bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A co-transcriptional ribosome assembly checkpoint controls nascent large ribosomal subunit maturation
Authors: Sanghai Zahra A. , Piwowarczyk Rafal , Broeck Arnaud Vanden , Klinge Sebastian
Published: March 2023

During transcription of eukaryotic ribosomal DNA in the nucleolus, assembly checkpoints exist that guarantee the formation of stable precursors of small and large ribosomal subunits. While the formation of an early large subunit assembly checkpoint precedes the separation of small and large subunit maturation, its mechanism of action and function remain unknown. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the co-transcriptional large ribosomal subunit assembly intermediate that serves as a checkpoint. The structure provides the mechanistic basis for how quality control pathways are established through co-transcriptional ribosome assembly factors, that structurally interrogate, remodel, and together with ribosomal proteins cooperatively stabilize correctly folded pre-ribosomal RNA. Our findings thus provide a molecular explanation for quality control during eukaryotic ribosome assembly in the nucleolus.
Genomic transcription factor binding site selection is edited by the chromatin remodeling factor CHD4
Authors: Saotome Mika , Poduval Deepak Balakrishnan , Grimm Sara A. , Nagornyuk Aerica , Gunarathna Sakuntha , Shimbo Takashi , Wade Paul A. , Takaku Motoki
Published: March 2023

Biologically precise enhancer licensing by lineage-determining transcription factors enables activation of transcripts appropriate to biological demand and prevents deleterious gene activation. This essential process is challenged by the millions of matches to most transcription factor binding motifs present in many eukaryotic genomes, leading to questions about how transcription factors achieve the exquisite specificity required. The importance of chromatin remodeling factors to enhancer activation is highlighted by their frequent mutation in developmental disorders and in cancer. Here we determine the roles of CHD4 to enhancer licensing and maintenance in breast cancer cells and during cellular reprogramming. In unchallenged basal breast cancer cells, CHD4 modulates chromatin accessibility at transcription factor binding sites; its depletion leads to altered motif scanning and redistribution of transcription factors to sites not previously occupied. During GATA3-mediated cellular reprogramming, CHD4 activity is necessary to prevent inappropriate chromatin opening and enhancer licensing. Mechanistically, CHD4 competes with transcription factor-DNA interaction by promoting nucleosome positioning over binding motifs. We propose that CHD4 acts as a chromatin proof-reading enzyme that prevents inappropriate gene expression by editing binding site selection by transcription factors.
Sleep interventions for adults admitted to psychiatric inpatient settings: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Aboaja Anne M. , Dewa Lindsay H. , Perry Amanda E. , Carey Jon F. , Steele Rachel , Abdelsamie Ahmed , Alhasan Gies T. A. , Sharma Ishwari S. , Cairney Scott A.
Published: March 2023

Sleep disturbances are common, affecting over half of adults with a mental disorder. For those admitted to a psychiatric ward, difficulties with sleep are compounded by factors relating to the inpatient setting. We conducted a scoping review of sleep intervention studies on adults admitted to psychiatric settings. We categorised the different types of sleep interventions and identified the effects on sleep and other health outcomes. Instruments used to measure sleep were also described. The search strategy yielded 2530 studies, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. There was evidence of more non-pharmacological than pharmacological interventions having been tested in inpatient settings. Results indicated that non-pharmacological interventions based on cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia improve sleep and may improve mental and physical health. Several distinct sleep measures were used in the studies. Objective sleep measures were not commonly used. Gaps in the literature were identified, highlighting the importance of research into a wider range of sleep interventions tested against a control using objective measures of sleep with evaluation of additional mental and physical health outcomes among adults in the psychiatric inpatient settings.
Brain rhythms control microglial response and cytokine expression via NFκB signaling
Authors: Prichard Ashley , Garza Kristie M. , Shridhar Avni , He Christopher , Bitfaran Sara , Wang Yunmiao , Goodson Matthew C. , Jaeger Dieter , Wood Levi B. , Singer Annabelle C.
Published: March 2023

Microglia, the brain’s primary immune cells, transform in response to changes in sensory or neural activity, like sensory deprivation. However, little is known about how specific frequencies of neural activity, or brain rhythms, impact microglia and cytokine signaling. Using visual noninvasive flickering sensory stimulation (flicker) to induce electrical neural activity at different frequencies, 40Hz, within the gamma band and 20Hz, within the beta band, we discovered these brain rhythms differentially affect microglial morphology and cytokine expression in healthy animals. We found that flicker induced expression of certain cytokines, including IL-10 and M-CSF, that was independent of microglia. Because NFκB is activated by synaptic activity and regulates cytokines, we hypothesized this pathway plays a causal role in frequency-specific cytokine and microglial responses. Indeed, we found that after flicker, phospho-NFκB co-labeled with neurons more than microglia. Furthermore, inhibition of NFκB signaling by a small molecule inhibitor down-regulated flicker-induced cytokine expression and attenuated flicker-induced changes in microglia morphology. These results reveal a new mechanism through which brain rhythms affect brain function by altering microglia morphology and cytokines via NFκB.

Teaser

Frequency-specific brain rhythms regulate cytokine expression, microglia morphology, and microglia-independent expression of M-CSF and IL10 via NFκB.
Genomic repeat landscape evolution across the teleost fish lineages
Authors: Reinar William B , Tørresen Ole K , Nederbragt Alexander J , Matschiner Michael , Jentoft Sissel , Jakobsen Kjetill S
Published: March 2023

Repetitive DNA make up a considerable fraction of most eukaryotic genomes. In fish, transposable element (TE) activity have coincided with rapid species diversification. Here, we annotated the repetitive content in 100 genome assemblies, covering the major branches of the diverse lineage of teleost fish. We investigated if TE content correlates with family level net diversification rates and found support for a weak negative correlation. Further, we found that TE content, the degree of parental care and short tandem repeat (STR) content contributed to genome size variability. In contrast to TEs, STR content showed a negative relationship with genome size. STR content did not correlate with TE content, which implies independent evolutionary paths. Last, marine and freshwater fish have large differences in STR content. The most extreme propagation was found in the genomes of codfish species and Atlantic herring. Such a high density of STRs is likely to increase the mutational load, which we propose could be counterbalanced by high fecundity as seen in codfishes and herring.
An integrated workflow for quantitative analysis of the newly synthesized proteome
Authors: Borteçen Toman , Müller Torsten , Krijgsveld Jeroen
Published: March 2023

The analysis of proteins that are newly synthesized upon a cellular perturbation can provide detailed insight in the proteomic response that is elicited by specific cues. This can be investigated by pulse-labeling of cells with clickable and stable-isotope-coded amino acids for enrichment and mass spectrometric characterization of newly synthesized proteins (NSPs), however convoluted protocols prohibit their routine application. Here we optimized multiple steps in sample preparation, mass spectrometry and data analysis, and integrated them in a semi-automated workflow for the quantitative analysis of the newly synthesized proteome (QuaNPA). Reduced input requirements and data-independent acquisition (DIA) enabled analysis of triple-SILAC-labeled NSP samples, with enhanced throughput while featuring high quantitative accuracy. We applied QuaNPA to investigate the time-resolved cellular response to interferon-gamma (IFNg), observing rapid induction of known and novel targets 2h after IFNg treatment. QuaNPA provides a powerful approach for large-scale investigation of NSPs to gain insight in complex cellular processes.
A bile metabolite atlas reveals infection-triggered interorgan mediators of intestinal homeostasis and defense
Authors: Zhang Ting , Hasegawa Yuko , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: March 2023

An essential function of the liver is the formation of bile. This aqueous solution is critical for fat absorption and is transported to the duodenum via the common bile duct. Despite extensive studies of bile salts, other components of bile are less well-charted. Here, we characterized the murine bile metabolome and investigated how the microbiota and enteric infection influence bile composition. We discovered that the bile metabolome is not only substantially more complex than appreciated but is dynamic and responsive to the microbiota and enteric infection. Hepatic transcriptomics identified enteric infection-triggered pathways that likely underlie bile remodeling. Enteric infections stimulated elevation of four dicarboxylates in bile that modulated intestinal gut epithelial and microbiota composition, inflammasome activation, and host defense. Our data suggest that enteric infection-associated signals are relayed between the intestine and liver and induce transcriptional programs that shape the bile metabolome, modifying bile’s immunomodulatory and host defense functions.
Cooperative and structural relationships of the trimeric Spike with infectivity and antibody escape of the strains Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (BA.2, BA.5, and BQ.1)
Authors: Souza Anacleto Silva de , Souza Robson Francisco de , Guzzo Cristiane Rodrigues
Published: March 2023

Herein, we simulated the trimeric Spike of the variants B.1.617.2, BA.2, BA.5 and BQ.1 for 300 ns. We derived mechanisms by which the substitutions K417N, L452R, N444T and N460K may favor resistance to neutralizing antibodies. The K417N and L452R contribute to the expansion of the networks of hydrogen bonding interactions with neighboring residues, decreasing their capacity to interact with neutralizing antibodies. The SpikeBQ.1possesses two unique K444T and N460K mutations that expand the network of hydrogen bonding interactions. This lysine also contributes one novel strong saline interaction and both substitutions may favor resistance to neutralizing antibodies. We also investigated how the substitutions D614G, P681R, and P681H impact Spike structural conformations and discuss the impact of these changes to infectivity and lethality. The prevalent D614G substitution plays a key role in the communication between the glycine and the residues of a β-strand located between the NTD and the RBD, impacting the transition between up- and down-RBD states. The P681R mutation, found in the Delta variant, favors intra- and inter-protomer correlations between the subunits S1 and S2. Conversely, in Omicron sub-variants, P681H decreases the intra- and inter-protomer long-range interactions within the trimeric Spike, providing an explanation for the reduced fusogenicity of this variant. Taken together, our results enhance the knowledge on how novel mutations lead to changes in infectivity and reveal mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may evade the immune system.
CRISPRa-induced upregulation of humanLAMA1compensates forLAMA2-deficiency in Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Arockiaraj Annie I. , Johnson Marie A. , Munir Anushe , Ekambaram Prasanna , Lucas Peter C. , McAllister-Lucas Linda M. , Kemaladewi Dwi U.
Published: March 2023

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in theLAMA2gene, resulting in a defective form of the extracellular matrix protein laminin-α2 (LAMA2). Individuals diagnosed with MDC1A exhibit progressive muscle wasting and declining neuromuscular functions. No treatments for this disorder are currently available. We previously showed that postnatalLama1upregulation, achieved through CRISPR activation (CRISPRa), compensates forLama2deficiency and prevents neuromuscular pathophysiology in a mouse model of MDC1A. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of upregulating humanLAMA1as a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with MDC1A, regardless of their mutations. We hypothesized that CRISPRa-mediated upregulation of humanLAMA1would compensate for the lack ofLAMA2and rescue cellular abnormalities in MDC1A fibroblasts. Global transcriptomic and pathway enrichment analyses of fibroblasts collected from individuals carrying pathogenicLAMA2mutations, compared with healthy controls, indicated higher expression of transcripts encoding proteins that contribute to wound healing, including Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF). These findings were supported by wound-healing assays indicating that MDC1A fibroblasts migrated significantly more rapidly than the controls. Subsequently, we treated the MDC1A fibroblasts withSadCas9-2XVP64 and sgRNAs targeting theLAMA1promoter. We observed robustLAMA1expression, which was accompanied by significant decreases in cell migration and expression ofFGFR2, TGF-β2, and ACTA2, which are involved in the wound-healing mechanism in MDC1A fibroblasts.

Collectively, our data suggest that CRISPRa-mediatedLAMA1upregulation may be a feasible mutation-independent therapeutic approach for MDC1A. This strategy might be adapted to address other neuromuscular diseases and inherited conditions in which strong compensatory mechanisms have been identified.
In-plane compression performance of additively manufactured honeycomb structures: a review of influencing factors and optimisation techniques
Authors: Obadimu Solomon O. , Kourousis Kyriakos I.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Honeycombs enjoy wide use in various engineering applications. The emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) as a method of customisable of parts has enabled the reinvention of the honeycomb structure. However, research on in-plane compressive performance of both classical and new types of honeycombs fabricated via AM is still ongoing. Several important findings have emerged over the past years, with significance for the AM community and a review is considered necessary and timely. This paper aims to review the in-plane compressive performance of AM honeycomb structures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a state-of-the-art review focussing on the in-plane compressive performance of AM honeycomb structures, covering both polymers and metals. Recently published studies, over the past six years, have been reviewed under the specific theme of in-plane compression properties.

Findings

The key factors influencing the AM honeycombs' in-plane compressive performance are identified, namely the geometrical features, such as topology shape, cell wall thickness, cell size and manufacturing parameters. Moreover, the techniques and configurations commonly used for geometry optimisation toward improving mechanical performance are discussed in detail. Current AM limitations applicable to AM honeycomb structures are identified and potential future directions are also discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

This work evaluates critically the primary results and findings from the published research literature associated with the in-plane compressive mechanical performance of AM honeycombs.
Perry Starlight, Ali Orbit and Kim Cosmos' alien encounter: creating a picturebook as information for children and parents participating in research
Authors: Smales Katharine , Lloyd Annemaree , Rayner Samantha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study explored whether the creation of an illustrated picturebook could explain the terms and practicalities of participatory, multi-method qualitative research to children aged four to eight years and their parents/carers, creating conditions to seek agreement to their participation, by using an age-appropriate design whilst adhering to ethical guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to explore how this was done addressing these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the researcher's previous professional experience working in children's publishing and taking an innovative and collaborative approach to giving information to child and parent/carer co-researchers, the researcher and an illustrator created a picturebook both as an eBook and a paperback book to recruit and explain research and co-researchers’ roles to young children and their parents/carers.

Findings

The picturebook successfully recruited 30 children and their parents/carers. Other children expressed their wish not to participate. These findings suggest that greater consideration should be given to the ways information is given to potential research participants, particularly the visual, material and paratextual elements of the information sheets and consent forms routinely used in research.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into the publishing practicalities of creating innovative ways of giving information about research participation to children and parents/carers and how these ways might foster rich data collection.
Dividend policy and firm value: evidence of financial firms from Borsa Istanbul under the IFRS adoption
Authors: Abdullah Hariem , Isiksal Aliya Zhakanova , Rasul Razha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of dividend policy on firm value for financial sector in an emerging country. Furthermore, it examines the moderating effect of IFRS adoption and the abolishment of mandatory dividend payment policy with considering the Lintner model of dividend smoothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 111 firms listed on Borsa Istanbul in the financial sector in Turkey over 1995–2017. Using an explanatory research design, this study performs various multivariate regression techniques to investigate the proposed relationships.

Findings

The outcomes demonstrate a positive and significant association between dividend policy and firm value. In addition, the relationship has strengthened after IFRS adoption, indicating that accounting information such as dividend-based ratios prepared under IFRS is more value relevant. The empirical outcomes supported the Lintner model, which is persistent with the signalling hypothesis. Moreover, the findings state that the abolishment of mandatory dividend payment in 2009 strengthened the association between dividend policy and firm value for financial institutions in Turkey.

Practical implications

These results provide an insight to the investors and managers that the effect of IFRS adoption and other policy changes could be greater on the association between dividend policy and firm value. The study empirically tests Lintner model of dividend smoothing for financial firms in an emerging economy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature through providing vital insights on the relationship between dividend policy and firm value and empirically revisiting the Lintner model for financial sector in a developing economy, specifically Turkey. Furthermore, it addresses the influence of IFRS implementation on the association between dividend policy and firm value. These findings are robust to alternative sampling methods and to controlling for other factors which influence firm value.
Intentions and donations: monetary charity in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al-Shamali Sarah , Kashif Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the intentions of individuals’ monetary charity during the COVID-19 crisis in Kuwait. The new conditions of COVID-19 enhanced both the theoretical as well as empirical importance of understanding how charities canalize monetary donations toward those in need.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial framework is developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to conceptualize how an individual’s intention of donating money to charitable organizations is realized in their behaviors. A cross-sectional study of 276 donors is conducted.

Findings

Explained variance gained is 0.73% suggesting that during the pandemic, donors are financially able to donate and prioritize easily accessible channels to transfer monetary charity. Donor attitudes towards charitable organizations were found to be insignificant regardless of the mismanagement reported.

Practical implications

This study importantly discusses public behavior toward charities during the pandemic and suggests policies for managing such charities during a pandemic for optimizing their effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper used a contemporary context to measure behavioral intentions including attitude (attitude toward making a financial donation, attitude toward charitable organizations and the attitude toward helping others), perceived behavioral control, descriptive norms, moral norms, injunctive/prescriptive norms and past behavior and thus enhance the empirical base of the TPB.
Meeting in the middle: experiences of citizenship in community-engaged psychosis research
Authors: Higgs Rory , Liao Anne , Windsor Tracy , Ben-David Shelly
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Previous research has highlighted the importance of engaging people with lived experience (PWLE) in the knowledge creation process. However, diverse approaches to engagement exist. In addition, tensions remain in community-engaged research (CER), including how to address structural inequalities in research settings. This study aims to consider how CER interacts with citizenship within and beyond the research context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study discusses the authors’ experiences as a majority-PWLE of psychosis research team in Canada, including successes and challenges the authors experienced building their team and navigating research institutions. This study also reflects on the authors’ pathways through citizenship, prior to and during the research process. This study discusses divergent models of CER and their applicability to the cyclical process of citizenship and community participation.

Findings

Relationships between academic and peer researchers developed organically over time. However, this study was limited by structural barriers such as pay inequality and access to funding. The authors recognize that there are barriers to full citizenship and acknowledge their resources and privilege of being well supported within their communities. Team members built on a foundation of citizenship to access participation in research. This led to opportunities to engage in community spaces, and for PWLE to participate in research as partners and leaders. This study also found that citizenship is a way of giving back, by building a sense of social responsibility.

Originality/value

Academic and peer researchers can reflect on the authors’ experiences to build more inclusive research teams and communities by using a citizenship approach to research participation.
Reducing inequalities through strengths-based co-creation: indigenous students’ capabilities and transformative service mediator practices
Authors: Davey Janet , Johns Raechel , Blackwell James
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Service marketers are increasingly aware of inequalities triggered by service systems and the need to prioritize practical strategies for reducing inequalities. A priority area for the Australian Government is reducing university education inequities for Indigenous Australians. This paper aims to examine how Indigenous Australian university students build and leverage their capabilities and strengths, harnessing service providers’ efforts towards enhancing participation (and completion) in university education – an essential transformative outcome for reducing inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage qualitative research process explored student retention/completion and capability building among a sample of Indigenous Australian university students, typically under-represented in the higher education sector.

Findings

Applying a manual thematic analysis, the findings reveal Indigenous students’ value co-creating capabilities (summarized in three dimensions) harness multi-actor processes extending beyond the service provider. Five dimensions summarize the service provider’s transformative service activities that strengthen capabilities for Indigenous Australian university students. Networks of place (a structured Indigenous Centre); processes (university systems); and people (social support), including peer-to-peer networks, are important service assemblages.

Practical implications

The authors present implications for supporting Indigenous students in persisting with and completing higher education. More broadly, the authors provide recommendations for service marketers to resolve barriers to service equality and enhance strengths-based approaches to value co-creation.

Originality/value

Underpinned by a strengths-based approach, the authors contribute towards an agenda of sustainable transformative services. Although considerable research reviews the experiences of Indigenous students, little research has taken a transformative service research perspective. Addressing this, the authors propose a conceptual framework linking consumers’ agentic capabilities with transformative service mediator practices.
Repurposed collection marketing and visibility: using LibGuide gallery boxes as virtual library bookshelves
Authors: Mashiyane Dina Mokgadi , Makhurupetsi Tebogo Agnes
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a reflection on innovating and repurposing collection development and marketing strategy, particularly for eBooks in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a general review where previous research papers on the phenomenon of the study have been consulted.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is a lack of awareness of eBooks and marketing, and virtual bookshelves in the form of LibGuide gallery boxes are identified as a solution in promoting these resources.

Originality/value

This is a valuable contribution that sheds insight on the usage of LibGuide gallery boxes as virtual bookshelves in marketing library resources, particularly eBooks.
“My words matter”: perspectives on evaluation from people who access and work in recovery colleges
Authors: Soklaridis Sophie , Shier Rowen , Black Georgia , Bellissimo Gail , Di Giandomenico Anna , Gruszecki Sam , Lin Elizabeth , Rovet Jordana , Harris Holly
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this co-produced research project was to conduct interviews with people working in, volunteering with and accessing Canadian recovery colleges (RCs) to explore their perspectives on what an evaluation strategy for RCs could look like.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a participatory action research approach and involved semistructured interviews with 29 people involved with RCs across Canada.

Findings

In this paper, the authors share insights from participants about the purposes of RC evaluation; key elements of evaluation; and the most applicable and effective approaches to evaluation. Participants indicated that RC evaluations should use a personalized, humanistic and accessible approach. The findings suggest that evaluations can serve multiple purposes and have the potential to support both organizational and personal-recovery goals if they are developed with meaningful input from people who access and work in RCs.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to guide evaluations in which aspects that are most important to those involved in RCs could inform choices, decisions, priorities, developments and adaptations in RC evaluation processes and, ultimately, in programming.

Originality/value

A recent scoping review revealed that although coproduction is a central feature of the RC model, coproduction principles are rarely acknowledged in descriptions of how RC evaluation strategies are developed. Exploring coproduction processes in all aspects of the RC model, including evaluation, can further the mission of RCs, which is to create spaces where people can come together and engage in mutual capacity-building and collaboration.
Magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors in children attending Child Welfare Clinics in Techiman Municipal, Ghana
Authors: Garti Humphery , Wemakor Anthony , Badu Alexander , Bukari Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors [especially child health interventions at Child Welfare Clinics (CWCs)] among children in Techiman Municipality, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A facility-based analytical cross-sectional design involving 403 mothers/caregivers with children. Simple random sampling was used to sample study sites and participants. Child health interventions were assessed by adapting items used in the Ghana Demographics and Health Survey. Weight and length of children were measured and used to calculate anthropometric z-scores based on World Health Organization guidelines. Test for associations was performed using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Findings

The magnitudes of stunting, wasting and underweight were 20.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17–25], 11.4% (95% CI: 9–15), and 9.7% (95% CI: 7–13) respectively. Children aged 12–17 months [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1; CI: 1.3–7.5], male children (OR = 5.2; CI: 2.7–10.0) and children attending CWC 19–22 times (OR = 28.8; CI: 6.6–125) had increased odds of stunting. Additionally, belonging to households with one child under 5 (OR = 2.7; CI: 1.4–5.1) and using borehole/well water (OR = 2.7; CI: 1.4–5.3) were associated with increased odds of stunting. Similarly, being a female (OR = 3.5; CI: 1.6–8.0) and using borehole/well water (OR = 2.1; CI: 1.0–4.2) were associated with increased odds of underweight.

Originality/value

The magnitude of malnutrition, specifically stunting and wasting, exceeds the threshold for public health significance. CWC attendance frequency, age and sex of the child, number of children under five years old in households and water source were significantly associated with undernutrition.
Harnessing of newly tailored poly (acrylonitrile)-starch nanoparticle graft copolymer for copper ion removal via oximation reaction as a calorimetric sensor
Authors: Mostafa Khaled , Ameen Heba , El-Ebeisy Amal , El-Sanabary Azza
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Herein, this study aims to use our recently tailored and fully characterized poly acrylonitrile (AN)-starch nanoparticle graft copolymer having 60.1 graft yield percentage as a starting substrate for copper ions removal from wastewater effluent after chemical modification with hydroxyl amine via oximation reaction as a calorimetric sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The calorimetric sensor batch technique was used to determine the resin's adsorption capacity, while atomic adsorption spectrometry was used to determine the residual copper ions concentration in the filtrate before and after adsorption. This was done to convert the copolymer's abundant nitrile groups into amidoxime groups, and the resulting poly (amidoxime) resin was used as a copper ion adsorbent. To validate the existence of amidoxime groups, the resin was qualitatively characterized using a rapid vanadium ion test and instrumentally using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra and scanning electron microscopy morphological analysis.

Findings

At pH 7, 400 ppm copper ions concentration and 0.25 g adsorbent at room temperature, the overall adsorption potential of poly (amidoxime) resin was found to be 115.2 mg/g. The process's adsorption, kinetics and isothermal analysis were examined using various variables such as pH, contact time, copper ion concentration and adsorbent dose. To pretend the adsorption kinetics, various kinetics models, including pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order, were applied to the experimental results. The kinetic analysis indicated that the pseudo-second-order rate equation promoted the development of the chemisorption phase better than the pseudo-first-order rate equation. In the case of isothermal investigations, a study of observed correlation coefficient (R2) values indicated that the Langmuir model outperformed the Freundlich model in terms of matching experimental data.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's information, there is no comprehensive study for copper ions removal from waste water effluent using the recently tailored and fully characterized poly (AN)-starch nanoparticle graft copolymer having 60.1 graft yield percentage as a starting substrate after chemical modification with hydroxyl amine via oximation reaction as a calorimetric sensor.
Corporate social responsibility: a cluster analysis of manufacturing firms in India
Authors: Dawar Gaurav , Polonsky Michael J. , Bhatia Shivangi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the corporate social responsibility (CSR) patterns of Indian manufacturing firms using a CSR index based on ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary CSR Guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 121 manufacturing enterprises in the national capital region (NCR) were surveyed. The questions related to the involvement of CSR in business strategy, involvement in CSR planning, involvement in environmental activities, involvement in social activities, monitoring, evaluation and involvement in CSR, reporting and policy and deployment of CSR. A two-step cluster analysis using log-likelihood measures was used to identify groupings in the data set based on their performance across the seven issues.

Findings

The two distinctive segments identified adopted intermediate CSR activities, and one undertook advanced CSR activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, the survey data were drawn exclusively from medium-sized enterprises in the NCR. Second, all the indicators in the CSR index were equally weighted.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by grouping manufacturers’ CSR activities based on seven dimensions suggested in ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary Guidelines. The results of this study can help managers, boards and regulators better understand CSR and identify ways to improve it further.
Molecular mechanism of Streptococcus pneumoniae–targeting xenophagy recognition and evasion: Reinterpretation of pneumococci as intracellular bacteria
Authors: Ogawa Michinaga , Shizukuishi Sayaka , Akeda Yukihiro , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major, encapsulated Gram‐positive pathogen that causes diseases including community‐acquired pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. This pathogen colonizes the nasopharyngeal epithelia asymptomatically but can often migrate to sterile tissues and cause life‐threatening invasive infections (invasive pneumococcal disease). Although multivalent pneumococcal polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines are available and effective, they also have major shortcomings with respect to the emergence of vaccine‐resistant serotypes. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed, and the molecular analysis of host–pathogen interactions and their applications to pharmaceutical development and clinical practice has recently received increased attention. In this review, we introduce pneumococcal surface virulence factors involved in pathogenicity and highlight recent advances in our understanding of host autophagy recognition mechanisms against intracellular S. pneumoniae and pneumococcal evasion from autophagy.
Partial substitution of whey protein concentrate by zein in high‐protein nutrition bars: An effective method to reduce hardening during storage
Authors: Yu Ningxiang , Xu Jinhua , Huang Baozhu , Nie Xiaohua , Lu Yuanchao , Ye Qin , Meng Xianghe
Published: March 2023

Whey protein concentrate‐based high‐protein nutrition bars (WPC‐based HPN bars) are prone to hardening during storage, which limits their shelf life. In this study, zein was introduced to partially substitute WPC in the WPC‐based HPN bars. The result of storage experiment revealed that the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars was significantly reduced with increasing zein content from 0% to 20% (mass ratio, zein:WPC‐based HPN bar). Subsequently, the possible anti‐hardening mechanism of zein substitution was studied in detail by determining the change in microstructure, patterns, free sulfhydryl group, color, free amino group, and Fourier transform infrared spectra of WPC‐based HPN bars during storage. The results showed that zein substitution significantly blocked protein aggregation by inhibiting cross‐linking, the Maillard reaction, and protein secondary structure transformation from α‐helix to β‐sheet, which reduced the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars. This work provides insight into the potential utilization of zein substitution to improve the quality and shelf life of WPC‐based HPN bars.

Practical Application

In the preparation of whey protein concentrate‐based high‐protein nutrition bars, the introduction of zein to partially replace WPC can effectively reduce the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars during storage by preventing protein aggregation between WPC macromolecules. Therefore, zein could act as an agent to reduce the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars.
Pandemic Crisis, Contact Intensity and Gender Disparity in a Developing Economy*
Authors: Khan Rohan Kanti , Mahata Sushobhan , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: March 2023

The paper attempts to analyse the grotesque dimensions of gender disparity of lockdown as a policy response to the pandemic crisis. In doing so, we develop a multi‐sectoral distortion‐ridden general equilibrium model which applies to small open developing economies. Lockdown results in supply‐chain disruptions (SCDs), physical restrictions on labour gathering, adverse demand shock and an escalation of demand for the high‐skilled capital‐intensive product. Not only factor intensity ranking but also contact intensity of sectors has several dimensions. These dimensions include inter alia female labour force participation, the burden of unpaid domestic chores on women and gender wage disparity with unemployment as well.
Colonoscopy in the nonagenarian population
Authors: Chen Michelle Zhiyun , Tan Min , Walter Tim , Rich Graeme , Barto Walid
Published: March 2023

Background

With increasing life expectancy, there is an increasing proportion of nonagenarians undergoing both elective and emergency surgical procedures. The decision as to whom will benefit from surgical procedures is however difficult to ascertain and still remains a challenge to clinicians. This study is aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of colonoscopy in the nonagenarian population, and to determine if the outcomes are acceptable for us to continue to offer such interventions.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients of Dr. G.R (Gastroenterologist) and Dr. W.B (Colorectal Surgeon) between 1 January 2018 and 31 November 2022. All patients who were ≥90 years old and had a colonoscopy was included in the study. Exclusion criteria were patients who were less than 90 years old, had a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as part of their surgical procedure. Primary outcome measures: post‐colonoscopy complications and length of stay. Secondary outcome measures: reasons for colonoscopy, significant colonoscopy findings, 30‐day morbidity and mortality.

Results

Sixty patients were included in the study. Median age was 91 (90–100) years old. 33.3% of the patients were males. Seventy percent of the patients were ASA 3. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. 11.7% of patients were found to have colorectal malignancy. There were no complications after the colonoscopy. There were no 30‐day re‐admission, morbidity or mortality.

Conclusion

Colonoscopy can be performed safely in carefully selected nonagenarian patients with acceptable low complication rates.
Reforming Canada's federal health‐care funding arrangements
Authors: Béland Daniel , Tombe Trevor
Published: March 2023

Federal health‐care funding has long been a source of policy debate in this country, a situation exacerbated recently by the COVID‐19 pandemic and the premiers' calls for a large expansion of the Canada Health Transfer. In this article, we explore four potential pathways policy‐makers might consider in order to improve federal health‐care funding. These potential pathways should allow policy‐makers to consider how to adapt to changing circumstances while addressing citizens' concerns and the demands of provincial/territorial governments. We do not support one or another of these policy pathways. Instead, we explain what they are and what impact they could have.
Effects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract on the growth performance, physiological, antioxidative and immune responses of Clarias gariepinus juveniles
Authors: Adeniyi Olarinke V. , Adeshina Ibrahim , Setufe Seyramsarah B. , Jarikre Theophilus , Albarka Shehu M. , Attahiru Fauziyat
Published: March 2023

Effects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract (EH) on growth performance, feed utilization and haemato‐biochemical parameters in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, juveniles were evaluated in this study. Diets fortified with EH at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg were fed to the fish to apparent satiation for 84 days before challenging it with Aeromonas hydrophila. The weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed EH‐supplemented diets were significantly higher but lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) than the control group. The villi height and width at the proximal, mid and the distal of the guts rose significantly with the increasing levels of EH from 0.5 to 1.5 g than the fish fed basal diet. Dietary EH enhanced (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume and haemoglobin, whereas 1.5 g EH boosted white blood cell, in relation to their counterpart in the control group. There were significant increase in the activities of glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) in the fish that were fed diets supplemented with EH than the control. Dietary EH also enhanced phagocytic activities, lysozyme activities and relative survival (RS) of C. gariepinus than the control group, with the highest RS obtained in fish that were fed diet containing EH at 1.5 g/kg level. These results revealed that the fish fed 1.5 g/kg dietary EH promoted growth performance, antioxidant and immune profiles, as well as protection against A. hydrophila infection.
Assessing Mbiotisho: A smartphone application used to collect high‐frequency health and nutrition data from difficult‐to‐reach populations
Authors: Jensen Nathaniel , Lepariyo Watson , Alulu Vincent , Sibanda Simbarashe , Kiage Beatrice N.
Published: March 2023

There is an urgent need for improved and timely health and nutrition data. We developed and tested a smartphone application that caregivers from a pastoral population used to measure, record and submit high‐frequency and longitudinal health and nutrition information on themselves and their children. The data were assessed by comparing caregiver‐submitted measurements of mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC) to several benchmark data sets, including data collected by community health volunteers from the participating caregivers during the project period and data generated by interpreting photographs of MUAC measurements submitted by all participants. We found that the caregivers participated frequently and consistently over the 12‐month period of the project; most of them made several measurements and submissions in at least 48 of the 52 weeks of the project. The evaluation of data quality was sensitive to which data set was used as the benchmark, but the results indicate that the errors in the caregivers' submissions were similar to that of enumerators in other studies. We then compare the costs of this alternative approach to data collection through more conventional methods, concluding that conventional methods can be more cost‐effective for large socioeconomic surveys that value the breadth of the survey over the frequency of data, while the alternative we tested is favoured for those with objectives that are better met by high‐frequency observations of a smaller number of well‐defined outcomes.
Encouraging news for in situ conservation: Translocation of salamander larvae has limited impacts on their skin microbiota
Authors: Fieschi‐Méric Léa , van Leeuwen Pauline , Denoël Mathieu , Lesbarrères David
Published: March 2023

The key role of symbiotic skin bacteria communities in amphibian resistance to emerging pathogens is well recognized, but factors leading to their dysbiosis are not fully understood. In particular, the potential effects of population translocations on the composition and diversity of hosts' skin microbiota have received little attention, although such transfers are widely carried out as a strategy for amphibian conservation. To characterize the potential reorganization of the microbiota over such a sudden environmental change, we conducted a common‐garden experiment simulating reciprocal translocations of yellow‐spotted salamander larvae across three lakes. We sequenced skin microbiota samples collected before and 15 days after the transfer. Using a database of antifungal isolates, we identified symbionts with known function against the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a major driver of amphibian declines. Our results indicate an important reorganization of bacterial assemblages throughout ontogeny, with strong changes in composition, diversity and structure of the skin microbiota in both control and translocated individuals over the 15 days of monitoring. Unexpectedly, the diversity and community structure of the microbiota were not significantly affected by the translocation event, thus suggesting a strong resilience of skin bacterial communities to environmental change—at least across the time‐window studied here. A few phylotypes were more abundant in the microbiota of translocated larvae, but no differences were found among pathogen‐inhibiting symbionts. Taken together, our results support amphibian translocations as a promising strategy for this endangered animal class, with limited impact on their skin microbiota.
Effect of age on wingbeat frequency of Aedes aegypti and potential application for age estimation of mosquitoes
Authors: Park Doyeon , Bowles Joy , Norrid Kate , Dobson F. Stephen , Abebe Ash , Narayanan Haripriya Vaidehi , Prakash Manu , Blagburn Byron , Starkey Lindsay , Zohdy Sarah
Published: March 2023

To combat mosquito‐borne diseases, a variety of vector control tools have been implemented. Estimating age structure in populations of vector species is important for understanding transmission potential. Age‐grading techniques have been used as critical methods for evaluating the efficacy of vector control tools. However, methods like mark‐release‐recapture and ovarian dissection are laborious and require a high level of training. For decades, scientists have discussed the wide array of acoustic signatures of different mosquito species. These distinguishable wingbeat signatures with spatiotemporal classification allow mosquitoes of the same species to locate one another for mating. In recent years, the use of sensitive acoustic devices like mobile phones have proved effective. Wingbeat signatures can be used to identify mosquito species without the challenge of intensive field collections and morphological and molecular identifications. In this study, laboratory Aedes aegypti (L.) female and male wingbeats were recorded using mobile phones to determine whether sex and age differences with chronological time, and across different physiological stages, can be detected. Our results indicate significantly different wingbeat signatures between male and female Ae. aegypti, and a change of wingbeat frequencies with age and reproduction stage in females.