bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrepancies Between Clinical and Autopsy Diagnoses in Rapid Response Team–Assisted Patients: What Are We Missing?
Authors: Giugni Fernando Rabioglio , Salvadori Fernanda Aburesi , Smeili Luciana Andrea Avena , Marcílio Izabel , Perondi Beatriz , Mauad Thais , de Paiva Edison Ferreira , Duarte-Neto Amaro Nunes
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The rapid response team (RRT) assists hospitalized patients with sudden clinical deterioration. There is scarce evidence of diagnostic accuracy in this scenario, but it is possible that a considerable rate of misdiagnosis exists. Autopsy remains a valuable tool for assessing such question. This study aimed to compare clinical (premortem) and autopsy (postmortem) diagnoses in patients assisted by the RRT and describe major discrepancies.

Methods

We reviewed 104 clinical data and autopsies from patients assisted by the RRT during a cardiac arrest event in a tertiary care hospital in Brazil. Clinical and autopsy diagnostic discrepancies were classified using the Goldman criteria. Other clinical and pathological data were described, and the group with major diagnostic discrepancies was further analyzed.

Results

We found 39 (37.5%) patients with major diagnostic discrepancies. Most frequent immediate causes of death in this group determined by autopsy were sepsis (36%), pulmonary embolism (23%) and hemorrhagic shock (21%). Pulmonary embolism was the cause of death significantly more frequent in the major discrepancy group than in the minor discrepancy group (23% versus 3%, P = 0.002). We individually described all major diagnostic discrepancies.

Conclusions

We found a high rate (37.5%) of major misdiagnosis in autopsies from patients assisted by the RRT in a tertiary teaching hospital. Pulmonary embolism was the most inaccurate fatal diagnosis detected by autopsy.
Development of a Quality Improvement Dental Chart Review Training Program
Authors: Kalenderian Elsbeth , Hebballi Nutan B. , Franklin Amy , Yansane Alfa , Ibarra Noriega Ana M. , White Joel , Walji Muhammad F.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Chart review is central to understanding adverse events (AEs) in medicine. In this article, we describe the process and results of educating chart reviewers assigned to evaluate dental AEs.

Methods

We developed a Web-based training program, “Dental Patient Safety Training,” which uses both independent and consensus-based curricula, for identifying AEs recorded in electronic health records in the dental setting. Training included (1) didactic education, (2) skills training using videos and guided walkthroughs, (3) quizzes with feedback, and (4) hands-on learning exercises. In addition, novice reviewers were coached weekly during consensus review discussions. TeamExpert was composed of 2 experienced reviewers, and TeamNovice included 2 chart reviewers in training. McNemar test, interrater reliability, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to compare accuracy rates on the identification of charts containing AEs at the start of training and 7 months after consensus building discussions between the 2 teams.

Results

TeamNovice completed independent and consensus development training. Initial chart reviews were conducted on a shared set of charts (n = 51) followed by additional training including consensus building discussions. There was a marked improvement in overall percent agreement, prevalence and bias-adjusted κ correlation, and diagnostic measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) of reviewed charts between both teams from the phase I training program to phase II consensus building.

Conclusions

This study detailed the process of training new chart reviewers and evaluating their performance. Our results suggest that standardized training and continuous coaching improves calibration between experts and trained chart reviewers.
Effects of Framingham 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk Score and Viral Load on Brain Integrity in Persons With HIV
Authors: Glans Michelle , Cooley Sarah A. , Vaida Florin , Boerwinkle Anna , Tomov Dimitre , Petersen Kalen J. , Rosenow Alexander , Paul Robert H. , Ances Beau M.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has allowed for viral load (VL) suppression and increased life expectancy for persons with HIV (PWH). Altered brain integrity, measured by neuropsychological (NP) performance and neuroimaging, is still prevalent among virally suppressed PWH. Age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease may also affect brain integrity. This study investigated the effects of cardiovascular risk, VL, and HIV serostatus on cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain volumetrics, and cognitive function in PWH and persons without HIV (PWoH).

Methods:

Ten-year cardiovascular risk, using the Framingham Heart Study criteria, was calculated in PWH (n = 164) on cART with undetectable (≤20 copies/mL; n = 134) or detectable (>20 copies/mL; n = 30) VL and PWoH (n = 66). The effects of cardiovascular risk on brain integrity (CBF, volume, and cognition) were compared for PWH (undetectable and detectable VL) and PWoH.

Results:

PWH had smaller brain volumes and worse NP scores than PWoH. PWH with detectable and undetectable VL had similar brain integrity measures. Higher cardiovascular risk was associated with smaller volumes and lower CBF in multiple brain regions for PWH and PWoH. Significant interactions between HIV serostatus and cardiovascular risk on brain volumes were observed in frontal, orbitofrontal, and motor regions. Cardiovascular risk was not associated with cognition for PWH or PWoH.

Conclusions:

Neuroimaging, but not cognitive measures, was associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. HIV serostatus was associated with diminished brain volumes and worse cognition while CBF remained unchanged, reflecting potential protective effects of cART. Neuroimaging measures of structure (volume) and function (CBF) may identify contributions of comorbidities, but future longitudinal studies are needed.
Epidemiology of Digital Clubbing and Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy
Authors: Essouma Mickael , Nkeck Jan Réné , Agbor Valirie N. , Noubiap Jean Jacques
Published: January 2022

Digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) are long-standing clinical entities, but their prevalence have not been synthesized. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of digital clubbing and HOA in people with existing medical conditions.

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to select studies addressing HOA or digital clubbing and published through March 23, 2021. Summary estimates of the prevalence were derived through random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021243934.

Of 3973 records, we included 142 studies. In adults, the pooled prevalence of digital clubbing was 33.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.6–52.8), 31.3% (95% CI, 22.4–41.1), 27% (95% CI, 9.4–49.5), and 22.8% (95% CI, 10.8–37.6) in subjects with intestinal diseases, interstitial lung diseases, infective endocarditis, and hepatic diseases, respectively. In children and adolescents, the pooled prevalence of digital clubbing was 29.1% (95% CI, 19.4–39.9), 23% (95% CI, 9.0–41.1), 19.5% (95% CI, 4.1–42.4), and 17.1% (95% CI, 9.5–26.5) in subjects with human immunodeficiency virus infection, hemoglobinopathies, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis. The pooled prevalence of HOA was 10.1% (95% CI, 2.0–23.1) in adults with cancers, and 5% (95% CI, 2.5–8.2) in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

In conclusion, the prevalence of digital clubbing varied across disease groups in both adults and children. Full-spectrum HOA was mostly reported in adults with liver disease and cancers, and in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
Impact of Contrast Enhancement and Virtual Monoenergetic Image Energy Levels on Emphysema Quantification
Authors: Jungblut Lisa , Kronenberg Daniel , Mergen Victor , Higashigaito Kai , Schmidt Bernhard , Euler Andre , Alkadhi Hatem , Frauenfelder Thomas , Martini Katharina
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of contrast enhancement and different virtual monoenergetic image energies on automatized emphysema quantification with photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT).

Material and Methods

Sixty patients who underwent contrast-enhanced chest CT on a first-generation, clinical dual-source PCD-CT were retrospectively included. Scans were performed in the multienergy (QuantumPlus) mode at 120 kV with weight-adjusted intravenous contrast agent. Virtual noncontrast (VNC) images as well as virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) from 40 to 80 keV obtained in 10-keV intervals were reconstructed. Computed tomography attenuation was measured in the aorta. Noise was measured in subcutaneous fat and defined as the standard deviation of attenuation. Contrast-to-noise with region of interest in the ascending aorta and signal-to-noise ratio in the subcutaneous fat were calculated. Subjective image quality (and emphysema assessment, lung parenchyma evaluation, and vessel evaluation) was rated by 2 blinded radiologists. Emphysema quantification (with a threshold of −950 HU) was performed by a commercially available software. Virtual noncontrast images served as reference standard for emphysema quantification.

Results

Noise and contrast-to-noise ratio showed a strong negative correlation (r = −0.98; P < 0.01) to VMI energies. The score of subjective assessment was highest at 70 keV for lung parenchyma and 50 keV for pulmonary vessel evaluation (P < 0.001). The best trade-off for the assessment of emphysema while maintaining reasonable contrast for pulmonary vessel evaluation was determined between 60 and 70 keV. Overall, contrast-enhanced imaging led to significant and systematic underestimation of emphysema as compared with VNC (P < 0.001). This underestimation decreased with increasing VMI-energy (r = 0.98; P = 0.003). Emphysema quantification showed significantly (P < 0.05) increased emphysema volumes with increasing VMI energies, except between 60–70 keV and 70–80 keV. The least difference in emphysema quantification between contrast-enhanced scans and VNC was found at 80 keV.

Conclusion

Computed tomography emphysema quantification was significantly affected by intravenous contrast administration and VMI-energy level. Virtual monoenergetic image at 80 keV yielded most comparable results to VNC. The best trade-off in qualitative as well as in quantitative image quality evaluation was determined at 60/70 keV.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Clear Cell Sarcoma With Multiple Bone Metastases
Authors: Long Tingting , Hu Shuo
Published: January 2022

A 26-year-old man presented with right facial pain for more than 20 days. Admission diagnosis was considered as jaw osteomyelitis. CT of the chest before surgery showed multiple bone destructions, which were considered as bone metastases. Then the 18F-FDG PET/CT was recommended for finding the primary tumor and evaluation of disease extent. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed multiple abnormal foci at the skeleton and the left arm. Pathological examination and molecular analysis revealed the diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma. We present a case of clear cell sarcoma with multiple bone metastases, which is an extremely rare tumor.
Development and Assessment of Machine Learning Models for Individualized Risk Assessment of Mastectomy Skin Flap Necrosis
Authors: Hassan Abbas M. , Biaggi Andrea P. , Asaad Malke , Andejani Doaa F. , Liu Jun , Offodile2nd Anaeze C. , Selber Jesse C. , Butler Charles E.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To develop, validate, and evaluate ML algorithms for predicting MSFN.

Background:

MSFN is a devastating complication that causes significant distress to patients and physicians by prolonging recovery time, compromising surgical outcomes, and delaying adjuvant therapy.

Methods:

We conducted comprehensive review of all consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction from January 2018 to December 2019. Nine supervised ML algorithms were developed to predict MSFN. Patient data were partitioned into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets.

Results:

We identified 694 mastectomies with immediate implant-based reconstruction in 481 patients. The patients had a mean age of 50 ± 11.5 years, years, a mean body mass index of 26.7 ± 4.8 kg/m2, and a median follow-up time of 16.1 (range, 11.9–23.2) months. MSFN developed in 6% (n = 40) of patients. The random forest model demonstrated the best discriminatory performance (area under curve, 0.70), achieved a mean accuracy of 89% (95% confidence interval, 83–94), and identified 10 predictors of MSFN. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that ML models have a superior net benefit regardless of the probability threshold. Higher body mass index, older age, hypertension, subpectoral device placement, nipple-sparing mastectomy, axillary nodal dissection, and no acellular dermal matrix use were all independently associated with a higher risk of MSFN.

Conclusions:

ML algorithms trained on readily available perioperative clinical data can accurately predict the occurrence of MSFN and aid in individualized patient counseling, preoperative optimization, and surgical planning to reduce the risk of this devastating complication.
AAST multicenter prospective analysis of prehospital tourniquet use for extremity trauma
Authors: Schroll Rebecca , Smith Alison , Alabaster Kelsey , Schroeppel Thomas J. , Stillman Zachery E. , Teicher Erik J. , Lita Elena , Ferrada Paula , Han Jinfeng , Fullerton Robert D. , McNickle Allison G. , Fraser Douglas R. , Truitt Michael S. , Grossman Verner Heather M. , Todd S. Rob , Turay David , Pop Andrew , Godat Laura N. , Costantini Todd W. , Khor Desmond , Inaba Kenji , Bardes James , Wilson Alison , Myers John G. , Haan James M. , Lightwine Kelly L. , Berdel Henrik O. , Bottiggi Anthony J. , Dorlac Warren , Zier Linda , Chang Grace , Lindner Mae , Martinez Benjamin , Tatum Danielle , Fischer Peter E. , Lieser Mark , Mabe Robert C. , Lottenberg Lawrence , Velopoulos Catherine G. , Urban Shane , Duke Marquinn , Brown Amy , Peckham Merry , Gongola AlleaBelle , Enniss Toby M. , Teixeira Pedro , Kim Dennis Y. , Singer George , Ekeh Peter , Hardman Claire , Askari Reza , Okafor Barbara , Duchesne Juan
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Tourniquet use for extremity hemorrhage control has seen a recent increase in civilian usage. Previous retrospective studies demonstrated that tourniquets improve outcomes for major extremity trauma (MET). No prospective study has been conducted to date. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes in MET patients with prehospital tourniquet use. We hypothesized that prehospital tourniquet use in MET decreases the incidence of patients arriving to the trauma center in shock.

METHODS

Data were collected prospectively for adult patients with MET at 26 Level I and 3 Level II trauma centers from 2015 to 2020. Limbs with tourniquets applied in the prehospital setting were included in the tourniquet group and limbs without prehospital tourniquets were enrolled in the control group.

RESULTS

A total of 1,392 injured limbs were enrolled with 1,130 tourniquets, including 962 prehospital tourniquets. The control group consisted of 262 limbs without prehospital tourniquets and 88 with tourniquets placed upon hospital arrival. Prehospital improvised tourniquets were placed in 42 patients. Tourniquets effectively controlled bleeding in 87.7% of limbs. Tourniquet and control groups were similarly matched for demographics, Injury Severity Score, and prehospital vital signs (p > 0.05). Despite higher limb injury severity, patients in the tourniquet group were less likely to arrive in shock compared with the control group (13.0% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.04). The incidence of limb complications was not significantly higher in the tourniquet group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first prospective analysis of prehospital tourniquet use for civilian extremity trauma. Prehospital tourniquet application was associated with decreased incidence of arrival in shock without increasing limb complications. We found widespread tourniquet use, high effectiveness, and a low number of improvised tourniquets. This study provides further evidence that tourniquets are being widely and safely adopted to improve outcomes in civilians with MET.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
The role of phenotypic plasticity in the establishment of range margins
Authors: Eriksson Martin , Rafajlović Marina
Published: January 2022

It has been argued that adaptive phenotypic plasticity may facilitate range expansions over spatially and temporally variable environments. However, plasticity may induce fitness costs. This may hinder the evolution of plasticity. Earlier modelling studies examined the role of plasticity during range expansions of populations with fixed genetic variance. However, genetic variance evolves in natural populations. This may critically alter model outcomes. We ask: how does the capacity for plasticity in populations with evolving genetic variance alter range margins that populations without the capacity for plasticity are expected to attain? We answered this question using computer simulations and analytical approximations. We found a critical plasticity cost above which the capacity for plasticity has no impact on the expected range of the population. Below the critical cost, by contrast, plasticity facilitates range expansion, extending the range in comparison to that expected for populations without plasticity. We further found that populations may evolve plasticity to buffer temporal environmental fluctuations, but only when the plasticity cost is below the critical cost. Thus, the cost of plasticity is a key factor involved in range expansions of populations with the potential to express plastic response in the adaptive trait.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Species' ranges in the face of changing environments (part I)’.
The reconstruction of invasion histories with genomic data in light of differing levels of anthropogenic transport
Authors: Hudson J. , Bourne S. D. , Seebens H. , Chapman M. A. , Rius M.
Published: January 2022

Unravelling the history of range shifts is key for understanding past, current and future species distributions. Anthropogenic transport of species alters natural dispersal patterns and directly affects population connectivity. Studies have suggested that high levels of anthropogenic transport homogenize patterns of genetic differentiation and blur colonization pathways. However, empirical evidence of these effects remains elusive. We compared two range-shifting species (
Microcosmus squamiger
and
Ciona robusta
) to examine how anthropogenic transport affects our ability to reconstruct colonization pathways using genomic data. We first investigated shipping networks from the 18th century onwards, cross-referencing these with regions where the species have records to infer how each species has potentially been affected by different levels of anthropogenic transport. We then genotyped thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 280
M. squamiger
and 190
C. robusta
individuals collected across their extensive species' ranges and reconstructed colonization pathways. Differing levels of anthropogenic transport did not preclude the elucidation of population structure, though specific inferences of colonization pathways were difficult to discern in some of the considered scenario sets. We conclude that genomic data in combination with information of underlying introduction drivers provide key insights into the historic spread of range-shifting species.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Species’ ranges in the face of changing environments (part I)’.
ResFinder – an open online resource for identification of antimicrobial resistance genes in next-generation sequencing data and prediction of phenotypes from genotypes
Authors: Florensa Alfred Ferrer , Kaas Rolf Sommer , Clausen Philip Thomas Lanken Conradsen , Aytan-Aktug Derya , Aarestrup Frank M.
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important health threats globally. The ability to accurately identify resistant bacterial isolates and the individual antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) is essential for understanding the evolution and emergence of AMR and to provide appropriate treatment. The rapid developments in next-generation sequencing technologies have made this technology available to researchers and microbiologists at routine laboratories around the world. However, tools available for those with limited experience with bioinformatics are lacking, especially to enable researchers and microbiologists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to perform their own studies. The CGE-tools (Center for Genomic Epidemiology) including ResFinder (https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ResFinder/) was developed to provide freely available easy to use online bioinformatic tools allowing inexperienced researchers and microbiologists to perform simple bioinformatic analyses. The main purpose was and is to provide these solutions for people involved in frontline diagnosis especially in LMICs. Since its original publication in 2012, ResFinder has undergone a number of improvements including improvement of the code and databases, inclusion of point mutations for selected bacterial species and predictions of phenotypes also for selected species. As of 28 September 2021, 820 803 analyses have been performed using ResFinder from 61 776 IP-addresses in 171 countries. ResFinder clearly fulfills a need for several people around the globe and we hope to be able to continue to provide this service free of charge in the future. We also hope and expect to provide further improvements including phenotypic predictions for additional bacterial species.
Gut Microbiome of Helminth Infected Indigenous Malaysians Is Context Dependent
Authors: Tee Mian Zi , Er Yi Xian , Easton Alice V. , Yap Nan Jiun , Lee Ii Li , Devlin Joseph , Chen Ze , Ng Kee Seong , Subramanian Poorani , Angelova Angelina , Sargsian Shushan , Ngui Romano , Boey Christopher Chiong Meng , Chua Kek Heng , Cadwell Ken , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Loke P’ng , Lee Soo Ching
Published: January 2022

While microbiomes in industrialized societies are well characterized, indigenous populations with traditional lifestyles have microbiomes that are more akin to those of ancient humans. However, metagenomic data in these populations remains scarce and the association with soil-transmitted helminth infection status is unclear. Here, we sequenced 650 metagenomes of indigenous Malaysians from 5 villages with different prevalence of helminth infections. Individuals from villages with higher prevalence of helminth infections have more unmapped reads and greater microbial diversity. Microbial community diversity and composition were most strongly associated with different villages and the effects of helminth infection status on the microbiome varies by village. Longitudinal changes in the microbiome in response to albendazole anthelmintic treatment was observed in both helminth infected and uninfected individuals. Inference of bacterial population replication rates from origin of replication analysis identified specific replicating taxa associated with helminth infection. Our results indicated that helminth effects on the microbiota was highly dependent on context and effects of albendazole on the microbiota can be confounding for the interpretation of deworming studies. Furthermore, a substantial quantity of the microbiome remains undescribed and this large dataset from indigenous populations associated with helminth infections should facilitate characterization of the disappearing microbiome from developed industrialized societies.
A Cross-Country Analysis of the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Reducing Mortality Rates within the EU
Authors: Bliznashki Svetoslav
Published: January 2022

We use a linear mixed model in order to estimate the effect of the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 on the overall death toll on a monthly basis. We limit our analysis for the duration of the year 2021 and within 25 countries which are current or former (UK) members of the EU since these countries follow similar approaches to testing and reporting different COVID-19 related statistics. We explored the effect in question by comparing the total number of people vaccinated up to the end of each month and the total number of deaths occurring during the next month while controlling for several measures including number of new COVID-19 cases, diabetes prevalence, cardio vascular death rates and time trends among others. Our results indicated that one percentage point monthly increase in the total number of vaccinated people was associated, on average, with a decrease of two deaths per general population of 1 million for the next month with the effect being highly significant. An Individual Growth Curves Analysis further corroborates these findings and suggests that vaccination rates may possibly exert additional indirect effects unaccounted for by our main model.
PRC2-mediated repression is essential to maintain identity and function of differentiated dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons
Authors: Toskas Konstantinos , Yaghmaeian-Salmani Behzad , Skiteva Olga , Paslawski Wojciech , Gillberg Linda , Skara Vasiliki , Antoniou Irene , Södersten Erik , Svenningsson Per , Chergui Karima , Ringnér Markus , Perlmann Thomas , Holmberg Johan
Published: January 2022

How neurons in the CNS can maintain cellular identity over an entire lifespan remains largely unknown. Here we show that long-term maintenance of identity in differentiated dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons is critically reliant on the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Deletion of the obligate PRC2-component,Eed, in these neurons, resulted in global loss of H3K27me3, followed by a gradual activation of genes harbouring both H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 modifications. Notably, H3K9me3 was also lost at these PRC2-targets prior to gene activation. Neuronal survival was not compromised, instead there was a reduction in subtype specific gene expression as well as a progressive impairment of dopaminergic or serotonergic neuronal function leading to behavioural deficits characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or mood disorders, respectively. Single cell analysis revealed an unexpected subtype specific vulnerability to loss of PRC2-repression in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, the neurons primarily affected in PD. Taken together, our study reveals that a PRC2-dependent non-permissive chromatin state is essential to maintain subtype identity and function of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons.
Cell type diversity in a developing octopus brain
Authors: Styfhals Ruth , Zolotarov Grygoriy , Hulselmans Gert , Spanier Katina I. , Poovathingal Suresh , Elagoz Ali M. , Deryckere Astrid , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Ponte Giovanna , Fiorito Graziano , Aerts Stein , Seuntjens Eve
Published: January 2022

Octopuses are mollusks that have evolved intricate neural systems comparable with vertebrates in terms of cell number, complexity and size. The cell types within the octopus brain that control their amazingly rich behavioral repertoire are still unknown. Here we profile cell diversity of the paralarvalOctopus vulgarisbrain to build a comprehensive cell type atlas that comprises mostly neural cells, as well as multiple glial subtypes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Moreover, we spatially map cell types within the octopus brain, including vertical and optic lobe cell types. Investigation of cell type conservation reveals a shared gene signature between glial cells of mice, fly and octopus. Genes related to learning and memory are enriched in vertical lobe cells, which show molecular similarities with Kenyon cells inDrosophila. Taken together, our data sheds light on cell type diversity and evolution of the complex octopus brain.

Highlights & Key findings

Characterization of different cell types present in the early paralarval brain

Cross-species comparisons reveal a conserved glial gene expression signature

Vertical lobe amacrine cells in octopus have molecular similarities to fly Kenyon cells

Homeobox genes are defining transcription factors for cell type identity

Recently expanded gene families may underlie cellular diversification
Joint actions of diverse transcription factor families establish neuron-type identities and promote enhancer selectivity
Authors: Jimeno-Martín Angela , Sousa Erick , Brocal-Ruiz Rebeca , Daroqui Noemi , Maicas Miren , Flames Nuria
Published: January 2022

To systematically investigate the complexity of neuron specification regulatory networks, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen against all 875 transcription factors (TFs) encoded in Caenorhabditis elegans genome and searched for defects in nine different neuron types of the monoaminergic (MA) superclass and two cholinergic motoneurons. We identified 91 TF candidates to be required for correct generation of these neuron types, of which 28 were confirmed by mutant analysis. We found that correct reporter expression in each individual neuron type requires at least nine different TFs. Individual neuron types do not usually share TFs involved in their specification but share a common pattern of TFs belonging to the five most common TF families: homeodomain (HD), basic helix loop helix (bHLH), zinc finger (ZF), basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP), and nuclear hormone receptors (NHR). HD TF members are overrepresented, supporting a key role for this family in the establishment of neuronal identities. These five TF families are also prevalent when considering mutant alleles with previously reported neuronal phenotypes in C. elegans, Drosophila, and mouse. In addition, we studied terminal differentiation complexity focusing on the dopaminergic terminal regulatory program. We found two HD TFs (UNC-62 and VAB-3) that work together with known dopaminergic terminal selectors (AST-1, CEH-43, CEH-20). Combined TF binding sites for these five TFs constitute a cis-regulatory signature enriched in the regulatory regions of dopaminergic effector genes. Our results provide new insights on neuron-type regulatory programs in C. elegans that could help better understand neuron specification and evolution of neuron types.
Structural snapshot of a glycoside hydrolase family 8 endo-β-1,4-glucanase capturing the state after cleavage of the scissile bond
Authors: Fujiwara Takaaki , Fujishima Ayumi , Nakamura Yui , Tajima Kenji , Yao Min
Published: January 2022

Bacterial cellulose (BC), which is produced by bacteria, is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural resource. Because of its remarkable physicochemical properties, BC has attracted attention for the development and manufacture of biomedical and industrial materials. In the BC production system, the enzyme endo-β-1,4-glucanase, which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH8), acts as a cleaner by trimming disordered cellulose fibers to produce high-quality BC. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the endo-β-1,4-glucanase would help in developing a reasonable biosynthesis of BC. Nevertheless, all of the steps in the reaction of this endo-β-1,4-glucanase are not clear. This study confirms the BC hydrolytic activity of the endo-β-1,4-glucanase from the BC-producing bacterium Enterobacter sp. CJF-002 (EbBcsZ) and reports crystal structures of EbBcsZ. Unlike in previously reported GH8 endo-β-1,4-glucanase structures, here the base catalyst was mutated (D242A) and the structure of this mutant bound to cellooligosaccharide [EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT] was analyzed. The EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT structure showed two cellooligosaccharides individually bound to the plus and minus subsites of EbBcsZ. The glucosyl unit in subsite −1 presented a distorted 5
S
1 conformation, a novel snapshot of a state immediately after scissile-bond cleavage. In combination with previous studies, the reaction process of endo-β-1,4-glucanase is described and the β-1,4-glucan-trimming mechanism of EbBcsZ is proposed. The EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT structure also showed an additional β-1,4-glucan binding site on the EbBcsZ surface, which may help to accept the substrate.
Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from regional-level policies in Spain
Authors: Beneito Pilar , Vicente-Chirivella Óscar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The autonomous governments of two regions in Spain established mobile bans in schools as of the year 2015. Exploiting the across-region variation introduced by such a quasi-natural experiment, this study aims to perform a comparative-case analysis to investigate the impact of this non-spending-based policy on regional Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores in maths and sciences and bullying incidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the synthetic control method and diff-in-diff estimation to compare the treated regions with the rest of regions in Spain before and after the intervention.

Findings

The results show noticeable reductions of bullying incidence among teenagers in the two treated regions. The authors also find positive and significant effects of this policy on the PISA scores of the Galicia region that are equivalent to 0.6–0.8 years of learning in maths and around 0.72 to near one year of learning in sciences.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study analysing the impact of mobile phone bans in schools on bullying cases, exploiting variation across regions (or other units), years and age intervals. Besides, the scarce formal evidence that exists on the consequences of the mobile phones use in students’ academic achievement comes from a micro perspective, while the paper serves as one more piece of evidence from a macro perspective.
Aeronautical data requirements and geodetic data – a case study on regulations in Poland
Authors: Marjańska Dorota
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to indicate discrepancies between the guidelines for aeronautical data quality requirements (DQR) and the legal regulations of surveying in Poland. Because of the possible difficulties in determining the original source of geodetic coordinates, it is possible for mistakes to be made, e.g. in aeronautical metadata.

Design/methodology/approach

The differences between selected reference data for the ASG-EUPOS network stations were determined and later extended to the entire country using the linear interpolation method. The values were investigated for exceeding the most restrictive limit on the DQR, i.e. 0.50 m for geodetic latitude and longitude and 0.25 m for measured height and geoid undulation.

Findings

The lack of an appropriate transformation of geodetic coordinates would result in an error of 0.30 m for the horizontal position, and <0.01 m for ellipsoidal heights. The discrepancies between the Earth Gravitational Model 96 (EGM96) geoid model used in aviation and Polish local quasigeoid model are up to 1 m.

Practical implications

Results prove that a mismatch of coordinate frames could be a severe threat to the aeronautical DQR. Providing complete information about reference systems during the data exchange, including the conversion parameters between selected geoid models, or considering a more accurate geoid model as a reference in aviation is recommended.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is perhaps the first to compare data quality guidelines for surveying and aviation.
A contextual study of co-worker relationship and turnover intentions: the mediating role of employee cynicism
Authors: Abugre James Baba , Acquaah Moses
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evidently examine how employee cynicism mediates the relationship between co-worker relationship and employee turnover intentions in organizations in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional survey of employees from both public and private organizations, the authors tested our hypotheses with a sample of 288 employees by means of structural equation modelling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation with LISREL 9.2 and bootstrapping procedures.

Findings

Findings showed that co-worker relationship is negatively associated with employee cynicism. The findings further revealed that employee cynicism is positively associated with employees' intention to leave. Additionally, employee cynicism negatively mediated the relationship between co-worker relationship and employee intention to leave their organizations.

Practical implications

The work recommends that organizations become aware of employee cynicism which can adversely affects co-worker relationship and consequently organizational performance. Therefore, organizations ought to reduce employee cynicism and rather encourage positive co-worker relations through interpersonal relationship and support for employees.

Originality/value

An investigation of co-worker relationship in organization and employee intentions to leave or turnover is a significant micro-level analysis for contemporary Human Resource Management (HRM) research. This study gives us a scarce opportunity to understand how employee cynicism negatively mediates the relationship between co-worker relationship and turnover intentions of employees.
Blended learning model incorporating online learning for a competency-focused, work-based learning (WBL) programme – allied healthcare case-study
Authors: Chandan Kirpa , Kealey Carmel , Timpson Patrick , Murphy Brian
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study investigates a blended learning model which incorporates online learning for a competency-focused, work-based learning (WBL) programme within allied healthcare. The case-study is centred on hearing aid audiology.

Design/methodology/approach

The study evaluated the feedback received through a tripartite group of stakeholders (learners, academic staff and employers).

Findings

Results showed that although there was universal support for blended learning, incorporating online learning, each stakeholder contributed different perspectives. The authors identified that in terms of curriculum design, a comprehensive analysis of the holistic perspective across all stakeholders is essential to ascertain the suitability of this learning mode for WBL. The study may provide the basis of a preparatory framework for the development of a generic, competency-focused model that can be applied across allied healthcare WBL programmes.

Originality/value

Although previous studies of WBL have been reported, to the knowledge of the authors, there is no current reference in the literature to studies that examine thematic areas relevant to all three stakeholders across a programme of this nature in hearing aid audiology.
Reversing equity transfer in sponsorship for competitive advantage of emerging local events: quantitative evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Wang Jerred Junqi , Qian Tyreal Yizhou , Li Bo , Mastromartino Brandon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Built upon the balance theory and schema theory, this study examined the impact of sponsors' intangible attributes, including consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) and brand-event image fit (BEIF), on consumer responses to emerging local events (ELEs), as well as major boundary conditions of this mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical hypotheses were tested using multivariate analysis of covariance and structural equation modeling with the data from two experiments: the experiment in the pilot study was used to calibrate sponsor stimuli, and the experiment in the main study was designed to assess consumer responses to different sponsor-event combinations.

Findings

Results of this experimental study illustrated the dominant role of CBBE in influencing individuals' perceived event value and intention to participate in the context of ELEs and revealed the noticeable but limited moderating effects of BEIF and sport identification.

Originality/value

This study highlighted the importance of sponsorship in the marketing communications of ELEs and suggested prioritizing the overall attributes of sponsors in the sponsor-selection. This study also called for more research attention directed toward the intangible benefits that sporting events could receive from sponsorship deals.
A theoretical perspective of public library physical spaces in a digital environment
Authors: Bouaamri Asmaa , Barátné Hajdu Ágnes
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the virtual space of the library and how it is part of the library building and many spaces offered. It inspects as well the work of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ section related to library buildings and equipment libraries can play if they are able to provide remote users education, which can help in fighting illiteracy and promote digital literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a structuralist approach from linguistics, sociology and anthropology to decorticate the concept of space. It favoured the literature review method, which was the most adequate approach for multidisciplinary results.

Findings

The study results indicate that the library virtual space became equally important as its physical spaces for our modern world and development. The significance of the virtual spaces is similar nowadays to the physical spaces of libraries as they allow for social integration and self-recognition.

Originality/value

The value of this study is uniquely exhaustive, as it highlights the value and significance of the library virtual space in the contemporary world, in comparison with the library physical spaces.
Diagnosis of the effectiveness of the e-learning solutions adopted in Saudi higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barhoumi Chokri , Alsaysi Areej , Essid Souheil
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of the e-learning solutions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic based on teachers' and students' opinions in Saudi higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was performed during the 2021 academic year and involved a survey approach to analyze the effectiveness of Saudi e-learning solutions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjective opinions were collected from a sample of 106 teachers and 1,196 students.

Findings

The teachers disagreed that online courses provide students with multiple opportunities to track their learning progress with timely feedback, with an arithmetic mean of 2.566 and a standard deviation of 1.627. Moreover, the students disagreed that the use of multimedia facilitates the ease of learning and knowledge extraction from online resources, with an arithmetic mean of 2.443 and a standard deviation of 1.633. Generally, the study implies that today during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to exploit the power of multimedia tools to bring out knowledge from online learning resources such as images, animations, simulations, video and hypermedia. Based on the results, we need to concentrate on exploiting the power of hypertext systems used in flexible online instruction to enable flexible thinking for online students. Therefore, the e-learning process must favor cognitive flexibility and foster knowledge acquisition for students in the context of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The findings may be useful in discovering the degree of effectiveness of Saudi e-learning solutions during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Optimization and characterization of surface treated Lagenaria siceraria fiber and its reinforcement effect on epoxy composites
Authors: N. Saravanan , B. Navin Kumar , G. Bharathiraja , R. Pandiyarajan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the resultant optimal ultimate tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and modulus, compression strength and impact strength of fabricated alkali-treated Lagenaria siceraria fiber (LSF)-reinforced polymer matrix composite by optimizing input factors and microstructural characterization by influencing fiber length, fiber concentration and treatment condition of LSF.

Design/methodology/approach

The fabrication of LSF-reinforced composite specimens involved surface treatment followed by custom experimental design using a simple hand layup process. The wear analysis was performed by a multi-tribotester TR25 machine, and the developed model was validated by using statistical software Design Expert V.8 and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The surface morphology of the sample was also analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The alkali treatment for LSFs had reduced the hemicellulose, and enhanced mechanical performance was observed for 30 wt.% concentration of L. siceraria in epoxy resin. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed thermal stability up to 245°C; microstructure revealed fiber entanglements in case of longer fiber length and compression strength reduction; and the surface-treated fiber composites exhibited reduced occurrences of defects and enhanced matrix–fiber bonding. Enhanced mechanical performances were observed, namely, ultimate tensile strength of 17.072 MPa, elongation of 1.847%, flexural strength of 50.4 MPa, flexural modulus of 3,376.31 GPa, compression strength of 52.154 MPa and impact strength of 0.53 joules.

Originality/value

The novel approach of optimizing and characterizing alkali surface-treated LSF-reinforced epoxy matrix composite was explored, varying fiber length and concentrations for specimens by empirical relations and experimental design to obtain optimal performance validated by ANOVA. Enhanced properties were obtained for: 7 mm fiber length and 30 wt.% concentration of fiber in the composite for alkali-treated fiber.
A reproducible and sensitive method for generating high‐quality transcriptomes from single whitefly salivary glands and other low‐input tissues
Authors: Gebiola Marco , Le Brandon H. , Mauck Kerry E.
Published: January 2022

Transcriptomic studies are an important tool for understanding the molecular pathways underlying host plant use by agricultural pests, including vectors of damaging plant pathogens. Thus far, bulk RNA‐Seq has been the main approach for non‐model insects. This method relies on pooling large numbers of whole organisms or hundreds of individually dissected organs. The latter approach is logistically challenging, may introduce artifacts of handling and storage, and is not compatible with biological replication. Here, we tested an approach to generate transcriptomes of individual salivary glands and other low‐input body tissues from whiteflies (Bemisia tabaciMEAM1), which are major vectors of plant viruses. By comparing our outputs to published bulk RNA‐Seq datasets for whole whitefly bodies and pools of salivary glands, we demonstrate that this approach recovers similar numbers of transcripts relative to bulk RNA‐Seq in a tissue‐specific manner, and for some metrics, exceeds performance of bulk tissue RNA‐Seq. Libraries generated from individual salivary glands also yielded additional novel transcripts not identified in pooled salivary gland datasets, and had hundreds of enriched transcripts when compared with whole head tissues. Overall, our study demonstrates that it is feasible to produce high quality, replicated transcriptomes of whitefly salivary glands and other low‐input tissues. We anticipate that our approach will expand hypothesis‐driven research on salivary glands of whiteflies and other Hemiptera, thus enabling novel control strategies to disrupt feeding and virus transmission.