bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the composition of the digestive microbiota and the concentrations of opportunistic pathogens in intensive care patients
Authors: Fontaine Candice , Armand-Lefèvre Laurence , Maignan Mélanie , Nazimoudine Anissa , Timsit Jean-François , Ruppé Etienne 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveInfections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) are a major issue in intensive care. The intestinal and oropharyngeal microbiota being the reservoir of MDR-GNB. Our main objective was to assess the link between the composition of the intestinal and tracheal microbiota and colonization by MDR-GNB.MethodsWe performed a 2-month prospective, monocentric cohort study in the medical intensive care unit of our hospital. Patients ventilated >3 days and spontaneously passing faeces were included. A faecal sample and an endotracheal aspiration (EA) were collected twice a week. MDR-GNB but alsoEnterococcus faeciumand yeasts (as potential dysbiosis surrogate markers) were detected by culture methods. The composition of the intestinal and tracheal microbiota was assessed by 16S profiling.ResultsWe collected 62 couples of faeces and EA from 31 patients, including 18 faeces and 9 EA positive for MDR-GNB. We did not observe a link between the diversity and the richness of the intestinal microbiota and the MDR-GNB intestinal relative abundance (RA). Conversely, we observed a negative link between the intestinal diversity and richness and the RA ofEnterococcusspp. (p<0.001).ConclusionThe intestinal MDR-GNB RA was not associated to the diversity nor the richness of the intestinal microbiota, but that ofEnterococcusspp. was.
Skeletal muscle-derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: influence of different culture conditions on proliferative and myogenic capabilities
Authors: Testa Stefano , Riera Carles Sanchez , Fornetti Ersilia , Riccio Federica , Fuoco Claudia , Bernardini Sergio , Baldi Jacopo , Costantini Marco , Foddai Maria Laura , Cannata Stefano , Gargioli Cesare 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSkeletal muscle tissue is characterized by restrained self-regenerative capabilities, being ineffective in relation to trauma extension both in time span (e.g. chronic diseases) and in size (e.g. large trauma). For these reasons, tissue engineering and/or cellular therapies represent a valuable solution in the cases where the physiological healing process failed. Satellite cells, the putative skeletal muscle stem cells, have been the first solution explored to remedy the insufficient self-regeneration capacity. Nevertheless, some limitation related to donor age, muscle condition, expansion hitch and myogenic potentiality maintenance have limited their use as therapeutic tool. To overcome this hindrance, different stem cells population with myogenic capabilities have been investigated to evaluate their real potentiality for therapeutic approaches, but, as of today, the perfect cell candidate has not been identified yet.In this work, we analyze the characteristics of skeletal muscle-derived human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs), showing the maintenance/increment of myogenic activity upon differential culture conditions. In particular, we investigate the influence of a commercial enriched growth medium (Cyto-Grow), and of a medium enriched with either human-derived serum (H.S.) or Platelet-rich Plasma (PrP), in order to set up a culture protocol useful for employing this cell population in clinical therapeutic strategies. The presented results reveal the remarkable effects of H.S. in the enhancement of hMSC proliferation and myogenic differentiation.
Interplay of septin amphipathic helices in sensing membrane-curvature and filament bundling
Authors: Woods Benjamin L. , Cannon Kevin S. , Gladfelter Amy S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe curvature of the membrane defines cell shape. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into heteromeric complexes and polymerize into filaments at areas of micron-scale membrane curvature. An amphipathic helix (AH) domain within the septin complex is necessary and sufficient for septins to preferentially assemble onto micron-scale curvature. Here we report that the non-essential fungal septin, Shs1, also has an AH domain capable of recognizing membrane curvature. In mutants lacking a fully functional Cdc12 AH domain, the Shs1 AH domain becomes essential. Moreover, we find that the Cdc12 AH domain is also important for septin bundling, suggesting multiple functions for septin AH domains.
Androgen Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men
Authors: Ghazizadeh Zaniar , Majd Homa , Richter Mikayla , Samuel Ryan , Zekavat Seyedeh Maryam , Asgharian Hosseinali , Farahvashi Sina , Kalantari Ali , Ramirez Jonathan , Zhao Hongyu , Natarajan Pradeep , Goodarzi Hani , Fattahi Faranak 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has led to a global health crisis, and yet our understanding of the disease pathophysiology and potential treatment options remains limited. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs through binding and internalization of the viral spike protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cell membrane. Lethal complications are caused by damage and failure of vital organs that express high levels of ACE2, including the lungs, the heart and the kidneys. Here, we established a high-throughput drug screening strategy to identify therapeutic candidates that reduce ACE2 levels in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived cardiac cells. Drug target analysis of validated hit compounds, including 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, revealed androgen signaling as a key modulator of ACE2 levels. Treatment with the 5 alpha reductase inhibitor dutasteride reduced ACE2 levels and internalization of recombinant spike receptor binding domain (Spike-RBD) in hESC-derived cardiac cells and human alveolar epithelial cells. Finally, clinical data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients demonstrated that abnormal androgen states are significantly associated with severe disease complications and cardiac injury as measured by blood troponin T levels. These findings provide important insights on the mechanism of increased disease susceptibility in male COVID-19 patients and identify androgen receptor inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Meta-analysis of transcriptomes of SARS-Cov2 infected human lung epithelial cells identifies transmembrane serine proteases co-expressed with ACE2 and biological processes related to viral entry, immunity, inflammation and cellular stress
Authors: Wruck Wasco , Adjaye James 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which emerged in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan in the province Hubei has placed immense burden on national economies and global health. At present neither vaccination nor therapies are available although several antiviral agents such as remdesivir, originally an Ebola drug, nelfinavir, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor and other drugs such as lopinavir have been evaluated. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of RNA-sequencing data from three studies employing human lung epithelial cells. Of these one focused on lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed at identifying genes co-expressed with angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) the human cell entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, and unveiled several genes correlated or inversely correlated with high significance, among the most significant of these was the transmembrane serine protease 4 (TMPRSS4). Serine proteases are known to be involved in the infection process by priming the virus spike protein. Pathway analysis revealed papilloma virus infection amongst the most significantly correlated pathways. Gene Ontologies revealed regulation of viral life cycle, immune responses, pro-inflammatory responses-several interleukins such as IL6, IL1, IL20 and IL33, IFI16 regulating the interferon response to a virus, chemo-attraction of macrophages, last and not least cellular stress resulting from activated Reactive Oxygen Species. We believe that this dataset will aid in a better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying COVID-19.
Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin assembly drives microtubule-independent motility and phagocytosis in the evolutionarily divergent amoebaNaegleria
Authors: Velle Katrina B. , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTMuch of our current understanding of actin-driven phenotypes in eukaryotes has come from the “yeast to human” opisthokont lineage, as well as the related amoebozoa. Outside of these groups lies the genusNaegleria, which shared a common ancestor with humans over a billion years ago, and includes the deadly “brain-eating amoeba.” Unlike nearly every other known eukaryotic cell type,Naegleriaamoebae are thought to lack cytoplasmic microtubules. The absence of microtubules suggests that these amoebae rapidly crawl and phagocytose bacteria using actin alone. Although this makesNaegleriaa powerful system to probe actin-driven functions in the absence of microtubules, surprisingly little is known aboutNaegleria’s actin cytoskeleton. Here, we use microscopy and genomic analysis to show thatNaegleriaamoebae have an extensive actin cytoskeletal repertoire, complete with nucleators and nucleation promoting factors.Naegleriause this cytoskeletal machinery to generate Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions, which correlate with the capacity to migrate and phagocytose bacteria. Because human cells also use Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions for motility and phagocytosis, this work supports an evolutionarily ancient origin for these actin-driven processes and establishesNaegleriaas a natural model system for studying microtubule-independent cytoskeletal phenotypes.
Mammalian ATG9s drive the autophagosome formation by binding to LC3
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Lixia , Yang Yanan 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe autophagosome is a membranous organelle that executes macroautophagy (call autophagy hereafter for the sake of brevity). Although the biogenesis of autophagosome depends on continuous acquirement of necessary membrane components to support its growth, the underlying mechanism has remained uncertain. Herein, we report that the mammalian ATG9 family members (maATG9s) play master roles in this process. We show that maATG9s directly localize to the growing autophagosomal membrane through their Ubiquitin-interacting motives (UIMs), which interact with the UIM docking site (UDS) on LC3, a component of the autophagosomal membrane. Interrupting the UIM-UDS interaction abrogates the maATG9s-LC3 binding, the localization of maATG9s to the growing autophagosome, and the autophagosome formation. Collectively, our findings show the first evidence that maATG9s act as primary autophagosomal membrane components to drive the autophagosome formation. As autophagy has been implicated in many human diseases, the identified maATG9s-LC3 interaction may serve as a target for manipulating pathological autophagosome formation.
Naturally acquired blocking human monoclonal antibodies toPlasmodium vivaxreticulocyte binding protein 2b
Authors: Chan Li-Jin , Gandhirajan Anugraha , Carias Lenore L. , Dietrich Melanie H. , Vadas Oscar , Visentin Remy , França Camila T. , Menant Sebastien , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Mueller Ivo , King Christopher L. , Tham Wai-Hong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPlasmodium vivaxpreferentially invades reticulocytes and recognition of these cells is mediated byP. vivaxReticulocyte Binding Protein 2b (PvRBP2b) binding to human Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and Transferrin (Tf). Longitudinal cohort studies in Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Brazil show that PvRBP2b antibodies are correlated with protection againstP. vivaxinfection and disease. Here, we isolated and characterized anti-PvRBP2b human monoclonal antibodies from two individuals in Cambodia with naturalP. vivaxinfection. These antibodies bind with high affinities and map to different regions of PvRBP2b. Several human antibodies blocked PvRBP2b binding to reticulocytes and inhibited complex formation with human TfR1-Tf. We describe different structural mechanisms for functional inhibition, including either steric hindrance with TfR1-Tf or the reticulocyte membrane. These results show that naturally acquired human antibodies against PvRBP2b can inhibit its function which is important forP. vivaxinvasion.
Tethering Piezo channels to the actin cytoskeleton for mechanogating via the E-cadherin-β-catenin mechanotransduction complex
Authors: Wang Jing , Jiang Jinghui , Yang Xuzhong , Wang Li , Xiao Bailong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe mechanically activated Piezo channel plays a versatile role in conferring mechanosensitivity to various cell types. However, how it incorporates its intrinsic mechanosensitivity and cellular components to effectively sense long-range mechanical perturbation across a cell remains elusive. Here we show that Piezo1 is biochemically and functionally tethered to the actin cytoskeleton via the E-cadherin-β-catenin mechanotransduction complex, whose perturbation significantly impairs Piezo1-mediated responses. Mechanistically, the adhesive extracellular domain of E-cadherin interacts with the cap domain of Piezo1 that controls the transmembrane gate, while its cytosolic tail might interact with the cytosolic domains of Piezo1 that are in close proximity to its intracellular gates, allowing a direct focus of adhesion-cytoskeleton-transmitted force for gating. Specific disruption of the intermolecular interactions prevents cytoskeleton-dependent gating of Piezo1. Thus, we propose a force-from-filament model to complement the previously suggested force-from-lipids model for mechanogating of Piezo channels, enabling them to serve as versatile and tunable mechanotransducers.HighlightsRevealed biochemical and functional interactions between Piezo1 and the E-cadherin-β-catenin-F-actin mechanotransduction complex.Identified critical mechanogating domains of Piezo1 as E-cadherin binding domains.Specific disruption of the intermolecular interactions between Piezo1 and E-cadherin prevents cytoskeleton-dependent gating of Piezo1.Proposed a tether model for mechanogating of Piezo channels.
Ten Years of the Maize Nested Association Mapping Population: Impact, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Gage Joseph L. , Monier Brandon , Giri Anju , Buckler Edward S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
It has been just over a decade since the release of the maize (Zea mays) Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population. The NAM population has been and continues to be an invaluable resource for the maize genetics community and has yielded insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits. The parental lines have become some of the most well-characterized maize germplasm, and their de novo assemblies were recently made publicly available. As we enter an exciting new stage in maize genomics, this retrospective will summarize the design and intentions behind the NAM population; its application, the discoveries it has enabled, and its influence in other systems; and use the past decade of hindsight to consider whether and how it will remain useful in a new age of genomics.
Identification, classification and shortlisting of performance indicators for hospital facilities management
Authors: Lai Joseph , Yuen P.L. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to report on a study that aims to establish a list of systematically classified key performance indicators (KPIs) that are useful for hospital facilities management (FM).

Design/methodology/approach
A review of literature was conducted to identify indicators that are applicable to hospital FM. Each indicator was classified using a phase–hierarchy (P-H) model, which is a two-dimensional matrix comprising three phases (input, process and output) of facilities services delivery and three hierarchical FM levels (operational, tactical and strategic). The classified indicators were further shortlisted via a focus group study.

Findings
From the literature review, 61 indicators were identified as applicable to hospital FM. Most of the indicators, according to the P-H model, are for evaluating the FM input or output phase, at the strategic or tactical level. Further refinement and shortlisting of the indicators by the focus group experts resulted in 18 KPIs, which fall into 4 aspects: “physical”, “safety”, “environmental” and “financial”.

Research limitations/implications
The study illustrates that the P-H model is useful for classifying the performance indicators systematically along the two fundamental FM dimensions – phase and hierarchy. Further research may use this model to classify performance indicators in other contexts.

Practical implications
The method of this study can be adapted for use in identifying, classifying and shortlisting FM performance indicators for other types of buildings. The shortlisted KPIs can be used for assessing the FM performance of hospitals.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that used the P-H model to classify hospital FM performance indicators.
Inclusive education for inclusive economic participation: the financial access channel
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Nnanna Joseph , Acha-Anyi Paul 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess how inclusive education affects inclusive economic participation through the financial access channel.Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on 42 sub-Saharan African countries with data for the period 2004-2014. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments.FindingsThe following findings are established. First, inclusive secondary education moderates financial access to exert a positive net effect on female labour force participation. Second, inclusive “primary and secondary school education” and inclusive tertiary education modulate financial access for a negative net effect on female unemployment. Third, inclusive secondary education and inclusive tertiary education both moderate financial access for an overall positive net effect on female employment. To provide more gender macroeconomic management policy options, inclusive education thresholds for complementary policies are provided and discussed.Originality/valuePolicy implications are discussed in the light of challenges of economic development in the sub-region and sustainable development goals.
The emergence of China, Inc.: behind and beyond the trade war
Authors: Li Shaomin , Farrell Matthew 
Published: May 2020

PurposeAnswering the call to study important issues in the real world (Buckley et al., 2017; Delios, 2017; Phan, 2019), and motivated by the trade war between the US and China, the authors look beyond it to examine the more fundamental issues behind it. From a political economy perspective, the authors examine the interplay of government, society and firms in China to identify new phenomena that may impact business with, and research on, China.Design/methodology/approachA multi-case qualitative method is used to present and analyze evidence and develop our arguments. Specifically, we use scholarly sources, anecdotal evidence, reports, statistics and government documents and policies to support our arguments.FindingsAfter four decades of economic reform, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controls every aspect of the society. Living, working and doing business are not a right but a privilege granted by the party. To a great degree, state-owned firms are business units/subsidiaries, and private/foreign firms are franchisees of the party, with the party leader being the CEO of China, Inc. The interplay between China and other countries is essentially a competition between a huge corporation and other states.Practical implicationsAt the firm level, our study suggests that for MNCs dealing with Chinese firms, they need to know that Chinese firms are units of China, Inc. Practitioners should take into account the long-term strategic goals of the CCP as well as business considerations when dealing with Chinese partners or competitors.Social implicationsAt the country level, our study shows that other countries dealing with China must be aware that they are dealing with a huge corporation.Originality/valueThat the CCP runs China as a corporation is a new perspective that will help the international community reexamine global competition.
Reducing medication errors using lean six sigma methodology in a Thai hospital: an action research study
Authors: Trakulsunti Yaifa , Antony Jiju , Dempsey Mary , Brennan Attracta 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and its associated tools to reduce dispensing errors in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe action research methodology was used to illustrate the implementation of Lean Six Sigma through the collaboration between the researcher and participants. The project team followed the Lean Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology and applied its tools in various phases of the methodology.FindingsThe number of dispensing errors decreased from 6 to 2 incidents per 20,000 inpatient days per month between April 2018 and August 2019 representing a 66.66% reduction. The project has improved the dispensing process performance resulting in dispensing error reduction and improved patient safety. The communication channels between the hospital pharmacy and the pharmacy technicians have also been improved.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand. Therefore, the findings from this study cannot be generalized beyond the specific setting. However, the findings are applicable in the case of similar contexts and/or situations.Originality/valueThis is the first study that employs a continuous improvement methodology for the purpose of improving the dispensing process and the quality of care in a hospital. This study contributes to an understanding of how the application of action research can save patients' lives, improve patient safety and increase work satisfaction in the pharmacy service.
The internationalization of African fintech firms: marketing strategies for successful intra-Africa expansion
Authors: Hammerschlag Zara , Bick Geoff , Luiz John Manuel 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how African fintech firms adapt their marketing strategies for successful market expansion into new African countries.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study is qualitative in nature and utilizes semi-structured interviews at 14 African fintech firms.FindingsThe study reveals that, during intra-Africa expansion, firms adapt their marketing strategies by working with local people, prioritizing customer education, creating personal relationships with customers, adapting their communication strategies and pricing strategies and using social media. The strategies that have been most effective involve including the community in the marketing process, prioritizing relationships, segmenting customers geographically, educating customers about products, using local distribution partners and having a flexible approach to strategy adaptation.Practical implicationsIt has been argued that technological innovation in Africa in areas such as financial services is a critical driver of its future development, because of the opportunity it presents to promote financial inclusion. Through an increase in venture capital investment on the continent, technological innovations in financial services have grown exponentially, and this study contributes to the understanding of the marketing strategies employed to gain market traction.Originality/valueThis study proposes that African fintech firms adopt a bottom-up, value proposition-driven marketing strategy to successfully navigate the environment. The proposed framework provides a lens through which to understand the components of successful strategy adaptation in Africa, against the backdrop of the unique market challenges inherent in this emerging market continent.