bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SalivaSTAT: Direct-PCR and pooling of saliva samples collected in healthcare and community setting for SARS-CoV-2 mass surveillance
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil S , Mondal Ashis K , Ananth Sudha , Njau Allan , Ahluwali Pankaj , Newnam Gary , Lozoya-Colinas Adriana , Hud Nicholas V. , Kota Vamsi , Ross Ted M , Reid Michelle D. , Fulzele Sadanand , Chaubey Alka , Hegde Madhuri , Rojiani Amyn M , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: November 2020

Background

The limitations of widespread current COVID-19 diagnostic testing lie at both pre-analytical and analytical stages. Collection of nasopharyngeal swabs is invasive and is associated with exposure risk, high cost, and supply-chain constraints. Additionally, the RNA extraction in the analytical stage is the most significant rate-limiting step in the entire testing process. To alleviate these limitations, we developed a universal saliva processing protocol (SalivaSTAT) that would enable an extraction free RT-PCR test using any of the commercially available RT-PCR kits.

Methods

We optimized saliva collection devices, heat-shock treatment and homogenization. The effect of homogenization on saliva samples for extraction-free RT-PCR assay was determined by evaluating samples with and without homogenization and preforming viscosity measurements. Saliva samples (872) previously tested using the FDA-EUA method were reevaluated with the optimized SalivaSTAT protocol using two widely available commercial RT-PCR kits. Further, a five-sample pooling strategy was evaluated as per FDA guidelines using the SalivaSTAT protocol.

Results

The saliva collection (done without any media) performed comparable to the FDA-EUA method. The SalivaSTAT protocol was optimized by incubating saliva samples at 95°C for 30-minutes and homogenization, followed by RT-PCR assay. The clinical sample evaluation of 630 saliva samples using the SalivaSTAT protocol with PerkinElmer (600-samples) and CDC (30-samples) RT-PCR assay achieved positive (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of 95.8% and 100%, respectively. The LoD was established as ∼20-60 copies/ml by absolute quantification. Further, a five-sample pooling evaluation using 250 saliva samples achieved a PPA and NPA of 92% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

We have optimized an extraction-free direct RT-PCR assay for saliva samples that demonstrated comparable performance to FDA-EUA assay (Extraction and RT-PCR). The SalivaSTAT protocol is a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method that can be adopted globally, and has the potential to meet testing needs and may play a significant role in management of the current pandemic.
Grant Review Feedback: Appropriateness and Usefulness
Authors: Gallo Stephen , Schmaling Karen , Thompson Lisa , Glisson Scott
Published: November 2020

The primary goal of the peer review of research grant proposals is to evaluate their quality for the funding agency. An important secondary goal is to provide constructive feedback to applicants for their resubmissions. However, little is known about whether review feedback achieves this goal. In this paper, we present a mixed methods analysis of responses from grant applicants regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness and appropriateness of peer review feedback they received from grant submissions. Overall, 56%-60% of applicants determined the feedback to be appropriate (fair, well-written, and well-informed), although their judgments were more favorable if their recent application was funded. Importantly, independent of funding success, women found the feedback better written than men, and more white applicants found the feedback to be fair than non-white applicants. Also, perceptions of a variety of biases were specifically reported in respondents’ feedback. Less than 40% of applicants found the feedback to be very useful in informing their research and improving grantsmanship and future submissions. Further, negative perceptions of the appropriateness of review feedback were positively correlated with more negative perceptions of feedback usefulness. Importantly, respondents suggested that highly competitive funding pay-lines and poor inter-panel reliability limited the usefulness of review feedback. Overall, these results suggest that more effort is needed to ensure that appropriate and useful feedback is provided to all applicants, bolstering the equity of the review process and likely improving the quality of resubmitted proposals.
Diversity as job quality: toward the inclusion of trade unions in public procurement of social services
Authors: Benjamin Orly
Published: November 2020

Purpose

When union representatives are included in government procurement procedures for contracting-out of social welfare services, organizational diversity is enhanced if the job quality parameter, as reflected in the contract, is improved. Asking how unions are treated in government procurement procedures, this paper discusses an approach to diversity management based on the inclusion of unions.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a broader research project, interviews were conducted with six budget administrators and 16 occupational standards administrators employed by the Israeli ministries of Welfare, Education and Health; and with eight trade union activists. Grounded theory was applied for data analysis, revealing meanings of “trade unions” and “job quality.”

Findings

Budgeting administrators manifested diversity resistance by means of only partially supporting trade union demands to enhance job quality. Their power position enabled them to prioritize the profit imperative of service providers; the diverse labor force operating the contracted-out service were consequently denied the ostensible benefits of workplace diversity.

Practical implications

Unionization, and trade union participation in social welfare procurement processes, is a potentially effective path to improving job quality and enhancing workplace diversity. However, more must be done to develop the institutional-level processes that will ensure that this potential is utilized to the full.

Social implications

Including trade unions in social welfare procurement processes is a potentially effective path to improving job quality and enhancing workplace diversity. However, specific actions are required to develop the willingness of budgeting administrators to recognize the association between union participation, job quality and the acknowledged benefit of promoting organizational diversity.

Originality/value

An institutional work perspective was used to detail how budgeting administrators involved in public procurement processes resisted diversity by undermining trade union action for job quality. By identifying three social processes deployed to side-track trade union campaigns for improved job quality, this research shows how the power struggle between budgeting administrators and union representatives ultimately undermines workplace diversity.
An emergency response system created to combat injuries during physical education training in a university using deep learning
Authors: Leilei Wang , Rajendiran Sowmipriya , Gayathri K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The main goal of the physical education (PE) environment is that each individual trained should achieve self-fulfillment with the large group of students involved with their own efforts. Deep learning is applying transferrable knowledge in new situations to help the students master in tough circumstances. In PE training, injuries occur when working together as a team. Safety measures are taken immediately as an emergency response to reduce the potential risk in students by providing first aid. To provide safety measures for the injured student immediately, the environment is monitored in real-time using a GPS.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of Humanities Education (ToHE) infers that it has less collection of theories and a wide range of applications than the state-of-the-art systems. ToHE allows students to think creatively and play a vital role in one’s health which is a critical aspect in PE. The ToHE theory focuses on two main concepts, i.e. by using a methodological approach to analyse and deep learning to solve the problem. PE motivates college students to follow a healthy and active lifestyle.

Findings

The proposed system is deployed in real time for monitoring the student’s performance and provides an emergency response with an accuracy rate of 90%.

Originality/value

The deep learning offers solutions to the injuries by using the deep convolutional neural network to provide interpretability of the consequence by training it with various injuries that occur in the playground and inappropriate use of sports equipment. A case study provided in this paper outlines an emergency response scenario to an injured student in sports training.
Supply chain finance is not for everyone
Authors: Elliot Viktor Hugo , De Goeij Christiaan , Gelsomino Luca Mattia , Woxenius Johan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Logistics service providers (LSPs) have unique resources and capabilities that position them to deliver supply chain finance (SCF) solutions. The study aims to discuss and illustrate the necessary resources and process of value creation and capture of LSPs, potentially offering SCF solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on a theoretical framework, combining a resource-based view (RBV) with the literature on SCF, the authors apply an abductive case study methodology, including 11 interviews with representatives from four LSPs.

Findings

The main findings are as follow: (1) although an LSP has sufficient resources for value-added SCF solutions, it may not capture enough value to motivate realising them; (2) an LSP considering offering SCF should account for the interaction between its resources and cargo transit times, risk and regulatory restrictions and (3) future studies should distinguish between financing the logistics services and the moved products.

Research limitations/implications

The authors contribute to the growing field of SCF research by analysing motives and barriers for LSPs to offer SCF service to their customers. Because none of our case companies decided to move beyond experimentation further research is needed on the resources and capabilities needed for LSPs to successfully venture into SCF.

Practical implications

The study provides LSPs with clear indications of the difficulties involved when contemplating a move into SCF solutions and discusses the potential value of offering such services.

Originality/value

Despite evidence of LSPs engaging in SCF in various industries, academic contributions do not go beyond operational conditions or quantification of benefits. The authors add evidence on how LSPs are currently evaluating the prominence of adding SCF to their value offerings, including a new perspective on resources, value generation and capture mechanisms.
The Power of Playgroups: Key components of supported and therapeutic playgroups from the perspective of parents
Authors: Armstrong Jodie , Elliott Catherine , Davidson Emma , Mizen Joanne , Wray John , Girdler Sonya
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Playgroups are community‐based programs for children and families aiming to improve child outcomes, enhance family and community networks and increase parenting capacity. Despite the prevalence of playgroups in Australian communities there is a lack of research clearly articulating the key components of playgroups, specifically from the perspective of parents attending these groups. This study aimed to identify the key components of supported and therapeutic playgroups impacting on perceived effectiveness from the perspective of parents with a child with a developmental delay and/or disability.

Methods

This study explored the experiences of 23 parents attending supported or therapeutic playgroups using a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach. Data were collected through three focus groups and seven individual interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) qualitative method of data analysis.

Results

Findings indicated playgroup components that most strongly impacted on perceived effectiveness were feeling accepted; providing opportunities for child development, socialisation and enjoyment; and enhancing parental knowledge and skills. Findings reinforced the importance of family centred practice and facilitating peer support for families of children with developmental delay and/or disability.

Conclusion

Supported and therapeutic playgroups emerged as a valuable model for parents of children with developmental delays and/or disabilities but require an interplay of specific facilitator, parent and child characteristics to be effective. This study contributes to the understanding of key components of successful supported and therapeutic playgroup models, highlighting the importance of engaging consumers in developing evidence‐based meaningful interventions for children with developmental delay and/or disabilities and their families.
Play profiles of children with HIV/Aids: A comparative study
Authors: Munambah Nyaradzai , Cordier Reinie , Chiwaridzo Matthew , Ramugondo Elelwani L.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Despite play being widely used in occupational therapy practice as a means and ends in intervention, no research has explored how the play of children with HIV/AIDS is affected. Therefore, the specific processes through which play can be used in therapy with children with HIV/AIDS remains underexplored, especially in low resourced settings. This study aims to compare the level of playfulness of children with HIV/AIDS to that of age and gender matched typically developing children living in the same low resourced community.

Methods

The Test of Playfulness (ToP) was used to examine the differences and similarities of play between children aged 4–7 years who are typically developing children (n = 52) and children with HIV/AIDS who receive antiretroviral treatment (n = 44). Each child was video recorded playing with a familiar playmate both indoors and outdoors. The videos were scored by two independent raters who were blinded to all aspects of the study. Scores were subjected to Rasch analysis to calculate interval level measure scores. Independent t‐tests were used to compare differences between the means of the groups.

Results

Typically developing children scored significantly higher when playing outdoors, as compared to children with HIV [t (94) = 3.57, p = .001]. There was no significant difference between mean measure scores for indoor play when comparing typically developing children and children with HIV. Children who are HIV positive scored significantly lower than typically developing children on items related to the ability to suspend reality and framing in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Conclusions

Children with HIV/AIDS exhibited lower levels of playfulness when compared to typically developing children. This study provides insight on the play profiles of children with HIV/AIDS, highlighting play deficits and differences between indoor and outdoor play. Occupational therapy can play a significant role in promoting playfulness in children with HIV/AIDS.
Doing justice to your child: a Dutch pilot intervention for parents in high‐conflict divorces
Authors: Geurts Teun , Gutterswijk Raymond V.
Published: November 2020

This study examines the feasibility of a Dutch intervention for parents in high‐conflict divorces. The intervention consisted of a high‐intensity programme in which parents undergo a series of therapeutic interventions on five consecutive days. Data were collected from up to ten parents at three moments in time (prior to, immediately after, and about one year after the intervention). We showed that the intervention yielded high expectations with participating parents immediately after the intervention. One year after the intervention, however, these high expectations had not been consolidated into a perceived reduction of conflict. A comparison of pre‐ and post‐intervention conflict levels, on the other hand, suggested a decrease in conflict as well as improvement in relationship quality, although these improvements were not as high as parents had anticipated directly after the intervention. Parents might be unaware of their progress due to unmet expectations.

Practitioner points

This study offers evidence of promise for Doing Justice to Your Child, an intensive, mixed‐intervention treatment programme for parents in high‐conflict divorces

Lawyers were also involved in the programme

Parents in high‐conflict divorces may be unable to see positive progress from this intervention themselves
Can HIV‐positive gay men become parents? How men living with HIV and HIV clinicians talk about the possibility of having children
Authors: Pralat Robert , Burns Fiona , Anderson Jane , Barber Tristan J.
Published: November 2020

It is now established that people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load and adhere to antiretroviral treatment cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Previous research has shown that ‘being undetectable’ changes how HIV‐positive gay men experience their sex lives. But how does it affect gay men’s reproductive behaviours? And what influence does it have on views about parenthood at a time when gay fatherhood has become more socially accepted and publicly visible? Drawing on qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians at four HIV clinics in London, we identify differences in how interviewees talked about the possibility of having children for HIV‐positive men. Both groups, unprompted, frequently referred to sperm washing as a method enabling safe conception. However, whereas clinicians talked about sperm washing as an historical technique, which is no longer necessary, patients spoke of it as a current tool. The men rarely mentioned being undetectable as relevant to parenthood and, when prompted, some said that they did not fully understand the mechanics of HIV transmission. Our findings offer new insights into how biomedical knowledge is incorporated into people’s understandings of living with HIV, raising important questions about how the meanings of being undetectable are communicated.
A new Qatabanian inscription from the reign of Shammar Yuharʿish dhū‐Raydān and other new data on the history of the towns of Ẓafār and Maryamah at the end of the third century CE
Authors: Ali al‐Ḥajj Mohammed
Published: November 2020

This paper examines a new Qatabanian inscription, of a construction nature, that was found at Hajar al‐ʿĀdī in Wādī Ḥarīb, the site of the ancient town of Maryamah. This inscription is particularly important because its history dates back to the reign of a King Shammar Yuharʿish dhū‐Raydān, considered to be Shammar Yuharʿish, the king of Sabaʾ and dhū‐Raydān who ruled at the end of the third century CE. The inscription mentions the town of Ẓafār, the capital of Ḥimyar, and provides us with important data on the history of the kingdom of Qatabān, the history of the town of Maryamah, and the relationship of its people to the cities of the western and southern highlands during that important stage in the history of ancient Yemen. The hypothesis that the Shammar Yuharʿish dhū‐Raydān mentioned in the inscriptions from Maryamah is the same Shammar dhū‐Raydān from the inscription RES 4336 (to be dated 50–20 BC), as recently adopted by Christian Robin, will be discussed.
Histomorphometrical study of the testis in the desert Rodent,Gerbillus tarabuli, sexually immature and adult during the annual reproductive cycle
Authors: Hamidatou Khati Wissam , Hammouche Sadjia
Published: November 2020

Our interest in the testicular study of the desert rodent,Gerbillus tarabuli, would provide a better comprehension of the seasonality of spermatogenesis in rodents. We thus performed a biometric, histomorphometric and statistical analyses inGerbillus tarabulisexually immature and adult during the annual reproductive cycle (active and regressed states of gonadal activity). For that, fixed testes were embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained using the modified Heidenhain Azan and then were subjected to morphometric measurements at the light microscopic level. The biometric study revealed a positive correlation between the body weight and the maturity state only, with an average of 20.8 ± 2.92 g in sexually immature Gerbils, 37.40 ± 1.86 g in the sexually quiescent adults (p < .01) and 40.40 ± 2.98 g in the sexually active adults (p > .05), while the testes weight (sexually immatures = 0.02 ± 0.003 g, sexually quiescent adults = 0.13 ± 0.01 g;p < .001 and sexually active adults = 0.27 ± 0.01 g;p < .001) and the gonadosomatic index (sexually immatures = 0.09 ± 0.02%, sexually quiescent adults = 0.36 ± 0.04%;p < .01 and sexually active adults = 0.68 ± 0.07%;p < .01) varied according to the maturity state and as well as to the season in the adults. Through the histomorphometric study, the tubular diameter showed a continuous increase from sexually immature Gerbils (72.83 ± 7.57 μm) to sexually quiescent adults (99.45 ± 4.34 μm)p < .05 then to sexually active adults (182.58 ± 5.22 μm);p < .001, this is explained by the appearance of a large lumen after puberty in the quiescent (26.32 ± 1.28 μm);p < .001 and the enlargement of the seminiferous epithelium in actives (75.11 ± 1.81 μm);p < .001. Besides, the nucleo‐cytoplasmic ratio of Leydig cells (sexually immatures = 0.5 ± 0.02) diminishes significantly after puberty in the rest period (0.42 ± 0.03);p < .05 and then during the active period (0.24 ± 0.01);p < .001. These striking biometric and morphometric differences inGerbillus tarabulitestis between sexually immature Gerbils, sexually quiescent and active adults, follow the photoperiod‐induced changes in endocrine and exocrine functions and prove thatGerbillus tarabuliis a useful model to study histo‐physiological relationships in the testis in order to develop a more complete understanding of spermatogenesis phenomenon.
Mucormycosis with cutaneous involvement. A retrospective study of 115 cases at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Tirado‐Sánchez Andrés , Hernández‐Medel María L. , Kassack Juan J. , Araiza Javier , González Gloria M.
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives

Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic mycosis caused by Mucorales. It can be divided into primary caused by trauma and secondary by extension of rhino‐cerebral and disseminated cases. The objective is to present a retrospective study of cases of mucormycosis with cutaneous involvement.

Methods

A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out. Mucormycosis patients were included and divided into two groups: a) Primary Cutaneous and b) Secondary Cutaneous. Mycological tests were performed; the agents were identified by morphology and molecular studies (PCR and sequencing); some cases underwent histopathology. Clinical data and response to treatment were collected.

Results

115 cases were included, 18 of primary, and 97 of secondary cutaneous mucormycosis. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis was most associated with adhesive bands (44.4%) and trauma from traffic accidents (33.3%). The principal clinical form was extensive and deep necrotic ulcers. Secondary cutaneous mucormycosis cases were rhino‐cerebral with uncontrolled diabetes (81.4%) The most frequent clinical presentation was necrosis of the eyelid and the nose (65.9%). In both groups, the principal agent was Rhizopus arrhizus, 38.8% and 74.2% respectively. The most effective treatment was the combination of amphotericin B with surgical debridement. The clinical and mycological cure was achieved in 31.0% of primary cases, and 44.4% for secondary cases.

Conclusion

Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is caused by implantation of the Mucorales due to trauma or rupture of the cutaneous barrier‐breach, and secondary cutaneous mucormycosis develops as part of the rhino‐cerebral process. The response to treatment depends on the extension and depth, as well as the predisposing factors.
Domestic Labor as Care and Growth in Western Kenya
Authors: Brown Hannah
Published: November 2020

Sociological and feminist explorations have tended to see domestic labor as feminized care work linked to the “private” realm of the home. This article explores domestic labor in western Kenya, describing such work as a reproductive and economic project that is carried out strategically through conditions of extreme precarity, as parts of efforts to ensure the growth of the home over time. Analyzing these practices through the lens of care unsettles some core dimensions of the conceptual frameworks commonly used to understand care, in particular assumed contiguities between domestic labor and care work. However, the ethnographic material presented here suggests that broadening our understandings of care can nonetheless provide a useful framework for understanding investments in domestic labor.
Impact of plasma volume status on mortality following left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Narang Nikhil , Combs Pamela , Siddiqi Umar , Mirzai Saeid , Stonebraker Corinne , Bullard Heather , Simone Pamela , Jeevanandam Valluvan
Published: November 2020

Worsening systemic congestion is often the central trigger of hospitalization in patients with heart failure. However, accurate assessment of congestion is challenging. The prognostic impact of systemic congestion following durable continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unknown. Consecutive patients who received durable continuous‐flow LVAD implantation between January 2014 and June 2017 and were followed for 1 year were included. The association of preoperative plasma volume status, which was calculated using patients’ body weight and hematocrit and expressed as a deviation from ideal plasma volume, with 1‐year mortality following LVAD implantation was investigated. In total, 186 patients (median 57 years and 138 males) were included. Baseline plasma volume status was −30.1% (−37.1%, −19.4%) on median. Eighty‐eight patients (47%) had higher plasma volume status (>−29.8%), and their 1‐year survival was significantly lower than those without (67% vs. 87%, P = .001). High plasma volume status was an independent predictor of 1‐year death with an adjusted hazard ratio of 4.52 (95% confidence interval 1.52‐13.5). Baseline systemic congestion, as defined by the high plasma volume status, was associated with higher mortality following durable continuous‐flow LVAD implantation. The implication of improving preoperative plasma volume remains an area of needed investigation.
An update on continuous‐wave cyclophotocoagulation (CW‐CPC) and micropulse transscleral laser treatment (MP‐TLT) for adult and paediatric refractory glaucoma
Authors: Souissi Soufiane , Le Mer Yannick , Metge Florence , Portmann Alexandre , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine , Hamard Pascale
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Continuous‐wave cyclophotocoagulation (CW‐CPC) is often preferred to medical and surgical treatments for managing refractory glaucoma. This review summarizes diode CW‐CPC indications, history, histopathology, methods, efficacy and safety. It also provides an overview of the latest data available on micropulse transscleral laser treatment (MP‐TLT) that uses repetitive micropulses of diode laser energy in an off‐and‐on cyclical fashion.

Methods

A literature review was conducted on transscleral CW‐CPC (CW‐TSCPC), endoscopic CPC (ECP) and MP‐TLT. Relevant series of adult and paediatric patients were included for assessing the procedures.

Results

Regarding CW‐TCPC, highly variable success rates are reported in the literature, depending on the definition of success, type of underlying glaucoma, energy settings, follow‐up duration and retreatment rates. CW‐CPC often needs to be repeated, especially in paediatric patients. CW‐CPC exposes to risks of inflammation and chronic ocular hypotony or phthisis with irreversible visual loss. CW‐TSCPC has mainly been used in very severe forms of glaucoma, in painful eyes with limited visual potential or after filtering surgery failure. Published data on ECP are more limited but overall good success rates have been reported. Through the direct visualization of the targeted ciliary body in anatomically abnormal eyes, ECP is the preferred surgical procedure in paediatric refractory glaucoma. Complication rates are relatively low after ECP; however, large studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed. ECP may be used in difficult, refractory cases, but it is often used earlier when combined with cataract surgery. Despite limited data on the exact mechanism of action of MP‐TLT and a lack of standardization of laser settings, the first data from heterogeneous case series shows that it has a similar efficacy and a better safety profile compared to CW‐TSCPC in the medium term.

Conclusion

Although they may lead to sight‐threatening complications, both CW‐TSCPC and ECP seem effective. ECP appears to be superior to CW‐TSCPC in paediatric refractory glaucoma. Unlike ECP combined with cataract surgery, evidence supporting a wider use of CW‐TSCPC and MP‐TLT in earlier stages of neuropathy is lacking. While it now appears that the safety profile of MP‐TLT is superior to that of CW‐CPC, robust prospective comparative studies including homogeneous and well‐defined cohorts of patients are still needed to confirm an at least comparable efficacy in the long term.
Germ‐free mice are not protected against diet‐induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Moretti Chiara H. , Schiffer Tomas A. , Li Xuechen , Weitzberg Eddie , Carlström Mattias , Lundberg Jon O.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Studies in the past 15 years have highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in modulation of host metabolism. The observation that germ‐free (GF) mice are leaner than conventionally raised (CONV) mice and their apparent resistance to diet‐induced obesity (DIO), sparked the interest in dissecting the possible causative role of the gut microbiota in obesity and metabolic diseases. However, discordant results among studies leave such relationship elusive.

In this study, we compared the effects of chronic Western diet (WD) intake on body weight and metabolic function of GF and CONV mice.

Methods

We fed GF and CONV mice a WD for 16 weeks and monitored body weight weekly. At the end of the dietary challenge, the metabolic phenotype of the animals was assessed. Muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) and liver AMPK activation were investigated.

Results

Both GF and CONV mice gained weight and developed glucose intolerance when fed a WD. Moreover, WD feeding was associated with increased adipose tissue inflammation, repressed hepatic AMPK activity, fatty liver and elevated hepatic triglycerides in both groups of mice. Enhanced fatty acid oxidation in the GF mouse is one of the proposed mechanisms for their resistance to DIO. The GF mice in this study showed higher CPT1 activity as compared to their CONV counterparts, despite not being protected from obesity.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that the microbiota is not an indispensable factor in the onset of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, suggesting that the relationship between gut bacteria and metabolic diseases needs further exploration.
Indonesian native goats (Capra hircus) reveal highest genetic frequency of mitochondrial DNA haplogroup B in the world
Authors: Mannen Hideyuki , Iso Kenta , Kawaguchi Fuki , Sasazaki Shinji , Yonezawa Takahiro , Dagong Muhammad Ihsan Andi , Bugiwati Sri Rachma Aprilita
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine mtDNA sequences of the 481 bp HV1 region from two Indonesian native goat breeds, Kacang and Marica, to confirm the phylogeographic distribution of caprine haplogroup B in Southeast Asia. Based on these sequences, 12 haplotypes were observed and categorized into the predominant haplogroup B and minority haplogroup A, indicating that Indonesian native goats present the highest frequency (0.950) of the haplogroup B in the world. These results strongly emphasize previous observations of the haplogroup B frequencies tending to increase southeastward in Southeast Asia. Additionally, this suggests that goats primary bred into Southeast Asia might predominantly carry haplogroup B. This could essentially contribute to the understanding of the origin, propagation route and/or introgression history of Southeast Asian goats.
Improved antioxidant activity and rumen fermentation in beef cattle under heat stress by dietary supplementation with creatine pyruvate
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Wenjing , Yu Hanjing , Xu Lanjiao , Qu Mingren , Li Yanjiao
Published: November 2020

Pyruvate and creatine, energetics and antioxidant substances, can promote rumen fermentation and metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the stress resistance and rumen fermentation effects of the compound creatine pyruvate (CrPyr) in diets for beef cattle under heat stress. Four Jinjiang steers fitted with permanent rumen cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design and fed a diet supplemented with CrPyr at 0, 20, 40, or 60 g/d. Heat stress was employed for 62 of 64 days. Supplementing with CrPyr elevated their levels of free triiodothyronine and triiodothyronine, superoxide dismutase activity, ruminal pH value, microbial crude protein concentration, crude fat digestibility, nitrogen intake, and levels of urine allantoin and total purine derivatives. It also reduced their levels of cortisol and corticosterone, malondialdehyde concentration, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and urine nitrogen excretion. In conclusion, CrPyr relieves the heat stress of beef cattle by improving antioxidant activity and rumen microbial protein synthesis.
Exploring how and when ethical conflict impairs employee organizational commitment: A stress perspective investigation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xu Haoying , Song Meng
Published: November 2020

Previous studies demonstrate the detrimental effect of ethical conflict (i.e., incompatibility between ethical values of employees and organizations) on employee organizational commitment. However, few studies have assessed the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions that may contribute to a deeper understanding of how and when the detrimental effect manifests. Drawing on the transactional model of stress and literature on the moral self, our study examines the psychological strain as a key intermediate mechanism that channels the negative relationship between the ethical conflict and organizational commitment. Furthermore, we posit that employees with different levels of moral identity and moral efficacy may suffer differently from ethical conflict. We tested our research model with two‐wave lagged data obtained from 265 healthcare employees and found that the indirect, negative effect of ethical conflict on organizational commitment via psychological strain is strongest among employees with high moral identity and low moral efficacy. Interestingly, results show that employees with low moral identity and high moral efficacy do not suffer from ethical conflict. These findings suggest that ethical conflict is differentially harmful to employees and that a more nuanced understanding of its contingent effects is needed.
Eating meat and not vaccinating: In defense of the analogy
Authors: Jones Ben
Published: November 2020

The devastating impact of the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is prompting renewed scrutiny of practices that heighten the risk of infectious disease. One such practice is refusing available vaccines known to be effective at preventing dangerous communicable diseases. For reasons of preventing individual harm, avoiding complicity in collective harm, and fairness, there is a growing consensus among ethicists that individuals have a duty to get vaccinated. I argue that these same grounds establish an analogous duty to avoid buying and eating most meat sold today, based solely on a concern for human welfare. Meat consumption is a leading driver of infectious disease. Wildlife sales at wet markets, bushmeat hunting, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are all exceptionally risky activities that facilitate disease spread and impose immense harms on human populations. If there is a moral duty to vaccinate, we also should recognize a moral duty to avoid most meat. The paper concludes by considering the implications of this duty for policy.
FANCD2 and HES1 suppress inflammation‐induced PPARɣ to prevent haematopoietic stem cell exhaustion
Authors: Wu Limei , Li Xue , Lin Qiqi , Chowdhury Fabliha , Mazumder Md H. , Du Wei
Published: November 2020

The Fanconi anaemia protein FANCD2 suppresses PPARƔ to maintain haematopoietic stem cell’s (HSC) function; however, the underlying mechanism is not known. Here we show that FANCD2 acts in concert with the Notch target HES1 to suppress inflammation‐induced PPARƔ in HSC maintenance. Loss of HES1 exacerbates FANCD2‐KO HSC defects. However, deletion of HES1 does not cause more severe inflammation‐mediated HSC defects in FANCD2‐KO mice, indicating that both FANCD2 and HES1 are required for limiting detrimental effects of inflammation on HSCs. Further analysis shows that both FANCD2 and HES1 are required for transcriptional repression of inflammation‐activated PPARg promoter. Inflammation orchestrates an overlapping transcriptional programme in HSPCs deficient for FANCD2 and HES1, featuring upregulation of genes in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and oxidative phosphorylation. Loss of FANCD2 or HES1 augments both basal and inflammation‐primed FAO. Targeted inhibition of PPARƔ or the mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT1) reduces FAO and ameliorates HSC defects in inflammation‐primed HSPCs deleted for FANCD2 or HES1 or both. Finally, depletion of PPARg or CPT1 restores quiescence in these mutant HSCs under inflammatory stress. Our results suggest that this novel FANCD2/HES1/PPARƔ axis may constitute a key component of immunometabolic regulation, connecting inflammation, cellular metabolism and HSC function.
Citrullinated inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 in arthritic joints and its potential effect in the neutrophil migration
Authors: Osada A , Matsumoto I , Mikami N , Ohyama A , Kurata I , Kondo Y , Tsuboi H , Ishigami A , Sano Y , Arai T , Ise N , Sumida T
Published: November 2020

The citrullinated inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (cit-ITIH4) was identified as its blood level was associated with the arthritis score in peptide glucose-6-phosphate-isomerase-induced arthritis (pGIA) mice and the disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to clarify its citrullination pathway and function as related to neutrophils. In pGIA-afflicted joints, ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 levels were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunoprecipitation (IP) and Western blotting (WB), while peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) expression was measured by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR), IHC and immunofluorescent methods. The pGIA mice received anti-lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G) antibodies to deplete neutrophils and the expression of cit-ITIH4 was investigated by WB. The amounts of ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 in synovial fluid (SF) from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients were examined by I.P. and W.B. Recombinant ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 were incubated with sera from healthy volunteers before its chemotactic ability and C5a level were evaluated using Boyden's chamber assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During peak arthritic phase, ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 were increased in joints while PAD4 was over-expressed, especially in the infiltrating neutrophils of pGIA mice. Levels of cit-ITIH4 in plasma and joints significantly decreased upon neutrophil depletion. ITIH4 was specifically citrullinated in SF from RA patients compared with OA patients. Native ITIH4 inhibited neutrophilic migration and decreased C5a levels, while cit-ITIH4 increased its migration and C5a levels significantly. Cit-ITIH4 is generated mainly in inflamed joints by neutrophils via PAD4. Citrullination of ITIH4 may change its function to up-regulate neutrophilic migration by activating the complement cascade, exacerbating arthritis.
Long‐term crestal bone changes in implants placed in augmented sinuses with minimal or moderate remaining alveolar bone: A 10‐year retrospective case‐series study
Authors: Urban Istvan A. , Ravidà Andrea , Saleh Muhammad H.A. , Galli Matthew , Lozada Jaime , Farkasdi Sandor , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate long‐term clinical and radiographic outcomes of dental implants placed after lateral window sinus augmentation utilizing the sagittal sandwich technique.

Materials and Methods

Patients treated with sinus augmentation were included in this retrospective case‐series study. The surgical procedure was performed with particulate autogenous bone‐ and anorganic bovine bone‐derived mineral (3:7 ratio). Implants were grouped based on baseline residual alveolar ridge height: group S (residual alveolar ridge height of 0.1–3.5 mm), group M (height of 3.5‐7mm), and group C (native bone). Radiographs were taken at baseline (abutment installation) and annually throughout the 10‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 86 patients (92 sinus lifts) and 209 implants were included. Ten sinus membrane perforations were recorded (11% incidence), and graft infections occurred in 3 cases (3.2% incidence). During the 10‐year follow‐up, 3 implants (1.4%) failed. No significant differences in the mean implant marginal bone loss (MBL) between the three groups were found after 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year follow‐up (p > .05). At 10 years, group C exhibited more MBL than group M with a mean difference of −0.53 mm (p = .01). After 10 years, MK III implants displayed significantly more bone loss in native bone than those in augmented bone with a mean difference of 0.48 mm (p = .02). Five patients and 7 implants developed peri‐implantitis with no significant differences between the groups (p = .570).

Conclusion

Implant placement after two‐stage sinus grafting utilizing the sagittal sandwich technique is a relatively safe and predictable procedure with minimal complications and MBL after 10‐year follow‐up.
High failure rates following ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for transsphincteric anal fistulas: are preoperative MRI measurements of the fistula tract predictive of outcome?
Authors: Sarmiento‐Cobos Mauricio , Rosen Lester , Wasser Elliot , Yang Feng , Wexner Steven D.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Treatment of transsphincteric fistulas (TSFs) with fistulotomy after an indwelling seton is tempered by risks of incontinence and litigation. Thus, ligation of the TSF tract has been popularized as an alternative option. We previously reported on 107 patients who underwent ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), with a 46% failure rate. Posterior fistula was the only predictor of recurrence. The aim of the present work was to investigate whether the length, width or depth of the fistula measured on preoperative MRI was correlated with recurrence.

Method

Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective analysis of our prospective Complex Anal Fistula Database from 1 January 2011 to 31 August 2019 was performed. Patients with TSF who underwent preoperative MRI and LIFT were included. Fistula location was classified as anterior, posterior or lateral. MRI measurements of fistula length, width and depth (in the intersphincteric groove) were performed. The type and rate of postoperative recurrence were analysed.

Results

173 patients underwent MRI for an anal fistula; of these 40 underwent LIFT and 22/40 (55%) had preoperative MRI. There was no difference in the length, width or depth of anterior (n = 9), posterior (n = 7) or lateral (n = 6) fistula tracts. The overall recurrence rate was 9/22 (41%). Posterior TSFs had the highest recurrence rate (5/7, 71%).

Conclusion

The mean length, width, and depth of the fistula tract, measured at the preoperative site of LIFT in the intersphincteric groove, did not correlate with recurrence regardless of fistula location.
Rectifying the Mischaracterization of Logic by Mental Model Theorists
Authors: Bringsjord Selmer , Sundar Govindarajulu Naveen
Published: November 2020

Khemlani et al. (2018) mischaracterize logic in the course of seeking to show thatmental model theory(MMT) can accommodate a form of inference (, let us label it) they find in a high percentage of their subjects. We reveal their mischaracterization and, in so doing, lay a landscape for future modeling by cognitive scientists who may wonder whether human reasoning is consistent with, or perhaps even capturable by, reasoning in a logic or family thereof. Along the way, we note that the properties touted by Khemlani et al. as innovative aspects of MMT‐based modeling (e.g., nonmonotonicity) have for decades been, in logic, acknowledged and rigorously specified by families of (implemented) logics. Khemlani et al. (2018) further declare thatis “invalid in any modal logic.” We demonstrate this to be false by our introduction (Appendix A) of a new propositional modal logic (within a family of such logics) in whichis provably valid, and by the implementation of this logic. A second appendix, B, partially answers the two‐part question, “What is a formal logic, and what is it for one to capture empirical phenomena?”
Long non‐coding RNA 01126 promotes periodontitis pathogenesis of human periodontal ligament cells via miR‐518a‐5p/HIF‐1α/MAPK pathway
Authors: Zhou Mi , Hu Hui , Han Yineng , Li Jie , Zhang Yang , Tang Song , Yuan Yu , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: November 2020

Background

Periodontitis is a prevalent oral inflammatory disease, which can cause periodontal ligament to a local hypoxia environment. However, the mechanism of hypoxia associated long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in periodontitis is still largely unknown.

Methods

Microarray was performed to detect the expression patterns of lncRNAs in 3 pairs of gingival tissues from patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. The expression of lncRNA 01126 (LINC01126), miR‐518a‐5p and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in periodontal tissues and in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under hypoxia was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and cell fraction assay were performed to determine the subcellular localization of LINC01126 and miR‐518a‐5p. Overexpression or knockdown of LINC01126 or HIF‐1α was used to confirm their biological roles in hPDLCs. MTT assays were performed to evaluate hPDLCs proliferation ability. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. ELISA was used to measure the expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed to assess the binding of miR‐518a‐5p to LINC01126 and HIF‐1α. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to identify whether LINC01126 and miR‐518a‐5p were significantly enriched in AGO‐containing micro‐ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Results

We selected LINC01126, which was the most highly expressed lncRNA, to further verify its functions in periodontitis‐induced hypoxia. The expression of LINC01126 was increased in periodontal tissues. In vitro experiment demonstrated that LINC01126 suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis and inflammation of hPDLCs under hypoxia via sponging miR‐518a‐5p. Moreover, we identified HIF‐1α acted as a direct target of miR‐518a‐5p in hPDLCs and LINC01126 promoted periodontitis pathogenesis by regulating the miR‐518a‐5p/HIF‐1α/MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

LINC01126 promotes periodontitis pathogenesis of hPDLCs via miR‐518a‐5p/HIF‐1α/MAPK pathway, providing a possible clue for LINC01126‐based periodontal therapeutic approaches.