bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot study: Trehalose-induced remodelling of the human microbiota affects Clostridioides difficile infection outcome in an in vitro colonic model
Authors: Buckley Anthony M. , Moura Ines B. , Arai Norie , Spittal William , Clark Emma , Nishida Yoshihiro , Harris Hannah C. , Bentley Karen , Davis Georgina , Wang Dapeng , Mitra Suparna , Higashiyama Takanobu , Wilcox Mark H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWithin the human intestinal tract, dietary, microbial- and host-derived compounds are used as signals by many pathogenic organisms, including Clostridioides difficile. Trehalose has been reported to enhance virulence of certain C. difficile ribotypes; however, such variants are widespread and not correlated with clinical outcomes for patients suffering from C. difficile infection (CDI). Here, we make preliminary observations to how to trehalose supplementation affects the microbiota in an in vitro model and show that trehalose can reduce the outgrowth of C. difficile, preventing simulated CDI. Three clinically reflective human gut models simulated the effects of sugar (trehalose or glucose) or saline ingestion on the microbiota. Models were instilled with sugar or saline and further exposed to C. difficile spores. The recovery of the microbiota following antibiotic treatment and CDI induction was monitored in each model. The human microbiota remodeled to utilise the bioavailable trehalose. Clindamycin induction caused simulated CDI in models supplemented with either glucose or saline; however, trehalose supplementation did not result in CDI, although limited spore germination did occur. The absence of CDI in trehalose model was associated with enhanced abundances of Finegoldia, Faecalibacterium and Oscillospira, and reduced abundances of Klebsiella and Clostridium spp., compared with the other models. Functional analysis of the microbiota in the trehalose model revealed differences in the metabolic pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, which could be attributed to prevention of CDI. Our data show that trehalose supplementation remodelled the microbiota, which prevented simulated CDI, potentially due to enhanced recovery of nutritionally competitive microbiota against C. difficile.
Vancomycin resistance inEnterococcus faeciumfrom the Dallas, Texas area is conferred predominantly on pRUM-like plasmids
Authors: Islam Moutusee , Sharon Belle , Abaragu Ada , Sistu Harita , Akins Ronda L. , Palmer Kelli 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVancomycin-resistantE. faecium(VREfm) is a significant public health concern because of limited treatment options. Genomic surveillance can be used to monitor VREfm transmission and evolution. Genomic analysis of VREfm has not been reported for the Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas, area, which is currently the 4th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Our study aimed to address this gap in knowledge by analyzing the genomes of 46 VREfm and one vancomycin-sensitive comparator collected during routine fecal surveillance of high-risk patients upon admission to a Dallas, Texas hospital system (August to October, 2015). 31 complete and 16 draft genome sequences were generated. The closed VREfm genomes possessed up to 12 extrachromosomal elements each. Overall, 251 closed putative plasmid sequences assigned to previously described and newly definedrepfamily types were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis identified 10 different sequence types (STs) among the isolates, with the most prevalent being ST17 and ST18. Strikingly, all but three of the VREfm isolates encodedvanA-type vancomycin resistance within Tn1546-like elements on a pRUM-like (rep17) plasmid backbone. Relative to a previously reported typing scheme for thevanA-encoding Tn1546, new variants of the Tn1546were identified that harbored a combination of 7 insertion sequences (IS), including 3 novel IS elements reported in this study (ISEfa16, ISEfa17andISEfa18). We conclude that pRUM-like plasmids are important vectors for vancomycin resistance in the Dallas, Texas area and should be a focus of plasmid surveillance efforts.ImportanceVancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Vancomycin resistance is common in clinical isolates of the Gram-positive pathogenEnterococcus faecium. InE. faecium, vancomycin resistance genes can be disseminated by plasmids with different host ranges and transfer efficiencies. Surveillance of resistance plasmids is critical to understanding antibiotic resistance transmission. This study analyzed the genome sequences of VREfm collected from the Dallas, Texas area, with particular focus on the mobile elements associated with vancomycin resistance genes. We find that a single plasmid family, the pRUM-like family, is associated with vancomycin resistance in the majority of isolates sampled. Our work suggests that the pRUM-like plasmids should continue to be studied to understand their mechanisms of maintenance, transmission, and evolution in VREfm.
Resilience of commercial banks of Bangladesh to the shocks caused by COVID-19 pandemic: an application of MCDM-based approaches
Authors: Ghosh Ratan , Saima Farjana Nur 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze and forecast the financial sustainability and resilience of commercial banks of Bangladesh in response to the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachEighteen publicly listed commercial banks of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) have been taken as a sample for this study. To measure the riskiness of banks' credit portfolio, nine industries of DSE have been considered to determine probable loss of revenue arising from the COVID-19 pandemic shock. Moreover, two commonly used multiple-criteria-decision-making (MCDM) tools namely TOPSIS method and HELLWIG method have been used for analyzing the data.FindingsBased on the performance scores under TOPSIS and HELLWIG method, banks are categorized into three groups (six banks each) namely top resilient, moderate resilient and low resilient. It is found that EBL and DBBL are the most resilient banks, and ONEBANK is the worst resilient bank in Bangladesh in managing the COVID-19 pandemic shock.Research limitations/implicationsThis study concludes that banks with low capital adequacy, low liquidity ratio, low performance and higher NPLs are more vulnerable to the shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The management of commercial banks should emphasize on maintaining higher capital base and reducing default loans.Originality/valueResilience of the Bangladeshi banking sector under any adverse economic event has been examined by only using stress testing approach. This study is empirical evidence where both TOPSIS and HELLWIG MCDM methods have been used to make the result conclusive.
Infinite horizon impulse control problem with jumps and continuous switching costs
Authors: Amami Rim , Pontier Monique , Abidi Hani 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the existence results for adapted solutions of infinite horizon doubly reflected backward stochastic differential equations with jumps. These results are applied to get the existence of an optimal impulse control strategy for an infinite horizon impulse control problem.Design/methodology/approachThe main methods used to achieve the objectives of this paper are the properties of the Snell envelope which reduce the problem of impulse control to the existence of a pair of right continuous left limited processes. Some numerical results are provided to show the main results.FindingsIn this paper, the authors found the existence of a couple of processes via the notion of doubly reflected backward stochastic differential equation to prove the existence of an optimal strategy which maximizes the expected profit of a firm in an infinite horizon problem with jumps.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors found new tools in stochastic analysis. They extend to the infinite horizon case the results of doubly reflected backward stochastic differential equations with jumps. Then the authors prove the existence of processes using Envelope Snell to find an optimal strategy of our control problem.
Building a new resilience
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The purpose of the viewpoint is to examine the various ways in which the pandemic has exposed structural vulnerabilities in global business infrastructures that have long existed and been long ignored. It urges business leaders not to return to a “new normal” but make fundamental changes to ensure that their businesses are truly resilient and can withstand future threats more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach
The viewpoint looks at the various kinds of vulnerability to which businesses are exposed – such as supply chain, human capital, cyber security and climate change – and proposes ways to ensure that businesses, as well as shareholders and government entities work together to build true resilience.

Findings
At its core, the viewpoint exposes the various ways in which businesses have turned a blind eye to vulnerabilities that have always lurked just below the surface and suggests. The argument is that to secure the long-term future of our global business system, we can no longer remain oblivious to fundamental weaknesses in our infrastructures.

Research limitations/implications
The viewpoint looks selectively at the available data and is, therefore, by definition, subjective and non-comprehensive.

Practical implications
If businesses and shareholders truly take the recommendations of this viewpoint to heart, we can build a more resilient future through long-term investments in risk management infrastructures of all kinds that will secure a more prosperous and stable future.

Social implications
Developing a more resilient and stable global business infrastructure will help reduce the business volatility deriving from last minute responses to predictable threats. This will, in turn, help provide more stable, fulfilling employment, especially in developing countries that will act as a fly wheel for the secure development of human potential around the world.

Originality/value
While there has been much speculation of what the “new business normal” will look like once the pandemic has been conquered, this is, the author believes, the first piece to look concretely on how we can not only “build back better” but build back more soundly for the long term.
Is there a future for accelerationism?
Authors: Haynes Paul 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis article contributes to the debate by arguing that addressing the core concept underpinning accelerationism and helps to unpack a number of key assumptions on the nature of capitalism, identifying areas offering new and productive insights into organisation and organisations. The scope of the article will be to examine the accelerationist literature, in particular, the core principles first emerging in the prehistory of accelerationism and further developed through the various waves and iterations of the concept.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a conceptual approach to accelerationism. It develops a critical literature review and uses a process of exemplification to highlight insights for organisation and organisations.FindingsThe paper concludes that the underpinnings of accelerationism are not well understood and thus much of the critique misses the more intriguing and interesting insights from the cluster of ideas at its core.Originality/valueThe scope of the paper is to provide a coherent and accessible way to navigate through a complex and demanding series of concepts. The value of the paper is that it helps to identify potential insights relevant to management, marketing and organisational scholars.
Determination of 5‐hydroxy oxindole by high performance liquid chromatography in Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis extracts
Authors: Choi Sung‐Up , Choi In‐Hag , Chung Tae‐Ho 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhite‐spotted flower larvae (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis; PBS) have recently been approved as a food ingredient in Korea. They confer an antithrombotic effect in addition to various nutrients, including protein, fat, and dietary fiber. However, a quantitative analytical method is still required for the analysis of medicinal foods or medicines containing the active ingredient (5‐hydroxy oxindole, 5‐HI). The HPLC method validated on PBS larvae was verified through parameters such as linearity, specificity, range, accuracy, precision, detection limit, and quantitation limit. All the parameters tested met these criteria and were applied to the successful detection of the extract in PBS larvae. This HPLC method to detect 5‐HI could be used as a validated assay in regulatory processes.
A chromosome‐level assembly of the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) genome facilitates the identification of growth‐associated genes
Authors: Uengwetwanit Tanaporn , Pootakham Wirulda , Nookaew Intawat , Sonthirod Chutima , Angthong Pacharaporn , Sittikankaew Kanchana , Rungrassamee Wanilada , Arayamethakorn Sopacha , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Leelatanawit Rungnapa , Khudet Jutatip , Koehorst Jasper J. , Schaap Peter J. , Martins dos Santos Vitor , Tangy Frédéric , Karoonuthaisiri Nitsara 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo salvage marine ecosystems from fishery overexploitation, sustainable and efficient aquaculture must be emphasized. The knowledge obtained from available genome sequence of marine organisms has accelerated marine aquaculture in many cases. The black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is one of the most prominent cultured penaeid shrimps (Crustacean) with an average annual global production of half a million tons in the last decade. However, its currently available genome assemblies lack the contiguity and completeness required for accurate genome annotation due to the highly repetitive nature of the genome and technical difficulty in extracting high‐quality, high‐molecular weight DNA. Here, we report the first chromosome‐level whole‐genome assembly of P. monodon. The combination of long‐read Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and long‐range Chicago and Hi‐C technologies enabled a successful assembly of this first high‐quality genome sequence. The final assembly covered 2.39 Gb (92.3% of the estimated genome size) and contained 44 pseudomolecules, corresponding to the haploid chromosome number. Repetitive elements occupied a substantial portion of the assembly (62.5%), the highest of the figures reported among crustacean species. The availability of this high‐quality genome assembly enabled the identification of genes associated with rapid growth in the black tiger shrimp through the comparison of hepatopancreas transcriptome of slow‐growing and fast‐growing shrimps. The results highlighted several growth‐associated genes. Our high‐quality genome assembly provides an invaluable resource for genetic improvement and breeding penaeid shrimp in aquaculture. The availability of P. monodon genome enables analyses of ecological impact, environment adaptation and evolution, as well as the role of the genome to protect the ecological resources by promoting sustainable shrimp farming.
Safety and efficacy of administering reduced doses of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte‐colony stimulating factors in patients treated with cisplatin and etoposide for small cell carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Chang , Hao Ying , Wang Lei , Meng Fanlu , Wen Fuyu , Zhong Diansheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to discuss the safety and efficacy of administering reduced doses (3 mg) of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (PEG‐rhG‐CSF) at approximately 24 h or up to three days following treatment with etoposide and cisplatin (EP).MethodsA total of 104 cycles from 31 patients were divided into a PEG‐rhG‐CSF prophylaxis group (PP‐Group) and a control group (No‐PP‐Group). The PP‐Group received a reduced dose of 3 mg of PEG‐rhG‐CSF within a minimum of 15 h and a maximum of 72 h following EP chemotherapy, while the rest did not receive any G‐CSF prophylaxis (No‐PP‐Group). For both groups, complete blood counts, incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), grade III or IV neutropenia, and the use of antibiotics to treat neutropenia were recorded.ResultsThere was statistically no significant difference in the incidence of FN (0% vs. 1.4%, p = 1), antibiotic use due to neutropenia (0% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.881), estimated lowest mean marginal (EM) platelet (106.56 × 109/L vs. 127.70 × 109/L, p = 0.056) and hemoglobin (110.48 g/L vs. 110.14 g/L, p = 0.906) levels between the two groups. However, when compared with the No‐PP‐group, the white blood cell count in the PP‐group was significantly higher (EM means: 4.95 × 109/L vs. 2.80 × 109/L, p < 0.01), while the incidence of grade III or IV neutropenia was significantly lower (9.1% vs. 68.1%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe administration of a low dose (3 mg) of PEG‐rhG‐CSF within approximately 24 h or up to three days following EP treatment is safe and effective at reducing the risk of neutropenia. These findings bring a more flexible administration interval between PEG‐rhG‐CSF and EP treatment.
Patch testing in New Zealand: Barriers to evidence‐based care
Authors: Sapsford Sabrina , Kennedy Harriet , Judd Lissa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAllergic contact dermatitis is a disabling condition, significantly impacting on quality of life, which can only be alleviated by identification and avoidance of a relevant allergen. Patch testing remains the gold standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis. The consistency with which patch testing is used varies throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to look at the adequacy of current patch testing practice in New Zealand. We undertook literature review of current guidance regarding patch testing and created a web‐based survey to evaluate use of patch testing in New Zealand. This was sent to all 75 vocationally registered New Zealand dermatologists. Of respondents, 46% do not perform patch testing. The most commonly cited barriers were lack of nursing support, poor remuneration, time pressure and lack of facilities. 23% noted that public patch testing services are not available in their region. The majority do not record patch test results in a database. Access to and utilisation of patch testing in New Zealand is suboptimal. Increasing services in the public sector requires investment by health boards, as there remains a dermatology workforce shortage in New Zealand. In private practice, patients often find it unsatisfactory to pay for negative tests, and adequate remuneration of patch testing by private insurers is necessary. Surveillance of patch test results at a national level is lacking, and the development of a centralised database to identify common allergens affecting our population is recommended.
How good is the Australian baseline series at detecting allergic contact dermatitis?
Authors: Dear Kate , Bala Harini , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary Louise 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatch testing is the gold standard for the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The Australian Baseline Series (ABS) was formulated by our group to include the 60 most common and relevant allergens in our patient population. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of testing with the Australian Baseline Series in order to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 964 patients with ACD diagnosed at our centre from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. Patients with at least one relevant positive reaction were stratified into three groups: i) reactions only to allergens in the Australian Baseline Series; ii) reactions to allergens in the Australian Baseline Series and to additional allergens; and iii) reactions only to allergens not present in the Australian Baseline Series.ResultsThe Australian Baseline Series alone was successful in identifying the cause of allergic contact dermatitis in 63.4% (611/964) of patients. In 23.0% (222/964), the Australian Baseline Series detected at least one relevant allergen, but there were relevant allergens outside of the Australian Baseline Series as well. In 13.6% (141/964), no relevant allergens were detected in the Australian Baseline Series, but allergens were detected in additional series or by testing patients’ own products. The most frequently occurring allergens not included in the Australian Baseline Series were citral, ammonium persulfate, geraniol, oakmoss absolute and chlorhexidine diacetate.ConclusionsThe Australian Baseline Series is an adequate screening tool for identifying patients with ACD. Nevertheless, females should be additionally routinely tested with the fragrance series. Patients with suspected occupationally related dermatitis should always be tested with additional allergens and own products.
Allogeneic and autologous serum eye drops: a pilot double‐blind randomized crossover trial
Authors: van der Meer Pieter F. , Verbakel Sanne K. , Honohan Áine , Lorinser Jos , Thurlings Rogier M. , Jacobs Joannes F.M. , de Korte Dirk , Eggink Catharina A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeSerum eye drops (SEDs) are used to treat a variety of ocular surface defects. Serum eye drops (SEDs) are normally produced from the patient’s blood. However, not all patients can donate sufficient or suitable blood, and logistics can be challenging. Allogeneic blood from voluntary blood donors does not have these disadvantages. Our aim was to evaluate whether autologous and allogeneic SEDs have comparable efficacy and tolerability.MethodsIn a prospective, double‐blind crossover trial, patients with severe dry eyes were randomized to first receive autologous SEDs for one month, followed by one‐month washout, before receiving allogeneic SEDs for 1 month; or receive the SED preparations in reverse order. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was the primary endpoint, and various secondary endpoints were determined. A linear mixed model with random intercept for each patient was applied per treatment group to compare the pre‐ and postoutcome measurements.ResultsNineteen patients were enrolled, of whom 15 completed the trial. When autologous SEDs were used, the mean ± SD OSDI improved from 62 ± 19 to 57 ± 18. For allogeneic SEDs, the OSDI changed from 59 ± 20 to 56 ± 23. The estimated mean difference (95% confidence interval) was −4.2 (−9.5 to 1.2) for autologous and −4.5 (−9.8 to 0.9) for allogeneic SEDs (both, not significant). Adverse events were mild and resolved completely.ConclusionAutologous and allogeneic SEDs have comparable efficacy and tolerability for use in patients with severe dry eyes. Allogeneic SEDs are therefore an attractive alternative for patients who need SEDs but are clinically or logistically unable to donate blood.
Identity formation, Christian networks, and the peripheries of Kachin ethnonational identity
Authors: Pelletier Alexandre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhy do regional identities develop (or not)? While we know about the institutional incentives that make some identities more salient than others, we know much less about the conditions that make nation‐builders more or less successful. To fill this gap, this paper examines the organizational dimensions of identity formation and the peripheries of Kachin nationalism in Myanmar. It argues that identity formation is shaped by political entrepreneurs’ capacity to (1) create inclusive inter‐elite alliances and (2) turn individuals into “citizens” of a larger ensemble. Empirically, it seeks to understand why we find resistance to a pan‐Kachin identity among two “Kachin” subgroups: Rawang and Lisu. The article shows that their conditional Kachin identity is the outcome of (1) incomplete inter‐elite alliances due to the uneven spread of Christian networks through which nation‐builders worked; and (2) the KIO’s variable and declining capacity to provide public goods inclusively across all Kachin groups.