bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Vitamin D deficiency and Neurologic Outcomes in Patients after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Chae Bora , Shin Yo Sep , Kim Sang Min , Hong Seok-In , Kim Youn-Jung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Kim Won Young
Published: January 2022

Aim:

We investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and neurologic outcomes after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Method:

Data from the prospective cardiac arrest registry in the emergency department between October 2019 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were obtained during cardiopulmonary resuscitation wherein 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were analyzed; deficiency was defined as levels < 10 ng/mL. The primary outcome was neurologic outcomes at 3 months assessed using the modified Rankin Scale.

Result:

A total of 195 patients (mean age, 64.5 ± 16.1 years; 135 [69.2%] men) were included. A significantly greater proportion of patients with poor outcomes had vitamin D deficiency compared with those with good outcomes (49.4% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.001). The area under the curve for a sustained return of spontaneous circulation and 3-month poor neurologic outcomes was 0.595 (P = 0.031) and 0.704 (P < 0.001), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio [OR]: 10.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–70.82, P = 0.019), initial shockable rhythm (OR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.00–0.84, P = 0.040), low flow time (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.16, P = 0.003), and thrombocytopenia (OR: 10.66; 95% CI: 1.13–100.41, P = 0.039) were significantly associated with 3-month poor neurologic outcomes.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with cardiac arrest was 44% and was associated with poor neurological outcomes at 3 months.
Evaluation of Clinical and Biomechanical Features of Scars Resulting from the Treatment of Burn Contractures Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrices
Authors: Almeida Ivan R. , Gonqalves Adriana C. , Corrêa Fernanda B. , Castro Júlio C.D. , Guirro Elaine C.O. , Farina Jayme A. , Coltro Pedro S.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare clinical and biomechanical features of scars resulting from the treatment of burn contractures using different acellular dermal matrices (ADM).

Summary Background Data:

Extensive burns often lead to severe sequelae, such as skin contractures, that can be treated using ADM to improve the quality of these scars.

Methods:

A prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial was performed including patients with burn contractures at least 1-year post-burn, treated using split-thickness skin graft (STSG). These patients were randomized into 4 groups: control (received only STSG without ADM), Integra (ADM + STSG), Matriderm (ADM + STSG), and Pelnac (ADM + STSG). Exclusion criteria were loss of follow-up and graft integration failure. The evaluation was performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the durom-eter, and the cutometer in areas of normal skin, hypertrophic scar, and surgical scar, at least 1 year after the surgery.

Results:

In the VSS, durometer, and cutometer evaluation, there was no difference in the comparison of surgical scars among groups. Analyzing each group, with an intraindividual evaluation comparing areas of normal skin with surgical scars, the results suggested a possibility of a surgical scar hardness closer to normal skin for Integra and Matriderm groups measured with the durometer. In the cutometer evaluation, surgical scars were not comparable to areas of normal skin.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that there is no difference in the quality of scar assessed through the analysis of clinical and biomechanical features comparing acellular dermal matrices (Integra, Matriderm, and Pelnac) and only split-thickness skin graft without a dermal matrix.
Destructive colon injuries requiring resection: Is colostomy ever indicated?
Authors: Mitchao Delbrynth P. , Lewis Meghan R. , Strickland Matt , Benjamin Elizabeth R. , Wong Monica D. , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The management of destructive colon injuries requiring resection has shifted from mandatory diverting stoma to liberal use of primary anastomosis. Various risk criteria have been suggested for the selection of patients for primary anastomosis or ostomy. At our center, we have been practicing a policy of liberal primary anastomosis irrespective of risk factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the colon-related outcomes in patients managed with this policy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all colon injuries requiring resection. Data collected included patient demographics, injury characteristics, blood transfusions, operative findings, operations performed, complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 287 colon injuries were identified, 101 of whom required resection, forming the study population. The majority (63.4%) were penetrating injuries. Furthermore, 16.8% were hypotensive on admission, 40.6% had moderate or severe fecal spillage, 35.6% received blood transfusion of >4 U, and 41.6% had Injury Severity Score of >15. At index operation, 88% were managed with primary anastomosis and 12% with colon discontinuity, and one patient had stoma. Damage-control laparotomy (DCL) with temporary abdominal closure was performed in 39.6% of patients. Of these patients with DCL, 67.5% underwent primary anastomosis, 30.0% were left with colon discontinuity, and 2.5% had stoma. Overall, after the definitive management of the colon, including those patients who were initially left in colon discontinuity, only six patients (5.9%) had a stoma. The incidence of anastomotic leaks in patients with primary anastomosis at the index operation was 8.0%, and there was no colon-related mortality. The incidence of colon anastomotic leaks in the 27 patients with DCL and primary anastomosis was 11.1%, and there was no colon-related mortality. Multivariate analysis evaluating possible risk factors identified discontinuity of the colon as independent risk factor for mortality.

CONCLUSION

Liberal primary anastomosis should be considered in almost all patients with destructive colon injuries requiring resection, irrespective of risk factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Core outcome measures for research in traumatic injury survivors: The National Trauma Research Action Plan modified Delphi consensus study
Authors: Herrera-Escobar Juan Pablo , Price Michelle A. , Reidy Emma , Bixby Pamela J. , Hau Kaman , Bulger Eileen M. , Haider Adil H.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Until recently, survival has been the main outcome measure for injury research. Given the impact of injury on quality of life, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has called for advancing the science of research evaluating the long-term outcomes of trauma survivors. This is necessary so that treatments and interventions can be assessed for their impact on a trauma patients' long-term functional and psychosocial outcomes. We sought to propose a set of core domains and measurement instruments that are best suited to evaluate long-term outcomes after traumatic injury with a goal for these measures to be adopted as a national standard.

METHODS

As part of the development of a National Trauma Research Action Plan, we conducted a two-stage, five-round modified online Delphi consensus process with a diverse panel of 50 key stakeholders including clinicians, researchers, and trauma survivors from more than 9 professional areas across the United States. Before voting, panelists reviewed the results of a scoping review on patient-reported outcomes after injury and standardized information on measurement instruments following the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines.

RESULTS

The panel considered a preliminary list of 74 outcome domains (patient-reported outcomes) and ultimately reached the a priori consensus criteria for 29 core domains that encompass aspects of physical, mental, social, and cognitive health. Among these 29 core domains, the panel considered a preliminary list of 199 patient-reported outcome measures and reached the a priori consensus criteria for 14 measures across 13 core domains. Participation of panelists ranged from 65% to 98% across the five Delphi rounds.

CONCLUSION

We developed a core outcome measurement set that will facilitate the synthesis, comparison, and interpretation of long-term trauma outcomes research. These measures should be prioritized in all future studies in which researchers elect to evaluate long-term outcomes of traumatic injury survivors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Test or Criteria, Level IV.
Pediatric trauma in the California-Mexico border region: Injury disparities by Area Deprivation Index
Authors: Sykes Alicia Gaidry , Rooney Alexandra S. , Avila Andrew G. , Ghetti Claudio B. , Martin Matthew J. , Bansal Vishal , Sise Michael J. , Ignacio Romeo C.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The California-Mexico border region is a high-volume trauma area with populations of widely disparate socioeconomic status. This work analyzed differences in demographics and mechanism of injury in children using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a composite measure of 17 markers of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients evaluated at the regional Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between 2008 and 2018. Collected data included patient demographics and injury characteristics. Patient addresses were correlated to neighborhood disadvantage level using ADI quintiles, with a higher quintile representing greater socioeconomic disadvantage.

RESULTS

A total of 9,715 children were identified, of which 4,307 (44%) were Hispanic. Hispanic children were more likely to live in more disadvantaged neighborhoods than non-Hispanic children (p < 0.001). There were markedly different injury mechanisms in neighborhoods with greater socioeconomic disadvantage (higher ADI) compared with those with less socioeconomic disadvantage. Sports-related and nonmotorized vehicular trauma predominated in less disadvantaged neighborhoods, while higher ADI quintiles were strongly associated with pedestrian versus automobile, motorized vehicle accidents/collisions, and nonaccidental injuries (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This analysis represents the first study to characterize pediatric traumatic injury patterns based upon the neighborhood ADI metric. Area Deprivation Index can be a useful resource in identifying disparities in pediatric trauma and children at increased risk for vehicular and abusive injury who may benefit from increased resource allocation, social support, and prevention programs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological, Level III.
Deconstructing replicative senescence heterogeneity of human mesenchymal stem cells at single cell resolution reveals therapeutically targetable senescent cell sub-populations
Authors: Fard Atefeh Taherian , Leeson Hannah , Perez Julio Aguado , Pietrogrande Giovanni , Power Dominique , Inclan Cecilia Liliana Gomez , Zheng Huiwen , Nelson Christopher , Soheilmoghaddam Farhad , Glass Nick , Dharmaratne Malindrie , Watson Ebony R. , Lu Jennifer , Martin Sally , Pickett Hilda , Cooper-White Justin , Wolvetang Ernst , Mar Jessica C.
Published: January 2022

Cellular senescence is characterised by a state of permanent cell cycle arrest. It is accompanied by often variable release of the so-called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, and occurs in response to a variety of triggers such as persistent DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, or oncogene activation. While cellular senescence is a recognised driver of organismal ageing, the extent of heterogeneity within and between different senescent cell populations remains largely unclear. Elucidating the drivers and extent of variability in cellular senescence states is important for discovering novel targeted seno-therapeutics and for overcoming cell expansion constraints in the cell therapy industry. Here we combine cell biological and single cell RNA-sequencing approaches to investigate heterogeneity of replicative senescence in human ESC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (esMSCs) as MSCs are the cell type of choice for the majority of current stem cell therapies and senescence of MSC is a recognized driver of organismal ageing. Our data identify three senescent subpopulations in the senescing esMSC population that differ in SASP, oncogene expression, and escape from senescence. Uncovering and defining this heterogeneity of senescence states in cultured human esMSCs allowed us to identify potential drug targets that may delay the emergence of senescent MSCsin vitroand perhapsin vivoin the future.
ATP Binding Facilitates Target Search of SWR1 Chromatin Remodeler by Promoting One-Dimensional Diffusion on DNA
Authors: Carcamo Claudia C. , Poyton Matthew F. , Ranjan Anand , Park Giho , Louder Robert K , Dzu Thuc , Wu Carl , Ha Taekjip
Published: January 2022

One-dimensional (1D) target search is a well characterized phenomenon for many DNA binding proteins but is poorly understood for chromatin remodelers. Herein, we characterize the 1D scanning properties of SWR1, a yeast chromatin remodeler that performs histone exchange on +1 nucleosomes adjacent to a nucleosome depleted region (NDR) at promoters. We demonstrate that SWR1 has a kinetic binding preference for DNA of NDR length as opposed to gene-body linker length DNA. Using single and dual color single particle tracking on DNA stretched with optical tweezers, we directly observe SWR1 diffusion on DNA. We found that various factors impact SWR1 scanning, including ATP which promotes diffusion through nucleotide binding rather than ATP hydrolysis. A DNA binding subunit, Swc2, plays an important role in the overall diffusive behavior of the complex, as the subunit in isolation retains similar, although faster, scanning properties as the whole remodeler. ATP-bound SWR1 slides until it encounters a protein roadblock, of which we tested dCas9 and nucleosomes. The median diffusion coefficient, 0.024 μm2/sec, in the regime of helical sliding, would mediate rapid encounter of NDR-flanking nucleosomes at length scales found in cells.
Template-based design of peptides to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexation
Authors: Chenna Akshay , Khan Wajihul H , Dash Rozaleen , Rathore Anurag S , Goel Gaurav
Published: January 2022

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex of SARS-CoV-2 lies at the core of its replication and transcription processes. The interfaces between the subunits of the RdRp complex are highly conserved, facilitating the design of inhibitors with high affinity for the interaction hotspots of the complex. Here, we report development and application of a structural bioinformatics protocol to design peptides that can inhibit RdRp complex formation by targeting the interface of its core subunit nonstructural protein (nsp) 12 with accesory factor nsp7. We adopt a top-down approach for protein design by using interaction hotspots of the nsp7-nsp12 complex obtained from a long molecular dynamics trajectory as template. A large library of peptide sequences constructed from multiple hotspot motifs of nsp12 is screened in silico to determine peptide sequences with highest shape and interaction complementarity for the nsp7-nsp12 interface. Two lead designed peptide are extensively characterized using orthogonal bioanalytical methods to determine their suitability for inhibition of RdRp complexation and anti-viral activity. Their binding affinity to nsp7 (target), as determined from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, is found to be comparable to that of the nsp7-nsp12 complex. Further, one of the designed peptides gives 46 % inhibition of nsp7-nsp12 complex at 10:1 peptide:nsp7 molar concentration (from ELISA assay). Further optimization of cell penetrability and target affinity of these designed peptides is expected to provide lead candidates with high anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
Reversible adhesion by type IV pili leads to formation of irreversible localized clusters
Authors: Pepe María Victoria , Dea Celeste , Genskowsky Camila , Capasso Darío , Jäger Adriana Valeria , Peruani Fernando , Kierbel Arlinet
Published: January 2022

Despite the fact a fundamental first step in the physiopathology of many disease-causing bacteria is the formation of long-lived, localized, multicellular clusters, the spatio-temporal dynamics of the cluster formation process, particularly on host tissues, remains poorly understood. Experiments on abiotic surfaces suggest that the colonization of a surface by swimming bacteria requires i) irreversible adhesion to the surface, ii) cell proliferation, and iii) a phenotypic transition from an initial planktonic state. Here, we investigate how Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infects a polarized MDCK epithelium and show that contrary to what has been reported on the colonization of abiotic surfaces, PA forms irreversible bacterial clusters on apoptotic epithelial cell without requiring irreversible adhesion, cell proliferation, or a phenotypic transition. By combining experiments and a mathematical model, we reveal that the cluster formation process is regulated by type IV pili (T4P). Furthermore, we unveil how T4P quantitatively operate during adhesion on the biotic surface, finding that it is a stochastic process that involves an activation time, requires the retraction of pili, and results in reversible adhesion with a characteristic attachment time. Using a simple kinetic model, we explain how such reversible adhesion process leads to the formation of irreversible bacterial clusters and quantify the cluster growth dynamics.
Modelling eDNA transport in river networks reveals highly resolved spatio-temporal patterns of freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Carraro Luca , Blackman Rosetta C. , Altermatt Florian
Published: January 2022

The ever-increasing threats to riverine biodiversity call for the development of novel approaches for a complete assessment of biodiversity across highly resolved spatial, temporal and taxonomic scales. Past studies on riverine biodiversity patterns were often restricted to spatially scattered data, focused on specific taxonomic groups, and disregarded the temporal dimension, preventing a universal understanding of relationships between biodiversity and stream size across spatial, temporal and taxonomic scales. Recent advances in the joint use of environmental DNA (eDNA) data and novel mechanistic models for eDNA transport in river networks have the potential to uncover the full structure of riverine biodiversity at an unprecedented spatial resolution, hence providing fundamental insights into ecosystem processes and offering a basis for targeted conservation measures.

Here, we applied a mechanistic model (i.e., the eDITH model) to a metabarcoding dataset covering three taxonomic groups (fish, invertebrates and bacteria) and three seasons (spring, summer and autumn) for a 740-km2Swiss catchment, sampled for eDNA at 73 sites.

Using the mechanistic model, we upscaled eDNA-based biodiversity predictions to more than 1900 individual reaches, allowing an assessment of patterns ofα- andβ-diversity across seasons and taxonomic groups at a space-filling, fine scale over the whole network.

We found that both predictedα- andβ-diversity varied considerably depending on both season and taxonomic group. Predicted fishα-diversity increased in the downstream direction at all seasons, while invertebrate and bacteriaα-diversity either decreased downstream or was not significantly related to position within network, depending on the season. Spatialβ-diversity was mostly found to be decreasing in the downstream direction, and this was the case for all seasons for bacteria. Temporalβ-diversity was mostly found to be increasing downstream. In general, genus richness values predicted by the model were found to be higher than those obtained by directly analyzing the eDNA data. Overall, stream size (subsumed by drainage area) was generally a poor predictor of patterns of predictedα- andβ-diversities. Conversely, riverine biodiversity is shaped by a complex interplay of environmental variables, abiotic and biotic factors, which need be taken into account for a correct assessment of its structure.
The vagus nerve mediates the stomach-brain coherence in rats
Authors: Cao Jiayue , Wang Xiaokai , Chen Jiande , Zhang Nanyin , Liu Zhongming
Published: January 2022

Interactions between the brain and the stomach shape both cognitive and digestive functions. Recent human studies report spontaneous synchronization between brain activity and gastric slow waves in the resting state. However, this finding has not been replicated in any animal models. The neural pathways underlying this apparent stomach-brain synchrony is also unclear. Here, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging while simultaneously recording body-surface gastric slow waves from anesthetized rats in the fasting vs. postprandial conditions and performed a bilateral cervical vagotomy to assess the role of the vagus nerve. The coherence between brain fMRI signals and gastric slow waves was found in a distributed “gastric network”, including subcortical and cortical regions in the sensory, motor, and limbic systems. The stomach-brain coherence was largely reduced by the bilateral vagotomy and was different between the fasting and fed states. These findings suggest that the vagus nerve mediates the spontaneous coherence between brain activity and gastric slow waves, which is likely a signature of real-time stomach-brain interactions. However, its functional significance remains to be established.
Neural Basis of The Double Drift Illusion
Authors: Steinberg Noah J. , Roth Zvi N. , Movshon J. Anthony , Merriam Elisha P.
Published: January 2022

In the “double-drift” illusion, local motion within a window moving in the periphery alters the window’s perceived path. The illusion is strong even when the eyes track a target whose motion matches the window so that the stimulus remains stable on the retina. This implies that the illusion involves the integration of retinal signals with non-retinal eye-movement signals. To identify where in the brain this integration occurs, we measured BOLD fMRI responses in visual cortex while subjects experienced the double drift illusion. We identified a number of cortical areas that responded more strongly during the illusion, but only in area hMT+ was it possible to decode the illusory trajectory. Our results provide evidence for a perceptual representation in human visual cortex that is not linked to retinal position.
GAIT BIOMECHANICS OF RABBITS WITH EITHER ACHILLES OR TIBIALIS CRANIALIS ARTIFICIAL TENDONS
Authors: Hall Patrick T. , Stubbs Caleb , Pedersen Alisha P. , Billings Caroline , Stephenson Stacy M. , Greenacre Cheryl B. , Anderson David E. , Crouch Dustin L.
Published: January 2022

Artificial tendons have been developed as a replacement for biological tendons with irreparable pathologies and defects. Previous studies reported the mechanical strength and tissue integration of a polyester suture-based artificial tendon, but not its effect on locomotor function. The objective of this study was to quantify the hindlimb biomechanics during hopping gait of New Zealand White rabbits with surgical replacement of either the Achilles (n=2) or tibialis cranialis (TC, n=2) biological tendons with artificial tendons. Once pre-surgery and for five consecutive weeks post-surgery (starting at about two weeks post-surgery), we measured hindlimb kinematics and ground contact pressures with a video camera and pressure mat, respectively. Promisingly, post-surgical locomotor function was either consistent or improved over time in both tendon replacement groups. However, Achilles rabbits exhibited greater immediate post-surgery functional decline and less post-surgical functional recovery than TC rabbits. Compared to healthy rabbits, at the study endpoint, (1) TC rabbits had a 17.3-degree higher (i.e., more plantarflexed) ankle angle at foot strike; and (2) Achilles rabbits had a 39.2-degree lower (i.e., more dorsiflexed) ankle angle at toe off. These functional deficits suggest that the muscles attached to the artificial tendons had lower force-generating capacity. Future studies of artificial tendons are needed to quantify long-term function, determine the effectiveness of structured rehabilitation exercises, and refine surgical implementation.
In vitro activity of ertapenem against Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical isolates with decreased susceptibility or resistance to extended spectrum cephalosporins in Nanjing, China (2013-2019)
Authors: Li Xuechun , Le Wenjing , Lou Xiangdi , Genco Caroline A. , Rice Peter A. , Su Xiaohong
Published: January 2022

Objective

Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates collected in Nanjing, China, that possessed decreased susceptibility (or resistance) to extended spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs), were examined for susceptibility to ertapenem and their sequence types determined.

Methods

Ceftriaxone and cefixime minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≥ 0.125 mg/L and ≥ 0.25 mg/L, respectively, were first determined in 259 strains isolated between 2013 and 2019 and then MICs of ertapenem were measured using the antimicrobial gradient epsilometer test (Etest). Genetic determinants of ESC resistance and multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) were also determined to analyze associations with ertapenem susceptibility.

Results

All isolates displayed ertapenem MICs between 0.006 mg/L-0.38 mg/L; the overall MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.032 mg/L and 0.125 mg/L. 44 (17.0%) isolates displayed ertapenem MICs of ≥ 0.125 mg/L; 10 (3.9%) had MICs ≥ 0.25 mg/L. The proportion of isolates with ertapenem MICs ≥ 0.125 mg/L increased from 4.0% in 2013, to 20.0% in 2019 (χ2= 24.144, P<0.001; Chi square test for linear trend). The penA mosaic allele was present in a significantly higher proportion of isolates with ertapenem MICs ≥ 0.125 mg/L compared to isolates with MICs ≤ 0.094 mg/L) (97.7% vs. 34.9%, respectively; χ2=58.158, P<0.001). ST5308 was the most prevalent NG-MAST type (8.5%); ST5308 was also significantly more common among isolates with ertapenem MICs ≥ 0.125 mg/L vs. isolates with MICs ≤ 0.094mg/L (22.7% and 5.6% respectively; χ2=13.815, P=0.001).

Conclusions

Ertapenem may be effective therapy for gonococcal isolates with decreased susceptibility or resistance to ESCs and isolates with identifiable genetic resistance determinants.
Yersinia pestis genomes reveal plague in Britain 4,000 years ago
Authors: Swali Pooja , Schulting Rick , Gilardet Alexandre , Kelly Monica , Anastasiadou Kyriaki , Glocke Isabelle , Audsley Tony , Loe Louise , Fernández-Crespo Teresa , Ordoño Javier , Walker David , Davy Tom , Silva Marina , Hajdinjak Mateja , Bergström Anders , Booth Thomas , Skoglund Pontus
Published: January 2022

Extinct lineages of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of the plague, have been identified in several individuals from Central Europe and Asia between 5,000 and 3,500 years before present (BP). One of these, the ‘LNBA lineage’ (Late Neolithic and Bronze Age), has been suggested to have spread into Central Europe with human groups expanding from the Eurasian steppes. Here, we show that LNBA plague was spread to Europe’s northwestern periphery by sequencing Yersinia pestis genomes from two individuals dating to ~4,000 cal BP from an unusual mass burial context in Somerset, England, UK. This represents the earliest evidence of plague in Britain documented to date. These British Yersinia pestis genomes belong to a sublineage previously observed in two Bronze Age individuals from Central Europe that had lost the putative virulence factor yapC. This sublineage is later found in Central Asia ~3,600 BP. While the severity of disease is currently unclear, the wide geographic distribution within a few centuries suggests substantial transmissibility.
Investigation of oxidative processes and revealing the changes in purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity levels in model animals in the development of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ghazaryan G.S , Hovsepyan L.M. , Poghosyan L.G. , Zanginyan H. V.
Published: January 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a global and one of the most common healthcare problems. The immune system, having a certain autonomy in the recognition and removal of foreign cells, antigens and other compounds is also under strict homeostatic control, in which a lot of/ variety of biochemical reactions take part. And since the problem of treatment of diabetes mellitus is still not solved, it requires detailed research of different elements of pathogenesis at the molecular level. Taking into account the fact that the connection/ link between immune processes and enzymes of purine metabolism is doubtless, it is of interest to investigate the changes in purine metabolism. In previous studies a frequent combination and interrelation of purine and carbohydrate metabolism was shown. Aim of this study was the investigation of the enzymatic activity of PNP in serum, liver and in pancreas, and also determination of levels of lipid peroxidation indicators, NO content in blood plasma, glutathione peroxidase activity in the mitochondrial fraction of the pancreatic tissue of white rats with modeled alloxan diabetes. The obtained results have demonstrated statistically significant changes in the PNP activity level indicators in the investigated organs and stages of the disease. The indicators of oxidative processes MDA, NO and changes of the activity of GPx and PNP can be used as additional paraclinical indicators for early diagnostics and for detection and refinement of the level of activity of the pathologic process, its development and stage of the disease, which contributes to the appointment of individualized adequate therapy.
Phage Paride hijacks bacterial stress responses to kill dormant, antibiotic-tolerant cells
Authors: Maffei Enea , Burkolter Marco , Heyer Yannik , Egli Adrian , Jenal Urs , Harms Alexander
Published: January 2022

Bacteriophages are fierce viral predators with no regard for pathogenicity or antibiotic resistance of their bacterial hosts1,2. Despite early recognition of their therapeutic potential and the current escalation of bacterial multidrug resistance, phages have so far failed to become a regular treatment option in clinical practice3-5. One reason is the occasional discrepancy between poor performance of selected phages in vivo despite high potency in vitro3,4,6,7. Similar resilience of supposedly drug-sensitive bacterial infections to antibiotic treatment has been linked to persistence of dormant cells inside patients8,9. Given the abundance of non-growing bacteria also in the environment10,11, we wondered whether some phages can infect and kill these antibiotic-tolerant cells. As shown previously12-16, most phages failed to replicate on dormant hosts and instead entered a state of hibernation or pseudolysogeny. However, we isolated a new Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage named Paride with the exciting ability to directly kill dormant, antibiotic-tolerant hosts by lytic replication, causing sterilization of deep-dormant cultures in synergy with the β-lactam meropenem. Intriguingly, efficient replication of Paride on dormant hosts depends on the same bacterial stress responses that also drive antibiotic tolerance. We therefore suggest that Paride hijacks weak spots in the dormant physiology of antibiotic-tolerant bacteria that could be exploited as Achilles’ heels for the development of new treatments targeting resilient bacterial infections.
A genome-wide atlas of antibiotic susceptibility targets and pathways to tolerance
Authors: Leshchiner Dmitry , Rosconi Federico , Sundaresh Bharathi , Rudmann Emily , Nieto Ramirez Luisa Maria , Nishimoto Andrew T. , Wood Stephen J. , Jana Bimal , Buján Noemí , Li Kaiching , Gao Jianmin , Frank Matthew , Reeve Stephanie M. , Lee Richard E. , Rock Charles O. , Rosch Jason W. , van Opijnen Tim
Published: January 2022

Detailed knowledge on how bacteria evade antibiotics and eventually develop resistance could open avenues for novel therapeutics and diagnostics. It is thereby key to develop a comprehensive genome-wide understanding of how bacteria process antibiotic stress, and how modulation of the involved processes affects their ability to overcome said stress. Here we undertake a comprehensive genetic analysis of how the major human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae responds to 20 antibiotics. We built a genome-wide atlas of drug susceptibility determinants and generate a genetic interaction network that connects cellular processes and genes of unknown function, which we show can be used as therapeutic targets. Pathway analysis reveals a genome-wide “tolerome”, defined by cellular processes that can make a bacterium less susceptible, and often tolerant, in an antibiotic specific manner. Importantly, modulation of these processes confers fitness benefits during active infections under antibiotic selection. Moreover, screening of sequenced clinical isolates demonstrates that mutations in tolerome genes readily evolve and are frequently associated with resistant strains, indicating such mutations may be an important harbinger for the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Reconstitution of muscle cell microtubule organization in vitro
Authors: Nadkarni Ambika V. , Heald Rebecca
Published: January 2022

Skeletal muscle differentiation occurs as muscle precursor cells (myoblasts) elongate and fuse to form multinucleated syncytial myotubes in which the highly-organized actomyosin sarcomeres of muscle fibers assemble. Although less well characterized, the microtubule cytoskeleton also undergoes dramatic rearrangement during myogenesis. The centrosome-nucleated microtubule array found in myoblasts is lost as the nuclear membrane acquires microtubule nucleating activity and microtubules emerge from multiple sites in the cell, eventually rearranging into a grid-like pattern in myotubes. In order to characterize perinuclear microtubule organization using a biochemically tractable system, we isolated nuclei from mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells during the course of differentiation and incubated them in cytoplasmic extracts prepared from eggs of the frog Xenopus laevis. Whereas centrosomes associated with myoblast nuclei gave rise to radial microtubule arrays in extracts, myotube nuclei produced a sun-like pattern with microtubules transiently nucleating from the entire nuclear envelope. Perinuclear microtubule growth was suppressed by inhibition of Aurora A kinase or by degradation of RNA, treatments that also inhibited microtubule growth from sperm centrosomes. Myotube nuclei displayed microtubule motor-based movements leading to their separation, as occurs in myotubes. This in vitro assay therefore recapitulates key features of microtubule organization and nuclear movement observed during muscle cell differentiation.
Can WeChat really foster young people's civic engagement? Unraveling an underlying mechanism from the social capital theoretical perspective
Authors: Pang Hua
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Building upon social capital theoretical foundation, the principal purpose of present research is to construct a conceptual research model and uncover the intricate relationships between WeChat usage, social capital and civic participation behaviors among young people.

Design/methodology/approach

A large cross-sectional valid data from 1,238 young people in mainland China were gathered to examine the hypothesized research model. Descriptive analyses, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were sequentially undertaken to determine dynamic interrelationships among main constructs.

Findings

The empirical findings demonstrate that WeChat usage positively impacts young people's social interaction ties, the guanxi network and shared goals. Moreover, social interaction ties and shared goals are positively associated with their online civic engagement. Furthermore, the guanxi network is positively associated with both online and offline civic engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this research is the first to explicitly explore the influence mechanism of WeChat use intensity on different dimensions of individual-level social capital and civic engagement. Practically, these obtained results can be beneficial to the comprehending of whether and how WeChat is a resource for social capital and civic involvement.

Originality/value

Despite mobile social media, especially WeChat, has achieved immense popularity in contemporary mainland China, the potential influence of this emerging technology use on individuals' differential dimensions of social capital and civic engagement has not been systematically investigated. The study may not only offer fresh insight into innovative features of WeChat but also contribute to broader controversies regarding the impact of mobile-mediated communication on individuals' daily civic lives.
Impact of risk disclosure on the volatility, liquidity and performance of the UK and Canadian insurance companies
Authors: Kassamany Talie , Harb Etienne , Louhichi Wael , Nasr Mayssam
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of risk disclosure practices (voluntary, mandatory and risk disclosure index) on stock return volatility, market liquidity and financial performance for insurance companies in the UK and Canada, before and after the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel data analysis covers 14 insurance companies in the UK and 12 in Canada over a six-year period, three years before and three years after the implementation of IFRS. The authors collected risk disclosure data manually from the annual reports and analyzed it through QSR NVivo software for each country. The other variables are secondary data collected from Thomson Reuters Eikon and Datastream.

Findings

The results reveal that mandatory risk disclosure practices positively influence stock return volatility for UK insurers but not Canadian ones. Moreover, both mandatory and voluntary risk disclosures increase market liquidity for UK insurers. The outcomes also show a negative influence of risk disclosure practices on financial performance for both the UK and Canadian insurers. The adoption of IFRS enhances the impact of risk disclosure practices in both countries on market liquidity and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings rationalize the impact of risk disclosure practices on volatility, liquidity and financial performance of UK and Canada insurers, and the effect of IFRS in triggering those results.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the diverse effects of voluntary and mandatory risk disclosure practices in enhancing market discipline and mitigating information asymmetry problems to investors. Regulators and policymakers could rely on the findings to amend and develop disclosure standards more frequently to assure their effectiveness. The authors also offer insights to managers to determine the levels of mandatory and voluntary disclosure practices and disclosure strategies to gain their stakeholders’ confidence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature of risk disclosure in the insurance industry for both the UK and Canada where scarce studies are conducted. It also offers interesting implementations to investors, managers and policymakers.
Discovering the fundamentals of Turkish housing market: a price convergence framework
Authors: Özgüler İsmail Cem , Büyükkara Z. Göknur , Küçüközmen C. Coskun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the Turkish housing price and rent dynamics among seven big cities with a unique monthly data set over 2003–2019. The secondary purpose is to examine bubble dynamics within the price convergence framework through alternative tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts two autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration estimates for housing prices and rents and applies conditional error correction model to investigate the long-run drivers of the Turkish housing market. The authors compare ARDL cointegration in-sample forecasts and discounted cash flow (DCF) estimates with actual prices to determine the timing, magnitude and collapse period(s) of bubbles within the price convergence framework. In particular, the generalized sup augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) approach time stamps multiple explosive price behaviors.

Findings

The ARDL results confirm the theory of investment value by addressing mortgage rates, the price-to-rent ratio and rents as the fundamental factors of house prices. The price-to-rent ratio offers a comparison mechanism among houses deciding to buy a new house in which rents increase monthly real estate investment returns, and mortgage rates act as the discount rate. One key finding is that these dynamics have a greater impact on house prices than mortgage rates. Furthermore, the ARDL, DCF and GSADF findings exhibit temporal overvaluations rather than bubble signals, implying that housing price appreciations, including explosive behaviors, are consistent with fundamental advances.

Originality/value

This paper is considered to be innovative in determining housing market dynamics through two different ARDL estimates for the Turkish housing price index and rents in real terms as dependent variables. The authors compare the boom and collapse periods of the real housing price index and its fundamentals via the GSADF test. A final key feature of this research is its extensive data set, with 11 different regressors between 2003 and 2019.
The PPE industry in Italy during COVID-19: supply chain disruption and the adoption of digital and social media in B2B firms
Authors: Hu Lala
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry managed supply chain and business relationships disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the adoption of digital and social media during the period of crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is qualitative based on 14 interviews with 11 PPE firms operating in Italy, the first Western country that implemented a national lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.

Findings

Findings suggest that although most PPE companies in Italy have been slow in implementing digital transformation, digital technologies and communication enhanced existing assets and capabilities creating new customer value during the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has increased the relevance of social media as an effective tool in the business-to-business (B2B) context to provide updated information and training, as well as to reinforce and personalize business relationships, weakened by the lack of physical contacts during the lockdown. Moreover, highly interdependent buyer–supplier relations can increase supply chain resilience to disruptions in mutually dependent relationships/partnerships.

Research limitations/implications

By analyzing the main issues encountered during the pandemic and the digital strategies adopted by PPE companies, this study seeks to extend B2B literature on supply chain disruption management and digitalization. The limitations refer to the study’s generalizability as a limited number of firms are analyzed.

Practical implications

Implications for B2B companies and policymakers are provided with the extent of managing supply chain disruptions during emergency situations such as COVID-19 pandemic, when collaboration between different actors involved become essential.

Originality/value

No previous studies have analyzed how PPE firms used digital and social media in managing disruption in supply chain and business relationships. Therefore, the present study contributes to extend the B2B literature by analyzing the related effects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the impact of recovery colleges on students? A thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence
Authors: Whish Ruby , Huckle Catherine , Mason Oliver
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Recovery colleges have expanded over the last decade, providing educational courses and workshops on topics of mental health and well-being, co-delivered by peer workers and clinicians. This review aims to synthesise findings from the qualitative literature to explore the impact of recovery colleges on student well-being.

Design/Methodology/Approach

A systematic search of the qualitative literature was conducted in December 2021. Four databases were searched: Emerald, PubMed, ProQuest and Scopus. In total, 11 studies met the criteria for review and were subject to thematic synthesis.

Findings

Five themes were generated including “A shift in power”, “Being connected”, “Personal growth”, “Adopting the role of a student” and “Meeting expectations”.

Research Limitations Implications

These findings were consistent with previous literature, which suggest that much of the recovery college’s impact lies in its ethos, which promotes empowerment and inclusivity. However, the review also drew attention to lesser explored areas of the recovery college such as how students understand the support on offer from the recovery college and manage their expectations around this.

Practical Implications

Several studies lacked methodological and analytical rigour and may well suffer from self-selecting samples leading to an overwhelmingly positive experience. Evaluation by independent researchers is paramount.

Originality/value

It is nearly eight years since this area was previously reviewed during which time considerable growth in the literature has resulted.
Exploring the experts’ perceptions of barriers to using internet of things for chronic disease management in Iran
Authors: Dadkhah Mehdi , Mehraeen Mohammad , Rahimnia Fariborz , Kimiafar Khalil
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Internet of things (IoT) promises advantages in different sectors, especially the health-care sector. Due to its capabilities for chronic disease management, IoT has attracted the attention of researchers. Nowadays, there is research that focuses on the use of IoT for chronic disease management. However, the use of IoT in various contexts faces different barriers. This paper aims to explore Iranian experts’ conceptions of the barriers to using IoT in Iran regarding its application for chronic disease management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a phenomenographic method to investigate Iranian experts’ conceptions of the barriers to using IoT in Iran regarding its application for chronic disease management.

Findings

The results show that there are four categories of description (governance, technical, economic and social barriers) that vary among experts’ conceptions.

Originality/value

The findings of the present work could provide valuable insights for managers and policymakers who want to address IoT barriers.
Impacts of work-family role conflict on job and life satisfaction: a comparative study among doctors, engineers and university teachers
Authors: Jahan Priyanka Tazrin , Akter Mily Momotaj , Asadujjaman Md. , Arani Mohammad , Billal Md. Mashum
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study was designed to investigate the impacts of work-family role conflict on job and life satisfaction among three major professionals: doctors, engineers and university teachers. Data were collected through a face to face survey on 60 doctors, 60 engineers and 60 university teachers of different public and private institutes of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducted data analysis were statistical analysis of questionnaires (mean, SD, max, min), descriptive analysis (%), t-test, analysis of variance test, correlation analysis and regression analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the university teachers had experienced more work-family conflict (WFC) on job satisfaction and family-work conflict (FWC) on job and life satisfaction than doctors and engineers; however, engineers experienced more WFC in the case of life satisfaction. The study also implied that control variables such as gender identification, reported number of children, marital status, education level and adhered religion had significant impact (p < 0.05) on WFC, FWC, job satisfaction and life satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study will provide insight into the effects of spouse, supervisor and number of children on both job and life satisfaction.