bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between the epigenetic enzyme lysine (K)-specific demethylase 2B and Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Vargas-Ayala Romina C. , Jay Antonin , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Diederichs Audrey , Robitaille Alexis , Sirand Cecilia , Ceraolo Maria Grazia , Romero Maria , Cros Marie Pierre , Cuenin Cyrille , Durand Geoffroy , Calvez-Kelm Florence Le , Mundo Lucia , Maroui Mohamed Ali , Leoncini Lorenzo , Manet Evelyne , Herceg Zdenko , Gruffat Henri , Accardi Rosita
Published: July 2018

Histone modifier lysine (K)-specific demethylase 2B(KDM2B) plays a role in hematopoietic cells differentiation and its expression appears to be deregulated in certain cancers of hematological and lymphoid origins. We have previously found that KDM2B gene is differentially methylated in cell lines derived from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated endemic Burkitt’s lymphomas (eBL) compared to EBV negative sporadic BL cells. However, whether KDM2B plays a role in eBL development has never been previously demonstrated. Oncogenic viruses have been shown to hijack the host cell epigenome to complete their life cycle and to promote the transformation process by perturbing cell chromatin organization. Here we investigated whether EBV would alter KDM2B levels to enable its life cycle and promote B-cells transformation. We show that infection of B-cells with EBV leads to down-regulation of KDM2B levels. We also show that LMP1, one of the main EBV transforming proteins, induces increased DNMT1 recruitment to KDM2B gene and augments its methylation. By altering KDM2B levels and performing chromatin immunoprecipitation in EBV infected B-cells, we were able to show that KDM2B is recruited to the EBV gene promoters and inhibits their expression. Furthermore, forced KDM2B expression in immortalized B-cells led to altered mRNA levels of some differentiation-related genes. Our data show that EBV deregulates KDM2B levels through an epigenetic mechanism and provide evidence for a role of KDM2B in regulating virus and host cell gene expression, warranting further investigations to assess the role of KDM2B in the process of EBV-mediated lymphomagenesis.

IMPORTANCE. In Africa, Epstein-Barr virus infection is associated with endemic Burkitt lymphoma, a pediatric cancer. The molecular events leading to its development are poorly understood compared to the sporadic Burkitt lymphoma. In a previous study, by analyzing the DNA methylation changes in endemic compared to sporadic Burkitt lymphomas cell lines, we identified several differential methylated genomic positions in proximity of genes with a potential role in cancer, among them the KDM2B gene. KDM2B encodes a histone H3 demethylase already shown to be involved in some hematological disorders. However, whether KDM2B plays a role in the development of Epstein-Barr virus-mediated lymphoma has never been investigated before. In this study we show that Epstein-Barr virus deregulates KDM2B expression and describe the underlying mechanisms. We also reveal a role of the demethylase in controlling viral and B-cells genes expression, thus highlighting a novel interaction between the virus and the cellular epigenome.
Probing chemotaxis activity inEscherichia coliusing fluorescent protein fusions
Authors: Roggo Clémence , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: July 2018

Chemotaxis is based on ligand-receptor interactions that are transmitted via protein-protein interactions to the flagellar motors. Ligand-receptor interactions in chemotaxis can be deployed for the development of rapid biosensor assays, but there is no consensus as to what the best readout of such assays would have to be. Here we explore two potential fluorescent readouts of chemotactically activeEscherichia colicells. In the first, we probed interactions between the chemotaxis signaling proteins CheY and CheZ by fusing them individually with non-fluorescent parts of a ‘split’-Green Fluorescent Protein. Wild-type chemotactic cells but not mutants lacking the CheA kinase produced distinguishable fluorescence foci, two-thirds of which localize at the cell poles with the chemoreceptors and one-third at motor complexes. Cells expressing fusion proteins only were attracted to serine sources, demonstrating measurable functional interactions between CheY~P and CheZ. Fluorescent foci based on stable split-eGFP displayed small fluctuations in cells exposed to attractant or repellent, but those based on an unstable ASV-tagged eGFP showed a higher dynamic behaviour both in the foci intensity changes and the number of foci per cell. For the second readout, we expressed the pH-sensitive fluorophore pHluorin in the cyto- and periplasm of chemotactically activeE. coli. Calibrations of pHluorin fluorescence as a function of pH demonstrated that cells accumulating near a chemo-attractant temporally increase cytoplasmic pH while decreasing periplasmic pH. Both readouts thus show promise as proxies for chemotaxis activity, but will have to be further optimized in order to deliver practical biosensor assays.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial chemotaxis may be deployed for future biosensing purposes with the advantages of its chemoreceptor ligand-specificity and its minute-scale response time. On the downside, chemotaxis is ephemeral and more difficult to quantitatively read out than, e.g., reporter gene expression. It is thus important to investigate different alternative ways to interrogate chemotactic response of cells. Here we gauge the possibilities to measure dynamic response in theEscherichia colichemotaxis pathway resulting from phosphorylated CheY-CheZ interactions by using (unstable) split-fluorescent proteins. We further test whether pH differences between cyto- and periplasm as a result of chemotactic activity can be measured with help of pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins. Our results show that both approaches conceptually function, but will need further improvement in terms of detection and assay types to be practical for biosensing.
Phenogenon: Gene to Phenotype Associations for Rare Genetic Diseases
Authors: Murphy Cian , Moghul Ismail , Pontikos Nikolas ,   Phenopolis consortium, UK Inherited Retinal Dystrophy consortium, UCLex consortium, Yu Jing
Published: July 2018

As genome sequencing is increasingly applied to molecular diagnosis of rare Mendelian disorders, large number of patients with diverse phenotypes have their genomic and phenotypic data pooled together to uncover new genotype - phenotype relations. We introduce Phenogenon, a method that combines: the power of Human Phenotype Ontology for describing patient phenotypes, gnomAD for estimating rare variant population frequency, and CADD for variant pathogenicity prediction. By using a divide and conquer approach, we demonstrate here that Phenogenon is able to uncover true gene to phenotype relations, such as “ABCA4 – Macular dystrophy” and “SCN1A – Seizures”. Additionally, it accurately infers mode of inheritance, such as a recessive mode of inheritance in the case of the “ABCA4 – Macular dystrophy” relationship and a dominant mode of inheritance with the “SCN1A – Seizures” relationship. We also found that CADD has more power to detect early-onset rare genetic diseases than late-onset diseases. In this study, we ran Phenogenon against a diverse cohort of 3288 patients. Among the top 13 gene-phenotype relations, seven were previously known. We also highlight four potentially novel gene – phenotype relations such as “SIPA1L3 – Abnormal electroretinogram”.
A molecular phylogeny of bedbugs elucidates the evolution of host associations and sex-reversal of reproductive trait diversification
Authors: Roth Steffen , Balvín Ondřej , Di Iorio Osvaldo , Siva-Jothy Michael T. , Benda Petr , Calva Omar , Faundez Eduardo I. , McFadzen Mary , Lehnert Margie P. , Anwarali Khan Faisal Ali , Naylor Richard , Simov Nikolay , Morrow Edward H. , Willassen Endre , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: July 2018

All 100+ bedbug species (Cimicidae) are obligate blood-sucking parasites and well-known for their habit of traumatic insemination but the evolutionary trajectory of these characters is unknown. Our new, fossil-dated, molecular phylogeny estimates that ancestral Cimicidae evolved ca. 115MYA as hematophagous specialists on an unidentified host, 50MY before bats, switching to bats and birds thereafter. Humans were independently colonized three times and our phylogeny rejects the idea that the divergence of the two current urban pests (Cimex lectulariusandC. hemipterus) 47MYA was associated with the divergence ofHomo sapiensandH. erectus(1.6MYA). The female’s functional reproductive tract is unusually diverse and heterotopic, despite the unusual and strong morphological stasis of the male genitalia. This sex-reversal in genital co-variation is incompatible with current models of genital evolution. The evolutionary trait diversification in cimicids allowed us to uncover fascinating biology and link it to human pre-history and current activity.
Gut microbiome meta-analysis reveals dysbiosis is independent of body mass index in predicting risk of obesity-associated CRC
Authors: Greathouse K. Leigh , Robert White James , Padgett R. Noah , Perrotta Brittany G , Jenkins Gregory D , Chia Nicholas , Chen Jun
Published: July 2018

Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), accounting for more than 14% of CRC incidence. Microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation are common characteristics in both obesity and CRC. Human and murine studies, together, demonstrate the significant impact of the microbiome on governing energy metabolism and CRC development; yet, little is understood about the contribution of the microbiome to development of obesity-associated CRC as compared to non-obese individuals. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis using five publicly available stool and tissue-based 16S rRNA and whole genome sequencing (WGS) data sets of CRC microbiome studies. High-resolution analysis was employed for 16S rRNA data using Resphera Insight, which allowed us to achieve species-level information to compare with WGS. Characterization of the confounders between studies, 16S rRNA variable region, and sequencing method, did not reveal any significant effect on alpha diversity in CRC prediction. Both 16S rRNA and WGS were equally variable in their ability to predict CRC. Results from community structure and composition analysis confirmed lower diversity in obese individuals without CRC; however, no universal differences were found in diversity between obese and non-obese individuals with CRC. When examining taxonomic differences, the probability of being classified as CRC did not change significantly in obese individuals for all taxa tested. However, random forest classification was able to distinguish CRC and non-CRC stool when body mass index was added to the model. Overall, microbial dysbiosis was not a significant factor in explaining the higher risk of colon cancer among individuals with obesity.
Individuals with clinically relevant autistic traits tend to have an eye for detail
Authors: Alink Arjen , Charest Ian
Published: July 2018

Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis are often described as having an ‘eye for detail’1. This observation, and the finding that individuals with ASD tend to ‘see the trees before the forest’ when performing the Navon task2, has led to the proposal that ASD is characterized by a bias towards processing local image details3. However, it remains to be shown that natural image recognition in individuals with autism depends more on fine image detail. Here, we resolve this issue by showing that natural image recognition relies more on details in individuals with an above-median number of autistic traits. Furthermore, we found that reliance on details was best predicted by the presence of the most clinically relevant autistic traits. Therefore, our findings raise the possibility that a wide range of real-life abilities and difficulties associated with ASD are related to an enhanced reliance on visual details.
Attraction in buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Patrucco Andrea S. , Luzzini Davide , Moretto Antonella , Ronchi Stefano
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the dynamics of buyer–supplier industrial relationships and the role of customer attractiveness—a requisite to obtain best efforts from suppliers involved in collaborative initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical framework tested through an international survey with a structured equation modeling approach.

Findings

Results confirm that customer attractiveness positively affects both innovation and cost performance ensured by suppliers. Moreover, several direct and indirect antecedents of customer attractiveness are identified, including characteristics of the buying firm’s procurement department (i.e. procurement knowledge and procurement status) and supply chain relationship characteristics (i.e. proficiency of supplier collaboration and visibility).

Research limitations/implications

Because of the survey approach, the research results are limited to the data collected.

Practical implications

Findings support the relevance of collaborative relationships in improving performance, and the key role procurement department could play in managing the multifaceted aspects of supplier collaboration.

Originality/value

This paper investigates, on the one hand, why customer attractiveness is relevant for supply chain management, and what are the effects on innovation and cost performance ensured by suppliers; on the other hand, antecedents of customer attractiveness are considered, with a main focus on organizational and relational procurement variables.
UAV rendezvous based on Nash bargain
Authors: Jiang Wanyue , Wang Daobo , Wang Yin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a solution for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rendezvous problem, which should be feasible, optimal and not time consuming. In the existing literatures, the UAV rendezvous problem is always presented as a matter of simultaneous arrival. They focus only on the time consistency. However, the arrival time of UAVs can vary according to the rendezvous position. The authors should determine the best rendezvous position with considering UAVs’ maneuver constraint, so that UAVs can construct a formation in a short time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a decentralized method in which UAVs negotiate with each other for the best rendezvous positions by using Nash bargain. The authors analyzed the constraints of the rendezvous time and the UAV maneuver, and proposed an objective function that allows UAVs to get to their rendezvous positions as fast as possible. Bezier curve is adopted to generate smooth and feasible flight trajectories. During the rendezvous process, UAVs adjust their speed so that they can arrive at the rendezvous positions simultaneously.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation experiments. The proposed method can successfully and efficiently solve the UAV rendezvous problem.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, it is the first time Nash bargain is used in the UAV rendezvous problem. The authors modified the Nash bargain method and make it distributed, so that it can be computed easily. The proposed method is much less consuming than ordinary Nash bargain method and ordinary swarm intelligence based methods. It also considers the UAV maneuver constraint, and can be applied online for its fast calculation speed. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Researching accounting
Authors: Mustafa Hasri
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage, cooperate and communicate for a more visible form of research accounting in early research settings, especially by those in non-native English speaking and developing nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights four early research settings: in writing a research undertaking, in gaining acceptance of a research undertaking, in situating the self in the research context and in the renegotiation of the research context.

Findings

The paper finds that although organisations offer a forum for a discussion of socialising form of accounting, organisational communication inverts many of the norms of academic etiquettes. It interrupts, takes statements out of context and challenges the academic claim of accounting as a language of business.

Practical implications

The paper alerts corporations, managers, supervisors and researchers that communicating accounting is distinct from communication skills, though both emphasise that communications comprise behaviours which can be learned. Inexperienced researchers are not the only potential readers of the paper. The study is an attempt to provide accounting researchers with a resource for making informed decisions concerning the communication type they face and by placing their research agenda within the appropriate accounting characterisations.

Originality/value

The paper broadens the view of what constitutes knowledge of accounting and the knowledge about accounting and the ways to attain them. The key topics explored in the study provide “hands-on” methodological issues that could be adapted for use on similar programmes.
Do entrepreneur-focused facility incentives create economic impacts? Evidence from Indiana
Authors: Hicks Michael , Faulk Dagney G.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

As a component of a benefit-cost analysis into the efficacy of publicly funded facility incentives, the purpose of this paper is to examine the county-wide impact of business incubators, makerspaces and co-working spaces on employment, proprietor’s employment and the average wage per job. The period under analysis is 1971 through 2015 across Indiana’s 92 counties.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique data set on facility incentives in Indiana, a spatial panel model, which includes a unique identification strategy to account for underlying conditions identified as a source of incubator success in earlier studies, is developed.

Findings

This study finds no statistically significant impact of these facilities on total employment or average wage per job during this period. There is a statistically meaningful impact of co-working spaces on proprietor’s employment, but the effect is an economically insignificant one-time increase of 2.3 jobs in the typical county, which can be interpreted as shifting employment from traditional employment to proprietorship employment.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical estimate of the contribution of modern facility incentives on measures of local economic activity.
Public response to the implementation of clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS) in coastal community in Rokan Hilir Regency
Authors: Rizal Yose
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to find in-depth information related the activities of “clean and healthy behavior” in household regulations, starting from assessment, planning, mobilization, implementation monitoring and assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data analysis was used for quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixing method). The qualitative approach was used to understand the individual phenomena in terms of finding, obtaining and describing the community behavior, which is related to health problems. The data obtained through the approach were then analyzed using interactive model.

Findings

In principle, this research exactly determines the responses of officers and the community to the process of “clean and healthy living behavior” activities. In general, the health facility used first is self-treatment, before seeking medical treatment or non-drug treatment. It proves that humans are always experimenting. From the research result, there are respondents who do not use medical treatment at 16 per cent; and the remaining 84 per cent are using medical treatment, despite being preceded by self-treatment (S) and non-medical treatment (N).

Originality/value

Currently, there have not been many studies related to the implementation of clean and healthy behavior although the information about it is very important to know. The managers of the “clean and healthy behavior” program need to know such information.
Understanding internet addiction: a comprehensive review
Authors: Bisen Shilpa Suresh , Deshpande Yogesh M.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the overall theoretical framework on the topic of internet addiction through the comprehensive narrative review to make readers aware of the conceptual growth and development in the respective field. The paper evolves theoretically from the historical foundation, phenomenology, clinical feature, etiological model to the treatment outcome of internet addiction. Multiple studies have been done in the field of mental health but dearth of work given head to toe theoretical overview for understanding of this trendsetter research area in mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive review of literature has been carried out to make a systematic layout for conceptual paper.

Findings

The internet has been a source of gratification for several behavioral addictions as well as psychiatric disorders. Mainly because of the lack of established diagnostic criteria and a dearth of large sample surveys, the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) in general population has not been established. Still, from all the consolidated data, PIU seems to have a male preponderance and manifests itself in late adulthood. Symptoms of PIU can easily be masked with signs of dependence, tolerance and withdrawal which is quite similar to the phenomenology of substance addiction. Psychiatric co-morbidities are more of a norm than the exception in case of PIU. Even though the clinical status of PIU is doubtful, still there is a significant demand for its treatment all over the world. Overall, the excessive use of internet has been strongly debated in literature from PIU to a positive addiction. Only time will tell how it affects our civilization as a phenomenon of evolutionary significance.

Originality/value

The paper is providing a general conceptual framework for internet addiction/PIU to enable readers to know about the topic in depth from the evolution of the concept to the recent developments in the area.
A reflection on knowledge sharing research: patterns and trends
Authors: Goswami Anil Kumar , Agrawal Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to bring to the fore the identity and image of knowledge sharing (KS) research in terms of the patterns and trends of its growth and its intellectual structure by systematically and objectively extracting various information from extant literature published in KS research area.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the counting technique and bibliometric approach (citations and co-citations analysis) applied in extant literature published in the KS research area.

Findings

The study finds that KS research area is evolving and has immense potential to grow in the future. It elaborates upon the publications and collaborative research patterns and identifies the works, authors and journals that have significant theoretical influence in KS research area. The analysis reveals four major themes in KS research, namely, behaviour-oriented perspective of KS, understanding, frameworks and models of KS, technology-oriented perspective of KS and KS barriers.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on research papers, published in KS research area, that have been extracted from selected journals by mining their titles with “knowledge sharing” as a keyword. Future studies may enhance the search space by including the abstracts in addition to the title while extracting papers in the search.

Practical implications

This study renders all stakeholders an extensive understanding about the direction of KS research. It will help future researchers to identify their areas of interest before venturing into a deeper search. Thus, it will be a significant resource and a quick reference for researchers in KS research area. The study can also help practitioners to focus on key aspects of KS and, further, apply appropriate organizational interventions to enhance KS in promoting innovation and gaining competitive advantage for their organizations.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few and early studies conducted to extract patterns and trends of growth and provide the intellectual structure with KS as a domain of research.
Inter-organizational knowledge transfer in Omani SMEs: influencing factors
Authors: Al-Jabri Himyar , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) is important especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations need external knowledge to improve learning capabilities and their own competitiveness. SMEs are important for every nation’s economy. IOKT can enable SMEs’ learning and innovation and consequently its contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the IOKT process in Omani SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative methodology. Participants were ten Omani SMEs from the information and communications technology sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. The study is based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis.

Findings

The results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge is considered to be important to SMEs. This research also showed that IOKT is affected by many factors related to the donor organization, recipient organization, nature of the knowledge and inter-organizational dynamics. The core factor to IOKT in SMEs is risk and trust.

Originality/value

Literature shows that there is an emphasis on the importance of studying knowledge management in SMEs; however, there is little work that has been done. Such study is even more important for Omani SMEs to improve their learning, innovation and contribution to a national diversified economy. This study provides valuable insights to establish an effective foundation for IOKT in Omani SMEs.
The Bioavailability, Transport, and Bioactivity of Dietary Flavonoids: A Review from a Historical Perspective
Authors: Williamson Gary , Kay Colin D. , Crozier Alan
Published: July 2018

Flavonoids are plant‐derived dietary components with a substantial impact on human health. Research has expanded massively since it began in the 1930s, and the complex pathways involved in bioavailability of flavonoids in the human body are now well understood. In recent years, it has been appreciated that the gut microbiome plays a major role in flavonoid action, but much progress still needs to be made in this area. Since the first publications on the health effects of flavonoids, their action is understood to protect against various stresses, but the mechanism of action has evolved from the now debunked simple direct antioxidant hypothesis into an understanding of the complex effects on molecular targets and enzymes in specific cell types. This review traces the development of the field over the past 8 decades, and indicates the current state of the art, and how it was reached. Future recommendations based on this historical analysis are (a) to focus on key areas of flavonoid action, (b) to perform human intervention studies focusing on bioavailability and protective effects, and (c) to carry out cellular in vitro experiments using appropriate cells together with the chemical form of the flavonoid found at the site of action; this could be the native form of compounds found in the food for studies on digestion and the intestine, the conjugated metabolites found in the blood after absorption in the small intestine for studies on cells, or the chemical forms found in the blood and tissues after catabolism by the gut microbiota.
Dynamic High‐Pressure Microfluidization Treatment of Rice Bran: Effect on Pb(II) Ions Adsorption In Vitro
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Jue , Luo Xiaohu , Li Yongfu , Wang Ren , Li Yanan , Li Juan , Chen Zhengxing
Published: July 2018

Insoluble dietary fiber from rice bran (RBIDF) was treated with dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization (DHPM). The influence of pressure on the adsorption of Pb(II) capacity of RBIDF was explored in a simulation of the gastrointestinal environment. RBIDF (pH 7.0) displayed the maximal binding capacity (420.74 ± 13.12 μmol/g), at the level of 150 MPa, which was as 1.36 times as the untreated sample. DHPM‐treated RBIDF demonstrated a higher ability to adsorb cholesterol and sodium cholate. Meanwhile, the treatment changed the morphology but did not alter the primary structure. The adsorption capacity is linear to the physicochemical properties of the total negative charges. The adsorption kinetics fit the pseudo‐second‐order model, Pb(II) adsorption mainly occur on the surface of the fiber particulate, this process includes natural physical adsorption and chemical reaction. This study provides a feasible approach for improving the adsorption capacity of RBIDF, especially the adsorption of Pb(II).

Practical Application

Dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization can modify biomass adsorption materials effectively as a physically modification. The pretreatment dietary fiber can be used as a low‐cost absorbing heavy metal biosorbent, and can be develop the functional food ingredients in the food industry.
Personalized Boosters After a Computerized Intervention Targeting College Drinking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Braitman Abby L. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy
Published: July 2018

Background

Problematic drinking among emerging adult college students is extensive. Computer‐delivered interventions (CDIs) have strong appeal because they can be quickly delivered to large numbers of students. Although they are efficacious in the short term, CDIs are not as efficacious as in‐person interventions longer term. This study examined the utility of emailed boosters containing personalized feedback after a CDI to enhance and extend reductions among emerging adult college drinkers. Sex and age were explored as potential moderators.

Methods

Participants were 537 college students (67.4% female) aged 18 to 24 years (M age = 19.65, SD = 1.67) who consumed at least 1 alcoholic drink in the past 2 weeks. They were randomly assigned to CDI‐only, CDI + booster email, or an assessment‐only control condition, and were assessed up to 9 months postintervention. A booster email with personalized feedback was sent to the CDI + booster email group 2 weeks after completion of the CDI.

Results

Moderation findings for age revealed that the booster may be an effective means to strengthen and extend intervention effects for emerging adults who are of legal drinking age. However, effects were negligible for underage drinkers. Although the booster effect for the overall sample demonstrated a trend in the expected direction, it failed to reach significance. Booster effects were not significantly moderated by sex. Intervention effects were not moderated by either age or sex.

Conclusions

The present investigation contributes to a limited body of research on boosters to augment main intervention effects in college drinkers. Our study demonstrated that a brief CDI plus a simple email booster with personalized feedback resulted in significant reductions in drinking outcomes for emerging adults of legal drinking age. Efforts to further develop and refine intervention booster strategies represent a promising future direction to minimize harmful drinking among college students.
Screening for child abuse using a checklist and physical examinations in the emergency department led to the detection of more cases
Authors: Teeuw Arianne H. , Kraan Rik B. J. , van Rijn Rick R. , Bossuyt Patrick M. M. , Heymans Hugo S. A.
Published: July 2018

Aim

We studied the accuracy of a screening checklist (SPUTOVAMO), complete physical examination (top‐to‐toe inspection, TTI) and their combination in detecting child abuse in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to the ED of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam between January 2011 and 1 July 2013 were included. An Expert Panel assigned a consensus diagnosis to positive cases. For all other and missed cases, the Child Abuse Counselling and Reporting Centre diagnosis was used.

Results

We included 17 229 admissions of 12 198 patients. In 46%, SPUTOVAMO was performed, in 33% TTI; 421 children (4.3%) tested positive on either or both, with 68 positive consensus diagnoses. In eight children not reported to the Expert Panel, the Child Abuse Counselling and Reporting Center diagnosis was positive. Ten of 3519 (0.3%) children testing negative on both were child abuse cases; 0.88% of the study group had a final child abuse diagnosis. The estimated PPV was 0.46 for SPUTOVAMO, 0.44 for TTI and 0.43 for the combination.

Conclusion

Combining screening tests significantly increased the number of test positives and led to more child abuse cases detected. Combined screening for child abuse in all children less than 18 years old presenting to an ED is recommended.
A treatment algorithm for healthy young men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Wiggins Adam , Tsambarlis Peter N. , Abdelsayed George , Levine Laurence A.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To assess baseline characteristics of a cohort of young men with erectile dysfunction (ED) but no identifiable organic cause and to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment algorithm.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of men aged <40 years referred to our tertiary care centre for evaluation and treatment of their ED between March 2010 and August 2016. Of 185 men reviewed, we included 73 men who were identified as having no identifiable organic cause for their ED and had successfully completed a detailed questionnaire regarding their medical and sexual history at the initial consultation. The questionnaire was used to obtain baseline patient characteristics and identify comorbid conditions which may predispose to ED. For these men, our standard treatment comprised a daily low‐dose phosphodiesterase type 5‐inhibitor along with a referral for psychosexual therapy, with the option of more invasive treatment if this initial approach failed. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, patients were asked to complete a follow‐up questionnaire via phone or e‐mail. Thirty‐three men successfully completed the follow‐up questionnaire. Pre‐ and post‐treatment questionnaires were compared to determine treatment adherence and efficacy.

Results

The mean (range) age of the study cohort was 31.9 (22–39) years. At the initial consultation, 85% of men (n = 62) reported problems obtaining an erection. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, only 42% reported the same problem (n = 14), with 58% (n = 19) satisfied with their erectile function. Post‐treatment International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores showed a significant improvement in erectile function (18.8 vs 13.3; P < 0.01), orgasmic function (7.7 vs 6.2; P = 0.01) and overall satisfaction (6.1 vs 4.5; P < 0.01). No statistically significant improvement was noted in sexual desire or intercourse satisfaction.

Conclusions

Our proposed treatment approach for men with ED aged < 40 years without an identifiable organic aetiology appears to be a reasonable and effective first‐line approach, as demonstrated by significantly improved post‐treatment IIEF scores and patient‐reported outcomes. This algorithm can provide urologists with a useful framework for managing these potentially challenging patients.
In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activities of 8‐methoxy‐3‐(4‐nitrobenzoyl)‐6‐propyl‐2H‐cromen‐2‐one, a new synthetic coumarin of low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells
Authors: Brancaglion Guilherme Andrade , Toyota André Eidi , Cardoso Machado José Vaz , Fernandes Júnior Antônio Ávila , Silveira Alberto Thalison , Vilas Boas Diego Fernandes , dos Santos Elda Gonçalves , Caldas Ivo Santana , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira
Published: July 2018

Natural and synthetic coumarins have been described as prototypes of new drug candidates against Chagas’ disease. During a typical screening with new compounds, we observed the potential of a new synthetic nitrobenzoylcoumarin (1) as trypanocidal against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotas. Then, we decided to prepare and evaluate a set of analogues from 1 to check the major structural requirements for trypanocidal activity. The structural variations were conducted in six different sites on the original compound and the best derivative (3) presented activity (IC50 28 ± 3 μM) similar to that of benznidazole (IC50 25 ± 10 μM). The enhancement of trypanocidal activity was conditioned to a change in the side chain at C6 (allyl to n‐propyl group) and the preservation of coumarin nucleus and the nitrobenzoyl group at C3. Exposure of 3 to H9C2 cells showed low toxicity (CC50 > 200 μM) and its activity on T. cruzi amastigotes (IC50 13 ± 0.3 μM) encouraged us to perform an evaluation of its potential when given orally to mice infected with trypomastigote forms. Derivative 3 was able to reduce parasitemia when compared to the group of untreated animals. Taken together, these results show the potential therapeutic application of the synthetic coumarins.
Robust and local positional information within a fin ray directs fin length during zebrafish regeneration
Authors: Shibata Eri , Liu Zhengcheng , Kawasaki Toshihiro , Sakai Noriyuki , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: July 2018

It has been proposed that cells are regulated to form specific morphologies and sizes according to positional information. However, the entity and nature of positional information have not been fully understood yet. The zebrafish caudal fin has a characteristic V‐shape; dorsal and ventral fin rays are longer than the central ones. This fin shape regenerates irrespective of the sites or shape of fin amputation. It is thought that reformation of tissue occurs according to positional information. In this study, we developed a novel transplantation procedure for grafting a whole fin ray to an ectopic position and examined whether the information that specifies fin length exists within each fin ray. Intriguingly, when long and short fin rays were swapped, they regenerated to form longer or shorter fin rays than the adjacent host fin rays, respectively. Further, the abnormal fin ray lengths were maintained for a long time, more than 5 months, and after further re‐amputation. In contrast to intra‐fin grafting, when fin ray grafting was performed between fish, cells in the grafts disappeared due to immune rejection, and the grafted fin rays adapted to the host position to form a normal fin. Together, our data suggest that the information that directs fin length does exist in cells within a single fin ray and that it has a robust property—it is stable for a long time and is hard to rewrite. Our study highlighted a novel positional information mechanism for directing regenerating fin length.
Understanding Bottlenecks: An Operations Management Experiential Learning Exercise
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne
Published: July 2018

Understanding bottlenecks is an in‐class experiential learning exercise designed to improve students’ understanding of production system capacity issues. After an introductory teaching session on capacity and constraint management, students are formed into groups of six to assume the roles of one raw material handler, four production workers, and one finished goods receiver and are asked to produce 20 units of product beta. Prior to the start of the exercise, the students are asked to predict the completion time of the 1st, 10th, and 20th units of product beta. When all 20 betas are completed, students compare their predicted completion times to the actual completion times. The results of the game show that while students can easily identify the system's bottleneck, they often have difficulties distinguishing the practical implications of the process time of the system versus the process cycle time; thus, their predicted completion times of the 10th and 20th units are typically overinflated compared to actual completion times. A debrief session is then used to solidify students’ understanding of the relationship between bottlenecks and capacity. The exercise is well‐received and highly rated by students; furthermore, it is not resource‐intensive, requiring 40‐45 minutes of classroom time, 20‐25 strips of paper per group, and a visible stopwatch.
Retrospective analysis of local injection site adverse reactions associated with 230 allogenic administrations of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in 164 horses
Authors: Ursini T. L. , Amelse L. L. , Elkhenany H. A. , Odoi A. , Carter‐Arnold J. L. , Adair H. S. , Dhar M. S.
Published: July 2018

Background

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are frequently used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Fully characterised cells that are readily available for use is optimum. Allogenic BM‐MSCs can satisfy the need for rapid treatment, however, their safety has been questioned.

Objectives

Objectives were to characterise BM‐MSCs from an adult donor horse, in vitro, and to identify and describe adverse reactions that occurred following their injection into other horses. We hypothesised that BM‐MSCs capable of proliferation, differentiation and lacking MHC II from one donor could be implanted into another individual without significant adverse reactions and the frequency of adverse reactions in clinical cases would be similar to that previously reported for autologous BM‐MSCs.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

BM‐MSCs were proliferated and characterised from one donor and cryopreserved for clinical use. Medical records for horses injected with allogenic BM‐MSCs from this donor at a single hospital were used. After routine lameness exam, lesions were identified using diagnostic ultrasound or MRI. Post injection reaction was defined as increased pain, swelling, or heat at or near injection site, or increased lameness. Treatments required for each reaction were noted.

Results

BM‐MSCs proliferated and underwent differentiation. Cells were found to be negative for MHC‐II (<2%) and were viable after cryopreservation and shipping. Ten of 230 (4.35%) injections were noted to be associated with an adverse reaction. Adverse reactions occurred in synovial structures (n = 3) and in soft tissues (n = 7).

Main limitations

This investigation could underestimate the number and severity of reactions. Mild reactions, such as synovitis, may have been missed. Also, anti‐inflammatory drugs could overshadow mild reactions, making them less likely to be detected.

Conclusions

Fully characterised allogenic BM‐MSCs originating from a single donor horse can be administered to horses with soft tissue injuries with a low rate of adverse reaction.

The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting Information
London and England's early modernity: A review of recent scholarship
Authors: Cavert William M.
Published: July 2018

A review of the historical literature on London during the early modern period (ca. 1500–1800) published between 2010 and 2017, focusing on themes of modernization and London's role in associated changes. London's central contribution to processes of modernization was once a historiographical commonplace, but recent work has avoided such narratives in its discussions of social relations, crime and policing, gender roles, cosmopolitanism and global trade, and urban and suburban spaces and environments. By contrast, studies that have stressed such processes, in particular work describing political culture and practice as well as sexual behaviors, have chosen not to stress London's importance, despite its prominent place in their stories.
Community characteristics modify the relationship between obesity prevention efforts and dietary intake in children: the Healthy Communities Study
Authors: Woodward‐Lopez G. , Gosliner W. , Au L. E. , Kao J. , Webb K. L. , Sagatov R. D. , Strauss W. J. , Landgraf A. J. , Nagaraja J. , Wilson D. K. , Nicastro H. L. , Nebeling L. C. , Schultz J. A. , Ritchie L. D. ,   on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team
Published: July 2018

Background

The influence of community characteristics on the effectiveness of childhood obesity prevention efforts is not well understood.

Objective

Examine the interaction of community characteristics with the relationship between community programmes and policies (CPPs) and dietary intake.

Methods

An observational study of 5138 children in grades K‐8 in 130 US communities was conducted in 2013–2015. Key informant interviews identified and characterized CPPs. CPP scores were generated for the number of target behaviours (CPP‐Behav) and the number of behaviour change strategies (CPP‐Strat) addressed by all CPPs and CPPs with nutrition goals over the prior 6 years in each community. Dietary intake was assessed by dietary screener and included intake of sugar from sugar‐sweetened beverages; energy‐dense foods; fruits and vegetables; whole grains; and fibre. Multivariate statistical models assessed the interactions between US region, urbanicity, community‐level income, and community‐level race/ethnicity and CPP scores in relation to dietary intake.

Results

CPP‐Strat was positively associated with healthier dietary intakes in the Northeast and West, and in high Hispanic communities; the reverse was true in the South, and in high African–American and low‐income communities. The CPP‐Behav was positively associated with healthier dietary intakes in the South and rural areas, and the reverse was true in the West.

Conclusion

The relationships between CPP index scores and dietary intake were most strongly influenced by region and urbanicity and to a lesser extent by community‐level race/ethnicity and income. Findings suggest that different considerations may be needed for childhood obesity prevention efforts in communities with different characteristics.
Influenza B viruses in pigs, Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Ping , Tsai Hsiang‐Jung
Published: July 2018

Background

Influenza B viruses (IBVs) have never been isolated from natural‐infected pigs in clinical cases, although the susceptibility of domestic pigs to experimental IBV infections had been confirmed as well as IBV‐specific antibodies were detected from pigs under natural and experimental conditions.

Objectives

We aimed to assess and investigate the activities for infection and circulation of IBVs in pigs.

Methods

Annual active surveys for influenza have been implemented on swine populations in Taiwan since July 1998. Nasal swabs, trachea, lungs, and blood from pigs were tested using virological and serological assays for influenza. Gene sequences of influenza viral isolates were determined and characterized. Preliminary sero‐epidemiological data for influenza virus were investigated.

Results

Three strains of IBV were isolated and identified from natural‐infected pigs in 2014. Genetic characterization revealed the highest identities (>99%) of molecular sequence with the contemporary IBVs belonged to the B/Brisbane/60/2008 genetic clade of Victoria lineage in the phylogenetic trees for all 8 genes. IBV‐specific antibodies were detected in 31 (0.2%; 95%CI: 0.1%‐0.2%) of 15 983 swine serum samples from 29 (2.8%; 95%CI: 1.9%‐3.9%) of 1039 farm visits under annual active surveys from 2007 through 2017. Seropositive cases have been found sparsely in 1‐5 of test prefectures every year except 2015 and 2017 as well as scattered loosely over 26 townships/districts of 11 prefectures in Taiwan cumulatively in 11 years.

Conclusions

Influenza B viruse infections from humans to pigs remained sporadic and accidental currently in Taiwan but might have paved potential avenues for newly emerging zoonotic influenza in the future.