitroreductases can confer resistance to niclosamide but show that evolution of these enzymes for enhanced niclosamide resistance confers a collateral sensitivity to other clinical antibiotics. Our results highlight how detailed mechanistic understanding can accelerate the evaluation and implementation of new combination therapies.
Alternating Dynamics of
oriC
, SMC, and MksBEF in Segregation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Chromosome
Authors: Zhao Hang , Bhowmik Bijit K. , Petrushenko Zoya M. , Rybenkov Valentin V.
Published: September 2020

Mechanisms that define the chromosome as a structural entity remain unknown. Key elements in this process are condensins, which globally organize chromosomes and contribute to their segregation. This study characterized condensin and chromosome dynamics in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which harbors condensins from two major protein superfamilies, SMC and MksBEF. The study revealed that both proteins play a dual role in chromosome maintenance by spatially organizing the chromosomes and guiding their segregation but can substitute for each other in some activities. The timing of chromosome, SMC, and MksBEF relocation was highly ordered and interdependent, revealing causative relationships in the process. Moreover, MksBEF produced clusters at the site of chromosome replication that survived cell division and remained in place until replication was complete. Overall, these data delineate the functions of condensins from the SMC and MksBEF superfamilies, reveal the existence of a chromosome organizing center, and suggest a mechanism that might explain the biogenesis of chromosomes.
The Social Distancing Imposed To Contain COVID-19 Can Affect Our Microbiome: a Double-Edged Sword in Human Health
Authors: Domingues Célia P. F. , Rebelo João S. , Dionisio Francisco , Botelho Ana , Nogueira Teresa
Published: September 2020

Hygienic measures imposed to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and contain COVID-19 have proven effective in controlling the pandemic. In this article, we argue that these measures could impact the human microbiome in two different and disparate ways, acting as a double-edged sword in human health. New lines of research have shown that the diversity of human intestinal and oropharyngeal microbiomes can shape pulmonary viral infection progression. Here, we suggest that the disruption in microbial sharing, as it is associated with dysbiosis (loss of bacterial diversity associated with an imbalance of the microbiota with deleterious consequences for the host), may worsen the prognosis of COVID-19 disease.
Enrofloxacin Shifts Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolic Profiling and Hinders Recovery from Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Infection in Neonatal Chickens
Authors: Ma Boheng , Mei Xueran , Lei Changwei , Li Cui , Gao Yufeng , Kong Linghan , Zhai Xiwen , Wang Hongning
Published: September 2020

In this study, we examined the effects of
S.
Typhimurium infection and enrofloxacin treatment on the microbiota and metabolite synthesis in chicken cecum, in order to identify target metabolites that may promote
S.
Typhimurium colonization and aggravate inflammation and to evaluate the important microbiota that may be associated with these metabolites. Our findings may facilitate the use of antibiotics to prevent
S.
Typhimurium infection.
Redefining the Clostridioides difficile σ
B
Regulon: σ
B
Activates Genes Involved in Detoxifying Radicals That Can Result from the Exposure to Antimicrobials and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Boekhoud Ilse M. , Michel Annika-Marisa , Corver Jeroen , Jahn Dieter , Smits Wiep Klaas
Published: September 2020

Sigma B is the alternative sigma factor governing stress response in many Gram-positive bacteria. In
C. difficile
, a
sigB
mutant shows pleiotropic transcriptional effects. Here, we determine genes that are likely direct targets of σ
B
by evaluating the transcriptional effects of σ
B
overproduction, provide biochemical evidence of direct transcriptional activation by σ
B
, and show that σ
B
-dependent genes can be activated by antimicrobials. Together, our data suggest that σ
B
is a key player in dealing with toxic radicals.
Horizontal Gene Transfer Clarifies Taxonomic Confusion and Promotes the Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of Plesiomonas shigelloides
Authors: Yin Zhiqiu , Zhang Si , Wei Yi , Wang Meng , Ma Shuangshuang , Yang Shuang , Wang Jingting , Yuan Chao , Jiang Lingyan , Du Yuhui
Published: September 2020

The taxonomic position of
P. shigelloides
has been the subject of debate for a long time, and until now, the evolutionary dynamics and pathogenesis of
P. shigelloides
were unclear. In this study, pan-genome analysis indicated extensive genetic diversity and the presence of large and variable gene repertoires. Our results revealed that horizontal gene transfer was the focal driving force for the genetic diversity of the
P. shigelloides
pan-genome and might have contributed to the emergence of novel properties.
Vibrionaceae
and
Aeromonadaceae
were found to be the predominant donor taxa for horizontal genes, which might have caused the taxonomic confusion historically. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the potential of
P. shigelloides
to cause intestinal and invasive diseases. Our results could advance the understanding of the evolution and pathogenesis of
P. shigelloides
, particularly in elucidating the role of horizontal gene transfer and investigating virulence-related elements.
Evidence for Succession and Putative Metabolic Roles of Fungi and Bacteria in the Farming Mutualism of the Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus affinis
Authors: Ibarra-Juarez L. A. , Burton M. A. J. , Biedermann P. H. W. , Cruz L. , Desgarennes D. , Ibarra-Laclette E. , Latorre A. , Alonso-Sánchez A. , Villafan E. , Hanako-Rosas G. , López L. , Vázquez-Rosas-Landa M. , Carrion G. , Carrillo D. , Moya A. , Lamelas A.
Published: September 2020

Ambrosia beetles farm their own food fungi within tunnel systems in wood and are among the three insect lineages performing agriculture (the others are fungus-farming ants and termites). In ambrosia beetles, primary ambrosia fungus cultivars have been regarded essential, whereas other microbes have been more or less ignored. Our KEGG analyses suggest so far unknown roles of yeasts and bacterial symbionts, by preparing the tunnel walls for the primary ambrosia fungi. This preparation includes enzymatic degradation of wood, essential amino acid production, and nitrogen fixation. The latter is especially exciting because if it turns out to be presentin vivoin ambrosia beetles, all farming animals (including humans) are dependent on atmospheric nitrogen fertilization of their crops. As previous internal transcribed spacer (ITS) metabarcoding approaches failed on covering the primary ambrosia fungi, our 18S metabarcoding approach can also serve as a template for future studies on the ambrosia beetle-fungus symbiosis.
Vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis in a patient with recurrent hairy cell leukaemia
Authors: Chung Su Yun , Shen Janice Gloria , Ghiuzeli Cristina M
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have shown that BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, are effective in inducing long periods of remission in relapsed hairy cell leukaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the rare complications that is reported with vemurafenib use. As severe pancreatitis can be life threatening, physicians should be vigilant of this side effect and promptly treat patients that develop clinical signs and symptoms while receiving vemurafenib. We present an interesting case of vemurafenib-induced pancreatitis that not only resolved but also did not recur after reintroduction of the drug at a reduced dose.
Fulminant myocarditis as an early presentation of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Naneishvili Tamara , Khalil Arsalan , O'Leary Ryan , Prasad Neeraj
Published: September 2020

Myocarditis is well known to be caused by viral infections such as Coxsackie virus group B, human herpes virus 6 and parvovirus B19. However, during the current emerging outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, there have been few case reports describing myocarditis as a possible presentation. In our case report we describe, early cardiac manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK District General Hospital. A 44-year-old Caucasian woman without any comorbidities presented with SARS-CoV-2 related fulminant myocarditis without initial respiratory symptoms. Patient underwent treatment with milrinone and methylprednisolone that showed reduction in myocardial inflammation and significantly improved myocardial contractility. This was then followed by a second phase of SARS-CoV-2 associated pneumonia and renal failure requiring ventilatory support and haemofiltration. Although, not described in the literature, we have found conjunctive use of milrinone and methylprednisolone effective in patient with SARS-CoV-2 fulminant myocarditis.
Risk of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Authors: Sasaki Nobuo , Ozono Ryoji , Maeda Ryo , Higashi Yukihito
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Little is known about the risk of hypertension in patients with the early stage of type 2 diabetes. We investigated the risk of hypertension in participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Research design and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study consisting of 2136 middle-aged participants (1022 with normal fasting glucose/normal glucose tolerance (NFG/NGT), 418 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 466 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 230 with diabetes) and 3426 elderly participants (1762 with NFG/NGT, 599 with IFG, 781 with IGT, and 284 with diabetes). All participants underwent 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests at baseline.

Results

Over a median 59-month follow-up period, 459 middle-aged and 1170 elderly participants developed hypertension. In middle-aged participants, the odds of incident hypertension were significantly higher in those with IFG (OR 1.40; p=0.019), IGT (OR 1.49; p=0.004), and diabetes (OR 1.55; p=0.013) than those with NFG/NGT, which was no longer significant after adjustment for body mass index. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of hypertension was significantly higher in diabetes than NFG/NGT only in participants without obesity. Conversely, obesity was a risk factor of hypertension only in those with IFG and NFG/NGT. In elderly participants, there was no difference in the risk of hypertension among the NFG/NGT, IFG, IGT and diabetes groups.

Conclusions

The risk of hypertension is modest in participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Our findings suggest that the early stages of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes may be a key period for reducing hypertension, given the pronounced risk of hypertension in patients with diabetes reported in previous studies. In terms of reducing the risk for hypertension, obesity treatment might be advantageous in the early stages rather than the advanced stages of impaired glucose metabolism.
Biomarkers and outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalisations: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Malik Preeti , Patel Urvish , Mehta Deep , Patel Nidhi , Kelkar Raveena , Akrmah Muhammad , Gabrilove Janice L , Sacks Henry
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate association between biomarkers and outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalised patients. COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge. Biomarkers have always played an important role in clinical decision making in various infectious diseases. It is crucial to assess the role of biomarkers in evaluating severity of disease and appropriate allocation of resources.

Design and setting

Systematic review and meta-analysis. English full text observational studies describing the laboratory findings and outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalised patients were identified searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, medRxiv using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2 OR 2019-nCoV from 1 December 2019 to 15 August 2020 following Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines.

Participants

Studies having biomarkers, including lymphocyte, platelets, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, procalcitonin (PCT) and creatine kinase (CK), and describing outcomes were selected with the consensus of three independent reviewers.

Main outcome measures

Composite poor outcomes include intensive care unit admission, oxygen saturation <90%, invasive mechanical ventilation utilisation, severe disease, in-hospital admission and mortality. The OR and 95% CI were obtained and forest plots were created using random-effects models. Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed by sensitivity analysis.

Results

32 studies with 10 491 confirmed COVID-19 patients were included. We found that lymphopenia (pooled-OR: 3.33 (95% CI: 2.51–4.41); p<0.00001), thrombocytopenia (2.36 (1.64–3.40); p<0.00001), elevated D-dimer (3.39 (2.66–4.33); p<0.00001), elevated CRP (4.37 (3.37–5.68); p<0.00001), elevated PCT (6.33 (4.24–9.45); p<0.00001), elevated CK (2.42 (1.35–4.32); p=0.003), elevated AST (2.75 (2.30–3.29); p<0.00001), elevated ALT (1.71 (1.32–2.20); p<0.00001), elevated creatinine (2.84 (1.80–4.46); p<0.00001) and LDH (5.48 (3.89–7.71); p<0.00001) were independently associated with higher risk of poor outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study found a significant association between lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and elevated levels of CRP, PCT, LDH, D-dimer and COVID-19 severity. The results have the potential to be used as an early biomarker to improve the management of COVID-19 patients, by identification of high-risk patients and appropriate allocation of healthcare resources in the pandemic.
Knowledge, behaviour and attitudes towards Chagas disease among the Bolivian migrant population living in Japan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Iglesias Rodríguez Inés María , Mizukami Shusaku , Manh Dao Huy , Thuan Tieu Minh , Justiniano Hugo Alberto , Miura Sachio , Ito George , Huy Nguyen Tien , Smith Chris , Hirayama Kenji
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes towards Chagas disease (CD) among Latin American migrants in Japan and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational activity (EA) in increasing knowledge of CD.

Design

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study employing a preknowledge and postknowledge test and focus group discussion, conducted from March 2018 to June 2018.

Participants

Seventy-two participants were included, all born in Bolivia and residents in four Japanese cities. Fifty-nine of them participated in the EA.

Interventions

The EA comprised showing three videos about CD and a group discussion covering different dimensions of CD and was evaluated with questionnaires to analyse the knowledge of the participants before and after.

Results

Seventy-two participants were enrolled, predominantly from highly endemic CD areas of Bolivia. Though most participants were familiar with vector-borne transmission, epidemiology and symptomatology of CD, the baseline knowledge of CD was low. Less than 10% of them had been tested prior for CD. The dominant factors associated with better knowledge were living in Japan for more than 10 years (OR=8.42, 95% CI 1.56 to 48.62) and previously testing for CD (OR=11.32; 95% CI 1.52 to 105.9). The EA significantly improved the CD knowledge of the participants (p value <0.0001; 95% CI 2.32 to 3.84). The participants associated the term ‘Chagas’ mostly with fear and concern. The level of stigmatisation was low, in contrast to the results of other studies. The barriers encountered in care-seeking behaviour were language, the migration process and difficulties to access the healthcare system.

Conclusion

EA with an integrative approach is useful to increase the knowledge of CD within the Bolivian migrant population living in Japan. The activity brings the possibility to explore not only the level of knowledge but also to reveal experiences and to understand the needs of the people at risk. Considering them as actors towards healthcare solutions could lead to better outcomes for the success of future policies and interventions aimed to decrease the global burden.
EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 utility scores in people living with chronic low back pain: a survey from Quebec
Authors: Poder Thomas G , Wang Liang , Carrier Nathalie
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe how chronic low back pain (CLBP) impacts on utility scores and which patients’ characteristics most affect these scores in the province of Quebec.

Settings

Province of Quebec, Canada.

Participants

569 adult patients with CLBP.

Methods and outcomes

An online survey on low back pain was conducted between October 2018 and January 2019. The EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) and the Short Form Six Dimensions version 2 (SF-6Dv2) are two generic preference-based measures used to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and provide quality-adjusted life-year utility values.

Results

The number of subjects who agreed to participate was 610, but 41 were excluded because 8 had low back pain for less than 3 months and 33 did not start the survey. A total of 569 subjects were analysed, but only 410 completed the survey up to the EQ-5D-5L or SF-6Dv2 sections. Median (range) of EQ-5D-5L was 0.622 (−0.072 to 0.905), and mean (range) of SF-6Dv2 and EQ-Visual Analogue Scale was 0.561 (0.301–0.829) and 51.0 (0–100), respectively. In all multivariate models, health or life satisfaction increased the health utility score, while pain reduced it. Co-occurring health problems were present for a majority (68%) of participants, mainly fatigue/insomnia (57.4%), musculoskeletal disorder (56.2%) and mental disorder (44%).

Conclusion

This study provided utility scores with EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 in patients with CLBP in Quebec, and results were similar to other studies conducted in different settings. These values were well below those reported in the Quebec general population and highlight the association between CLBP and HRQoL.
Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) intervention for preschool self-regulation development in disadvantaged communities: a clustered randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Williams Kate E , Savage Sally , Eager Rebecca
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Self-regulation (the ability to regulate emotion, attention, cognition and behaviour) is an integral part of early learning competence in the years prior to school. Self-regulation skills are critical to ongoing learning behaviours, achievement and well-being. Emerging neurological evidence suggests coordinated music and movement participation could support self-regulation development for all children. A pilot study in 2016 introduced a coordinated music and movement programme designed to boost self-regulation skills in children in disadvantaged communities, delivered by visiting specialists, with promising findings. The intervention is based on the neuroscience of beat synchronisation, rhythmic entrainment and the cognitive benefits of music therapy and music education—and is called Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR). This study builds on the pilot by training regular teachers to deliver RAMSR in their classrooms (rather than visiting specialists). The study aims to establish the effectiveness of RAMSR, which is designed to translate the cognitive benefits that accrue from rhythm participation to address self-regulation for children who do not typically access high-quality music programmes.

Methods and analysis

We will recruit 237 children from up to eight kindergartens in low socioeconomic areas. Intervention: teachers will be trained to deliver the RAMSR intervention during group time in kindergartens, daily for 8 weeks. Control: usual practice kindergarten programme. Follow-up: end of intervention using child assessments and teacher report; 12 months postbaseline using school teacher reports following school transition. Primary outcomes: executive function and self-regulation. Secondary outcomes: school readiness; visual-motor integration; teacher-reported behaviour problems, school transition and academic competency; teacher knowledge, confidence, practice and attitudes related to self-regulation, rhythm and movement; fidelity of intervention implementation.

Ethics and dissemination

Queensland University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee, approval 1900000566. Findings dissemination: in-field workshops to service providers, conference presentations, journal and professional publications.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001342101; Pre-results (30 September 2019).
Systematic review of infant and young child feeding practices in conflict areas: what the evidence advocates
Authors: Rabbani Amna , Padhani Zahra A , A Siddiqui Faareha , Das Jai K , Bhutta Zulfiqar
Published: September 2020

Background

Breast feeding in conflict settings is known to be the safest way to protect infant and young children from malnourishment and increased risk of infections. This systematic review assesses the evidence on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in conflict settings.

Methodology

We conducted a search in PubMed and CENTRAL and also searched for grey literature from the year 1980 to August 2019. We included studies conducted in settings inflicted with armed conflict; which comprised settings undergoing conflict, as well as, those within 5 years of its cessation. Studies were included if they discussed IYCF practices, barriers, programmes and guidelines to promote and improve IYCF practices. Two review authors independently evaluated and screened studies for eligibility and extracted data; followed by a descriptive and thematic analysis.

Results

We included 56 studies in our review including 11 published articles and 45 reports from grey literature and broadly classified into four predetermined sections: epidemiology (n=24), barriers/enablers (n=18), programmes/interventions (n=15) and implementation guidelines (n=30). Epidemiological evidence shows that IYCF practices were generally poor in conflict settings with median prevalence of exclusive breast feeding at 25%, continued breast feeding at 29%, bottle feeding at 58.3%, introduction to solid, semisolid or soft foods at 71.1% and minimum dietary diversity at 60.3%.

IYCF practices were affected by displacement, stress, maternal malnutrition and mental health, family casualties and free distribution of breast milk substitutes. To improve IYCF, several interventions were implemented; including, training of health workers, educating mothers, community networking and mobilisation, lactation-support service, baby friendly hospital initiative, mother–baby friendly spaces and support groups.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that IYCF practices are generally poor in conflict inflicted settings. However, there is potential for improvement by designing effective interventions, responsibly disseminating, monitoring and implementing IYCF guidelines as prescribed by WHO development partners, government and non-government organisations with dedicated funds and investing in capacity development.